Member Reviews

I happened upon this offering from Christina Britton, a new-to-me author, and I went ahead and got the first book in the series. I know - most romances are written so you don’t necessarily have to read the whole series. But I like to. It gives me an idea of the setting and the characters and the tone that the author is going for. Especially when it’s an author I’m experiencing for the first time.

I read “A Good Duke is Hard to Find” a month or two ago and really liked it. And once things started to settle down (regarding my To-Read-Right-Now List), I started on “Someday My Duke Will Come.” And, oh my sweet giddy aunt - I LOVED this book! It’s got so many wonderful romance tropes that I adore - a broken hero, a broken heroine, two stubborn people that slowly start to fall in love with each other, Shippers on Deck (I’m looking at you, Lady Tesh). There’s even an insufferable mother that gets her comeuppance, and in spades!

So before I continue, as this is a book that is yet to be released, there will be spoilers. Though I’ll try not to spoil things too much.

We first met Quincy Nesbitt in the last book, where he was introduced as Peter Ashford’s best friend and business partner. Quincy has returned to England after years of being away from his horrible family. His mother wanted to ship him off to the Navy after his father died, but Quincy ran off before she could do so. Now he’s back and quite wealthy and ready to put his past behind him so he can travel the world, like he and his father often talked about.

Except his three older brothers have all died and he is now the Duke of Reigate - a title he never wanted and was never supposed to have. And the dukedom is in ruins because - surprise - his brothers were all utter shit at managing the estate.

Oh, and Quincy’s mother is a hag of the highest degree. The story makes that crystal clear from the beginning.

Meanwhile, Clara Ashford is trying to fade into the background by promoting herself the Mother Hen of the entire family. She has no desire to be in society, certainly never wants to marry, and the story slowly unfolds her reasons for it. Reasons that she’s kept secret, even from her sister Phoebe, who she is otherwise very close to.

Clara’s great-aunt, Lady Olivia Tesh, is ALWAYS trying to set Clara up with eligible men and Clara hates it when she does that. Not just because Clara simply doesn’t want to marry. Her reasons for that run deep and cold - to the point that she’s buried them utterly and is simply out to help her family.

Except... her sister is getting married and her great-aunt really doesn’t have a need for her to be around. So, she’s trying to figure out where she’s going to park herself after she has obtained spinsterhood and is no longer needed at home.

Quincy’s mother tries to corner him into marrying this meek little church mouse of a lady (with a hefty dowry) and because Quincy wants nothing to do with his mother and she is good at making monstrous threats, Clara steps up and claims to be Quincy’s fiancee. Out of the blue. When no one is looking for it. Though the scheme does benefit both of them - Quincy gets his mother off his back for a little while and Clara gets Lady Tesh off her back regarding her unmarried status.

Though I will say that Peter’s reaction (and that of his wife, Lenora) upon finding out about this fake engagement is hilarious. As is every time Peter is shown stewing about the situation.

But the real shining light in this story is how Quincy and Clara slowly come to realize how much they love each other. All those dreamy fantasies about a couple who can’t live without each other - it’s all here. I don’t want to give away the journey that Quincy and Clara make both as individuals and together - but it is so sweet and so satisfying. It was one of those that made me want to run and give my hubby a big kiss and a hug because - dammit, I feel that way about him too.

(Talk about relatable :D )

Though I will say that Quincy and Clara’s interactions are only improved by the contrast of Quincy’s interactions with his mother. Clearly, the Dowager Duchess of Reigate is absolutely the villain of this story. But she is written in such a way that you know she isn’t going to win, and you definitely want to see how she gets thwarted. Quincy is not fooled by any of her society scheming and, happily, neither is Clara. Nor is any of Clara’s family, I’m pleased to say. Sometimes, you’ll have stories with these horrible society women and men that are just awful to others, but because they’re super-high up on the social food chain people have to pretend that they’re okay with all their shit and it’s annoying. But that does NOT happen here, so the Duchess of Reigate doesn’t get to run roughshod any of our main characters (poor Lady Mary, having to deal with that seabeast...)

Ever heard the phrase "A hero is only as good as the villain"? It definitely applies. Because the obstacle that Quincy's mother poses makes both Quincy and Clara even better characters when they get around her schemes and finally admit their love for each other.

Overall, the characters in this story feel human. These are people with real problems, not modern author-stand-ins trying to shoehorn message fic into a story. They’re also good people who’ve been given a raw deal, but who deserve whatever happiness comes their way. But as was established in the first book of the series, the Isle of Synne is a place where happy endings and true love can be found. I highly recommend this book, and this series.

Also, having gone back into the few books that Christina Britton has written before, I’m really looking forward to more of her stories!

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I enjoyed this quite a bit. The romance was fun, with thefact that they liked each other but were too afriad to say something.

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Clara is the spinster sister who has raised her younger siblings when her mother died. Due to secrets from her past, she feels she should never marry. Quincy is a duke’s younger son who runs away as a teenager after his father dies. Quincy comes back to England after making something of himself in America. Will he stand up to the evil widow duchess? Is Clara truly worthy of love? Both of them are not whom people see them as. I received an ARC from NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for my honest review.

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A wonderful and humorous love story. Clara and Quincy are two people in need of love though they don't admit that. Fate brings them together.
Clara had been betrayed earlier and Quincy wants to be in charge of his own life. How they fall in love forms most of the story.
The witty banter between the characters was fun to read. I really hope the author increases the steam level in her books.

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I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for letting me read this book.
It is the second in the series and I was lucky enough to read the first. It could be read as a stand alone, but it's probably beneficial to read them chronologically.
Quincy and Clara get to know each other better in this book, and pretend they're engaged to help each other out of some tricky situations. Ah, how easy it was to dislike the elderly duchess.
I enjoyed their chemistry at the start but I found that the plot moved a bit slower towards the end. Maybe it was due to the very sad circumstances of both characters. However, the ending definitely made up for it.
3.5 stars

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Wow! This book is simply beyond words! It is romantic, fun, entertaining, heartfelt, heart-wrenching, and truly just incredible! Whenever I picked up "Someday My Duke Will Come", I was whisked on an adventure with this moving story, and wish I could give this book far more than 5 stars!

This is the first book I have read by Christina Britton, and I can't wait to read many more, as she is now one of my must-read authors, and this book...one of my favorites! Ms. Britton truly knows how to bring the world and her characters to life, and her storytelling is just breathtaking. Her characters feel so incredibly real, and you can feel what they do: the joy, the hopefulness, the pain, the longing, etc. Some characters you will fall in love with, and others, you will despise. Their interactions are so vividly written, and I truly felt like I was right there with them watching everything occur. Moreover, the pacing in the novel felt so perfect, and every single moment is right where it needs to be to progress the story.

Clara is such a strong, beautiful, warm-hearted, loving, selfless person who always puts the needs of others before her own. She has endured horrific heartbreak and pain in the past, and, understandably, is guarded when it comes to opening her heart up and trusting again. However, she does not allow this to impact how she loves those she cares most for. When a certain situation arises, never could she possibly have imagined that a split second decision to help a friend in need could lead to what it does.

Quincy is such a gentle, caring, loving, heartfelt, and strong man who wants the best for those around him, as well as to find happiness himself. When he returns home after running away at a young age, never could he have expected what he finds out, nor what happens when he goes asking for his friend for help on the matter, and what this helps lead to.

(Possible Spoilers!)
I found myself rooting for Clara and Quincy's happily-after-ever from the very start. Their relationship is simply beautiful (even though it starts out as a fake one). Their deep understanding of one another, and the respect and love they share is so heart-warming to read, and they are there for each other through anything and everything. The love they have for one another starts to bloom long before they knew the other had feelings too, and they are just perfect for each other.

Also, Phoebe is simply adorable! I love how supportive and loving Clara's family and friends are, and there were quite a few scenes that made me tear up.

If you enjoy Regency Romance, I highly recommend this book! I found myself picking it up whenever I had a moment to see what would happen next, and absolutely DID NOT want to put it down! There are many moments that I was not in any way expecting (no spoilers here), and I found myself really pulling for, caring, and feeling for many of these characters. In addition, numerous moments had me simply swooning and smiling from ear to ear.

Thank you so much to NetGalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for the ARC of this novel, I so enjoyed it! All opinions expressed are my own.

Please Note: The author does deal with some heavier topics in the book, and I believe, she handles them with the upmost respect and care.

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A wonderful historical romance, Someday My Duke Will Come follows Clara, a woman who put her life on hold to raise her siblings. Now 31 years old and content being single, Clara harbors a secret from her past that haunts her. A caregiver to her family, she is drawn to Quincy, especially when he finds himself in a precarious situation.

A self-made man and passionate traveler, Quincy does not want the responsibility of being a duke, nor does he embrace the connection to his estranged family. When Clara comes to his rescue during several difficult conversations, they realize how his situation could help them both. Clara and Quincy agree to pretend to be engaged to stop familial pressures and expectations. Will they admit their feelings for each other aren’t an act?

I love the fake relationship-turned romance between Clara and Quincy! They both resist their feelings for different reasons, and they both have scars from the past that haunt them. I love that they find each other, and I wholly rooted for their happy ending. The way that Quincy feels about Clara is particularly heart-warming. He admires and respects Clara and sees her for the strong, caring, and resilient woman that she is.

Rejected and unloved by his mother, Quincy’s life changed dramatically after the death of his father, and Clara helps him heal. Quincy does the same for Clara when she confronts her past. I love that they save each other and support each other unconditionally. Plus, their chemistry is fantastic!

A story of love and forgiveness, Someday My Duke Will Come is a swoon-worthy historical romance with great characters! Though it is the second book in the series, it can totally be read as a standalone. Thanks so much to NetGalley, Forever, and the author for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

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Quincy Nesbitt was abused by his cold mother and his brothers, but loved by his dad. Overhearing his mother tell his brothers she was having him impressed, set him out into the night to get away.
He did well in America and made friends. His friend Peter found out that he was now a Duke and returned to London. Quincy followed soon after and decided to confront his cold family only to find out...HE is now the Duke. His brothers had died.
Peter's niece Lady Clara spent her youth caring for her siblings and would now have the freedom to do as she pleases when Phoebe marries. She has secrets she wants to stay secret and tries hard to keep them.
Quincy's doing battle with his mother and Clara's drawn into it. As they try to protect each other, they fall in love. Neither wants to marry until they realize it's the only way to share their lives.
This historical romance has some mystery, some angst, a bit of humor and strong family connections and friendships.
I requested and received a NetGalley ARC and offer my opinion freely.

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A swoon worthy, heart warming, and beautiful romance! The story follows Lady Clara Ashford and Quincy Nesbitt (newly titled Duke). Clara has no intention of getting married and has a devastating secret while Quincy has just been titled Duke when all he wants to do is travel the world and can’t wait to get away from his family. Quincy ran away from his family at a young age after his father died, attempting to get away from the pain his family caused him but he’s returned to visit his friend Peter, Clara’s cousin. Clara and Quincy find themselves in an unexpected predicament...... a fake engagement, to throw off Clara’s matchmaking attempts and leave Clara in peace, and to help Quincy fend off his mother’s attempts to trap him. The biggest issue? They just can’t seem to keep their hands off each other. I absolutely loved reading their story and finding more about them, Quincy and Clara both hold a lot of depth and pain, and have such a capacity for love and care. I adored getting to know them and their heart warming love story. I laughed, I cried, and I absolutely fell in love with both Quincy and Clara! This is such a great romance read, and I whole-heartedly recommend this for anyone looking for a romance that will touch your heart and maybe shed a tear or two!

*Thank you Netgalley and Forever (Grand Central Publishing) for sending me an arc in exchange for an honest review*

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This is a very touching story of two extremely nice people. No rakes in sight. Clara has known grief in her life. She's maybe two years or so older than Quincy (the hero of the story). They embark on a fake engagement and fall in love. The secrets which come between them end up creating a even deeper bond.

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This was such a heart warming tale of love and secrets.
The heroine is a 31 year old daughter of a duke that had waited on life to allow her to help raise her siblings. She had no regrets about it, but was content. Her brother was settled and her sister was getting married. Her great aunt was adamant that she get married and so she turned for help to her brother's friend, a mere mister. When the hero was 14 years old, he had overheard a conversation between his mother and oldest brother that he was to be sent to the navy. Instead he ran away to the merchant marines. Now 10 years later, he returns a self made man and visited his family to find that his 3 brothers had passed without marrying, and he was now the duke. His mother wanted him to marry the bride she picked for his oldest brother, but he had always been partial to his friend's sister who was a couple years older than him. This story is filled with hidden secrets and family love and the hate of a vengeful woman. It is a testament to how love and practicality can lead to hope and happiness. The characters were well developed and the reader would boo the villain and cheer the heroes. This story was very well written with little grammatical errors. It was a smooth story, easy to read and left me with a full heart.
I recommend this book to be read and give it 5 stars.

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This can be read as a stand alone or regarded as the next entry in a delightful series. Quincy, best friend of the hero of the preceding book, is a handsome, charming man who walked away from his family and his past when he was 14. Clara, cousin of Quincy"s best friend, also has walked away, but from her future. She is still suffering from an incident in her past when she was a teenager and has sworn to never marry. Of course, Quincy and Clara are attracted to one another and equally adamant to not get involved romantically. The two are very endearing characters with hidden depths and I totally enjoyed their story.

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4.5 Stars

“I love you so much it was as if I had lost half of myself when I thought there was no chance of a future for us…you are what makes me whole…”

Lady Clara Ashford has made it her mission to be the caregiver for her family, while secretly hiding a tragic pain she can never share. But when her younger sister becomes engaged, Clara finds she is adrift and alone even amongst her beloved family…that is until the return of one very dashing Quincy Nesbitt…

Quincy has long wished to travel the world and fulfil all the adventures he planned in his youth with his father. Before embarking on his grand tour, Quincy returns to London to visit his best friend only to discover his older brothers have passed, leaving him the title Duke of Reigate. Torn between two worlds, Quincy is once again becoming the victim of his mother’s cruelty…until an angel in the form of the beautifully strong Lady Clara gives him hope of something so much more…an opportunity to share an adventure of a lifetime…if only he can scale the walls she’s built around her heart.

The second installment to the Isle of Synne series is a slow burn romance I’d recommend to lovers of this genre! Quincy and Clara’s romantic tale will have you cheering at the end when they finally get their happily ever after…



**I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book that I received via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. **

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A tale of more mature lovers who have long been attracted to one another before launching into greater proximity through a false engagement. It is a story of quiet affection and great restraint due to long kept secrets and traumas unshared, great pain borne in secret. This newest addition to Ms. Britton’s Isle of Synne series is enjoyable, a paean to the highest of ethical choices when there is a whisper of love in the air. A welcome addition to the world of romance.

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A wonderful story with remarkable characters. The setting was breathtaking. I didnt want it to end. I was hooked from the beginning.

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3.5 Stars!! This is the second book in the series & the first one I’ve read. It can definitely be read as a standalone. HEA ending that I really enjoyed. I liked most of this book. I couldn’t get “into” the main characters & they seemed to fall in love without much romance. Most of the book I could guess what would happen. I really liked the epilogue, though I’d like to know what happened to the Duchess later in life. It was an enjoyable read, if a little predictable. For the most part, it was a good book that I’m glad I read.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an ARC that was provided to me by NetGalley!*

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Thank you netgalley for providing this ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I was not completely taken with this historical romance. While Quincy and Clara made a lovely couple there wasn't enough passion between them to keep things interesting. I would have liked to see more between them than just pleasantries.

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Starring Lady Clara Ashford and Mr Quincy Nesbitt... the new Duke of Reigate.

Tropes: Fake Betrothal.... From Spare to Heir... Older Heroine/Younger Hero (not by much)... Friends to Lovers.

“You are what makes me whole.” -Quincy
I know, right?! Clara and Quincy’s road to HEA pulled me in from the start... and by the time we reached the end, I was a puffy-eyed mess and emotionally exhausted. Holy wow, it was wonderful.

Christina Britton writes angst beautifully. I wanted to hug Clara and Quincy who are put through the wringer, repeatedly, but together come out full of love and hope for each other and their future. I was bawling so hard for these two... one of the best ugly cry af books of 2020!!

This is the 2nd book in the Isle of Synne series. And I am hooked on this world that Christina Britton has created. I absolutely can’t wait to see who else is getting a story.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My star rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!

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I enjoyed the humor and the witty banter among the characters in the book. The writer’s timing with the humor was well placed. I liked the comrade of all characters in the book. I like how the writer chose to have a leading character who was a joy to read throughout the book. The writer chose a plot based on a real situation that could have happened during the time.
Basically the plot was believable. As I read the story and as I was able to read 47% of the book. I found that the book was a steady note. Maybe a little more excitement placed here or there. Also, if there was more romantic interludes between the characters.
With the length of the book, maybe more four play/ steamy scenes with the leading characters. Readers would like to read the intense drama, extreme passion and a beautiful ending. I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy.

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A nice return to the Isle of Synne with a newly named Duke, Quincy Nesbitt and Lady Clara Ashford.

Quincy was a knight in shining armor to Clara and he somehow had a heart of gold being raised by a mother who despised him. Clara was a great match and was very deserving of the love he bestowed on her.

My only pet peeves were that Quincy’s mother didn’t seem to get what she deserved (got off easy) and what happened to the ring that meant so much to Clara. Did I miss something?

The romance was good but the heat level was a bit on the mild side.

The time span of the epilogue was wonderful and heartwarming. It was a good story and I look forward to more from Christina Britton.

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