Christi Caldwell's stories never fail to touch my heart and she's done it again with A Sure Duke, the third installment in her The McQuoid's of Mayfair series. I love this unconventional family. Cheers for lots of children for (hopefully) future books!

There's much to love about A Sure Duke. Meet cute? Check. Road romance? Check. Only one bed? Check. Grand gesture? Check! Caldwell uses all of the above to infuse this story with charm, adventure, a bit of spice, visible yearning, and some angst. Alexandra is, after all, being forced to marry someone else. She gave me two lead characters who captured my heart and had me cheering for them as obstacles to their happy ending kept piling up. There are some terrific family dynamics on both sides. I especially enjoyed the slowly evolving relationship between Alexandra and her mother as well as the one between Alexandra and her middle sister. And, of course, it was great fun to watch Dallin's sisters, Myrtle (The Duke Alone) and Cassia (The Heiress at Sea) take him to task when the situation warranted as well as give him their full love and support when his happy ending appeared an impossibility. I adore the sibling dynamics in this series.

I have nothing concrete on which to base these feelings but I find myself wondering if the disinterested man Alexandra was being forced to wed isn't quite the villain he's portrayed to be. His father, the Duke, certainly, but I have this gut feeling that there may be hidden layers to the son. Of course, I could be totally off track but I'll be watching to see if Caldwell has future plans for him.

In the meantime, I'll be over here imagining Dallin and Alexandra living their best lives together, exploring the world under starlit skies, until it's time for the next McQuoid sibling to find love.

For readers new to the McQuoids, A Sure Duke stands well on it's own. You can easily jump in here or for a more complete understanding of the McQuoid family dynamics, read the books in order. They are (1) The Duke Alone, (2) The Heiress at Sea, and (3) A Sure Duke. Whichever way you go, you're bound to be entertained.

ARC received from publisher via NetGalley
Fair and unbiased review

respected and the McQuoid's title comes from Scotland and they are considered unconventional in many ways. The juxtaposition of Dallin and Alexandra's family and social lives are at the center of this heartrending tale of love.
Dallin was a compelling man who was straining against all the duties of his earldom and wishing he could escape to see the world. He is a man who wars within himself, but his humanity is what made him so appealing.
Alexandra was the perfect, proper oldest daughter whose regimented outside hid a forward thinking, spunky woman. A jolt of reality after the death of her father, changes the futures of the Bradbury women and Alexandra is tasked with saving her mother and two younger sisters. She sets a hard road when accepting a marriage betrothal from a heart less Duke who refuses to court her.
Alexandra's and Dallin's first meeting was romantic and we are allowed to see their temperaments as well as the beginning of their attraction. Alexandra is not yet out, so Dallin makes a promise to come to her coming out ball to dance with her. The ball steers the plot into a rushed road trip that throws our characters into forced proximity which leads to misunderstanding, hurt feelings and discoveries.
There is lots of internal pining filled with angst and regrets. I read until the wee hours in the morning and found myself in tears over the heavy burdens Alexandra carried and the lonely, bleak future she faced. Dallin plays the gentleman, but each day they are together, he realizes how much he wants her in his life forever.
I love Cristy Caldwell's writing, but this book seems to have an abundance of internal dialog that was veering into repetitiousness. However, it didn't stop me from enjoying the story. I was a bit disappointed in the HEA because it just ended unexpectedly. I wanted more!
I look forward to reading more McQuoid family stories! Lots of possibilities with the number of children, extended family members and supporting characters!

BOOK REVIEW: A Sure Duke by Christi Caldwell
Series: The McQuoids Of Mayfair | Book 3
2024 Publication Date: January 9

⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2024

♡ T.I.M.E. TIP: Although it is a cumulative series, you can read this book series as standalone books since they are interconnected romance books… Meaning each book focuses on a different couple from the same "world" of the McQuoid family... As for me, I started with Book 1 and missed Book 2. But regretted it, as I felt a bit "out of the loop" of events referenced in Book 3... So, I intend to circle back to Book 2 and continue in order moving forward... I don't want to miss a single detail!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 312
Genre: Historical Romance
Sub-Genres: Regency Romance | Girl Next Door Romance | Interconnected Romance | Steamy Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: 1814 (Regency Era)
Location: London
Publisher: Montlake

BOOK QUOTE:
"Her eyes reflected back such hurt he immediately felt like he'd kicked a kitten..." — A Sure Duke by Christi Caldwell

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All my book reviews can be seen at This Is My Everybody | Simple Living | Denise Wilbanks at thisismyeverybody.com/blog/what-book-should-i-read

♡ Thank you to NetGalley for this ARC. I voluntarily chose to review it and the opinions contained within are my own.

This is the third book in the McQuaid series. This story is about Dallin, a Viscount, who is the eldest male in the McQuaid family. Dallin meets Alexandra one night when she sneaks into his empty house to see what it is that he and his brothers do up on the roof.
They have a connection that night standing on his roof, looking at the stars. Both parted feeling something special was beginning.
And then Alexandra got home and everything fell apart.
When they next meet, they are both trying to stop a wedding elopement between her sister and his cousin. She is engaged to a Marquis, so there is no relationship between them.
But as they spend time together, the feelings that surfaced at their previous meeting, continue to build.
I love the way Christi develops her characters and her storylines. I always get so caught up in her books that I have trouble putting them down. She makes you laugh and cry and sigh all at the same time.
5⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
I want to thank Netgalley for the opportunity to review this book.

This was an entertaining, well-written book. It was fun, sweet and I wanted to keep reading to find out what was going to happen. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

OMG...I loved the first two books in this series! Now we have the third and it's just a wonderful.

After meeting and almost falling in love, one absolutely swoony evening, a change in fortunes has Alexandra now betrothed to another, as Dallin wonders what happened! Then, another issue and Dallin and Alexandra are thrown together once again. This is just such a delicious addition to this series!

As a somewhat recent reader of Ms. Caldwell, I am always impressed with her writing, the depth of the story, and how well researched her stories seem. I may be binging some of her earlier series!

Thanks to NetGalley for an ARC of this book. The review is my own.

I initially snagged this book for its lovely cover design, and was so pleasantly surprised to see that astronomy featured as a connection between our hero and heroine. Isn’t it a gorgeous cover? The story begins with Alexandra being dared by her sisters to sneak over to her neighbor’s rooftop to determine what this silver spire is on their roof. Thinking no one is home, she is surprised to be caught by Viscout Dallin who thinks she is a burglar come to rob his family’s home. The opening banter between Dallin and Alexandra is perfection and their meet cute is both sweet and humorous—he teases her and she is so surprised to have this kind of encounter with a man that it makes her want to linger. It is clear that Dallin and Alexandra are enamored with one another, but since Alexandra has not yet come out, she makes Dallin promise to dance with her once she is debuted. The love of the night sky and stars features prominently and helps seal the budding romance between these two.

Unfortunately a lot can happen in two years and Alexandra and Dallin have not seen each other since their rooftop meet cute until it is time for Alexandra to debut. Expecting to see the same young hopeful girl he left behind, Dallin overhears a conversation and misunderstands Alexandra’s intentions. This miscommunication is crucial to the enormity of the book, and pits Alexandra and Dallin against one another. I found that the misunderstanding went on just a tad too long, but it does however set up sparking banter between Dallin and Alexandra as they both race across England to prevent a marriage from occurring.

I love a good roadtrip and it opens up so many possibilities for Dallin and Alexandra to reexplore their initial sparks of interest. You can expect some favorite tropes such as only one room at the inn, one bed, and enemies to lovers. This is definitely a slowburn and there were many times I just wanted to grab Dallin and Alexandra and scream, “tell each other!” to help propel them past their misunderstanding. The romance aspect is apparent in their internal thoughts and actions towards one another and I loved how they mutually loathed and pined at the same time, but I just wished they had gotten there quicker. I had so many beautiful quotes highlighted in my reading and found many moments to just sigh and swoon over.

This book is part of a series, but can easily be read as a standalone even though there are mentions to previous relationships. Christi Caldwell is definitely an author I hope to read again, and I’m curious to see what she will write next—it’s bound to be sweetly emotional and lovely. I received this advanced copy from Montlake and NetGalley. All opinions are my own.

I love Dallin and Alexandra. This was such a good book after I saw it was part of a series, I bought the first two books in the series. This is so great1 I love Historical Romances. I can't wait to read more books in this series.

This is the second book I’ve read by Christi Caldwell, but the first in this McQuoids of Mayfair series. I’m determined to read more immediately!!

Lady Alexandra Bradbury is a rule follower. The eldest of three daughters of the Marquess of Queensbury, her sisters describe her as “stuffy and proper.” But, Lady Alexandra has always been curious about the boisterous family next door and what the men do when they gather on the rooftop. One night, she takes a chance and visits the seemingly empty home to investigate–and is discovered by Lord Dallin McQuoid, the future Earl of Abingdon. The two fall for each other quickly and Lady Alexandra skips home, dreaming of a future courtship with the handsome Dallin. Yet, when she returns home, her world crumbles. A sudden death in the family leaves the Bradbury women destitute and the girls without dowries. Alexandra feels she has no choice but to accept a match with the hard-hearted Marquess of Wingrave, a man society has dubbed “The Devil.” Alexandra and Dallin are thrown together once again, however, when they join forces in a race to stop the elopement of Alexandra’s sister, Cora, and Dallin’s cousin– a match that could ruin Alexandra’s betrothal and the financial future of her family.

This was such a FUN read! The interaction and banter between Alexandra and Dallin is superb. Their trip adds adventure and misfortune while the two battle their misunderstandings and feelings for each other. And a mythological tale introduced at the start of the novel hints at the future for the “star crossed” lovers. There’s a little spice, but nothing too graphic– which I appreciate. If I had any criticism, I think the misunderstanding storyline was drawn out a bit too long, and I would have liked to see the couple fight for each other more. Still, this is a light, enjoyable read that I would definitely recommend.

I’m adding the first titles from the McQuoids series to my list, stat. And dare I hope that the Marquess of Wingrave gets a redemption story of his own?? I will buy that in a heartbeat.

Thank you to Montlake and NetGalley for a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

I was a bit skeptical going into this book because while I enjoyed the first two in the series, I had some small issues with each that kept me from really loving them. I’m so happy I have Dallin and Alexandra a chance because their story was my favorite by far.

Their chance meeting at the beginning is so wonderful, you’ll be smitten alongside them. And their misconceptions about each other will drive you crazy because they’re so obviously perfect for each other, but it’s still understandable why they both assume what they do. This is part regency road trip comedy, a brief foray into fake relationship, and 100% charming romance.

Watching them evolve and fall in love gave me the warm fuzzies. I only wish we got to see their future in an epilogue. They had such big dreams and plans, and I’d love to see how they all panned out.

I read this book as a standalone. I had a good time and I'd pick up the other books in this series.

The main couple in this book, Alexandra and Dallin, are likeable. Their first meeting was cute and romantic. The setting, the conversation, the stars. They just made the entire meeting very fairy-tale like.

Unfortunately the course of true love never did run smooth. There was confusion, anger, hurt. The miscommunication trope could be a little annoying. However, do not worry though, it's a HEA ending.

My only gripe was that the ending felt a little abrupt. Other than that, it was a fun read. The romance was cute, Christi's writing was easy to read. Pacing was okay too, better in the first half though. Overall, I'd recommend this book if you're finding an easy to read and cute historical romance with a little bit of spice.

Thank you NetGalley and Montlake for the arc copy. All opinions are my own.

It's hard to know where to begin because so much happens in this book!

Our lead couple (Dallin and Alexandra) had a memorable first meeting and strongly look forward to renewing that when Alexandra comes out in society, but now things have changed. Alexandra found out her family is penniless and is forced to enter an arranged betrothal to protect her family.

The two are brought back together when Alexandra's sister decides to elope with Dallin's cousin. Alexandra and Dallin embark on a road trip to Gretna Green to stop her sister from marrying his cousin.

These two get into all kinds of trouble on the way and, of course, fall in love, but they both know they can't be together, and oh, the longing!

I so enjoyed this book! Both leads were easy to like even if they were a bit boneheaded at times. There was humor and adventure, and I think Alexandra discovering ale will stick with me for quite a while.

My only complaint is that there is no epilogue. I'm not one of those people who always needs one, but this book needed it.

Overall, it's a really good book! I will absolutely be reading the other books in the series!

I received an ARC of this book via Netgalley. All opinions are my own.

*I‘d like to thank NetGalley, the publisher and Christi Caldwell for providing me with a free ARC in exchange for a honest review.

„A Sure Duke“ by Christi Caldwell is somewhat a sequel to the book „A Duke Alone“ and tells the story of Alexandra and Dallin. Alex and Dallin are neighbours who have shared the one or other snowball fight when they were younger. But because their parents don‘t get along, never had to chance to get closer.
Until the night Alex can‘t help herself but to find out what the strange thing on Dallin‘s roof is. As his family is absent and her sisters egg her on, she throws on her coat and wanders through the dark halls of the abandoned manor. Once she reaches the roof, she realises that the house wasn‘t abandoned at all and Dallin had caught her red handed trespassing. They bond over astronomy and desire to break free from the constraints of their status. Love has its first spark and Dallin promises to dance with her once she is out in society.
When Alex returns home she is confronted with the horrible news of her father passing. Even worse they are broke and the only way to save them is for Alex to marry the son of a Duke who couldn’t care less about her.
Two years after the faithful night of Alex and Dallin‘s meeting on the rooftop, they meet again during a ball. Well, kind of. Dallin overhears a conversation between Alex and her mother regarding him and his family, degrading them and promising to keep Alex‘s younger sister from Dallin‘s cousin. Angry and hurt, he retreats.
But when Alex‘s younger sister runs away with Dallin‘s cousin, both of them get thrown into an unexpected road trip on which they are forced to overcome their differences.

I want to start with everything I liked about this novel. Firstly, I am a fan of Caldwell‘s overall writing style. I get immediately thrown into her world and reading feels like watching a movie. Every character you meet in unique and fun, creating great interactions between them.
Additionally, I was over the moon for the Myrtle cameo, the heroine of „A Duke Alone“. I was too glad to see her again and happy with her husband. I loved her story and was excited to meet more of her family.
Lastly, I liked the way Caldwell wove Greek Mythology throughout the story. It was kinda like a re-telling, but not really. Still, I liked that about the book how the Myth foreshadowed the story and worked as a red thread through the story.

Now to what couldn‘t win me over. First, Dallin and Alex‘s age difference wouldn‘t have bothered if Dallin hadn‘t felt her up when he was aware that she might be under eighteen and he was already in his twenties. He instantly felt lust towards her even though she wasn‘t even out in society yet. On this notion, I also disliked how immature Dallin appeared for someone well in his twenties and the heir to an title. Dallin talks and talks about his duty and his responsibility to fulfil it, but then gets into a sissy fit with a young girl over small piece of conversation he overhears. He is so mad at her and constantly berates her, a young girl barely of age. Never once does he confront her though. He sulks and clashes out as her, but it never occurs to him that there is more to the story than a few seconds of conversation between Alex and her mother, a woman who hates him family.
The miscommunication trope in this novel is just simply annoying. I am usual not a hater of miscommunication as almost every single romance novel works with it in one way or another. But at a certain point the trope was just lazy writing and pulled the story like chewing gum. Like you are going to tell me that an adult of probably almost thirty years doesn‘t manage to have a proper conversation with a young woman he likes? Yeah, right.
Furthermore, the story felt so long. Like the scenes were never ending. The first scene was dragged over at least 5 chapters, the ballroom scene was of similar length. Either the scenes were never ending or almost cut short, creating a very strange pacing between spending chapters in the same scene or changing the scenery from one paragraph to another completely without any form of transition.
The ending happened way to quick. Alex and Dallin just made up…or at least somewhat made up and then immediately sleep with each other. Then they get discovered the morning after and are forced to marry. The End. Literally nothing happens after that.

Overall, a disappointment. It‘s not bad per se, but the story, the pacing and some of the character arc wasn‘t convincing. I saw a lot of potential for a great story, but the book felt rushed and weirdly constructed. I do not know if the published version will be much different, but I hope that some of my criticisms were erased by further editing.

Thank you to NetGalley for an eARC of a sure duke.

I loved the writing of this book and the characters overall. I did feel like the love story was a bit rushed and thrown together.

Definitely still recommend for a cute and happy read

Alexandra Bradbury and Dallin McQuoid are neighbours who couldn’t be more different. She’s prim, mindful, and skittish of social improprieties. Dallin is slightly scandalous, boisterously charming, and unbothered by gossip. On an unexpected night of magic forged under the stars, they discover what they do have in common. But everything changes in a heartbeat: a death in the Bradbury family, financial ruin, and Alexandra’s betrothal to a wickedly wealthy marquess. Then another crisis arises, and the dutiful daughter must embark on a journey with the waggish lord across the street to prevent a catastrophe for both of their families.
The third book in the series & is easily read on its own. Another engrossing, captivating romance from the author. Dallin & Alexandra were complex delightful characters & I was taken on an emotional journey with them to their HEA. The author always delivers & this is no exception. I was drawn in from the beginning & finished it several hours later as I couldn’t put it down
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Alexandra Bradbury and Dallin McQuoid are neighbors who despite their differences, fall in love under the stars. Yet when Alexandra’s father dies on that same night, leaving the Bradbury to face financial ruin, she must do all that she can to save them, even if it means never finding happiness with Dallin. So, when her sister runs away from home, she must find her even if it means Dallin must accompany her, if they are to prevent further scandal.
Christi Caldwell has again written a story with such elegance, and one that when finished, has me wishing for the next book in the series. This is a heartbreaking story of two people, so right for each other, kept apart by misunderstandings and truths withheld. The tension was palpable, and I began to wonder whether there would ever be any chance of happiness for this couple. A delightful addition to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

The fascination with stars.

I thoroughly enjoyed A Sure Duke.
Lady Alexandra Bradbury's curiosity gets the best of her of her neighbor's contraption, that she is compelled to steal a look. When the family is not home. Dallin McQuoid, the eldest son, a viscount and heir to his father, an earl, comes home and catches her stealing in. They bond over a telescope, but Alexandra is only seventeen, not yet eighteen and then her father dies. Fast forward a year later and there are no funds so of course, as a woman's lot, Alexandra must marry to save her mother and sisters. A marriage her mother and uncle arranged for her.

Dallin and Alexandra then enbark on a roadtrip to stop her sister from eloping with his cousin.
Forced proximity, only one bed (a unique one bed situation) but still, Alexandra is bethrothed to another man who doesn't care about her. Alexandra wants an equal parnership but she will sacrifice herself on the marriage altar. Dallin is too proper for his own good. Does he wait too long to long to tell Alexandra how he really feels?
Recommend.

An entertaining love at first site type of situation where their first meeting id very romantic but then life gets in the way. I always like a good road trip too so that forced proximity is added to the mix. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

A Sure Duke is the third book in The McQuoids of Mayfair series. I read the first one in the series, but missed the second, not sure how that happened. But these can all be stand-alone reads.

Alexandra, is the oldest Bradbury sister and finds herself in a situation that requires she marry not for love, but to rescue her family and, most importantly, her two younger sisters from being ruined from her father's lack of financial stability. An arranged marriage with the Marquess Wingrave is expected of her.

Alexandra remembers a night long ago when she broke into the McQuoid house and found Dallin, the eldest McQuoid brother. Dallin and Alexandra bonded during a brief meeting looking at the stars through a telescope. After overhearing a conversation that he misinterprets, Dallin finds out that Alexandra will be marrying the future duke, a sworn enemy of the McQuiods.

When Cora, Alexandra's younger sister runs off to Gretna Green to marry a cousin to the McQuoid's, Alexandra chases after her and runs into trouble, only be rescued by Dallin. They join forces to stop the wedding.

This was very entertaining. This is a wonderful addition to the series. The characters are strong willed and fun to get to know. The character of the Marquess Wingrave is featured as a potential match for Alexandra, and we have learned that he lost out on another bride previously which puts him at odds with the McQuoids. This leaves me to believe that he will be featured in another one possibly finding his own true match with one of the McQuoid sisters. I hope...

So, let me tell you about A Sure Duke by Christi Caldwell. It is an absolutely fantastic book that I would highly recommend! I couldn't put it down once I started reading it.
The story is beautifully written, and the characters are so well-developed. Each of them has their unique personality and struggles, which adds depth to the overall plot. The author did a phenomenal job of immersing me in the Regency era, making everything feel so authentic.
I loved the romance aspect of the book. It's sweet and heartfelt, with just the right amount of tension to keep you guessing. The chemistry between the main characters is undeniable, and their journey together is both captivating and emotional.
Aside from the romance, there's also a great deal of intrigue and suspense that keeps you on the edge of your seat. I found myself completely invested in the mystery woven into the plot, eagerly turning the pages to uncover the truth.
Overall, A Sure Duke is a brilliant read that combines historical romance with mystery seamlessly. With Christi Caldwell's captivating writing style and engaging characters, it's a book that I simply can't recommend enough. Trust me, you won't be disappointed!