Duke Seeks Bride

Love on Holiday #3

by Christy Carlyle

In the swoon-worthy finale of her Love on Holiday series, Christy Carlyle takes readers to the breathtaking coast of Ireland where a pretty, young countess’s secretary agrees to impersonate her mistress to help a duke appease his fortune-hunting family...until he falls for her instead.

Miss Evelyn Graves has never had a holiday. She is much too busy as the personal secretary to the Countess of Waverly. But the Duke of Ballymore Castle in Connemara, Ireland, has invited the countess to visit—and as the countess cannot travel, she has insisted Evelyn go in her stead. Except when Evie arrives, everyone mistakes her for the countess—and it’s clear the family who owns crumbling Ballymore were hoping to match the widowed countess with Alexander Pierpont, Duke of Rennick. Though Alex knows the truth of Evie’s identity, he has an unusual request. He’ll happily show her hospitality if she’ll agree to let others think she’s the countess during her visit.

There’s just one problem: as time runs out on their arrangement and Alex increasingly fears he must in fact marry an heiress to save his family’s fortunes, he finds that his heart now belongs to Miss Evie Graves…and he can’t bring himself to let her go.

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Audiobook, Historical, Forced Proximity, Adult, Historical Fiction

355 pages, Mass Market Paperback

First published August 22, 2023

About the author

Fueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.

Reviews

[Hannah B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

✨Me Seeks Big, Irish Duke Who Puts Marble Statuary to Shame✨

If you want just the coziest, warmest hug of a series, please read the Love on Holiday books by Christy Carlyle. I swear every time I read one I’m like it seriously won’t stay this soft FOREVER right??? And then it does!

I also really loved that Irish hunk of a man. I listened to the audiobook, and definitely got lost in that accent! *swoons* The last time I remember a hero with an Irish accent, it was when Mary Jane Wells accidentally gave one to Matthew Swift for a chapter in the Wallflower Christmas audiobook 😭 Safe to say the accent is rare for me to hear, so it was very appreciated here.

Evie was a lovely and strong heroine. His aunt was hard and a bit judgmental, but Evie never let her get her down. I was always kind of waiting for the other shoe to drop, but she always stuck to her guns and fought for what she wanted. She was also just so fricken relatable. I love when you can read a chapter and be like ah yes ME.

I did just get a bit, literally the tiniest bit frustrated with his aunt trying to set him up with someone not named Evelyn! Not necessarily because I thought he was going to cave—that man was so gone I do have to applaud him—but it felt like a missed the opportunity to have a meddling (for good!) aunt because they’re the best characters. However, I do understand that the aunt and her plans were basically the extent of the external conflict, and really it was so tame in the grand scheme of things.

Overall, I just think Christy Carlyle has absolutely mastered the art of writing soft romance. When books don’t have super explosive third-acts, the tension still needs to be there and it’s HARD to do. Christy makes it look easy.

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️.25/5 🌶️🌶️*/5


Thanks so much to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.

[Julie - One Book More · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third and final book in the Love on Holiday series, and it’s as entertaining as the first two. The story follows Evie, a secretary to a wealthy duchess, and Alex, the new Duke of Pierpont. With a marriage stipulation in his father’s will, Alex must find a wife within just a few short months. And since he has a floundering estate, Alex needs to marry someone wealthy, which is why his aunt invites the Duchess of Waverly to spend time with them in Ireland. However, the duchess is unable to make the trip and sends Evie in her stead.

I really liked Evie. She is an independent, hard-working woman who is confident in her capabilities. It’s easy to see why Alex falls so quickly for her, and I love how his family does too. And Alex is pretty fabulous too. He’s so torn between his duty toward his family and his inherited lands and his love for Evie. Evie also struggles with her feelings since she knows her social standing is not on par with his, and she is also providing for a sibling. It’s interesting to see how the pair deals with the obstacles in their way.

Evie and Alex have a wonderful romance that begins with a memorable meet cute in London and carries to Ireland. Even though Alex knows he must marry someone of wealth, he can’t help the feelings he has for Evie. I wouldn’t say they have an insta-love romance, but there’s definitely a strong connection and attraction from the start.

I enjoyed this story. It’s a quick, low-stakes, and entertaining historical romance with great protagonists, and an interesting cast of secondary characters. Special thanks to Avon for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

[Michelle Rupe · Rating 3 out of 5]

I received an ARC from the publisher via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.

Miss Aurelia Graves is a secretary for a countess, and when she is tasked with going to Ireland for a vacation but also to assist planning a charity luncheon, she knows she can't say no. She doesn't know that the man she is going to assist is the same man she had an encounter with in the garden at one of the countess's balls. Sparks fly when he discovers her in the carriage, and while their future together might not be easy true love is the one thing in the world worth fighting for.

Christy Carlyle writes very low angst romance, and sometimes I am in the mood for that but when I read this, I guess maybe I wasn't. I have been reading very angsty contemporary so I thought this would be a good read to break that up, but I kept feeling like these two had no real reason not to be together especially by the end they believed their relationship was worth the struggles. They could have done that in the middle of the book and saved me the time. I was expecting more internal conflict over his money struggles and her being poor and that he would fight his desire for her. It all felt too easy for the outward struggles he did have. Then his inheritance plot to me would have been better served if the uncle was an actual bad guy, but he wasn't. That could have been resolved in the first chapter if you had an actual conversation with the man, but book characters rarely do what they should because then the book would be over too quick. Overall, this book felt so much slower and less romantic than book one, and that's what I really wanted from it.

[ChasingLeslie · Rating 5 out of 5]

Miss Evelyn Graves works as personal secretary to the Countess of Waverly. She is sent in her employer's stead to Ballymore Castle in Connemara, Ireland, believing that she would be assisting with planning a fundraiser for an equestrian society. But little did Evie know that the aunt of her host - Alexander Pierpont, Duke of Rennick - was scheming to marry Alex to the countess!

This is the third book in the A Love on Holiday series. It stands alone and is only connected to the others by theme. Just like the previous stories, this book was low angst with warm-fuzzy feels. These characters met by chance once before, so there is already an attraction between them. The previous Duke's will states that Alex must marry in a certain time period, otherwise his mother's unentailed family property will pass to his uncle. His pushy (but not mean-spirited) aunt is not happy to receive Evie instead of her employer, but Alex's siblings join in the family mix and can see Evie and Alex's connection. I've found this entire series to be so enjoyable...perfect for beach reading or curling up on a lazy day.

Tropes: Road Trip, Forced Proximity, Class Difference, Working Heroine

Steam: 2

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

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Barbara’s rating: 4 out of 5 Stars
Series: Love on Holiday #3
Publication Date: 8/22/223
Period: 1896 – Victorian London & Ireland
Number of Pages: 362

This final book in the Love on Holiday series was a delightfully entertaining read from the ‘meet cute’ to the final sweet words of the epilogue. With endearing characters, low angst, and excellent writing, you just can’t go wrong. Just my kind of book!

Miss Evelyn (Evie) Graves comes from a noble, but estranged, family because her father chose to marry for love rather than status and title. Evie is employed as secretary to the Countess of Waverly and she is very proud of the work she does. While she longs to be a published author, she’ll continue to be the well-organized and efficient secretary she is paid to be. Maybe she’d like to attend one of those events she plans – sometime. Probably not. However, that was an exciting encounter she had with a handsome man in the garden at the event she’d planned for Lady Waverly. Ah well, she’ll never see him again – and doesn’t even know who he is.

Alexander Pierpont wasn’t meant to be the Duke. That job belonged to his older brother who died, and, now Alex is the Duke of Rennick. Everybody wants to be a duke – right? Not at all! Alex is now saddled with a crumbling estate that his father nearly bankrupted – and to add insult to injury – his father included a clause in his will that forces him to marry within six months or lose the only thing in the duchy that he cares about. Should he not marry on time, his beloved, unentailed, Irish castle, Ballymore, will go to his odious uncle instead.

Imagine Alex’s surprise when the woman he met in a garden months ago alights from a carriage that should have been carrying someone else. Alex hadn’t ever been able to forget that unknown lady – and now – here she was – at his castle. Evie had traveled to Ireland in place of her employer, but evidently, Alex hadn’t received the countess’s letter explaining her absence.

I loved Alex and Evie together. Their open, upfront caring for each other was endearing. They had things to overcome, but I loved that they were going to figure them out together.

I’ve read some reviews that mentioned the aunt and the uncle as being very ineffectual antagonists. I didn’t view them as the antagonists – I viewed Alex’s father as the antagonist – and – goodness, he was a foul piece of work even in death. Aunt Oona was selfish in that she wanted Alex to marry to save ‘her’ home, but I didn’t think of her as a real antagonist. Now, Uncle George could have been a pretty viable antagonist, but the author chose to take him in another direction. I liked that direction but felt sorry for him and wished the author had chosen to show more positive interactions between him and the family.

I recommend this book if you love a straightforward romance with little angst. I thoroughly enjoyed it because the characters were lovely, the writing was excellent, and I thought it was well-paced.

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

[i_hype_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved it! Full review to come on release day…
If you like grumpy heroes who guard their hearts, class differences, independent heroines and slow burn steam so hot it singes the pages, this one’s for you!

[Holly · Rating 3 out of 5]

I thought this was just ok. Nothing wrong with it, but nothing stood out either. Alex & Evie meet right away in a meet cute moment. Then three months later, circumstances bring them together again. When Evie’s employer has her go to Alex’s estate instead of herself, the two find themselves falling for each other. Even though Alex needs to marry wealthy & quickly, he can’t help but like Evie. Which they were fine together, but that’s it. I didn’t fall in love with them falling in love. It seemed quick & just kind of there. It was an ok love story, but that’s all. Good writing as always.

[Missy · Rating 2 out of 5]

Nothing outstanding. You’d think there’d be a villain (the uncle) but nope! You’d think their class difference or his necessity to marry an heiress would be more of an obstacle but nope!

The blurb is slightly misleading. Yes, the hero’s servants believed that she was the Countess of Waverly but that was immediately cleared up. Yes, the hero asked her to pretend to be the countess in front of his uncle but that deception ended within a day or two.

The rest of the book was about her planning his charity function for equestrians. They begin an affair at one point and fall even more for each other. He proposes, she says yes. She returns to London to give her 1-week notice and help transition in the new secretary, which was boring and the book could have ended sooner.

[Stacee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was the best one of the series for me.

I loved Evie and Alex. They're both good, loyal people who are looking for something of their own. I enjoyed reading them get to know each other and their acceptance of the other. There's a good amount of family in this story, but the two MCs remain the focus.

Plot wise, it was good. There's an adorable meet cute followed by a fast moving week or so set in the future. I loved that they were together nearly the entire book and how the relationship shift felt organic within the time frame. There's no tension, no real conflict, and it was fantastic.

Overall, this was a fun read with characters who were easy to root for.

**Huge thanks to the publisher for providing the arc free of charge**

[Ginny · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is a fairly straightforward courtship tale about Alexander Pierpont, Duke of Rennick, and Evie Graves, secretary to Lady Waverly. For a change, the MMC is an introvert, uncomfortable in large groups. Typically based in Ireland, Alex has come to London to find a bride. Under the terms of his father’s will, if he doesn’t marry within six months of his father’s death, Alex will lose Ballymore, the Irish estate that was part of his mother’s dowry, and where Alex lives with his aunt Oona, and his brother, Rupert.

Evie and Alex first meet when Alex attends a London ball given by Lady Waverly. Evie, who plans Lady Waverly’s events as part of her duties (but does not attend them) is reading in a favorite spot in Lady Waverly’s garden when Alex comes crashing through. Embarrassed by his lack of dancing skills, he has sought some fresh air to calm himself before deciding whether to return to the ball for a second dance he has claimed. Both feel at ease with one other during their initial conversation; they meet again some months later when Evie is sent by Lady Waverly to help plan a fundraiser at Ballymore for the Irish Equestrian Society. Lady Waverly had originally planned to attend herself but had to decline after discovering she had another conflict.

Like previous books in this series, the story is well written with pleasant characters but is lacking in dramatic tension. The theoretical villain is Alex’s uncle, George Pierpont, who will inherit Ballymore if Alex doesn’t marry within six months. As it turns out, the uncle doesn’t want Ballymore and promises Alex that if he doesn’t marry in time, they will work out a way for the uncle to sell it back to him.

Another potential source of tension is the difference in station between Alex and Evie, but that is diminished by the fact that the gap between the two is not as large as it first appears. Evie’s father was the third son of an earl, although he was disowned after marrying someone his family disapproved of. In addition, although it would certainly be helpful if Alex married an heiress, he is not required to do so under the terms of the will, and he has plans to slowly build Ballymore into a more productive property.

In summary, #DukeSeeksBridel is a good story that is enjoyable but not outstanding. Thanks to #NetGalley and #AvonBooks for the ARC.

[Carey’s Reviews · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5 Stars! This is book 3 in the ‘Love on Holiday’ series and can be read as a standalone. The main characters are socially awkward Alexander Pierpoint/Duke of Rennick and the Countess of Waverly’s secretary, Miss Evelyn Graves. I liked both main characters and loved their HEA ending. The story didn’t have a reason these 2 couldn’t really get married, just that they are both broke. The uncle is seen as a villain in the beginning, then he just sort of goes away. Not a lot going on in the book but it was still entertaining.
*I received this book at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*

[Maria Vazquez · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this so much it was very distinct from most historical romances because there was a lot more kindness, patience, and understanding even though they had two different personalities it reminds me that love can be all those things 💛💛💛 thank you again 🙏🏽 for letting me read this beauty

[Addie Yoder · Rating 4 out of 5]

I have not been in a historical mood lately, but THIS BOOK is just what I needed. I love the vacation trope to begin with. I feel like it moves the relationship along at a faster pace and we get more from the characters sooner than we typically would. Evie goes to Ireland to help plan a fundraiser luncheon for Alex as a representative of her employer. He tries to convince her to pretend to be the Lady she works for to head off his matchmaking family and help take some pressure off of an inheritance clause in his father's will. Their forced proximity and commonalities. made for tension and heat and romance that lead me to binge all evening.

[Catheryn · Rating 3 out of 5]

This story was fine. The plot of her mistaken identity was never anything. She pretended to be the countess maybe twice in front of his uncle. But everyone else knew who she actually was. I was also surprised that when Evelyn and Alex did get together, it was with zero caution for her future. It seemed like strange behavior for this time. He never gave her any promise of a future and still they slept together. It was also a bit of an open secret that they were romantic together. This story is pretty low angst, despite some of the forward behavior from them. There was a few plot lines that seemed a bit of a throw-away. It was just an ok story.

[Jessica · Rating 4 out of 5]

I adored Evie and Alex and would easily read more books about the side characters like Rupert and Sybil.

[rania · Rating 3 out of 5]

if these two were a spice they’d be flour. i’m not saying it was bad cause literally nothing bad happened. they were just so BORING.

[Jocelynereadsromance · Rating 5 out of 5]

Christy Carlyle's Duke Seeks Bride is an absolutely delightful and charming addition to her Love on Holiday series. This historical romance is full of romance, soft and elegant writing, and is the perfect little escape from the real world. Carlyle's writing has an ease about it that quickly engages the reader, this novel has such a charming setting (Ireland), and the romantic couple is interesting and swoon worthy! This novel feels like the perfect holiday and is a really wonderful finale to this series that I have adored!

This novel is the romance between Evie, a secretary to a duchess, and Alex, a second son who has just inherited his families dukedom. I love a class difference romance that pits an independent heroine against a grumpy hero with a guarded heart. Carlyle does a lovely job of exploring these dynamics and creating two characters who learn to meet on common grounds. I loved watching these two get to know each other and trust each other. They are both able to have a meeting of the mind and experiences that make them the perfect partner of the other. These two easily fall head over heels and both openly express their feelings. I love that they are open communicators and that they never fall into the trap of miscommunication. Carlyle also does a wonderful job of exploring their chemistry and sensuality in a consensual way that is both sexy and romantic.

Christy Carlyle is definitely a gem in the historical romance world and her love on holiday series has been an absolute smash in my mind. If you have never had the chance to pick up a novel of hers definitely do yourself a favor and try one. Any novel in the Love on Holiday series can be read as a standalone and I have found each and every installment to be absolutely delightful!

Thank you to Avon Books and NetGalley for an eARC, all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Sophie · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher, via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.

In Duke Seeks Bride, personal secretary Miss Evelyn Graves finds her working holiday in Connemara, Ireland, may have more surprises than she could ever imagine. She may be the granddaughter of an Earl, but her parents marriage led to a break in the family, and she took on the position as the Countess of Waverly's secretary to support her younger sister's medical career. When the Countess is invited to help host a charity event with the Duke of Rennick, she is double booked, and instead sends Evie in her stride. But the Duke needs more than just a hostess, he needs a duchess. Alexander Pierpont has inherited the rundown family estate, but his father's will leaves a caveat that his beloved Ballymore Castle will be lost if he doesn't marry within six months of inheriting. Alex needs a wife, and he had set his hopes on Lady Waverly. So when her beautiful secretary arrives instead, someone he has met before, and sets his heart alight like no other, it's a complication he really doesn't need.

I've really enjoyed the books in this series, but this was hands down my favourite. Alex and Evie's romance was epic, and their chemistry was simply palpable. Neither expected to ever find love, and Alex, though he needed to marry, was actively looking for a loveless marriage. So when they met for the first time in Lady Waverly's garden, in the moonlight, the sparks flew, but neither thought they'd see each other again. Evie's arrival at Ballymore was dramatic, and it was clear that Alex's Aunt Oona was against any sort of friendship, let alone romance between the pair, but true love prevailed. Evie's ideas for the charity event, and to help Ballymore in the long run were great, and it was fantastic to see how receptive Alex was to her work. He respected her thoughts and opinions, and was the perfect partner for Evie. I'm sad this was the end of the series, but am so glad with how it concluded!

[Emily · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is the third book in Christy Carlyle's Love on Holiday series. I've read the second book in the series but feel like it reads aright as a stand alone. Evelyn Graves is the secretary to the widowed Duchess of Waverly. She is sent in the Duchesses stead to the Irish countryside to plan a charity event with Alexander, the Duke of Rennick. Alexander is being pressured to propose to the Duchess of Waverly to save the family's estate. It's a big surprise when Evie steps out of the carriage. They met years before during a moonlit party but never learned each other's names. They've spent so much time pining for their mystery person that the attraction picks up pretty immediately.

This is a pretty low angst, breezy book. I liked how the "villian" character turned out to be not all he seemed. It had some of my favorite micro tropes: let me help you out of those wet clothes, literally catching someone when they fall, running into each other in the library in the middle of the night. It was probably a little longer than necessary. Also, as I'm tying this the Goodreads description has different character names and a slightly different plot description.

3.5 stars rounded up
Thank you to Avon Harper Voyager, NetGalley, and Christy Carlyle for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #netgalley #avonharpervoyager #christycarlyle #dukeseeksbride #loveonholiday

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander, the Duke of Rennick, steps out at Lady Waverly's ball to find a bride, as much as he's against it. According to his father's will it's a must or he will lose his home in Ireland, Ballymore Castle. Tripping over Evie in the garden was a nice surprise, but they are from a different class. As Lady Waverly's secretary, Evie is good at her job and is sent to Ireland to organize a fund raiser. Evie and Alex meet again and the attraction is real. Does class really matter? It's nice to read a romance where the hero and heroine are continually honest with each other and are willing to face adversity together.
Mild open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

[Luz T · Rating 3 out of 5]

In the end this was just a sweet romance. There really isn’t any drama or angst. It just a story of two people falling in love.

The story went on too long. At some point I thought there was going to be your typical third act breakup, but no there was none. Just lovey dovey scenes.

[Myra Wardhana · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: I have received an advance copy from the author - in exchange for a review.

To be honest, I have huge expectations on this book especially since I love the previous two books from the same series and the author.

Although the story was pretty good - I find it that this book was a little bit not so good as the previous two but still a delight to be enjoyed.

Maybe perhaps when I read it for the second or third time down the road - it will get better - sometimes it happens - I read it once not liking it at first then like it a lot on the second reading or third.

But definitely love the set in Ireland.

I do hope the author will write more lovely romantic stories in the future since she has become of my favourite authors to read.

[Curvy Girls Read Romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was my first Christy Carlyle read. I would definitely read her again and will likely visit her backlist.
I'm not a huge fan of secret identity, but I loved the attraction between Evie and Alex and enjoyed the low-stakes, low-conflict pace of this book.
The setting in Ireland was also an excellent change for a historical. It's nice to step out of London once in a while.

[Danielle · Rating 4 out of 5]

Review originally posted on Overflowing Shelf

CW: Death of a parent (off-page); references to off-page animal abuse

Duke Seeks Bride is another perfect, sexy, low-angst historical romance novel from Christy Carlyle that wraps up her Love on Holiday series. This series is the perfect one to read if you want a romance that isn’t going to be high-drama or high-angst but instead tells compelling and engaging stories of two people falling in love and finding their happily ever after in unlikely circumstances. It’s perfect escapism, and sometimes that’s all I want from my romances!

The official summary of this book on retailers is a bit misleading as it makes it seem like the book will lean into the fake dating trope more than it actually does. The official summary positions the story as Evelyn “Evie” Graves needing to pretend to be the fake fiance of Alexander Pierpont, the Duke of Rennick, for a fortnight. In actuality, Evie only does that in front of Alex’s uncle once or twice, as everyone else knows she’s there in the countess’s place to help plan a charity event. If anything, the central driver of the plot is the stipulation that Alex marry within 6 months of inheriting or risk losing Ballymore Castle, his family’s home in Ireland, and the only inheritance that matters. I didn’t mind that the plot deviated a bit from the premise, but it may feel a tad misleading if you go into this thinking it’s going to be a faking dating-type book.

Now, I absolutely adored the romance in this book. There’s something so charming about watching two people fall in love when there is little to no drama in their relationship. Despite a short timeframe, Alex and Evie’s relationship felt believable because their chemistry is so good! There is an electric spark at their first meeting in the garden at a ball, and then again when they meet again in Ireland. That connection builds into something more very fast, yet they both feel it, so the relationship doesn’t feel rushed. Everyone could also see how far gone these two were for each other, so it was just a matter of time before they acted upon it.

Duke Seeks Bride also felt like the horniest book of the series – and I loved that! These two really wanted each other and acted upon it. I also loved that Evie fully embraced her sensual side with Alex and didn’t feel ashamed by sex. Also, the first sex scene had the most trope-tactic setup, and I loved it! We get Alex and Evie trapped out in the country in the rain, where, of course, they have to spend the night at an inn with only one room left and then need to help each other out of their wet clothes. I was LIVING for this scene and felt so giddy that I wanted to kick my feet in the air while reading. This book also has a ton of other tropes I love, such as class differences and nursing back to health, and a micro trope of being unable to sleep, so they run into each other at the library. The romance was delicious, and I loved every second of it.

Alex was not a classic Duke, and I enjoyed that. He seemed to have some form of social anxiety, as he struggles in the ballroom and tends to avoid society. He’s much more at home at his family’s castle in Ireland, surrounded by his horses, siblings, and Aunt than in any ballroom. Despite trying to avoid anything scandalous, he cannot help what he feels for Evie, and I loved how far gone he was for her and didn’t end up letting the class difference impact how he felt.

Evie is a very practical, logical person – a trait that helps her excel as Lady Waverly’s secretary – but she’s also incredibly empathetic and caring. I loved how she went after what she wanted, whether in her professional or personal life, as she was not going to let others shape her life. Now, that does backfire on her a tad as she makes not the smartest decision towards the end of the book by going after what she wants immediately, but at least she does it for all the right reasons.

The secondary characters in this book round out the cast beautifully. I enjoyed Alex’s siblings, Belinda and Rupert, and the relationship they had with each other. They’re so loving, caring, and supportive of one another. I liked that they welcomed and accepted Evie into their circle so easily. I like Alex’s Aunt, even though she was a bit scheming, as her heart was in the right place. Heck, I even ended up liking and sympathizing with Alex’s Uncle, who was set up to be the villain, but once you learn his backstory, he’s not so bad in the end.

Overall, I found this a delightful read that hit all the right notes with its romance. I thoroughly enjoyed reading Alex and Evie’s journey happily ever after and finished this book with a smile on my face, feeling warm and fuzzy. If you like your romances with low drama and low angst, the Love on Holiday series is perfect for you, and I definitely recommend you check it out!

Thank you to Avon/Netgalley for the ARC. All thoughts, ideas, and opinions expressed in this review are my own.

[Kat · Rating 4 out of 5]

Duke Seeks Bride is the third and final book in the historical romance series Love on Holiday by Christy Carlyle. I read and thoroughly enjoyed the first book and was excited to read this one. Though it didn't have the same magic as that one, this was a good, sweet and thoroughly enjoyable read. Each story stands alone, so don't worry about reading them in order.

Miss Evelyn (Evie) Graves is the personal secretary of the widowed Countess of Waverly. The Duke of Ballymore Castle in Connemara, Ireland, invites the countess to visit and assist him in planning an equine fundraiser; she is unable to attend, so she sends Evie in her place. Evie's never had a holiday and, after all, she does most of the work in planning the countess's parties and fundraisers anyway. When she arrives, everyone mistakenly believes she is the Countess of Waverly....everyone, that is, except Alexander Pierpont, the Duke of Rennick, who had met the enchanting woman in the Countess of Waverly's garden recently. Alex's family was hoping he would marry the countess or a rich neighbor to save the deteriorating Ballymore Castle and estate before he loses it to his uncle. Alex will be a hospitable host if she lets others believe she's the countess. However, as time is running out for Alex to marry a wealthy woman to save his home, will he be able to part with the woman who has come to mean everything to him?

The description of this story was a bit misleading: Just about everyone figured out Evie wasn't the countess in about five minutes flat, with the exception of Uncle George. Besides that, I enjoyed the basically sweet romance (with passionate interludes mixed in) between two people who normally wouldn't be together. Since her father died, Evie worked for the countess to support herself and her sister who was going to medical school. She was content in her job and was valued for her work, but she really wanted to be a novelist. While reading in the garden during a party at the countess's home, she was trampled by an incredibly handsome duke who fell on top of her. He seemed stern, but showed childlike delight when he saw a glowworm. And in an instant there was wonderful chemistry! Evie was a great heroine; she was a hard worker and did all she could to send her sister to school. She just wanted more for herself - writing, and then a handsome duke. But she was a practical woman, also. Evie knew they couldn't marry, yet she didn't deny herself the physical pleasures and companionship of this man, though she yearned for more. I just loved Alex! He loved Ballymore and had big plans for the estate: He planned to breed Connemara ponies with other horses, have a place for equine medical care, and the like. However, his horrible father left a stipulation in his Will that Alex would lose Ballymore Castle, if he did not marry within six months of his father's death, to his Uncle George, who would come around to remind Alex of that fact. When she realized that there would be no marriage between the countess and Alex, his Aunt Oona decided he should marry her wealthy friend's daughter, a young lady whom Alex's brother Rupert loved. Alex wanted to protect his family, home and dreams, but the heart wants what it wants. The chemistry between our hero and heroine was steamy at times, but it was the emotional closeness that drew me in. I enjoyed the supporting characters. Uncle George wasn't what he seemed; Rupert was an overacting flirt who really cared for his older brother; and sister Bel was kind and a good friend to Evie...but Aunt Oona? Alex should have kicked that meddling woman out on her buttocks! The epilogue was lovely; it was a fitting end to a good series.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed were entirely my own.

[Allison · Rating 3 out of 5]

Alexander Pierpont was unexpectedly elevated to be the Duke of Rennick's heir, a role he neither wanted nor was suited to, after his elder brother's untimely death. When he flees a ball to collect his nerves in the garden, he literally runs into Miss Evelyn Graves, his hostess's personal secretary, who had escaped the sounds of the party infiltrating her room to seek some quiet reading time outdoors. When Alex barrels into her, Evie wonders if it might have been a fateful meet-cute if she'd been an aristocrat like him. As it is, her father was disowned for marrying a common woman, and now Evie is a spinster with a job and a sister to provide for rather than a debutante with ballgowns and a duke on the horizon.

After that first impression, we meet our couple again after Alex has become the Duke. We learn that Alex's late father has backed him into a corner. He was desperate for his heir to see to his responsibilities, so he's threatened Ballymore Castle in Ireland, the place that Alex's mother would take her children to escape her husband. That safe haven will be inherited by an unsympathetic family member, Uncle George, instead of Alex if he remains unwed six months after his father's death. Alex would find himself landed with his father's debts but not a roof over his head. Quite reasonably, his siblings and aunt, who call the Castle home as much as he does, are in the mood to matchmake. His aunt's meddling has extended to inviting Evie's boss, Lady Waverly, to stay with them in Ireland and lend her famed charitable hostessing to a cause near and dear to Alex's heart. Hopefully, the widow will be so taken with him that she'll bring her giant fortune into the family fold, killing two birds with one stone.

Unfortunately for Alex's aunt, Lady Waverly is wise to these fortune-hunting machinations, so used to them is she. She decides to send Evie in her stead, with her regrets, on a "working holiday." Evie, who does most of the work that Lady Waverly is known for, anyway, will arrange the Equestrian Society charity event there, put off the Duke of Rennick, and come home a week later. The little excursion comes with a raise that will help Evie put her little sister, Sybil, through medical school, so she accepts despite her reservations.

The Duke and his family are shocked to see Evie descend from the carriage, Alex with the extra layer of surprise that comes from recognition. The matchmaking scheme has fallen apart, but the charity event must go on. Evie is determined to bring her trademark organization and eye for detail to her job, despite the general disappointment that accompanied her arrival. The Duke's sister, Belinda, is welcoming despite the confusion; it's his aunt who's most cantankerous about the replacement they've been landed with.

I found most of the characters to be kindly and lovable. It's the romance that didn't entice me. In a way, I appreciated how relaxing and tender-hearted it is with that feeling of a sweet crush first developing, but in another way, I missed the dramatic sweep that I look forward to in a romance novel. Sure, there are life-threatening moments, and people set against our couple, but why didn't I feel that tension then? I suspect we can thank that whiff of love-at-first-sight, which tends to bore me. Even the use of tropes I enjoy more didn't quite land. There's an "only one bed" scenario at an inn in the rain that's ruined for me because the characters act so recklessly. It's a local inn with plenty of onlookers when they arrive, and the Duke is a public figure of note. Since the two know they can't be together for Alex to get what his family needs, it has more the energy of a furtive one-night fling done poorly, rather than the typical use of the trope as a cleverly wielded bit of pressure to bring two people together when they're away from the limitations brought by prying eyes.

I liked the characters in this one. It was the romance that felt a bit lackluster with its combination of tropes and their execution. I know I typically love this author's lighthearted approach, so it's just a matter of this particular case, not a reflection of her style in general. I will continue to pick up her books in the future, but I'd recommend some of her other works over this one unless you love a whirlwind, easy love story. Thanks to Avon for my copy to read and review!

[Smitten · Rating 4 out of 5]

2 Reviews - 3.75 Average

3 Stars

“The memory of the man she’d met in the garden and her experience with the one who’d locked her in his study with him were so incongruent that she still couldn’t merge them in her mind. The two versions of the duke were like mismatched puzzle pieces. Or perhaps she was just too weary to put all the aspects of the distractingly handsome man together in her mind.”
Miss Evelyn Graves works as a personal secretary for the Countess of Waverley. She is sent to Ireland to assist the Duke of Rennick with a charity function in place of the countess, but what she doesn’t know is that his scheming aunt is planning on matchmaking the countess and Alexander. Everyone is shocked when Evelyn shows up in her place, especially Alexander, after they had a chance meeting months ago that he can’t stop thinking about.

Christy Carlyle’s Love on Holiday series is extremely low angst, and I think when I read this that maybe I wasn’t in the mood for it. If something is low angst, there isn’t much to push the plot forward, and that can make the story drag on and on. This did just that. She tried to add some plot devices like Alexander’s money issues and a scheming uncle, but neither was developed enough to frankly contribute anything to the story. They felt more like an afterthought. I also think there wasn’t much truly keeping Alexander and Evelyn from being together by the end. I expected more internal conflict from Alexander about his money struggles and her being a poor secretary, and how his home was at risk due to his lack of funds. I expected to see him fighting his desire for her much more than he did.

At the end, they decide that love is more important than anything else, but I struggled with that since it left me with more questions than answers. Even the epilogue left much to be desired. Overall, this one felt slower and less romantic than the first two books in the series.

If you’re a fan of low-angst historical romance writers like Anna Bennett and Erica Ridley then this series may be for you.

~ Michelle

4.5 Stars

Tropes: Road Trip, Forced Proximity, Class Difference, Working Heroine

Miss Evelyn Graves works as personal secretary to the Countess of Waverly. She is sent in her employer’s stead to Ballymore Castle in Connemara, Ireland, believing that she would be assisting with planning a fundraiser for an equestrian society. But little does Evie know that the aunt of her host – Alexander Pierpont, Duke of Rennick – is scheming to marry Alex to the countess!

This is the third book in the Love on Holiday series. It stands alone and is only connected to the others by theme. Just like the previous stories, this book was low angst with warm-fuzzy feels. These characters met by chance once before, so there is already an attraction between them. The previous Duke’s will states that Alex must marry in a certain time period, otherwise his mother’s unentailed family property will pass to his uncle. His pushy (but not mean-spirited) aunt is not happy to receive Evie instead of her employer, but Alex’s siblings join in the family mix and can see Evie and Alex’s connection.

I’ve found this entire series to be so enjoyable…perfect for beach reading or curling up on a lazy day. This book would be great for fans of Julia Quinn, Cathy Maxwell, and Charis Michaels.

~ Leslie

[Tina Ullrich · Rating 5 out of 5]

Alexander Pierpont, Marquess of Kirkham, Duke of Rennick, is a quiet, logical, studious man. He thinks about what needs to be done, goes over the options, and then decides. He is horse mad, wanting to carry on with his mother's legacy to care and breed horses. He was thinking of being a doctor until his brother died.

Marcus Pierpont, dead father, was a strict hard man. He frivolous at times, driven by his urges, but would find that one venerable point and crush that dream any way he could.

Ballymore Castle in Ireland, bought for his mother by a doting father who wanted a nobleman in the family, sacrificed his daughter who was in live with the brother, a second son, so that she married a title.

Uncle George, was in live with Alexander's mother but never told anyone. Now he is bitter and lashes out to family when he can.

Oona McQuillan, A bitter old lady who likes to think she is worldwise, however has never gone anywhere, tries to control the family but doesn't.

Alex’s sister, Belinda, eloped to Greta Green with her newspaper writer husband for love.

Rupert Pierpont, brother to the duke, wastrel, charming, care-free, likes to have others believe this of him. He is actually quite sweet.

Miss Evelyn Graves, Secretary to Lady Waverly, ( Countess of Waverly )is a closet romance writer, but has a back for organizing and Planning social events. She is detailed oriented, care for her sister who is wanting to be a doctor. since their father's death Evelyn has worked to support herself and her sister Sybil.

Duchess of Vyne, friend and faithful writing companion to Aunt Oona, is a comically relief with her straight forward speaking and expressions.

So come join the planning for a benefit of Ireland's horses. Find out who is matchmaking for whom, if the succeed is not? If the event gets planned, executed, and is a success. Who falls in love and what exciting things happen to come about!
Can a granddaughter of a duke who disowned them get her hearts desire?

Such a wonderful read that I was excited but sad to finish. These characters are so realistic that you just want to keep getting more. I wish it was more vividly descriptive on the scenery, but you get enough to imagine it. The story is creative, fun, and has just enough drama for entertainment. Aunt Oona, is that one that will just have you saying "really?" to yourself. Oh, I forgot Mr Chester or Chessie, the dog that is loyal and lives walks

[Krys · Rating 3 out of 5]

Right off the bat, let me nitpick something, and this appears to only be an issue on Goodreads, so it doesn't affect my review, but it needs to be corrected. The main character's name is NOT Aurelia in the final cut; it is Evelyn, aka Evie. And the Castle is NOT Ballycannon; it is Ballymore.

That being said, let me get into my review of the story itself.

If you are looking for a low-angst romance with not much in the way of plot or villainous characters, then this will be the perfect read for you. And don't get me wrong, for what it was, I enjoyed it very much.

The two main characters are adorable together, and I enjoyed every moment they spent getting to know one another. They complement each other very well, and it was undeniable that they had chemistry. There were even some secondary characters that I enjoyed, mainly Alex's sister Belinda and his brother Rupert. In fact, I kind of wish they would get stories of their own as I would like to see what happens to them.

The problem with this story is.... well, to be perfectly honest, it was a little boring for me. There is absolutely nothing standing in the way of their happiness. The fact that Alex needs to marry for money? Seemingly not an issue, as he somehow has the funds to start his horse breeding business that will make the estate profitable even though there are areas of the house that are in such a bad state they can't be entered. His "villainous" uncle who stands to inherit if he doesn't marry? He's not a bad guy in the slightest; just misunderstood. Sharp-tongued aunt? Easily put in her place by Alex. Even the woman his aunt had hoped to match him with when it became clear that Lady Waverly wasn't attending didn't add much drama to the plot. A few waspish words, and then she, too, was forgotten.

Now, I will completely say that this issue was one hundred percent on me, as I need my stories to have a touch of drama somewhere. In my opinion, that is what keeps them interesting, and sadly, this one just missed the mark for me.

DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.

[Whitney Theresa June · Rating 4 out of 5]

Miss Evelyn Graves, personal secretary to the widowed Lady Waverly, finds herself in the curious position of going in her employers stead, when the duchess is asked to host a charity luncheon in Ireland on rather short notice. Yet when Evie arrives, she is surprised to find the duke hosting the charity luncheon is the man who stumbled upon her three months prior in Lady Waverly's garden during a ball. A chance encounter which had stayed with both Evie and Alexander Pierpont, the Duke of Rennick.

For the sake of his dukedom and to save the crumbling castle in Ireland which has been his only home, Alex must marry within six months of inheriting the dukedom. The widowed Lady Waverly, seems the perfect candidate. Yet, when she sends her secretary instead, Alex rediscovers the woman he met by chance when fleeing the ballroom months prior. A woman who even in that brief moment Alex had felt a resonating connection with, which only grows the longer he is in her company.

Duke Seeks Bride was the perfect low angst, (slightly) slow burn story my heart needed. I was instantly drawn into the story by Evie and Alex from their meet cute in the garden during one of the Lady Waverly's charity balls. I loved both their reactions when they met again in Ireland, and how everyone could instantly tell there was a spark between them. I feel like the obstacles to their possible HEA were, as stated prior, low angst enough to allow me to completely enjoy the story. I love that there was no third act breakup and yet enough conflict to keep me connected to the story.

I found myself almost slow playing my read of this novel, because I just wanted to continue to revel in the heartwarming feeling it provided every time I picked it up. I just didn't want that feeling to end. In so many ways, Duke Seeks Bride reminds me of when I read Austen/watch an Austen adaptation. That perfect contentment mixed with the giddy feeling of a love story.

Thank you to the publisher for an eARC in exchange for an honest review.