A lighthearted adventure under the stars!

This is a sweet slow burn of a book. Christi Caldwell does it again with characters that really feel like people. Their story hooked me from the first page.
This was a little tense in parts, but sometimes that’s just what you want! I recommend the whole series so far!

Star Rating: 3/5
Tropes: Slow burn, enemies to lovers

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I ADORE Christi Caldwell. Her ability to blend modern writing with historical fiction is a masterclass. I've read the first two novels in this series and A Sure Duke was just as good as her other novels!

Alexandra and Dallin are a fantastic couple and their bickering plays off each other well. Alexandra is the repressed beauty that must abide by duty and Dallin is the handsome rake that sweeps her off her feet. Together, they overcome challenges and ask if love can truly conquer all.

ALSO ALSO: forced proximity on a "road trip" need I say more?

I’m in a Bridgerton phase so I was excited to give this a try, however it didn’t quite meet expectations. The enemies to lovers trope just missed the mark. I kept waiting for it to pick up and it never really did.

Ahhh I love a good Regency romp. This one was great. Good, strong central characters and a believable set of obstacles in their way.

This is the third book of the series The McQuoids of Mayfair. I have enjoyed the previous books so far and this one also did not disappoint. Dallin likes to live scandalously, not caring what gossip comes of it. Alexandra is all prim and poised and lives by society's rules. They couldn't be more opposite, but when they meet one night under the stars, something just clicks with them, and they both become smitten. But then tragedy strikes and they don't meet again until a year later. Dallin wants to pick up where they left off, but a lot has changed in that one year. But then a family emergency comes up which involves both of their families and they end up working together to resolve it, giving them a chance for their feelings from that magical night to once again resurface.
The story was well-written very enjoyable filled with witty banter and dialogue and I was engaged from start to finish. A very lovely addition to the series!
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

I do love a period romance, and this one was pretty good - but not my favorite. I wanted to love this more, but had a hard time getting into it.

I loved this regency romance book. This book was so good. I tore through this quickly. I absolutely loved Alexandra's and Dallan's story. They had problems that they faced and in the end over came them and they were together, like a perfect regency romance should. This is the 3rd book in the series and they are all amazing!!! The ending could have been drawn out just a bit, but I still loved it, it is still a 5 star read for me.
I just reviewed A Sure Duke by Christi Caldwell. #ASureDuke #NetGalley
[NetGalley URL]

Hello! :) Firstly, a million thanks for the ARC of this book from Netgalley. Christi Caldwell is one of the quintessential historical romance authors and always delights with every book she publishes. Whenever I see one of her books scheduled to be issued, I am excited and look forward eagerly to that story. A Sure Duke is a winning novel, to be sure. Alexandra and Dallin (terrific character first names!) are from different backgrounds, different families - quite reminiscent of characters in Shakespearean plays. My favorite tropes are when two opposing characters resolve their differences throughout the book and come together in chemistry and love at the end. In fact I think the road trip in the book is a metaphor and symbolic of this 'road traveled' for the two characters to find themselves as one. The story is lovely, and the writing evokes imagery of the scene in which I am transported from the first word in the first paragraph of the book to the very last. This is an excellent novel that I plan to read a second time. Thank you! :)

A very well written book. I delighted in every minute of this read. The characters were perfect and you just wanted to root for them the whole time.

3.5

3rd book in the series but can be read as stand alone

Dallin and Alexandra's families have been neighbors for a many years. Alexandra’s family does not like the McQuoids and view them as inferior. Alexandra breaks into Dallin‘s house where she is discovered. During this time she falls in love. Unfortunately life will lend her a blow that she was unaware would occur. As time passes, she realizes she hast to make a choice between doing what a beautiful daughter does or, loving herself.


Overall, I enjoyed the book, but I struggled through the lack of communication that occurred with this couple. It does have a nice happily ever after.

Thank you to netgalley and the publishers for the arc!!!

I wanted to like this book so bad, but it feels like I haven't had the biggest of luck with them recently and sadly I wasn't a fan of this one. As someone who loves period dramas, this one didn't hit the spot for me sadly.

3.5/5

Alexandra Bradbury and Dennis McQuoid are neighbors whose only interaction was on a star-studded, fateful night. But it’s been a year since that meeting, and a lot has changed. Although Alexandra has often dreamed of the dances Dennis promised, her circumstances have changed. She needs to wed and fast if she’s going to protect her family. And unfortunately for her, her mother does not approve of the quirky McQuoid family.

Dennis has thought about that night under the stars more times than he cares to admit. But after overhearing the distasteful opinions Alexandra and her family have of him, he forcefully squashes those dreams under his heel.

But when a family matter brings Alexandra and Dennis together to save the ones that they love, their forced proximity is enough to tempt even a saint. Dennis keeps trying to remind himself that Alexandra hates him. And Alexandra has to force herself to remember her duty rather than her heart. It’s a battle of wills to fight their attraction to each other. But like the pattern of stars in the sky every night, some things are just meant to be.

-Dual POV
-One bed
-Family rivalry
-Arranged marriage

Talk about sweating it out until the last second for that HEA. I enjoyed this book, but I’ll be honest in saying that I enjoyed the first two in the McQuoid family series more. My biggest, and really only, gripe with this book was the communication between our characters. At times I wanted to take the book and chuck it across the room saying “just communicate for the love of God!” It would have made things so much less angsty. But, I suppose, that’s part of the appeal of this novel to some.

Overall, it was an enjoyable historical romance novel. I really connect with the McQuoid family and find them utterly charming. They really know how to do a slow burn, forbidden romance.

My thanks to netgalley and publishers for an ARC of this book in exchange for my honest review. All words and opinions are my own. A Sure Duke is out now!

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

Wow, the beginning was so sweet and then totally changed when Alexandra's father died and left the family destitute. Dallin overheard a a conversation that hardens him against Alexandra and the remaining book is the chase to save Cora. During this time, they grow closer and just when you think they will get their HEA, they don't.

It wasn't until the final chapter that things turned around and finally - their HEA!

What I didn't get was at the wedding, Alexandra's mother total turnaround and agreeing to what she said would never happen in a million years...not sure when she changed her mind or why. Would love to know more about that!

Also, the ending was so abrupt, I want to know more! I am hoping that Cora and Brone will have their own book and get more explanation and updates in that book.

I enjoyed reading the book as there was lots of drama, tension, and enemies to friends vibe going on.

One magical night leads to windfall of love, lost and power to follow your heart but at what cost? This is my first book by Caldwell and it will not be my last, I was pleasantly surprised how fun this story played out.

Alexandra Bradbury and Dallin McQuoid are neighbors but could not be more different, that is till one night changes everything. Could their be a love match? However when Alexandra's father dies and leaves them in financial ruin. Alexandra is expected to now do what is best for her family. She must marry a wicked wealthy marquess. regardless of what her heart wants.

This is until another crisis happens and puts both Alexandra and Dallin in the same place to save both their families. The sparks are still there as much as Alexandra tries to fight it. Is there away she can have love and also save her family?

Thank you to NetGalley and Montlake for a copy of this story for my honest review.

Christi Caldwell's "A Sure Duke" presents a solid addition to the historical romance genre, offering readers a tale of love, redemption, and second chances set against the backdrop of Regency England.

One of the strengths of Caldwell's writing lies in her ability to create a vivid sense of time and place. From the lavish ballrooms to the sprawling estates, the author paints a richly detailed portrait of Regency society, complete with all its opulence and constraints.

However, where "A Sure Duke" falters is in its character development and pacing. While Lady Margaret and Lord Quinton are intriguing protagonists, their romance feels rushed and lacks the emotional depth needed to truly engage readers. Additionally, the plot often feels predictable, with few surprises or twists to keep the story compelling.

Despite these shortcomings, Caldwell's novel still offers moments of charm and romance that will appeal to fans of the genre. The supporting cast of characters adds depth and humor to the story, and the resolution provides a satisfying conclusion to the central romance.

In conclusion, "A Sure Duke" by Christi Caldwell is a solid but ultimately average entry into the historical romance genre. While it offers glimpses of Caldwell's talent for crafting immersive settings and engaging characters, it falls short in terms of pacing and depth, resulting in a story that fails to fully captivate its audience.

I really enjoyed reading Alexandra and Dallin's story. I loved their personalities and their storyline. It was a light-hearted and fun read. I read this book in one night and although there were some parts that I felt dragged slightly - it wasn’t enough to detract from my enjoyment. Although it is a cumulative series, you can read this book series as standalone books (as I did).

What a great story. This was a fast read for me but it was such a fun little adventure. I am so happy to discover this author too. After Alexandra Bradbury sneaks into the neighbors home they have a moment under the stars when he catches her in his home. She falls fast for Dallin McQuoid. Unfortunately her father has promised her to a Duke who doesn’t care about her. Then with her fathers passing the family is struggling in need of money. She will do everything she needs to for her family, no matter how desperately she wants to follow her heart. This was a great story and a fun adventure. The connection between the characters and the fun wit and conversation make for a smooth read. It was great to find a lighthearted feeling of romance and this is the pick-me-up you need. You will definitely love this one.

I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
I wanted to like this book as I like Chrisri Caulwell but this book was a bit of a disappointment.

The plot seemed to drag on and the book couldn't seem to hold my attention.

I didn't care about the MMC or FMC alone or together. They were so boring and one dementional.

An overly generous 3 stars.

A Sure Duke is book three in “The McQuoids of Mayfair” written by the talented author Christi Caldwell. Although this is the third book of the series I was easily able to enjoy without having read books one or two (although I plan on reading them soon). Overall I would consider this book to be a light-hearted, opposites attract, historical romance with a banter filled journey providing the perfect forced proximity situation that ultimately brings the two MCs together with a satisfying conclusion. The MCs of this story are Dallin McQuoid who is the eldest son of the boisterous McQuoid family, whose reputation among the ton leaves much to be desired 😉 and the heroine, Alexandra Bradbury, the oldest daughter of the Marquess of Queensbury, whose family is struggling after the death of her father. I loved watching these two as their relationship grew from neighborly friendship to love and of course Caldwell knows how to turn up the heat as their feelings for each other developed into passion.

I read this book in one night and although there were some parts that kind of dragged - it wasn’t enough to make me consider not finishing the story and ultimately didn’t detract from my enjoyment.

4 Stars ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ | 4 Flames 🔥🔥🔥🔥

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The third book in the McQuoids of Mayfair. Alexandra Bradbury and Dallin McQuoid are neighbors and are so different in their personalities. A story that grabbed my interest from the start and did not let go until the end. There will be drama, twists, turns and finally romance as these two work toward a happy ending. I will read this book again. I received a copy of this book via NetGalley and am voluntarily leaving a review.