Someday My Duke Will Come

Isle of Synne #2

by Christina Britton

Lady Clara Ashford's world changed fifteen years ago at the hands of a rogue who took her innocence. Determined never to give into temptation again, she settles into a life as caregiver for her family. With her younger sister recently engaged and about to embark on a life of her own, Clara feels adrift and without purpose―until Quincy, the new Duke of Reigate, arrives on her doorstep in need of a fake fiancée.

When Quincy Nesbitt unexpectedly inherits a dukedom, he's determined to do his best by the title. One thing he won't do? Marry a woman he's never met just because she was engaged to his older brother. So, he enlists Lady Clara's help, since he can't marry another when he's engaged to her. But as they pretend for the ton, Quincy finds himself falling for real. Now, he just has to convince Lady Clara to take a chance on him.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Historical, Historical Fiction, Regency, Adult, Fake Dating

333 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published January 12, 2021

About the author

Christina Britton developed a passion for writing romance novels shortly after buying her first at the tender age of thirteen. Though for several years she turned to art and put brush instead of pen to paper, she has returned to her first love and is now writing full time. She spends her days dreaming of corsets and cravats and noblemen with tortured souls.

She lives with her husband and two children in the San Francisco Bay Area. A member of Romance Writers of America, she also belongs to her local chapter, Silicon Valley RWA, and is a 2017 RWA® Golden Heart® Winner. You can find her on the web at www.christinabritton.com, Twitter as @cbrittonauthor, or facebook.com/ChristinaBrittonAuthor

Reviews

[Janet Newport · Rating 1 out of 5]

Gaaahhhh!
Why do I keep doing this to myself??
Such flat characters... almost transparent they were so , so flat.
Such repetition.... Book could have been cut in half without losing any detail and maybe the plot would have gained some momentum... Maybe not, plot was really predictable...

Maybe, I'm a slow learner...

[Renaissance Kate · Rating 4 out of 5]

I’m back to reviewing and so looking forward to all the books I’ll be reading in 2021!

As one of my final 2020 reads, Someday My Duke Will Come was an absolute gem. I’m so glad I ended my year with such a heartwarming historical romance! I stand by what I said in my review of book #1; Christina Britton is a talented writer whose imagery blends perfectly with the emotional aspects of the story to paint a compelling and beautiful picture. Main characters Quincy and Clara have both endured heartbreaking experiences that give them flaws, yet they are entirely believable characters who’ve remained kind and loyal despite their struggles. Honestly, they might just be my favorite historical romance couple of all-time! Also, Clara is an “older” heroine at thirty-one (I say this appreciatively as a woman in her late 20s), and Quincy is actually younger than her by a few years. These details were refreshing because I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of heroines in their early 20s falling for men aged 30+.

In addition, Britton incorporated the fake engagement trope very well. The pacing is steady and the circumstances are believable with enough subplots and lovable side characters to keep things interesting while never straying too far from the central story. I loved that Quincy and Clara’s friendship was the foundation of their ruse, and it made watching them fall in love even sweeter. The setting on the Isle of Synne remained as magical as it was in the first book, so I’d highly recommend this story for anyone looking for a historical romance set outside of London.

Although the external conflict of the fake engagement is excellently handled, Christina Britton truly shines with the internal conflict of this story. It made my heart swell as Quincy and Clara came to terms with the ghosts of their pasts and fell more in love with one another. I had to set the book down multiple times to let out an emotional sigh or a wide smile. If you want to feel things, pick up this book ASAP!

I have two minor criticisms of this book: one, although it definitely works as a standalone, many of its supporting characters who are important throughout the story were actually developed in book #1. If you haven’t read the first book in this series, it might be difficult to keep all of the side characters straight in book #2. This disappointed me as unfortunately I didn’t love the first book nearly as much as this one, mainly because of the hero (though as a side character he was much more tolerable in SMDWC). Again, you could read this book without having read book #1, but you won’t appreciate the supporting cast nearly as much.

Two, and maybe this just comes down to my not really liking epilogues in general, but I didn’t love the epilogue of this story. I know these types of epilogues are typical in romance, but in this case it felt heavy-handed as it tied a neat bow on every conflict from the story but several years in the future. I felt giddy after finishing the final pre-epilogue chapter and would’ve preferred to imagine Clara and Quincy’s future together rather than having it spelled out so definitively. I’ll probably skip it when I reread this book in the future. But in the end, it didn’t lessen my love for this book!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and this series. It’s unique, emotional, refreshing, and an all-around excellent read. I’m so happy book #3 will focus on Margery, as I’ve hoped she would get her own story since she was introduced!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Hannah B. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Update: I’m working on a podcast Speak Now songs episode so I reread the last chunk of this book and OOOF the emotions 😮‍💨 it gets five stars from me

✨Call me Britney because oops I did it again✨

What did I do again?

1. Read the first half super fast and then, for some reason or another, set it down for a few days and just lost motivation to finish (I did this exact thing with book one, go fact check my review if you want)

2. I didn’t write my review right after I finished so now my memory is ~hazy~

I have also now confirmed that Synne is pronounced “sin” so 10 points to such a badass name for an Isle.

Overall, I liked this story a bit more than book one but still wasn’t completely engaged. The sex scenes definitely take a back seat to the emotional growth of the characters. The ending of this one made it a four-star read for me. I was SO emo and their HEA really made me smile. It was almost like the entire book was the fight scene where the two were forced apart so the actual third-act breakup was mild and I really loved the ending.

Quincy was such a cinnamon roll and I was on that emotional rollercoaster right there alongside him. I made a note to remember that I don’t think he ever did a thing wrong or got unreasonably angry with Clara. Like the man never said a regrettable thing in a fit of rage and I absolutely loved that. He was truly a good egg and I love me a good-guy omelette.

I also just love when especially vile villains know they’ve been thwarted. I tend to handle bad men better in books than bad women because normally they are so unbearable and they often don’t get clocked in the face. Quincy needed to cut that wench off.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶🌶🌶/5

P.S. Epilogues a decade in the future feel so funky when there’s another book in the series set in the present time. They make me feel so mushy inside. I feel like the sun in Teletubbies just looking down at my pretty children feeling so proud and happy.

[WhiskeyintheJar · Rating 2 out of 5]

I received this book for free in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

But she would not allow that passionate side of herself to gain the upper hand. She had vowed long ago never to let it rule her again; she was not about to lose that battle now.

If you read the first book in the Isle of Synne series, A Good Duke is Hard To Find, you'll remember the hero's cousin and ward, Lady Clara, and his business partner and friend Quincy. I'm a newcomer to the series and while I missed seeing some of Quincy's sea adventures and business building that could have been shown in the first, I didn't have a problem starting here. Quincy is back in London for the first time in decades after his father's death and overhearing his mother say she was going to force him into the Navy at 15yrs old. He decided to run off and join an American merchant ship on his own terms. His mother is still hateful towards him but he learns that his three older brothers have died and he is now the Duke of Reigate.

Following her heart had given her nothing but ruin and shame, and a secret heartache that haunted her to this day.

Clara is 31yrs old and due to an instance in her past, never thinks she will marry but now that her younger sister is getting married, she doesn't know what she will do with herself. She's always felt a connection with Quincy and when his mother tries to force an engagement on him, she jumps in and says he is already engaged to her. Thus, we have our “just friends” fake engagement. The first half of the story spends more time in our characters' heads, a lot with Clara and this mysterious issue from her past (more frequent historical romance readers will probably guess). I thought the first half was pretty slow moving but with the fake engagement set-up and a jump to the Isle of Synne, Clara and Quincy started to spend more time together.

She laughed, and the happiness lighting her face nearly had him stumbling on the walkway.
He knew in that moment he would do everything in his power to keep that light in her eyes.

I never really felt like Quincy's character gave me anything beyond a penciled outline; like I mentioned, though, I didn't read the first book and more of his sea adventures could have been covered there. Clara had more to her but so much of it was the constant hovering of her mysterious past mistake. I read a good amount of Regency romance, so that could have affected my enjoyment, but the characters and storyline, unfortunately, felt like going through the Regency motions. Clara has a great-aunt that could be Lady Dansbury's (of Bridgerton series fame) understudy, the sprung on you dukedom, hidden scandal, and mean/evil parent. All these are elements that, in some way, over and over bring readers to the Regency sub-genre but there just wasn't any life or feeling delivered behind them for me here.

Yet there was a steadiness to his gaze that grounded her. Just then he smiled. It was a small thing, barely even lifting the corners of his lips. But it gave her the encouragement she needed to do what had to be done.

In the latter half of the story, when Clara and Quincy are internally saying they love the other, I can't say I felt why or saw how. For the most part, there isn't a lot of physical contact between the two, there are two bedroom scenes, descriptive but quick, and because of the lack of prior physicality, they feel sprung upon. The overall tone and pace of the story was placid, towards the ending there is some strife with Quincy's mother trying to dig up dirt on Clara but even that gets resolved fairly sedately. In fact, Clara's past issue, Quincy's insolvent dukedom, and a late reveal by Quincy's mother all just kind of work out with bows. There's not a lot in this story to get excited about but readers of the first in the series may want to pick this up to see any sparks from Clara and Quincy realized.

[Becky (romantic_pursuing_feels) · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall: ⭐⭐⭐ (3 stars)
Plot/Storyline: 📖📖📖📖 (4 books)
Romance: 💞💞💞 (3 hearts)
Feels: 🦋🦋 (2 butterflies)
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡ (2 lightnings)
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔 (4 cracked hearts)
Sensuality: 🔥🔥 (2 fires)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑 (3 peaches)
Number of Sex Scenes: 🍆🍆🍆 (3 eggplants) – exact locations of kisses/sex at end under spoiler warning.

Safety warnings attached at end under spoiler warning. MAJOR SPOILERS.

I adore this cover. That seafoam green is one of my favorite colors!

This is book 2 in the series. You will be okay reading as a stand alone, but I do think you will get much more enjoyment out of it if you read book one. The hero and heroine from book 1 are in this book quite a bit and we also get to meet both Clara and Quincy in book 1.

Clara has spent her life taking care of her family. She assists with everything she can and when her sister is set to marry, she finds herself a bit lost and losing her purpose. Quincy returns to the Isle of Synne and she realizes her attraction for him from meeting him last year hasn’t diminished. And when she finds he needs help she jumps at the chance…

Give this book a try if you are in the mood for:
- Regency time period – this takes place in 1818
- Fake engagement – Clara poses as his fiance to help Quincy get out of an unwanted betrothel
- Experienced/ruined heroine
- Prodigal hero returns – Quincy left home at 14 and returns a number of years later (14/15 years later)
- A huge emotional pull – these characters both have a story that will grab your heart. A history, pain, but come out stronger in the end and are perfect for each other.

I really think so many will adore this book. I gave 3 stars for a number of reasons that are purely personal pickiness and I highly encourage you all to try it for yourselves as you will likely love it.

I will admit I was frustrated with how little the characters were together in the beginning of the book. It felt like ages before they even talked (and this was due to telling their individual stories. Nothing wrong with that, it’s just not what I personally prefer in romance). It was about 20% in and they had only had what felt like 2 very short conversations.

There isn’t really a villain, but the hero’s mother is extremely cruel. I think probably because I am just coming off a book with an extremely cruel mother (The Earl Next Door by Charis Michaels), I wasn’t too into this plot device. It’s also because I had a horrible MIL that was so toxic we don’t talk to her at all any more. I lived it so I don’t prefer to read it except once in a great while.

I just didn’t have a lot of feels or tension from this book. It was a pleasant read, though it won’t stick with me emotionally. Which really makes me feel like a heartless wretch because this book does have emotional pull. I just wasn’t attached to the characters enough to really feel it.

Safety warnings (major plot spoilers, read at own risk)

Death of a parent, death of siblings (off page), death of a child (remembered on page but from past)



Kisses and intimate scene locations

41% - First kiss
56% - Second kiss
71% - Heavy kissing/almost sex
75% - First sex scene
98% - Second sex scene

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 5 out of 5]

Series: Isle of Synne #2
Publication Date: 1/12/21
Number of Pages: 400

How wonderful to find a book with a hero that you absolutely adore from the first page to the last. He was just perfect. I loved him in the last book, A Good Duke Is Hard to Find, and that just increased with this book. He is the loveliest, most honorable, steadfast, gentleman you could want to meet. We should all have the opportunity to know a Quincy at least once in our lifetime. I loved Clara as well, but she did get on my nerves after a while because she just needed to let go long before she did. Anyway, the book is wonderfully delivered, the story is compelling, all of the characters are delightful, and the epilogue is to-die-for. Definitely an excellent read and even though it is part of a series, it can be read as a standalone.

We met and loved Lady Clara Ashford in the first book, and we learned much of her backstory. We also learn that backstory in this book, but in more detail than before. Because of her past, Clara has decided to never marry – and she is very, very, very adamant about that. No matter how much she might be attracted to Quincy, she’ll never let her heart belong to him and even if it did, she’d never marry him. Clara’s life is a bit of a conundrum at the moment because she doesn’t know where she belongs anymore nor does she know where her future lies. She’s spent her entire life – since the age of nine, taking care of her family – being a mother to her younger siblings and acting as hostess and then caregiver for her father. Now that her father and her brother have died and her sister is marrying in a few weeks, she wonders where that will leave her. She’s trying desperately to find a place for herself – to be helpful – to be of use. She needs to be useful. Her plan is to stay with her cousin, who inherited her father’s title, but over the weeks leading up to her sister’s wedding, she finds she isn’t really needed by any of them. She cannot marry because of her past – so what is left for her?

When we last saw Quincy Nesbitt, he was getting ready to board a ship to head back to America where he intended to sell off his remaining business and begin the travels that he and his father had dreamed of. On a whim, his first stop is back in England where he intends to visit with his friend and former partner, Peter Ashford, the new Duke of Dane. Little does he know what he’ll be walking into with his ‘real’ family. Oh! My! Goodness! Quincy is actually the fourth son of the Duke of Reigate – and he ran away from home at the age of fourteen when his father died. His mother despised him and his older brothers didn’t care for him either – so, when he overheard his mother planning to send him into the Navy, he gathered his courage and ran away. Now, when he goes to his old home to say a forever goodbye to his mother and brothers, he gets shocking news. News that can/will change his entire future.

Clara and Quincy have been attracted to each other from the moment they met, but neither would ever act upon it because they each had their futures planned. Now, a year later, Quincy has returned and they are thrown together more and more. Clara is wonderful at assuaging Quincy’s anger and agitation at the changes thrust upon him – and he treats her with such care and gentleness. It is delightful to see these two wounded souls help each other through upsetting and troubling times. Clara always leapt to Quincy’s defense and Quincy did all he could to bring Clara out of her shell where she could find joy in life again. They are absolutely perfect for each other and I enjoyed watching them grow into their HEA.

As I mentioned earlier, the Epilogue was absolutely perfect. Set several years into the future, it showed perfectly how their love had grown and flourished. I was left with a question though – whatever happened to the nasty duchess? No mention of her after her last departure from James’ home. I REALLY wanted to know that Quincy had exacted revenge of some sort – even if it was just moving her to a tiny dower house on some remote property.

I can definitely recommend this book and I’ll tell you this author is quickly becoming one of my favorites.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Milena · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

If you already binged the Bridgerton series and are looking for a book similar to The Duke and I, you may want to pick up Someday My Duke Will Come. It has a lot of similarities: fake engagement, friends-to-lovers, and plenty of family drama.

Quincy Nesbitt inherits an unwanted Dukedom after all his older brothers die. His manipulative mother, with whom he has a tumultuous relationship, wants to marry him off to his dead brother's fiance, a woman he doesn't know. Lady Clara, a cousin of Quincy's best friend, is a spinster who gave up on the idea of marriage years ago after a rogue took advantage of her when she was a teenager. But her meddling aunt is still trying to marry her off by throwing every eligible man her way.

Quincy and Clara decide to fake their engagement, to stop Quincy's mother and Clara's aunt from interfering with their lives. Of course, their fake relationship grows to something more, even though both Quincy and Clara resist their attraction at first. Someday My Duke Will Come is not as steamy as The Duke and I, and I found some parts a little slow, but overall I enjoyed this Regency romance.

*ARC provided by the publisher.

[Melanie · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars

Someday My Duke Will Come features a delightful romance that utilizes one of my favorite romance tropes, a fake engagement.

After returning to London for the first time in nearly fifteen years, Quincy Nesbitt discovers he has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. Despite not wanting the title, Quincy is determined to do right by the dukedom but that does not include marrying the woman who was engaged to his older brother. When Lady Clara Ashford offers him a reprieve in the form of a fake engagement, Quincy is grateful and happy for more time with the woman who has captured his attention for over a year. But when Quincy's feelings become all too real, he finds himself needing to convince Clara to give their romance a real chance.

Clara has been caring for her family since she was nine years old and her mother passed away. As a result of taking on such a role at a young age, Clara has never had time for herself. She's always thinking of her family first which leaves no time for her to have a life. The way everyone treated Clara was frustrating and I really disliked how pushy some of the people in her life were. I disliked her aunt in particular as I hated how she felt entitled to run Clara's life. Quincy's father died when he was fourteen and his life was irrevocably changed. With a mother who despised him and intended to force him into the Navy, Quincy left home, never looking back. In the fourteen years since, Quincy has built a great life for himself and is finally at a place where he can fulfill a lifelong dream to travel. That is until he inherits a bankrupt dukedom he never wanted. Quincy's family situation was tragic and it was hard watching him have to deal with his abusive mother.

Clara and Quincy's relationship starts out as a tentative friendship that slowly develops into more. I loved the fake engagement aspect of their romance and thought it was very well done. The two each have their own reasons for entering into the engagement, her wanting her family off her back about marrying and him to avoid his abusive mother from forcing an engagement with a woman of her choosing. I liked that the pair were open with each other about what they needed out of the relationship and how they developed a true friendship as a result. Clara in particular has some heartbreaking moments in her past and I liked that while Quincy was there for her, he never pushed her to share more than she was ready for. As to the steamy scenes, they are well done although there aren't many of them. Personally I would have preferred a few more as that's just how I like my romances.

Overall Someday My Duke Will Come was a very enjoyable read and I'm looking forward to the release of the third book in the series, A Duke Worth Fighting For, later this year.

**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**

[Dani · Rating 3 out of 5]

*3 stars*
This was pretty decent, with some gripes I had at the start and end of the story.

The middle part was the best ✨: lots of chemistry between the two leads, lots of sweet moments between them and you could clearly see their fondness for each other grow every time. Was great.

The fake engagement trope was well done, had it started sooner. The first 70-80 pages were setting up the story and was slow to get through; only then did the romance started and the plot actually moved forward. Then I felt the ending had some plot conveniences to tie up the story a bit too quickly.

Overall, a sweet story and with very little to no angst between the couple, which I really enjoyed. Though, to keep in mind trigger warnings for loss of a child.

*ARC kindly provided by the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lord Quincy Nesbitt ran away from home at fourteen. When he returns to London more than a decade later, he's shocked that his older brothers have all passed away and he is the new Duke of Reigate. Lady Clara Ashford had no intention of ever getting married; she's dedicated her life to her family and to keeping parts of her past hidden. But when her brother's best friend is cornered by the conniving dowager duchess, she jumps to save him and pronounces herself Quincy's fiancée.

This is the second book in the Isle of Synne series. This book can stand alone but, after reading it, I am eager to go back and read the first book where Quincy and Clara are introduced. Coming into this book, the two are already attracted to one another.

This author is new to me and I found the writing to be incredibly warm and witty. I was drawn in from the beginning. I loved the friendship between Quincy and Clara's brother, Peter. I wanted Quincy's evil mother to get punched in the face (spoiler: doesn't happen, but I wish it had). I was anxious to find out more about all the characters and I liked the way the story unfolded. This is definitely an author I will keep an eye on!

Tropes: Fake Relationship, Best Friend's Sister, Forced Proximity, Ruined, Older Heroine/Younger Hero (not a big plot point, but she is older than him by two years)

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #SomedayMyDukeWillCome #NetGalley

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this so much more than the first in the series. Not sure why but a cast of likeable and dreadful characters (well one, Quincey’s mother the Duchess) helped.

[Dora · Rating 5 out of 5]

Soft, sweet and full of pining 💜

This story and its main characters went through so much heartache and loneliness... It made me want to hug them tightly to my chest and never let them go!
Quincy was the epitome of alphamellow, and we love him for it! Clara... Ah, Clara. That beautiful woman with kindest of smiles and most open of hearts - I'm so happy she has finally gotten her due.

The way the author handled the slow build up, the inner turmoil of emotions and longing and regret, was superb. The only real issue I have with the book is the that bit of Swallowhill "mystery" at the end (it didnt feel genuine at all, and i feel it undermined the challenges and harshness quincy had to face with his family)...

Honestly? There were moments where my heart was genuinely broken and I cried.. More than I care to admit 🤗

side note: aunt olivia and quincy banter was *chef's kiss* 💕

[Deanna❤Pink Lady❤️ · Rating 4 out of 5]

My first book by Christina Britton and I really enjoyed it. A lovely historical that was a fake engagement, friends to lovers trope. This story had humor, witty banter, and emotionally difficult topics. It was a sweet slow burn of friends who eventually discover that they really do love each other.

Clara and Quincy find themselves in a bind and without thinking, Clara fakes an engagement to Quincy. Clara is basically a spinster (31😱) and Quincy is a newly discovered Duke that needs a bride. Sounds like a perfect plan, fake an engagement and then part ways, but spending time together proves to put a kink in their plans. Clara is strong yet vulnerable. She harbors a secret that can ruin everything and everybody. Quincy is a dream that is charming, handsome and has a heart of gold. He wants to travel the world not take on the responsibility of a dukedom but Clara makes him reconsider his life. He sees her and she sees him.

I look forward to reading more books by Christina Britton. This book was fast paced and filled with quick banter. The secondary characters added an extra zest to the story. All I can say is that you can’t help but fall in love with Clara and Quincy and root for their HEA. And the epilogue was picture perfect!!

*ARC provided from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my honest review*

[Nicole · Rating 5 out of 5]

Since her seduction at the hands of a foul-intentioned rogue, Lady Clara Ashford has spent the last fifteen years knowing she can never marry. She has appointed herself to the role of caregiver for the rest of her family, but now with her younger sister set to marry and begin her own household, Clara is struggling to find her place. Fortunately, just when she most needs a purpose, her cousin’s friend Quincy, now the Duke of Reigate, has need of a pretend fiancée.

As the fourth son, Quincy Nesbitt never expected to inherit his father’s title, but when he returns from half a lifetime spent in America it is to find that his wastrel brothers have run the estate into the ground before their own early demises. Quincy knows he must do all he can for those who rely on the dukedom for their livelihoods. Though he takes his new responsibilities seriously, Quincy draws the line at marrying the lady to whom his late brother was briefly engaged, and the best way to avoid such an entanglement is to already have a fiancée. As Quincy and Clara put on a show for those around them, he realizes his feelings are utterly real. He just has to convince Clara of his sincerity and that’s he’s worth the risk.

I loved so many parts of this book. It has to get a five star rating because the first half and the last quarter were excellent, but there was some lag and a bit of repetitiveness in that third quarter. Clara’s enumeration of the reasons she and Quincy couldn’t have a real future got a bit old and she began to sound like a broken record after a while, and I do wish someone had put the duchess in her place more thoroughly. Nonetheless, Clara was very brave in how she revealed her pain to her loved ones and her recognition of Quincy’s inherent goodness when others seemed to underestimate him and only see a carefree rake. I adored Quincy as a hero and just wanted someone to give him the love his family had not. Thankfully, Clara was perfect for him and I loved how he respected her and stepped up to show her what it was like to have someone care for her for a change. In that respect, Quincy reminded me of Cam Rohan, from Lisa Kleypas’ Mine Till Midnight, and one of my all time favorite heroes. Clara and Quincy needed and respected each other so much and that made it impossible not to root for them, plus I quite liked that she was a bit older than him. I was also utterly charmed by the friendship between Quincy and Peter. That bond of brotherhood and closeness is rare and precious, and I thought it was illustrated very well here. I couldn’t put this book down and look forward to Margery’s story now.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

[Elodie’s Reading Corner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someday My Duke Will Come
Isle of Synne Series #2
Christina Britton
https://www.facebook.com/ChristinaBri...
Release date 01/12/2021
Publisher Forever

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

A fake engagement becomes the real thing in this historical romance that New York Times bestselling author Grace Burrowes calls "first-rate Regency fun!"
Lady Clara Ashford had no intention of ever getting married. A rogue took advantage of her innocence when she was young, and she's spent her whole life trying to make sure no one finds out. But now that her sister is engaged, Clara's well-meaning aunt has set her sights on Clara. Desperate to avoid the matchmaking schemes, Clara's not sure what to do -- until her neighbor, the new Duke of Reigate, shows up on her doorstep in need of her help.

Quincy Nesbitt reluctantly accepted the dukedom after his brother's death, but he'll be damned if he accepts his brother's fiancée as well. The only polite way to decline is to become engaged to someone else -- quickly. Lady Clara has the right connections and happens to need him as much as he needs her. But he soon discovers she's also witty and selfless, and if he's not careful, he just might lose his heart.

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will her past scars and his hateful relative dig a ridge between them ....

With this tale of two wounded persons whose past pain led to alter the course of their life, the author offers us a poignant story of strength and resilience.
A heartbreaking event pushed Clara to retreat in her shell, only showing her efficiency to the world while Quincy left everything behind, nearly forgetting who he was to accomplish his and his father’s dream.
Both are kind and helpful being, they are in charge and do not let mean persons or life’s circumstances change whom they are in their inner core. They are so very alike but hide it behind their very efficient society’s mask.
Clara made her life’s mission to be a mother’s figure for her younger siblings but by doing so, she deprived herself of any childhood joy. So when for once she let go of her restraints, the price to pay was so high she never ever after let go again. Always controlled, never impulsive, until Quincy’s return in her life.
Quincy left behind whom he was to begin anew and he made of his new life a success, now close to make his and his father’s long time dream true, his existence is once more turned upside down by a much unexpected news. Him the forth and lost son of a Duke is now the bearer of his father’s title. And with it, its bankrupted estate.
So what of his dreams when his spiteful mother wants retribution from him.
But an unexpected turn of event rescues him from her clutches and brings him closer to Clara.

Their fake engagement is the perfect mean to save them and by growing closer, they open unforeseen gates, bringing to the surface feelings they buried deep inside. Their way is paved by her silence and some astonishing secrets. And while Clara hold on for too long to her past pain, when Quincy many time demonstrated he was no judgmental fellow, she was in her right to be dubious after what she endured.

Oh my, the duchess of Reigate is such an awful and bitter creature, my only regret is we do not learn if she ever gets her right comeuppance. She fed my blood-lust to see her crushed and even harmed, I would have happily walked on her in stilettos. Sorry.

In all, the author delivers an emotional second chance tale, a story of letting the past go and look at the future.
4.5 stars

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author and publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...

[Madison · Rating 4 out of 5]

"And she was, so much more than he'd first assumed. There was heartache in her, and passion, the part of her that she kept hidden from the world as vast and unfathomable as the sea itself."

*3.5 Stars - ARC provided for review from publishers*

REVIEW
I am a huge fan of the fake-engagement trope in historical romance and really loved the way Britton went about mixing it with the friends-to-lovers trope. This is a slowburn romance and I do wish that we saw a little more of their pining for one another earlier on.

NOTE: While this can technically be read as a standalone, I think you should read the novels in order. I personally wish that I had read book one prior because a lot of the events from book one and the relationships spill over. Additionally, the characters first meet in book one and that is where their attraction blooms.

This is a romance between Lady Clara Ashford and Quincy Nesbitt, the new Duke of Reigate. Both our characters have an emotionally difficult past and they struggle with letting people into their lives. Because of this, they complimented each other wonderfully and helped one another let down their walls. They respected each other's boundaries and I really loved how deeply they cared for one another. I found the banter between Clara and Quincy hilarious and was constantly smiling at their interactions.

Clara was an emotionally complex character and I felt myself tearing up over the past she keeps hidden from everyone. I do not want to spoil what her past is, but it does involve her being ruined and keeping not only that but the results of it from everyone around her. The pain she experienced in her past has led her to shove all her dreams and wants into a box that she keeps locked deep within herself. Present day, Clara acts as the mediator and mother-hen figure for everyone around her. She prides herself on being dependable and quaint, but slowly realises through her time with Quincy that she isn't happen with the person she has molded herself into. She misses the spitfire personality she had before she was ruined and longs to let herself free.

I didn't fall in love with Quincy, but he was an amazing hero. Quincy has a scarred heart-after his father's death, he never received any love from the remaining members of his family. He resents his mother and returning to England has placed him back in her gaze. Every time Quincy interacted with his mother I wanted to jump in front and save him from her conniving wrath-thankfully, Clara did that for me. Quincy is charming, sweet, and a little mischievous. I loved how he respected Clara and saw her for the amazing woman she is.

Overall, this was a fun and quick read. While it was probably a three-star, the emotional journey of Clara led me to bump it up half a star. I will be reading more from Britton in the future and can't wait to go back and read book 1.

TRIGGER WARNINGS: Still-birth

[GigiReads · Rating 2 out of 5]

This was a sweet, low conflict romance that mostly takes place in drawing rooms, with a lot of dialogue and little action. Quincy Nesbitt (has there ever been a less sexy name than this one?) has been estranged from his family for years. He returns to England to find that his brothers are all dead and he's now the new Duke. His mother, the cardboard cut out villainess of the story, insists on Quincy's marriage to his dead brother's fiancee. Enter Lady Clara to the rescue. Lady Clara is on the shelf and the lucky recipient of matchmaking schemes from well-meaning relatives so she proposes a fake relationship to save Quincy from a dreaded arranged marriage and herself from the matchmakers. She's also attracted to him and I think he was attracted to her but it was hard to tell since they spent their time together speaking politely about polite things *yawn*. Anyway, Lady Clara has a terrible secret and will not give in to her attraction to Quincy.

If you're a Mr. Bingley fan more than a Mr. Darcy fan then you might love Quincy. He's very nice and polite and affable and oh my god so boring my eyes were crossed. He's also about a deep as a kiddie pool. Aside from a harrowing childhood with a horrible mother he has no other characteristics. As a hero, he held zero appeal for me. Lady Clara fares much better in the development department but she too is defined solely by her experience and her big secret. The love scenes were surprisingly steamy which was more than a bit jarring since there was virtually no lead up to them. They barely share one or two kisses more than halfway into the story until I was pretty sure this was going to be closed-door book. In the end, I closed the book and forgot everything I read. I can't think of one thing that stood out in any way. It's well written and sweet if you like fluffy, quiet parlor conversation type of romances (no judgment, they just aren't for me) then this is a very pleasant book and I'd recommend it.
First, a disclaimer: I have not read the first book and my rating has been impacted by this because the MC's meet in the first book. So when this book begins they already know each other. I felt like I was walking in the middle of the story. One of my favorite parts of reading romance is the first meeting so this didn't bode well for me.

Thanks to the publisher for my review copy. All opinions are my own.

[i_hype_romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a wonderful way to wile away the weekend...

I loved seeing Clara and Quincy's story unfold. Here are the reasons this one will be on my keeper shelf:

1. Clara is a complex heroine who has given up on her chance at happiness. She has sacrificed herself for her family, and built a fortress around her heart. She carries the burden of a deep and secret sorrow. She is well into spinsterhood- a maiden of 31. She is not an innocent debutante, and I was profoundly touched by her commitment, despair and resignation.

2. Quincy is an emotionally mature hero. He is aware of both his shortcomings and his strengths, and isn't afraid to voice his feelings. He acknowledges Clara's sacrifice and bravery, and cements his reputation as a man who notices the important things. "I am ridiculous in a good many things, but not in this. You think because you've led a quiet life at home that you're not brave. It's easy to leave everything behind when times are hard. Often it's the person dealing with the difficulties of day-to-day living that turns out to be the bravest there is." Swoon.

3. Their relationship is based on friendship, mutual respect, and slow burn. Although the attraction between them could light even the most sodden kindling, when they finally take that step it is a moment of both trust and fragility.

4. There is a dragon in the form of an indomitable dowager. And I am convinced Lady Tesh and Lady Danbury would be the closest of confidantes-- although there would be endless machinations to gain the upper hand.

Read this if you need a slow simmer of warmth to keep winter at bay.

[Zoe · Rating 4 out of 5]

Warm, scandalous, and seductive!

Someday My Duke Will Come is set in England during 1818 and features the laidback, newly-appointed Duke of Reigate, Quincy Nesbitt and the sweet, kind, Lady Clara Ashford as they navigate a fake engagement, a meddling mother, histories strife with heartache, a newly acquired dukedom impoverished due to mismanagement, and a sizzling attraction that’s hard to deny.

The prose is light and amusing. The characters are tentative, passionate, and supportive. And the plot is an engaging mix of familial drama, redemption, desire, manipulation, shame, matchmaking, scheming behaviour, and steamy romance.

Overall, Someday My Duke Will Come is a fun, easy, swoon-worthy read by Britton that I can honestly say is quickly becoming one of my favourite historical romance series.

Thank you to Forever & Grand Central Publishing for providing me with a copy in exchange for an honest review.

[BJ · Rating 5 out of 5]

H ran away at fourteen, when he returns he discovers he's the heir and he's not happy about it. The sweet h was 9 when she had to raise her siblings, 15 when she was seduced and abandoned. I thought she seemed weak and dithered, considering her achievements with her siblings. I did like the H making sure his mother was exposed to her mean actions. Good story.

[Kimberly · Rating 5 out of 5]

Reviewed for Wit and Sin

Some books just capture your heart from the first page and don’t let go. That is exactly what Someday My Duke Will Come did for me. Christina Britton swept me away with endearing characters who made me smile and tear up and a romance I found it nigh on impossible to tear myself away from.

Quincy has launched himself onto the list of my favorite heroes. He’s sensitive, caring, and kind – a total sweetheart you could see anyone losing their heart to. He has charm and good humor to spare, but beneath the surface are old wounds from the death of his beloved father and the cruelty of his horrid mother. Quincy has dreams of seeing the world; dreams that are dashed when he learns that all three of his older brothers have died and he is now a duke. Having run away from home at fourteen and shaping himself into a self-made man, Quincy goes to the one person he knows he can talk to: another unexpected duke – his best friend, Peter. But it’s not Peter who becomes Quincy’s shelter from the storm of emotions swirling around him, it’s Peter’s cousin Clara.

Clara grabbed my heart as thoroughly as Quincy did. She raised her siblings after her mother’s death and has taken care of her family so thoroughly that at nearly thirty-one she finds herself at loose ends with her sister getting married and her family no longer needing her like they once did. Clara has no intention of ever getting married – a secret that pains her to this day prevents it. But her aunt is determined to see her wed and it’s getting stressful. Then Quincy shows up with his mother trying to foist an unwanted engagement on him and Clara has the perfect solution: they’ll pretend to be engaged until her sister is wed and Quincy sets the dukedom to rights. The problem is, the more time they spend around each other the harder it is for them to resist falling in love.

Together and separately, Quincy and Clara are simply wonderful. Clara is kind, nurturing, strong, and quietly vulnerable. Her family has leaned on her for so long it was lovely to see her find someone she could turn to. Quincy has strong shoulders and a soft heart and I loved how he never pressed Clara to open up to him, but rather let her know he was there for her and proved it. The two of them made me smile so often. There’s playfulness and joy in Someday My Duke Will Come and it balances out the elements that tugged on my heartstrings. The love story develops organically and I was rooting for Clara and Quincy every step of the way.

Someday My Duke Will Come is the second book in Britton’s Isle of Synne series but having not read A Good Duke Is Hard to Find I can safely say you can jump in here. Peter and Lenora do play strong supporting roles in this book and I cannot wait to go back and read their story. I loved how supportive Clara’s family was and how Britton portrays love in all its forms in this book. It would be remiss of me to discuss this book and not highlight Peter and Quincy’s friendship. It was such a joy to me to see an openly loving, supportive male friendship portrayed in this story. I hadn’t realized how much I’ve missed that in historical romances in particular until I came across here.

Someday My Duke Will Come was a delight from beginning to end. It’s a sprightly book with good humor and heart, but there’s also honest, raw emotion that tugged on my heartstrings. I cannot wait to read more of Christina Britton’s work!


FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.

[Fae · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 stars

Just like the 3rd book of this series, the first half of this book was too slow moving & a little boring for me. The second half was a different matter. I enjoyed the second half more because there was much more interactions between Quincy & Clara, allowing them to bond more.

I liked both Quincy & Clara. They were both people who had horrible experiences in the past and yet were able to move forward with courage. I have a thing for fake engagement plots because they always allow the couple to know one another better as they did not need to restrain themselves in public. This always leads to a better relationship building between the hero and heroine.

The chemistry between them were alright. I did enjoy the occasional bantering.

It was heartwarming to see Quincy’s and Clara’s willingness to give up something important to them just to make each other happy, even if it didn’t led to them being together. It tugged on my heartstrings. The way they were able to embrace each other’s circumstances and still want to be together in spite of it was lovely.

Something I have noticed that this author has done well in, was the traumatic experiences in which the hero and heroine has in her books. They are so sad, that they make me sympathize with the characters themselves and feel bad for them. This author knows how to break our hearts and fix it back again. It had me emotionally pained but I loved the pain because it allowed me to have a deeper connection with the characters and love them more.

The epilogue was wrapped up nicely, though I must say I was hoping to see Peter trounce Quincy for actually making the fake engagement into a real one. That would have been very fun to see. I would have liked to see more interaction between Quincy & Clara in the first half of the book & more bantering.

[Chrissy · Rating 5 out of 5]

I happened upon this offering from Christina Britton, a new-to-me author, and I went ahead and got the first book in the series. I know - most romances are written so you don’t necessarily have to read the whole series. But I like to. It gives me an idea of the setting and the characters and the tone that the author is going for. Especially when it’s an author I’m experiencing for the first time.

I read “A Good Duke is Hard to Find” a month or two ago and really liked it. And once things started to settle down (regarding my To-Read-Right-Now List), I started on “Someday My Duke Will Come.” And, oh my sweet giddy aunt - I LOVED this book! It’s got so many wonderful romance tropes that I adore - a broken hero, a broken heroine, two stubborn people that slowly start to fall in love with each other, Shippers on Deck (I’m looking at you, Lady Tesh). There’s even an insufferable mother that gets her comeuppance, and in spades!

So before I continue, as this is a book that is yet to be released, there will be spoilers. Though I’ll try not to spoil things too much.

We first met Quincy Nesbitt in the last book, where he was introduced as Peter Ashford’s best friend and business partner. Quincy has returned to England after years of being away from his horrible family. His mother wanted to ship him off to the Navy after his father died, but Quincy ran off before she could do so. Now he’s back and quite wealthy and ready to put his past behind him so he can travel the world, like he and his father often talked about.

Except his three older brothers have all died and he is now the Duke of Reigate - a title he never wanted and was never supposed to have. And the dukedom is in ruins because - surprise - his brothers were all utter shit at managing the estate.

Oh, and Quincy’s mother is a hag of the highest degree. The story makes that crystal clear from the beginning.

Meanwhile, Clara Ashford is trying to fade into the background by promoting herself the Mother Hen of the entire family. She has no desire to be in society, certainly never wants to marry, and the story slowly unfolds her reasons for it. Reasons that she’s kept secret, even from her sister Phoebe, who she is otherwise very close to.

Clara’s great-aunt, Lady Olivia Tesh, is ALWAYS trying to set Clara up with eligible men and Clara hates it when she does that. Not just because Clara simply doesn’t want to marry. Her reasons for that run deep and cold - to the point that she’s buried them utterly and is simply out to help her family.

Except... her sister is getting married and her great-aunt really doesn’t have a need for her to be around. So, she’s trying to figure out where she’s going to park herself after she has obtained spinsterhood and is no longer needed at home.

Quincy’s mother tries to corner him into marrying this meek little church mouse of a lady (with a hefty dowry) and because Quincy wants nothing to do with his mother and she is good at making monstrous threats, Clara steps up and claims to be Quincy’s fiancee. Out of the blue. When no one is looking for it. Though the scheme does benefit both of them - Quincy gets his mother off his back for a little while and Clara gets Lady Tesh off her back regarding her unmarried status.

Though I will say that Peter’s reaction (and that of his wife, Lenora) upon finding out about this fake engagement is hilarious. As is every time Peter is shown stewing about the situation.

But the real shining light in this story is how Quincy and Clara slowly come to realize how much they love each other. All those dreamy fantasies about a couple who can’t live without each other - it’s all here. I don’t want to give away the journey that Quincy and Clara make both as individuals and together - but it is so sweet and so satisfying. It was one of those that made me want to run and give my hubby a big kiss and a hug because - dammit, I feel that way about him too.

(Talk about relatable :D )

Though I will say that Quincy and Clara’s interactions are only improved by the contrast of Quincy’s interactions with his mother. Clearly, the Dowager Duchess of Reigate is absolutely the villain of this story. But she is written in such a way that you know she isn’t going to win, and you definitely want to see how she gets thwarted. Quincy is not fooled by any of her society scheming and, happily, neither is Clara. Nor is any of Clara’s family, I’m pleased to say. Sometimes, you’ll have stories with these horrible society women and men that are just awful to others, but because they’re super-high up on the social food chain people have to pretend that they’re okay with all their shit and it’s annoying. But that does NOT happen here, so the Duchess of Reigate doesn’t get to run roughshod any of our main characters (poor Lady Mary, having to deal with that seabeast...)

Ever heard the phrase "A hero is only as good as the villain"? It definitely applies. Because the obstacle that Quincy's mother poses makes both Quincy and Clara even better characters when they get around her schemes and finally admit their love for each other.

Overall, the characters in this story feel human. These are people with real problems, not modern author-stand-ins trying to shoehorn message fic into a story. They’re also good people who’ve been given a raw deal, but who deserve whatever happiness comes their way. But as was established in the first book of the series, the Isle of Synne is a place where happy endings and true love can be found. I highly recommend this book, and this series.

Also, having gone back into the few books that Christina Britton has written before, I’m really looking forward to more of her stories!

(Review originally posted: https://rebeliteromance.blogspot.com/...)

[Luz T · Rating 5 out of 5]

Someday My Duke Will Come
Book 2 in the Isle of Synne series
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.

Someday My Duke Will Come follows the fake engagement and friends to lovers trope. I find that the second book in the series usually has big shoes to fill when the first one was very good, but this one in my opinion was better.
I loved Quincy! He had gone through so much when he was younger. Ignored by his mother and older siblings and only finding comfort and love from his father. Unfortunately his father dies when Quincy needs him the most.
Due to an overheard conversation between his mother and brother, Quincy decides to leave and escape to America. It is there where he becomes a man and builds a life for himself. It is not until fourteen years later that he returns to London when he finds himself as the new Duke. He comes to find the dukedom very lacking in funds. It is when his mother steps in and arranges a marriage for him.
Lady Clara was a delight. She loves her family and is at a point in her life where she does not know what will be of her life since her younger sister is engaged to marry. It is she who makes the decision for her and Quincy to enter a fake engagement. Clara and Quincy have their own reasons to enter this engagement. She's known Quincy through her cousin (who is the male lead from the first book in the series). They are friends who understand each other well and decide to help each other out.
It is when their feelings for each other begin to change that their pretend displays of affection get a little blurry. They both have to confront their past before taking the next step. They had to stand up to those who wanted to hurt them and make their relationship impossible.
This book made me laugh, cry and I truly enjoyed it because these two leads were so good to each other and they deserved to be happy.
Looking forwards to the next one!!

[Kristin · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this ARC from Christina Britton. I read the first book in this series earlier this year, and as much as I liked it, I really wanted to see the story develop between Clara and Quincy. We get that here and it is fantastic - I really love these two as a couple.

Clara is a 30 year old spinster, having dedicated her life to raising her younger siblings after her mother died. Now, her younger sister is about to be married and Clara finds herself at a loss of what to do with her life. She always was doing for others and has some painful secrets that keep her from seeking her own happiness.

Quincy is the best friend of the Duke of Ashford, Clara's cousin. Clara and Quincy have an immediate attraction when they first meet in the last book. This book starts with Quincy unexpectedly inheriting a dukedom, and his past has secrets yet to be revealed to him.

Quincy's mother is terrible. She is absolutely the villian of the story, and the reason Quincy ran away to America when he was 14. Quincy and Clara accidentally fall into a fake engagement to thwart his mother's matrimonial machinations. And as expected, they begin to fall in love in ernest.

I really enjoyed this story! I don't think you necessarily need to read the first book though it was also very good, but it was more of a vengeance plot. I loved that this story was much more centered on redemption, acceptance and forgiveness.

[Rainelle · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed the humor and the witty banter among the characters in the book. The writer’s timing with the humor was well placed. I liked the comrade of all characters in the book. I like how the writer chose to have a leading character who was a joy to read throughout the book. The writer chose a plot based on a real situation that could have happened during the time.
Basically the plot was believable. As I read the story and as I was able to read 47% of the book. I found that the book was a steady note. Maybe a little more excitement placed here or there. Also, if there was more romantic interludes between the characters.
With the length of the book, maybe more four play/ steamy scenes with the leading characters. Readers would like to read the intense drama, extreme passion and a beautiful ending. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.

[Izzy | ilashreads · Rating 4 out of 5]

After binge-watching Bridgerton on Netflix I was excited to read Someday My Duke Will Come.

I enjoyed Clara and Quincy's stories. It was my first introduction to the Isle of Synne (I have A Good Duke Is Hard to Find on request from my local library.) Clara was relatable to me because she tried to stay busy as a distraction, which is something I do as well. Quincy was a dream. They just seemed so right for each other that it was hard to see when they were faking and when they weren't. I enjoyed being able to watch them grow and how they were able to communicate with each other. Can't wait for the rest of the series, hopefully there's as much steam and fun in the rest as there was in Someday My Duke Will Come.

[Kaitlin S. (stacked_shelf) · Rating 4 out of 5]

Someday My Duke Will Come by @christinabrittonauthor will have you SWOONING.

Lady Clara Ashford has no intention of ever getting married. A rogue took advantage of her when she was young, and she’s spent her whole life trying to make sure no one finds out. But now that her last sister is engaged, Clara’s aunt is determined to get Clara married off. Clara is desperate to avoid any matchmaking schemes until the New Duke of Reigate shows up on her doorstep needing her help. Will they be able to fool everyone that they are madly in love, or will the dark secrets from their pasts spill out and end the engagement before it even gets started?

I have to say I have a fierce love for Quincy after reading this story. While I absolutely loved the slow sizzle of Quincy and Clara’s chemistry, it was their strong emotional connection that did it for me. Both characters have quite troubling pasts and watching them wade through these turbulent times together was just heartwarming. If you’re looking for a tender Regency romance that will squeeze your heart and leave you chuckling, this is the book for you!

Huge thank you to Forever Publishing for gifting me a copy of this novel in exchange for an honest review.

[Amy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clara is the spinster sister who has raised her younger siblings when her mother died. Due to secrets from her past, she feels she should never marry. Quincy is a duke’s younger son who runs away as a teenager after his father dies. Quincy comes back to England after making something of himself in America. Will he stand up to the evil widow duchess? Is Clara truly worthy of love? Both of them are not whom people see them as. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my honest review.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

For the sake of short summary...

Quincy came back to England before his long-time plan to travel only to find out that all of his older brothers were all deceased and he had obtain the title as Duke of Reigate. His mother, the Duchess of Reigate wanted to marry him off quickly to secure the wealth needed to save the dukedom. Stepped in Lady Clara Ashford, the cousin of Quincy's best friend, Peter the Duke of Dane. Clara was also in need to stop her great-aunt to matchmake her with any men available. So, a fake engagement was made...

Basically, this is a romance between two kind and decent human beings -- and that's something I appreciated.

Yes, there was a SECRET that Clara kept from everyone for all these years, however, under the circumstances of the time-period, I could understand why she never told a single soul. In fact, it made me sad on her behalf. Everything that she endured, everything she sacrificed.

And no, I didn't think it was a martyrdom syndrome. It was product of society and well, men. In fact, Quincy's problem with his mother, in the root of it, was also because of men, right? The decision that his father made, that caused Quincy the love of the Duchess as a mother.

I was satisfied that these two lovely people found each other and developed the love between them. Their progress in romance was not all out hot and sizzles... it was calm and steady. Quincy saw how brave and beautiful soul Clara was. Clara admired Quincy because again, he was a good man, that he would not lead her astray.

It was a good read. Now I will be patiently waiting for Margery’s story in 2021



A Guest Review for The Blogger Girls



The ARC is provided by the publisher via Netgalley for an exchange of fair and honest review. No high rating is required for any ARC received.