Tracy’s Reviews – Page 246 – Flippin' Pages Book Reviews

Fortune Favors the Duke by Kristin Vayden

Series: The Cambridge Brothers, #1

Release Date: December 28, 2021

Lady Catherine Greatheart and Quinton Errington, the Duke of Wesley have much in common, but sadly most of it is painful. Catherine was engaged to Quinton’s older brother Avery, the previous Duke who tragically died days before their wedding. Now after six months of mourning Catherine’s elderly grandmother gently reminds her that she must reenter the marriage mart, something Catherine has been dreading.

Quinton “Quin” enjoyed his life as his brother’s “spare”, he taught politics and history at Cambridge, along with his friends, who also happen to be second sons. When his brother is killed at his own bachelor party, along with his friends (the elder brothers of Quin’s friends), he has no choice but to end his career and take up the title and the responsibilities that go with it. For months he tried to split his time between Cambridge and London, but now knows he can’t serve two masters and has resigned himself to London. Something he dreads, but as luck would have it on his first day back, he runs into Catherine. He is a little surprised by his reaction to her and tries to ignore it. But when his mother takes her under her wing and they spend more time together, the harder it becomes. It isn’t until Catherine’s grandmother suffers a traumatic medical emergency and Catherine’s future may be in jeopardy that he contemplates letting himself have a future with her, but is that even something she would consider, or does her heart still belong to his brother.

This was a good read, not perfect, but enjoyable with very likable characters. Based on my personal preferences, I wish the author had clearly stated when in time the story was set, I was able to piece it together by some hints that were dropped – Regency in case you are interested. In addition to that, there are title errors/inconsistencies and honestly, I wasn’t a fan of Catherine’s repeated declarations of love for Avery, the book is set just 6 months after his death, so for her to fall in love with his BROTHER that soon after his death was a bit off-putting – if her relationship with Avery hadn’t been touted as a love match, I probably wouldn’t have given it another thought, but she repeatedly mentions/thinks how much she loved him and lost him. In the end, while I didn’t love the story, but I did like it and I would definitely read the next book.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Duke Gone Rogue by Christy Carlyle

Tracy’s rating: 5 of 5 stars

Series: Love on Holiday, #1

Release Date: December 28, 2021

Madeline Ravenwood and William Hart, the Duke of Ashmore met quite by chance in Lady Trenmere’s conservatory, when she witnessed his fiancée jilting him. The woman was angry at Will and threw her betrothal ring at him while telling him how heartless he is. Madeline tried to escape unseen, but Will stopped her. In just a few moments, Madeline came to the realization that the jilted man was not only the most handsome man she had ever met, and he is definitely not heartless. Too bad she is returning to Cornwall in the morning and would most likely never see him again.

Months later, Will’s sisters convince him to take a holiday to Carnwyth, one of the properties his father purchased and was known for wild parties. Will has spent every moment since his father’s death trying to uncover his father’s misdeeds and set them to right, it has given him a reputation as heartless and glum, not to mention has caused more than one noble to worry about what sins Will uncover and reveal about them. It was that digging that caused his fiancée to dump him. At first, he resists, not wanting to miss his youngest sister’s engagement ball, but when his sister Cora reveals that several of his former fiancée’s family and friends will be that it would be best if he was not around, he grudgingly agrees to leave. He arrives in Haven Cove and learns almost immediately that his sister didn’t tell him everything he need to know, such as Princess Beatrice was scheduled to visit the town and the arrival of a duke would not go unnoticed!

Madeline has been running her family’s nursery business ever since her father died, and she has all but given up on romance. She keeps herself busy with projects and committees, but her heart isn’t really in it, which makes her feel guilty like she is betraying her father. She has often thought of the man she met in London, so when she realizes that the Duke is that man, it sets her heart aflutter and the Princess’s visit gives her the perfect excuse to see him – his house has been neglected and is an eyesore, she needs him to tidy it up before the Princess arrives. But to her surprise, Will is not really willing to fix up the house, that is unless Maddie is willing to help.

This was a well-written, nicely-paced story with wonderful characters. The book doesn’t really have any angst and nothing is keeping our lovers apart, save themselves and their desire to see the other happy. For me, it was a delightfully light, uncomplicated read filled with great characters, instant attraction, kitten infestations, carousel rides, flowers, royal visits, well-meaning siblings, bunting, steamyish love scenes, and finally a very sweet ending complete with a HEA and an epilogue. This is the first book in a new series which I am happy to recommend and will impatiently await the next installment!.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

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