This was a really good book, I was completely hooked from the first page and stayed up way to maye reading because I couldn't put it down definitely recommend

*ARC received from Net Galley in exchange for review*

What a sweet and romantic story! This is my first by this author and I'm looking forward to reading more. This is #3 in a series but I read it as a standalone and while you do miss out on a few references to some backstories with other characters, I found I could still follow along easily.

We meet Alexandra and Dallin who have a very charming and romantic first meeting but then sadly are forced apart due to an unfortunate event. Will love conquer all?

While I'm not typically the biggest fan of the miscommunication/misunderstanding trope, I did feel this was done fairly well in this book. I really felt each character's commitment to their families and their hesitation for revealing their true feelings and talking it all out.

Alexandra was very likable but Dallin is romantic hero perfection! He was head over heels for Alex and it was just lovely. I loved being inside his head with the dual perspective. I really felt his feelings for her and his heartbreak that it might not work out. Our characters fall for each other very fast during that first meeting but I could see why, as they found in each other a kindred spirit in their desire to explore and be more than just the roles they were born to play.

I thought this was very sweet and swoony; however I did feel the ending was very abrupt. I would have loved an epilogue as a peek at their HEA-- they went through so much, it would have been so great to see them happy together at last.

I'm looking forward to picking up the other books in this series!

First of all, how gorgeous is that cover? I was swooning over this love story before I even started it, and I had a feeling I was going to love the book as much as I loved others by the author. I was correct! It’s a wonderful historical romance that made my heart melt on more than one occasion.

Alexandra and Dallin are such dynamic protagonists, and they have an incredible love story. Their first meeting was so romantic, and I can totally see why they fell so hard for each other. Between the talks of Shakespeare, the beautiful evening, the secretive nature of their encounter, and the stargazing, it’s positively swoon-worthy.

Unfortunately for Alexandra and Dallin, life got in the way. Now, a year after their first meeting, things are very different, and Alexandra’s duty to her family prevents her from following her heart. And, in fear of being shunned by society, she cannot even tell Dallin why she must marry another. It’s easy to see why Dallin is confused, hurt, and angry with Alexandra, and you also sympathize with her because of the situation she’s in.

Their situation also reveals how different their families are. While Dallin’s is very open, boisterous, and supportive, Alexandra’s is more reserved and proper. However, in both families, there is a lot of love. The families, though neighbors, don’t associate with each other, and Alexandra’s looks down on Dallin’s. It’s interesting to see how the family dynamics influence their decisions, actions, and feelings, and I so hoped that they would eventually see eye to eye.

I always love historical romances with road trips. This one is filled with tension and chemistry, and tropes that I adore, including only one room/bed! It is on this trip that Alexandra and Dallin learn more about each other and really start to let their walls down. more about each other and events from the last year that led to their present situation.

I thought this was a great story and a fabulous addition to the series. I’m a big fan of Caldwell’s historical romances, and I’m looking forward to reading more by her. Hopefully, well have more stories with Dallin’s amazing family!

Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.

A Sure Duke tells the story of Alexandra, a British noble from a family with a strong sense of tradition and decorum, and Dallin, a viscount from an eccentric family who sits on the outskirts of high society. A chance meeting on the rooftop of a townhouse leads to an instant connection which is compromised after Alexandra is forced to enter into an engagement with an abhorrent marquess. The animosity between Alexandra and Dallin is tested as they embark on an adventure to save the future of both of their families.

This story made me think of what it would have been like if Elizabeth took off with Darcy to rescue Lydia in Pride and Prejudice. Both Dallin and Alexandra struggle to see their way clear of their pride. I really enjoyed the imagery of the opening scenes, and can still imagine the starry rooftop of the dark terrace house where they first met. I found the story a little slow at times, and the ending a bit abrupt, but I enjoyed the strength and determination of Alexandra and the kindness of Dallin. I really enjoyed the McQuoid family who were eccentric, caring and quick witted. I look forward to other books in this series.

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

This historical romance was lovely. I had such a good time reading this story. The writing was well done. I would highly recommend this book!

I enjoyed this book very much! The story moved very well, the dialogue was snappy and fun, and it really keeps you glued to the book. There isn’t a boring part in any of the book. You expect a happily ever after but Christi Caldwell keeps it exhilarating right until the end.

The book refers to romances in previous books, in a way that made me curious about the other books. There are two: <i>The Duke Alone</i> and <i>The Heiress at Sea</i>. This book, <i>A Sure Duke</i> is the third book in the McQuoids of Mayfair series (although Goodreads lists it as #1). <i>A Sure Duke</i> can be read as a standalone, but I will definitely check out the other two books.

Alexandra comes from a very aristocratic and distinguished family, where she and her sisters are treated with the utmost respect and deference. Alexandra and her sisters are brought up with all the proper rules and are groomed to be perfect ladies. And they most definitely don’t interact with people that are considered beneath them. That is why they don’t associate with the McQuoids, their very interesting next door neighbors.
One night Alexandra lets her curiosity get the better of her and that is how she meets Dallin. They quickly discover they have more in common than you would expect.
Both Alexandra and Dallin feel entrapped; she by the restrictions of being a woman, Dallin by being the heir and thus not able to freely travel and explore the world. Their encounter is brief but their connection is strong, and they both look forward to meeting again in the future. But then Alexandra’s life is turned upside down and on top of that, she is confronted with a younger sister for whom she feels responsible to keep her out of trouble. When she tries to reason with her sister Dallin overhears their conversation in which Alexandra can’t divulge her true feelings about the McQuoids, and Dallin mistakenly assumes that is how she truly feels about him and his relatives. That she is haughty and snobbish and looks down on him, so he acts angry and accusingly. Alexandra is stunned by his behavior and thinks he never felt the same way about her as she did about him. They are both hurt, disillusioned and heartbroken but meet again on a journey to stop her sister and his cousin from eloping.
It is truly a lovely story. You can feel the heartbreak and the longing for each other, and why they don’t dare to share their true feelings.

The clash between Alexandra and her sister Cora at the beginning of the book is so incredibly well written, it’s heartbreaking! Throughout the book Alexandra’s agony and inner turmoil is obvious but she feels there is nothing she can do. Dallin too, feels trapped by his feelings for Alexandra. They are both the same, yet so far away from each other. It is so beautifully and realistically written! This doesn’t make this book heavy, but both of them are weighed down by the burdens they feel they must carry and can’t share with anyone else.

Their siblings, on the other hand, are carefree, cheerful and enjoy everything life has to offer. Bold little Daphne and the perceptive, witty twins Fleur and Quillon. It makes the book so much more fun and lively when the ‘unimportant’ scenes are also filled with fun characters and humor. Definitely potential candidates for the leading role in a new book.

I liked that the book had some unexpected twists that were both refreshing but not too far-fetched. It was fresh and realistic.
And I really liked the list of Ss!

If you decide to read this book, you will not be disappointed. It is a beautiful story and I can highly recommend it!

Thank you Netgalley, Christi caldwell and publisher Montlake for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

P.S.
I found two little errors in the book:
- Chapter 19: a part of a sentence accidentally disappeared: “As Dallin and Alexandra followed the proprietor abovestairs, Dallin’s…..”
- and Brone’s last name apparently is Smith but he is referred to as Brone Campbell twice in the book. I think Campbell is the better name since it sounds more Scottish than Smith, but I’m sure he cannot have two surnames?

P.P.S. What happened to the coach and the horses?🤪

Very good Historical Romance.. sexy, and good plot! Didn't give it 4 stars as it wasn't my favorite but it was still good!

One has to wonder how father’s can be so callous about providing for their family, even though he loves them. Forcing Alexandra to carry the burden of providing for the family by marriage to a despicable Marquess is just plain wrong. Watching the pain she and Dallin go through was heartbreaking. Leave to his boisterous family to finally talk sense into Dallin to do the unthinkable and win! This is an angst filled story, left on the edge of your seat throughout the whole book , finally to see love bloom. Would have loved to have had an epilogue with this story, but wonderful , none the less

I received this ARC copy for free and these are my own opinions.

A proper lady doesn't accept a dare. A proper lady also doesn't associate with the eccentric McQuoid family. Alexandra Bradburry normally does everything a proper lady is supposed to do, but a dare has her cross paths with Dallin McQuoid. That fateful encounter leaves Alexandra and Dallin longing to see each other again, but an unexpected family tragedy leaves Alexandra on the brink of financial ruin. To save her family she must forget about Dallin and be a proper lady and marry a marquess. Fate steps in and throws Dallin and Alexandra together to stop a crisis threatening to ruin both families and Alexandra’s betrothal.

I received an ARC for A Sure Duke from NetGalley. A Sure Duke is a wonderfully written romance. I love how both Alexandra and Dallin are determined to be proper and dutiful to their positions and families, but they can't resist each other.

I haven’t read a Regency Romance in a while and this is a new author to me. I liked the characters Alexandra and Dallin and their first meeting was daring and romantic. When Alexandra’s family secretly faces ruin the plan to save them means Alexandra can never be with Dallin. But they’re thrown together in strange circumstances and a race across the country ensues. There is a happy ending but it’s very abrupt and I would have liked a bit more.

4 stars

I enjoyed the first novella in this series, which I think was Myrtle's book. This story is about Dallin McQuoid and Alexandra Bradbury. Alex's family doesn't like the McQuoid's. Alex goes over to the McQuoid's house when they have ostensibly all left to find out what they have been doing on the roof. She meets Dallin and finds out that he's Ok and they star gaze together. Her father dies and Alex's mother manipulates her into becoming engaged to the heir of a Duke. Dallin hasn't been in touch for almost a year and Alex thinks he's forgotten about her. Dallin begins to think she's just money grabbing. Alex's sister and Dallin's cousin elopes and Alex realising that this could seriously jeopodise all her sacrifices dashes after them. The book then becomes a bit of a road trip. I would assume the fiance is going to be useful in other stories. I've read other books of this author but IMO her sentences seem to have become more complicated. It wasn't a bad story but it could have all fizzled out if the two protaganists had had a good heart to heart.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

*DISCLAIMER - I was very lucky to receive an ARC for this book, which asks for feedback/a review in exchange for a free copy of the book in advance of publishing. All views are my own and are not influenced or compensated in any way other than receiving the ARC.*

A Sure Duke begins with our female lead, Alexandra being dared by her sisters to break into their neighbours’ empty property. Only to get caught by our male lead, Dallin, where the two connect and find a mutual understanding in their plights - one as an heir, the other as a young lady in a patriarchy. A misunderstanding ensues a year later where they are to meet again and end up entwined trying to catch up with some family members.

I felt like the first two-thirds of the book gave a strong start as well as the inner battle of Alexandra in her struggles of making a sacrifice for her family’s benefit. I think I empathised with her as an eldest daughter myself and feeling the responsibility to look after and protect younger siblings. It was a difficult journey for Alexandra to go through, especially on her own with no one to vent to until the latter part of the book. I very much appreciated the way the main leads listened to each other and understood each other’s wants and needs. Neither of the main leads are bad people or treat each other maliciously, but the misunderstanding does get in the way multiple times.

The characters we see are pretty much limited to the Bradbury’s (Alexandra’s mother and two sisters) and the McQuoid’s (Dallin’s family) with the exception of two innkeepers and the Marquess at the very end. These other characters seem a lot more shallow and not fleshed out compared to our main couple.

In terms of intimacy, I’d say that the kissing scenes provided a better read than when the two of them slept together. The first time seemed a bit rushed in terms of writing and seemed to be over as soon as it began. Therefore, I’d say this is only slightly steamier than a closed-door romance.

Once all the characters reunited, I felt as if the story got a little rushed and I wasn’t a fan of the ending as it seemed a bit unrealistic and there was no epilogue or final scenes where we could see the couple happy once everything had blown over.

Overall, I found the writing easy to read and would recommend the author as an approachable way into historical romances. This was my first book from this author, and I believe through a few mentions in the book, this may be a stand alone in a series (I reckon this is the third book as Dallin’s two sisters are in happy couples that have very-historical-romance-plot descriptions of how they came to be together). If this is the case, I didn’t feel as though I’d missed out on any story but reading the other books may provide a more fleshed-out world than just this book alone.

I would say that this is one of the average historical romance books I’ve read. I would’ve given 4 stars for the book but settled on 3 stars as I felt like the ending was a bit lacklustre and let down the book as a whole.

I read this book as a stand alone, but this is the third book in the series.

I was drawn in by the synopsis and the beautiful cover and I actually had a lot of fun reading this book. I did find it hard not knowing the backstory of a few of the characters when reading this and I feel like if I had read the first two books in the series I would have enjoyed it a whole lot more.

That being said, I haven't read a historical fiction book in quite a while, the MCs were likeable, their romance was cute and very swoony but I felt as though the ending left me with more questions than answers, as it was quite abrupt.

I enjoyed the book but it was lacking something I couldn.t quite put my finer on in able to rate it higher.

I received a free ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I'm a sucker for "engaged to marry someone, but in love with someone else," especially when that engagement causes angst and misunderstandings. So the plot was very interesting, but the dialogue felt clunky. The FMC and MMC were somewhat sympathetic, but I didn't really connect with either. I kept getting pulled out of the story by jarringly out of character moments. <spoiler>Would Alexandra's mother really let her daughter further jeopardize a marriage that she needed in order to chase her sister to Gretna Green without a chaperone? Also, Daphne's line about Alexandra's betrothed, Wingrave, "Losegrave is what we shall call him because that is what you need to do. Lose him." </spoiler> I enjoy a lot of Christi Caldwell's books, but the characters here were too modern. Her many connected books have given us an alternate, more liberal Regency era with a noble class that is becoming very, very crowded.

A Sure Duke is the third book is the series of The McQuoids of Mayfair by Christi Caldwell.

Lady Alexandra Bradbury, eldest daughter of the Marquess of Queensbury is about to enter the following season when life changed her path.
Lord Dallin McQuoid, Viscount Crichton, future Earl of Abingdon is Alexandra’s neighbor and the eldest of the McQuoid brood of an eccentric family.
One night when Alexandra accepts her sisters’ dare she meets Dallin and both had a special moment that lasted a few hours. One year later their personal circumstances changed and they had to face several obstacles before they find their happy endings.

I don’t recommend to read this book as a stand-alone. Even though, you do not have to understand the other characters’ stories in order to read this, it helps to follow a sequence. Something I’d have loved is an epilogue, there are several things missing at the end. I’m sure the next book will answer some of them but considering there are a few more siblings and cousins, I’m not sure I’ll have the patience to wait for the answers.

Loved reading the captivating and engaging romance story. Alexandra has to marry a marquess to save her family from ruin, but when her sister takes off to elope, Alexandra has to come to her rescue, her driver is hurt, and she has to ask Dallin to help her. Read the highly recommended, wonderfully written, and a must read love story.

Christi Caldwell has done it again! I loved this book in the "McQuoids of Mayfair" series, and thoroughly enjoyed following along with Alexandra and Dallin's story. I fell in love with the characters and could feel the emotion between them throughout. I love that Christi's books regularly bring up areas where women were not equal to men during the time of the book and how that impacts the choices they have to make. This was a fun story to read but also makes the reader aware of the disadvantages Alexandra faced as a woman. The only thing I felt was missing was an epilogue to let us know what happened at the end as the book ended abruptly and left me feeling as if there was a bit more to the story that I was missing out on.

Did this book have to end? I enjoyed Alexandra and Dallin's journey from the beginning to the end. From the moment they met, I knew I wouldn't be able to put the book down. Never a dull moment with these two. The heartache and sorrow were written so well that it made me sad and emotional. Even the smiles and laughter was contagious. With all the emotions and added passion, this book leaves me feeling like it will be hard to get past this couple. Christi Calwell is an exceptional author that always pulls the reader into the story and falling in love with the characters. I am looking forward to more books in this series.

I received an ARC from NetGalley and Montlake Publishing for an honest review.

Lady Alexandra Bradbury has always been curious about her eccentric neighbor’s rooftop dealings. She sneaks off to see for herself, only to encounter the eldest McQuoid son. When disaster leaves her family destitute, Alexandra agrees to a loveless betrothal to an influential yet cold marquess. However, another crisis forces her to travel with Dallin. Alexandra never forgot their magical rooftop interlude. Will Alexandra do what is expected of her? Or will she risk her family’s ruination to be with Dallin?
Lord Dallin McQuoid is the future Earl of Abingdon. He is more interested in the stars than the ton’s gossip and glittery intrigue. Dallin confronts a would-be intruder, only to discover the beautiful yet proper Alexandra Bradbury. When they are to meet again, a year later, he overhears a conversation that alters his opinion of her. However, Dallin finds himself traveling with the lady to prevent a catastrophe from happening to both their families. Can Dallin ignore his heart? Or will he risk family ruin to claim Alexandra as his own?
I could not help but empathize with Alexandra. She is a woman who has always done what is expected of her, regardless how it chafed. Alexandra knew no other way until Dallin. He and his family’s unique dynamics opened her eyes to other possibilities. I like that. What I admire the most about Alexandra is her willingness to sacrifice herself for her sisters. She wanted to safeguard their future happiness and security.
Dallin is such a love! He knows how the peerage views his family’s unconventional interests and ways. And Dallin is not bothered by it. I adore that about him! He is also fiercely protective over his large, boisterous family, even though some annoy him. What I love the most about Dallin is how he differs from other aristocratic lords. He does not look down on servants or commoners. Instead, Dallin treats them as equals and with common courtesy.
A SURE DUKE is the third installment in Christi Caldwell’s historical romance series, MCQUOIDS OF MAYFAIR. I strongly suggest reading this delightfully fun series from the beginning. The first book shows the McQuoid families’ quirks and eccentricities. The second explains what started the strife between the McQuoids and the Duke of Talbert. I practically devoured this book in two settings, even forwent sleep to finish.
I just want to say I fell in love with this Scottish family since book one. They are not your typical snobbish, aristocratic family. I cannot stress how happy I am that the author decided to write more books about them. I do hope (hint hint) that Christi will pair a McQuoid with the jilted son AND daughter of the Duke of Talbert. That would be a fun enemies-to-lovers story!

Another story about the fun eccentric McQuoid family. What’s not to love?
Dallin is the eldest son who chafes at the restrictions of inheriting a title and all the responsibilities that go with it.
His large family is supportive and each chases their own dreams. Their rooftop is a gathering place.
Alexandra lives across the street with her stuffy aristocratic family. One night they encounter each other on the roof and lives change.
Enjoy the banter and characters as they go through their trials.
Hard to wait for the next McQuoid story.