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Noble Hearts #3

The Duke's Golden Rings

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Lady Evie Roberts’ heart has desired one man as long as she could remember—Adam Hunter. They grew up alongside each other, frequently spending time with each other's families, a wonderful fortune enabled by their parents’ close friendship. Having never openly acknowledged her interest in him, Evie says nothing when her best friend declares her interest in Adam and becomes engaged. However, when her friend tragically dies, Evie finds herself embroiled in a mystery surrounding her friend’s death and torn over her own heart’s undeniable affection for Adam.

Lord Adam Hunter survives Waterloo only to return home to find himself jilted by the woman he had professed to love. Her death points to the man she married, and he challenges him to a duel. The man dies in the duel, but not before scarring Adam’s face for life and leaving him questioning any woman’s interest in him. When Adam's father dies unexpectedly, Evie Roberts, a family friend, shows up at the funeral, and he notices her for the first time.

Can Evie and Adam find love, or will ghosts from the past stop them?

91 pages, ebook

First published December 5, 2020

51 people are currently reading
90 people want to read

About the author

Anna St. Claire

59 books230 followers
Who knew I’d become an author? Not me. But when the opportunity knocked, I answered the door and welcomed it in. I approach life with as much positivity as I can—celebrating the hits and laughing at the misses. Nothing worthwhile is easy, and that includes everything in my life. But I have much to smile about—my lovely mother, a beautiful daughter, two precious granddaughters, my adorable dogs, and my sweet husband of over thirty years. He has always supported me—including uprooting to move to the other side of Charlotte, N.C. for a life change, just when we thought we were settled.

If settled means not going after my dreams, then I never want to be settled. I give my all to things I enjoy—and that includes writing. In 2021, I hit the USA Today Bestselling Author list, and recently, two of my books were named RONE Finalists!

I love to express myself to the point that my daughter avoids going to the movies with me because I’m that woman in the row in front of you who gleefully munches her popcorn and laughs at every hilarious scene. Loudly. Besides my family, I love chocolate, popcorn, laughter, and animals. I love animals so much that I frequently sprinkle them in my stories as secondary characters. They usually steal the show! British and American history have always interested me, so writing historical romances set in the U.K. and the US is where my passion is.

When I was barely three years old, my parents divorced, and my mom moved my sister and me from New York to South Carolina to live near her parents. Juggling a full-time job and full-time school, my mother became my first genuine hero—she never waved the white flag when things were tough. And things quickly got tough. My grandmother, who helped care for my sister and me while my mother worked, became ill with cancer, and didn’t survive the surgery, dying before I was seven. Losing Grandma devastated me. She read to me and taught me to read before I started first grade. I credit her for inspiring my love of reading, and I credit my mother for encouraging me to turn my ideas into stories.

When I was ten, my neighbor gave me her book club copy of Margaret Mitchell’s Gone with the Wind and it remains one of my favorite books. But it was Kathleen Woodiwiss’ Shanna and Ashes in the Wind, that hooked me on historical romance and sparked my dream of becoming a published author.

While I primarily write Regency Romance, I enjoy almost any period in American and British history.

I love hearing from readers. To get in touch, email me at annastclaireauthor@gmail.com.

To keep up to date on my new releases, special promotions, contests, giveaways, and more, sign up for my newsletter by clicking here.

You can also follow me on BookBub, Amazon, Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram.

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5 stars
102 (58%)
4 stars
37 (21%)
3 stars
28 (16%)
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7 (4%)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Profile Image for Patricia King.
768 reviews15 followers
December 7, 2020
The Duke's Golden Rings
Twelve Days of Christmas series, Book 5
Noble Hearts series, Book 2.5
Anna St.Claire, author

Warm, heartfelt and emotionally packed.....

This is my first book by this author and it certainly will not be my last. A diamond in the making......

This was Adam Hunter, Duke of Greystone and Lady Evie Roberts story of how their journey began. I certainly hope the author turns this into a family and friends saga. I can certainly see more novels from this darling novella moving forward.

One must always remember, happiness does not come without some pain and hardship. For life has an uncanny way of bringing it all to a head in a most endearing manner.
Profile Image for Elodie’s Reading Corner.
2,554 reviews152 followers
December 8, 2020
The Duke's Golden Rings: Fifth Day of Christmas
Noble Hearts Series #2.5
12 Days of Christmas Series #5
Anna St. Claire
https://www.facebook.com/authorannast...
Release date 12/05/2020

𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯

Lady Evie Roberts’ heart has desired one man as long as she could remember—Adam Hunter. They grew up alongside each other, frequently spending time with each other's families, a wonderful fortune enabled by their parents’ close friendship. Having never openly acknowledged her interest in him, Evie says nothing when her best friend declares her interest in Adam and becomes engaged. However, when her friend tragically dies, Evie finds herself embroiled in a mystery surrounding her friend’s death and torn over her own heart’s undeniable affection for Adam.

Lord Adam Hunter survives Waterloo only to return home to find himself jilted by the woman he had professed to love. Her death points to the man she married and he challenges him to a duel. The man dies in the duel, but not before scarring Adam’s face for life and leaving him questioning any woman’s interest in him. When Adam's father dies unexpectedly, Evie Roberts, a family friend, shows up at the funeral and he notices her for the first time.

Can Evie and Adam find love or will ghosts from the past stop them?

𝗠𝘆 𝗿𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄

Will their newly rekindled relationship lead to more ...

After the prologue, I first thought there would be a bit of sleuth time, to determine if the hero’s former fiancée did really commit suicide.
But it turned a completely different tale.
It was sweeter than I expected.
Adam scarred while defending his now late betrothed’s honor, is now burying his father. Newly minted Duke, he reacquaints himself with his childhood friend, one he has lost sight of when he courted her best friend, his now deceased fiancée. And it is an eyes opener encounter. For once, he sees for more than the neighborhood girl he grew up around.
Evie on her side fears to rise to high her hopes, they had already been quashed once.

In all, it is an easy and cute romance with lost cats, lot of snow and sweet kisses.

I only wonder about the late betrothed, did she really kill herself...
Maybe what was left unsaid from the prologue will be good for another story.
4 stars

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

https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Profile Image for Pat.
358 reviews
December 4, 2020
If you are looking for a Christmas romance novel that will tug at your heart, make you feel emotional and lift you up then this is the book for you. This book is so well-written with such well-developed characters that it grabbed me right from the start. This book has emotion, drama, a lovely blend of humor and romance. It's got a bit of suspense too, when the heroine goes missing in a snow storm. They both have had bad experiences in the past, and there is the possibility that these bad memories will hinder them from ever finding true love. Can they overcome these tortured memories and move on? Read the book and find out!

This is a wonderful Christmas romance that will leave you wanting more. I highly recommend this book. Looking forward to much more from this author!
Profile Image for Lisa C.
1,100 reviews22 followers
December 16, 2020
Sweet friends to lover story with Lady Evie Roberts and Lord Adam Hunter. Adam and Evie had gone their separate ways after being close childhood friends, but when Adam returns to his ancestral home the relationship is rekindled, and more. Adam's family ring(s) is one of the most romantic thing I think I've read. Quick, lovely read.
Profile Image for Sharon.
2,770 reviews7 followers
December 29, 2020
A wonderful story

Adam- duke heir in a duel to avenge his ex betrothed death. He ended up scared on the face.
Evie- only daughter of an earl, independent and fancied the Adam for a long time.
I enjoyed reading this engaging story that is well written with lovable characters. Their story has a beautiful and complete HEA.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,476 reviews92 followers
January 2, 2021
Very enjoyable story. Loved it. 5☆
Profile Image for Kat Tolle.
639 reviews13 followers
December 9, 2020
What a true delight and warming story. The Duke's Golden Rings: Fifth Day of Christmas: Noble Hearts Series by Anna St. Claire is a wonderful and heartfelt story of the Christmas season and a must read. I found Anna’s story original, easy to read and her characters lovable. Anna has a true gift for writing and you will not be disappoint in reading this regency novella. This story has death, grief, family love, a duel, being dishonorable, a young girl who has grown to a beautiful women, rescue, not truly being in love, kindness, and falling in love. It has it all and I highly recommend this novella.

***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Profile Image for Tisa.
1,218 reviews6 followers
December 15, 2020
Lady Evie Roberts’ heart has desired one man as long as she could remember—Adam Hunter. They grew up together while their families became close friends. During the years of friendship, Evie has fallen in love with Adam. Unfortunately, her BFF was interested in Adam. Since she never expressed those feelings she couldn't stand in the way of their pursuit to find each other.
However, Adam was away in waterloo & coming back from war to find out that his betrothed married another. Then killed herself. Adam believes that it has something to do with the brut she married. He decides to have a duel with him. Adam wins but not without his opponent is able to scar his face.
A few years later go by and Lady Evie and her family attend Mr. Hunter's funeral to show support to Adam & his family. That is when he notices Evie after all these years. He remembers their times together as a youth. There times fishing, jumping in the lake, discussing their dreams. Adam states having feelings & wonders why he didn't react to them sooner. Maybe he thought friends couldn't be romantically involved.
Now, he doesn't feel worthy of her love & beauty with his scarred face, anger & locked himself away to isolation over the years.
Lady Evie - Adam is still as handsome as ever. All she wants is to kiss the scar on his face. Wants to love him. Does she have a chance or does the ghost of her friend and the mystery stranding her death control the burning desires these to people are feeling for each other?
Read the Duke's Golden Rings & how this ring represents true & every lasting love. On the 5th of the12 days of the Christmas series.
4,184 reviews22 followers
December 24, 2020
A sweet and emotional Christmas story that will surely pull at your heartstrings. This is such a well-written story that will warm your heart and I was captivated from the very start. With each turn of the page, I was anxious to read more. Adam and Evie were childhood friends and had gone their separate ways. Evie adored Adam, but never told him her true feelings. After a tragic loss, they have a chance to rekindle that friendship which may just turn into something more. This was such a sweet and heartfelt story with wonderful and endearing characters, you can't help but fall in love with them. A truly beautiful holiday story you do not want to miss!

I was gifted an advanced reader's copy from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Profile Image for Jessica Clements.
Author 10 books89 followers
December 4, 2020
Ms. Saint Claire has a wonderful way with words and will never disappoint. This book has everything you want from a Regency Romance. You can never go wrong with a handsome duke. You can never go wrong with a good plot, brilliantly thought up for your reading pleasure by the author. There is so much about this book that gives you the goosebumps (in a good way). Another home run hit for this author!
1,290 reviews5 followers
December 6, 2020
And a great series continues

This is another brilliantly written story in what is a great series. The plot is full of emotional passages, and the characters are amazing. This is a brilliant book for anybody who loves clean seasonal historical romances.
189 reviews
December 5, 2020
Lots of tears

This is a lovely story. I found myself crying several times throughout the story, happy tears at the end. Highly recommended.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,080 reviews130 followers
December 11, 2020
"Five unique golden rings bound together as one. Each one symbolizes the hallmarks in the discovery of genuine love: the moment you first notice, first kiss, when (you) realize she matters, when she says "yes" to marriage, and finally marriage. " Passed down in the family and to be used when he finds the woman that lights up his heart.

A sigh worthy story that won my heart and was perfect for the upcoming holidays. Evie and Adam had practically grown up together, with their homes bordering each other and their families very close. Evie had always held a strong attraction to him and had hopes that he would return that feeling one day. Unfortunately, her best friend Honora decided she wanted Adam and after her pursuit they became engaged.

But it seems it was not meant to be because Honora jilts him and marries another.. Tragically then Honora dies. Secrets, a mystery and a man wounded of the heart, Adam meets Evie again at his father's funeral and realizes she is now a beautiful woman.

Yes, I love every word that this amazing author writes and this was the perfect!
Profile Image for Sandra.
556 reviews9 followers
February 4, 2021
Sweet, lovely and immeasurably charming!

I really loved this one!
The plot was more developed, well written and engaging. The characters were real and easy to like, which allowed this childhood friend to lovers romance to bloom and shine. While the added edge and undertone of past heartbreak and immediate danger enriched the tale, deepen emotions and really endeared me to Evie and Adam.
A fab addition to this series of short stories - just wonderful!!
132 reviews4 followers
December 7, 2020
Lady Evie Roberts and Lord Adam Hunter have been friends since childhood, growing up next to each other. Evie has always liked Adam, but unfortunately he never thought of her that way and fell for one of her friends. After Adam returns from Waterloo, things have changed. He’s no longer engaged and almost died in a duel. But when an unexpected event brings Evie back into his life, he wonders why he never saw her for the beautiful woman she is. Will Evie return his love or is he too late?

This was a sweet childhood friends, friends to lovers and second chance at love story. Adam will do whatever it takes to be with Evie and only hopes she feels the same way. With Christmas approaching, can they both hope for a Christmas miracle of falling in love and having a HEA. I really enjoyed this story and would recommend it to others. Even though it’s part of a series, it can be read as a stand-alone.
Profile Image for Tabetha Waite.
Author 96 books812 followers
December 22, 2020
A sweet story with some lovely close knit family surprises that prove love can endure with just a little push in the right direction.
Profile Image for Lana Birky.
1,703 reviews22 followers
December 8, 2020
What a warm, sweet, romantic Christmas story with wonderful families & a couple you love from the very beginning. There were a couple of scenes that tugged at my heart strings & I cried a couple of tears but the HEA in the end was all happy tears. I highly recommend reading this touching, entertaining tale & you too can fall in love with Adam & Evie - you will leave with a smile on your face!
Profile Image for Susan.
423 reviews9 followers
December 7, 2020
Love for the holidays 🎄
Another entertaining story in the 12 Days of Christmas collection. Interesting and likable characters and a storyline with some twists and turns, ending in a lovely holiday tale.
Profile Image for Linda Lassman.
744 reviews8 followers
April 23, 2021
I thoroughly enjoyed this book.

There were a few inaccuracies (dueling was not illegal in England until the mid-1840s) and I always find it annoying when female characters run around in the dead of one of the coldest winters in England in short sleeves, as though their homes had central heating, R30 insulation, and triple-glazed windows. But really, these "glitches" in the story were minor and didn't do very much to decrease my enjoyment.

The story was very well-plotted for a novella (which because of its length can't be as complex as a full novel), the flow was excellent and I never felt like things were being left out or rushed in order to meet the word limit, the characters well-written and engaging, and there was a rescued cat and kittens. I was happy with the ending and was sorry to come to the end of this tale.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,292 reviews
January 4, 2021
The Duke's Golden Rings by Anna St. Claire
A Noble Hearts Novella
Lord Adam Hunter had come home from the war with his world a different place than he had planned. Anger and betrayal had pushed him to something he shouldn't have done. But that was behind him now. Life finally brightened when someone from his past reminded him of better times.

Lady Evie had always had feelings for Adam. But, when she lost him to another, she backed out gracefully. Perhaps now that he returned from the war, they could at least be friends once again.

This is a novella, but full of good times, bad times, and looking to a brighter future. An enjoyable read.
https://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com...
Profile Image for Lori.
599 reviews8 followers
January 5, 2021
Glorious!

The Duke’s Golden Rings by Anna St Claire, the fifth book in the Twelve Days of Christmas series is a glorious and joyful read! Lady Evie has known and loved her neighbor Adam Hunter all her life, but he only had eyes for her best friend Honora. When Adam goes off to fight Napoleon, everything changes. Shortly after returning home Adam looses his father and becomes the Duke. He doubts he can live up to the man his father was, but his father believed in him and believed that true love would guide him. It was such a beautiful story and filled with some excitement from beginning to end!
1,123 reviews4 followers
January 3, 2021
Another good quick read in this series. I really liked the characters and the plot of this book. Looking forward to reading more from this series.
Profile Image for Roslyn Stillman.
548 reviews14 followers
December 27, 2020
This is the first book by this author that I have read. I enjoyed this storyline and found it to be a very sweet read. There was some mystery and suspense. It really was just a heartwarming Christmas story about to lost souls who have known each other for years, finding that they belong together. I received this book as a gift from the author and freely give my review.
Profile Image for Bridget Love to read Lewis.
2,460 reviews28 followers
December 19, 2020
Letters from the past

Evie attends the funeral of Adams father her godfather and sees Adam again and he still makes her heart flutter! Adam notices Even again and is drawn to her quiet gentle beauty! Letters are left to Adam as well written before illness took his father! Adam has a scar from a duel that was not necessarily honorable because Lady Honoria was anything but!! Adam and Evie grow close after a snow storm rescue and Adams mother recites the history and mystery of the five gold rings! On a romantic sleigh ride Evie shares the contents of a letter sent by Honoria before her death this also frees Adam from any guilt or remorse! Of all the stories this my favorite! Its heart warming, thoughtful with the right amount of Christmas tradition!!!
Profile Image for Anna.
Author 59 books230 followers
Read
September 21, 2020
Excerpt:

Prologue


Hampstead Heath, London, England
1 April 1815

Four horses huddled together beneath the heavy boughs of a large elm tree in the early dawn. Cool rain fell gently, producing a layer of fog that sat just above the ground, creating an eerie visage. Four men stood in pairs at opposite sides of the wide tree, taking advantage of the cover the branches offered.
A short round man stepped out of a black unmarked carriage drawn close to the elm.
“Thank you for coming, Doctor Bernard,” a tall blond man acknowledged the practitioner, pulling a handful of white cloths from his pocket. “I am Lord Willington, Lord Greystone’s second.”
After shaking the doctor’s proffered hand, Willington strode from under the cover of the trees. He approached one man from the other pair and went about setting up the square. The two men stepped off twenty paces from opposing corners, dropping white handkerchiefs at the established corners. The men then divided into two small groups at opposing sides of the tree. Lord Adam Hunter, Marquess of Greystone, stood with his friend Benjamin Crewe, Lord Willington. Lord Aster stood with his second, Lord FitzRoy, on the farthest end.
“Are you sure you can issue no apology, Lord Aster?” The stout doctor held up his hands plaintively from the other side of the tree.
“I have nothing to apologize for, so no,” the man replied, nervously twirling the ends of his long mustache.
“Then I should speak to your second.” The doctor returned after a moment of contemplation, then stumbled over to the man’s second to discuss the proceedings.
“It is time,” Willington announced, tucking a gold pocket watch back into his waistcoat.
“Yes. Thank you, Willington. It is time.” Adam’s voice sounded hard, even to himself. He unwrapped a long box covered in a large oiled cloth and extended it to his opponent. It contained the swords he had inherited from his late uncle. “Choose your weapon, Lord Aster.”
God help him, but the man would feel the sting of whichever rapier he did not choose. It had come to this. Honora was dead, and every nerve in his body told him that this man was the reason for her death.
He had survived Waterloo only to return home to find himself jilted by the woman he had professed to love.
Profile Image for Wendy Tavenner.
1,326 reviews12 followers
April 1, 2023
Finding true love

A wonderful short story. Adam was avenging his previous fiancés death. But the man she married was not honorable and when Adam had his back to him he attacked Adam. Adam turned around and was struck in the face by his sword and defending himself killed him. Adams father the Duke hushed everything up.
When Adams father died he blamed himself and the duel that his father hushed up for him. During the grave side service he sees Lady Evie and sees her in a new light.
Lady Evie has been in love with Adam for years but stepped back when he was engaged to her best friend. When her friend betrayed Adam and then took her life she never thought she ever would have a chance with Adam. But her meeting him at his fathers funeral changed all that.
A sweet story with a beautiful ending.
Profile Image for MARIE MARUCCI.
505 reviews1 follower
October 2, 2025
Cute little novella.

The story starts with a duel (illegal at this time) and the bad sport of one of the duelists in cheating, which causes a death. Later, we learn the reason for the duel as sort of necessary, but not for the reasons originally thought.

We, also, meet a young lady who does not exactly follow the rules of the time by attending a funeral of her Godfather and learn she has always secretly had feelings for the son.

Thus, follows a short story of love lost and found during the Christmas season.
307 reviews
December 8, 2022
Lady Eve with Adam.

Adam became the Duke when his father died approximately 10 months after his return from Waterloo. Adam had his fiancee,Honora, reject him while he was in the Army. Adam is attending his father's funeral when he sees Lady Evie. From that time they both fall in love and marry.
Profile Image for Heather.
169 reviews2 followers
August 30, 2023
Friends to loves

Sweet, cute, romantic Christmas Novella. It was heartfelt and to the point with a little mystery thrown in. A touch of sadness and fear as well as a giggle and smile.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews

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