I love a busy, hectic heroine and this novel did not disappoint. I also love a (slightly) secret identify and the issues and concerns that ensue when trying to balance both make for a fabulous plot line. She's busy and needed in all of the ventures she participates in both willingly and unwillingly and he needs to take a vacation from his overly serious persona. This sweet story is worth a read!

I absolutely loved this romance novel. Christy Carlyle is a reliable read, and she always delivers historicals with funny, sweet romance. I loved Maddie and Will and I loved this perfect store. It was a very fast read and I would definitely recommend it for a vacation read.

I love getting books from new authors. I love not knowing what to expect and being completely and happily surprised. That is exactly what happened with Duke Gone Rogue. This story of Maddie and Will is so soft and low angst. It is two people who find each other and then like each other and then more. It was set in Cornwall and so the small beach town was the perfect back drop for her gardening business and his vacation from his curmudgeon-y life in London. Someone said that it reminded them of older historical romances and I would have to agree. The steam was less intense, but the emotional connection was so strong. It was a perfect curl up with a blanket book.

In a refreshing change of pace, Duke Gone Rogue, completely avoids over complicated plots, lurking villains and the usual angst to provide a sweet and simple love story between Will and Maggie that fittingly feels like a romantic vacation.

After being pushed into taking a holiday by his sisters, Will resigns himself to spending a few weeks alone on the estate his father used for many of his scandalous parties and plans to sell as quickly as possible. Until, of course, he meets Maggie.

After a chance encounter in London Maggie never thought she would set eyes on Will again, but fate has other plans. In preparation for a royal visit that could insure the success of the nursery she inherited from her father, Maggie needs Will to gussy up the estate he wants nothing to do with and a bargain is struck.

While Maggie acts as Will's tour guide of sorts, finding ways for him to actively enjoy his "holiday", the two quickly become friends who are open and honest about their shared attraction while also aware of the duties that could keep them apart.

I loved how at ease Maggie and Will were with each other right from the beginning and even when things become intimate, it feels completely natural as though they have been together forever. A "happily ever after" was never really in doubt for these two and the ending was simply perfect.

I first read this story a few months ago, but wanted to re-read it again before writing a review closer to the release date and it honestly felt as though I was reading it for the first time all over again. Duke Gone Rogue will definitely be given a place of honor on my TBR-AGAIN list.

Duke Gone Rogue is book one in Christy Carlyle’s new Series — Love on Holiday. This was my first book by this author and I did enjoy it once the story got going. This is a mixture of opposites attract, Beauty and the Beast, and spinster finds love tropes. The story is set in 1894 and has a lot of the late Victorian details mixed into the setting. The majority of this story takes place in Cornwall which was a nice change from the repetitive London ballroom scene found in a lot of historical romance.

The two MCs are William Hart the Duke of Ashmore and Madeline Ravenwood, these two have their first chance encounter as William is being dumped by is betrothed. It’s a few months later when William is sent to Cornwall on a mandatory vacation that he runs into the alluring Miss Ravenwood, and their story really begins. The story is told from alternating POV which I always enjoy.

This is a story about figuring out what is really important in life and then fighting to keep it. The author does a great job with symbolism and the comparison of William repairing himself as well as the neglected Carnwyth estate. I found the growth of his character to be remarkable as he goes from being a heartless curmudgeon to a man with a huge heart who loves deeply. There is not a lot of sex scenes cluttering up the pages but as you read the story you are still very aware of the chemistry and attraction between the MCs.

So why the 3 star rating? To be honest I felt like the story dragged along until about halfway & I found myself almost considering a DNF. I didn’t care for the way Will’s sisters treated him, scurrying him off to Cornwall so his presence didn’t ruin an engagement party. Hello!! He is the bloody Duke and the one who was supporting his sisters. It was contradictory to me that he would allow them to treat him this way, when he had been doing everything in his power to restore the family name thereby helping his sisters find suitable husbands. I also was a little disappointed in the epilogue only being six months in the future (my own pet peeve) but I am happy it had an epilogue. Finally, I didn’t like that it took until almost the end of the story before these two actually communicated and admitted their love for each other.

So while I finally did enjoy the last half of the book I am not sure at this point if I will continue the series or if I will even remember these characters a month from now.



Overall 3 Stars ⭐️ | 3 Flames 🔥 — A good book.

This is a first book by this author for me and it was not great but good. I base a really good book on whether or not I want to just keep reading until I finish it and this was one I could easily set down. It was a nice story with fairly bland characters. It just didn't really catch my attention and hold it until the end. Nothing against the author I just felt like the story was not that exciting.

I enjoyed Christy Carlyle's previous serious' The Duke's Den and so looked forward to this new series. I found this book funny, cute, and charming. The book is about Will Hart, the Duke of Ashmore who the ton sees as such a grump to the point that his sisters demand he goes on holiday. While on holiday, he becomes smitten with Maddie Ravenwood, a young woman who runs her deceased parents' floral and gardening shop. She is also the person who is involved in nearly every town activity including the activity to prepare for Princess Beatrice’s visit. She asks the Duke to update his residence since it is an eyesore and over time she convinces him to do so. While on holiday, Maddie and Will grow closer and are able to be completely open to each other in a way that they are unable to be with others. Yet Will's holiday is coming to close and what does that mean for their developing relationship?

I liked Will and Maddie and loved how their relationship developed. I also liked that Carlyle focused on the relationship not on steamy scenes. There is some steam but sometimes it is just great to read a romance where you see a progression. Looking forward to the next book in the series.


Thank you to NetGalley and Avon for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Duke Gone Rogue is the first in Christy Carlyle’s new Love on Holiday series. It tells the story of Maddie and Will who encounter each other in a ballroom before finding each other again on the Cornwall coast. Will is a Duke who just inherited his title from his philandering father and Maddie is a horticulturalist whose farther was the late duke’s gardener. The two spend time together on the coast and find that they do not want to be separate from one another.

This book is a bit gentler than a lot of historical romances I’ve read recently. It reminded me quite a bit of the historicals from the mid 2000s in this regard. Maddie and Will were on page together for most of the book which I really enjoyed, but not much happened. This didn’t bother me because I got to enjoy them falling in love without the distractions of complicated subplots. The heat level for this book was a bit lower than most Avon historical romances but the tension was there. I’m excited to see what’s in store next for this series.

Thank you to Avon on NetGalley for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

William Hart, Duke of Ashmore, is on a mission to restore the dukedom from the scandals his father created. But staying out of the ton gossip has made him a joyless grump. His sisters insist he get away for a while, and he sets off for a family property he intends to sell. Madeline Ravenwood is hard at work preparing for the annual flower show. She is tasked by the committee to convince the duke to repair his ramshackle manor house before a royal visit. But spending time together has made Will and Maddie's attraction impossible to ignore.

This is the first book in a new series, Love on Holiday. I really enjoyed this book and it gave me classic 2000s HR vibes. Everyone wants to compare every new book to Bridgerton, but this book gave me that sort of feeling. Maddie is a quietly strong and capable heroine. She runs the gardening business she inherited from her parents, and takes on too many commitments because she loves her community. Will just needed a chance to get away from society, and duty, and allow himself to open up to someone. They make a (more subtle) grumpy/sunshine pairing. It was the perfect book for cuddling up with blanket and reading the day away.

Tropes: Class Difference, Working Heroine

* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #DukeGoneRogue #NetGalley

Will Hart, the Duke of Ashmore, is everything his father was not: scrupulously honest, forbidding, and apparently joyless. As a duke, he’s a catch, but as a grumpy stick-in-the mud, no lady knows quite how to catch his eye. When his sisters concoct a plan for him to visit a run-down family property in Cornwall, he reluctantly agrees, hoping it will be a chance for him to rediscover the carefree man he once was.
Madeline Ravenwood believes she can do anything she puts her mind to, including running the gardening business she inherited from her father and being a founding member of the Royal Visit Committee. Hard at work preparing for Princess Beatrice’s visit to judge their annual flower show, the appearance of a stern, handsome duke is a distraction Maddie doesn’t need.
Tasked by the committee to convince the duke to repair his ramshackle manor house in time for the royal visit, he agrees, if she will join him as he explores Cornwall. Spending their days, and nights, together, Will’s love for Maddie becomes too strong to ignore. But Maddie knows how different their worlds are and when the burdens of his title reappear, can Will convince her that she’s the woman he’s been waiting for?
Will and Maddie make a delightful couple in this delicious novel. Never mind that they were actually in each other.
Christy Carlyle is an awesome author.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the publisher and Netgalley. This in no way affects my opinion of this book which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

Duke Gone Rogue is my first book by Christy Carlyle I have had the joy of reading and I cannot wait to get my hands on her other works!

As a fan of historical romance, I was quickly drawn into the lovely little town of Haven Cove. (Of course, it gives me all the feelings of a historical version of Stars Hollow! Close knit community where everyone knows everyone, and gossip spreads like wildfire)

The characters are adorable too, especially our leading lady, Maddie Ravenwood. She's everything I look for in a relatable main character. She's smart and driven, and the romance that blossoms with the Duke of Ashmore doesn't take away from her independence and personality.

The Duke of Ashmore is a classic rogue who desperately needs to let loose and allow himself time to relax away from duties. I'd say this is a wonderful grumpy/sunshine novel if you're interested in that trope!

I cannot wait to see where this series takes us next and I hope to read more about the Duke's sisters, Cora and Daisy!

3.5 stars

Madeline Ravenwood and Will Hart, Duke of Ashmore, meet when Will takes a holiday to one of his estates in Haven Cove. Will is not well-liked by his peers because of his efforts to uncover all of his father's misdeeds. His sister Cora convinces him that a holiday was in his best interest and Will agrees. Little did he realize that Madeline was the same woman he met in London months ago when she witnesses his former fiance breaking their engagement. Madeline is attracted to the duke and though her life is devoted to duty to keep her family's nursery afloat and thriving, she takes time out of her busy schedule to spend time with Will. Can these two find common ground or will their fledgling love fizzle out?

This was an enjoyable story without a lot of conflict except for the H and h own doubts about being together. While a lot of time is spent on Madeline's nursery, only a few sentences are devoted to Will's quest to clear his family's name. I would have liked more backstory on this point as it was hard to feel the censure Society held him in without any examples besides the one of his ex-fiance's uncle. The romance between Will and Madeline is a slow-burn and when they finally succumb to their passion, it is not described in graphic detail. The story is a bit slow in parts, but if any couple deserves a HEA, it's these two. I'm looking forward to reading the next book in the series.

“Duke Gone Rogue” is a first time read by new author, Christy Carlyle to this reader. I thought the story was lovely and enjoyable.

Both characters, Madeline Ravenwood and Will Hart, Duke of Ashmore were likeable individuals although they have their own motives for being who they are. The heroine, due to her parent’s death has taken on running their flower business and has the skills and determination to make it succeed. Then there is the hero, despite his somewhat unlikeable to likeable attitude is bent on atoning for his father’s past sins and is trying hard not to follow in his path.

Sub-characters are the hero’s sisters who sets him off to their country estate in hopes that he could change his demeanor and detract from also ruining one of the sister’s betrothal party. Upon arriving to the diminishing estate, he encounters Madeline and the two become attracted on more than a friendly basis. I enjoyed the building relationship between the two and the complement of intimacy that I think took longer to come about. I do like steamy in my HRs and this one was a bit lacking.

There were some parts of the story that dragged or just died and that was the investigation into the father’s past dealings and plot of blackmail that fizzled. In any case, I think it was well-written with some iffy spots that could have been developed better, but it was an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading the second in the series.

Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

I absolutely loved this book! I received it as an ARC and have not read an of Ms. Carlyle's books before. The storyline between Will and Maddie was entertaining and sweet. I highly recommend reading it if you want a feel good book .

Big thanks to Avon Publishing for an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley. This review is being given voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

This was such a surprising read for me. I obviously loved what I read in the synopsis and was so excited to get an email saying I had gotten an e-ARC of the book because eit just sounded SO good!

Will and Maddie were such a great couple for me to read about. I love the way we are first introduced to them and how well their relationship development flowed. I think the writing in this book really made this top tier for me because of how well everything just came together seamlessly. I absolutely loved that there wasn't any big angsty scenes or an anxiety inducing third act mishap because this book was perfect without it.

Forewarning to my spicy scene lovers, this is very low steam and has a fade to black scene and the author kind of just glosses over the act itself with little details. And, as a spicy scene lover, I can tell you now that this did not affect how much I enjoyed this book. Would I have loved to see that for this couple? Yes, but the book and writing was so good that I didn't even mind/notice that much.

Duke Gone Rogue is the story of Will, Duke of Ashmore. Known by his family and around town as a responsible, boring duke, he is the complete opposite of his father who was known for wild parties, orgies and more. Madeline Ravenwood knows something about responsibility. After her parents died, she took over their flower business and takes it very seriously. When the two meet while Will is on holiday, they immediately feel a connection, however both are scared to leave their responsibilities aside to find love.

While I'm normally a huge fan of Christy Carlyle, and had high expectations for this book, it wasn't my favorite of hers. I was excited to be drawn into the story, and I found it to be a little flat. The Duke was honestly a bit of a bore to read about and Maddie's story was a little too drawn out talking about flowers and plants and shrubs. It left a lot to be desired for me, which was unfortunate, because the premise of the story did have me intrigued before I started the book..

Thank you to Netgalley and the publishers for the ARC in exchange for my review and honest opinions.

I absolutely devoured this unconventional historical romance.

Maddy is the queen of committees and the linchpin of her community's social calendar. She is also trying to keep the business her parents left her afloat. She's juggling so many things - and her carefully constructed world can't handle finding room for the temptation that is the implacable Duke of Ashmore. Her determination to keep her distance proves futile, as circumstances throw them together. She discovers the wry humor that lurks beneath his steely demeanor, the love of kittens that he disguises with his ducal propriety, warm encouragement and incomparable hugs, and an incredible ability to listen to her thoughts and fears and offer sound, caring advice.

Will is a man who knows what his responsibilities are. His father's peccadilloes and penchant for destruction wrecked the family's reputation and coffers. He has to keep an iron rein on his emotions, and remain constantly attuned to any rumors that will skew his sisters' chances for successful marriages. He has been called cold, haughty, arrogant and untouchable. But the capable, insightful botanist he exchanged banter with in a conservatory utterly decimates his defenses.

Rowing lessons, walks in the rain, and baring their deepest fears to each other lead to a feetfirst plunge into the shark-infested waters of an affair that has a time limit. They know that what is between them cannot last -- they have separate lives in completely different parts of the country, and a long-term connection isn't something they can consider.

But love always finds a way to bloom and prosper, and this happily-ever-after stole my heart.

I liked the heroine, Madeline Ravenwood, who runs a plant nursery that her parents had established. She also loves to breed flowers and design gardens. It’s nice to see a Victorian heroine with skills and a career. She is also very involved in her Cornish town and helps on several committees to help her community. She is the type of young woman who would be a super achiever in the 21st century. She’s also kind and sweet-natured.

The hero, Will Hart, the Duke of Ashmore, is basically a grumpy gus. He is obsessed with trying to atone all the sins of his father. It isn’t clear exactly what the father had done except sleep around. There are references to corrupt things he’d done, but it’s never really clarified.

So Will’s sisters ask him to leave town so his glum demeanor won’t ruin the youngest sister’s betrothal party. So he travels to check out a Cornish estate that his father bought but is now deteriorating. And he meets up with Madeline and the two immediately bond. There’s a bit of insta-love/lust going on with them, but I enjoyed seeing their relationship develop.

Despite having fallen deeply in love, Will is afraid that Madeline wouldn’t want to marry him and have to leave the life she has made for herself in Cornwall. It was irritating waiting around for him to actually pay her the compliment of actually asking her what she thinks.

I voluntarily reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book that I received from Netgalley; however, the opinions are my own and I did not receive any compensation for my review.

Will is a great big brother. He cares about what will happen to his sister's in the future and is able to take a hint and leave when needed. Maddie's a dutiful daughter and friend. She's kept her father's nursery going after her father's passing and helps wherever she's needed. They truly are perfect for each other. I love how this story unfolded and the ending is perfect.

A good slow burn love story.

This is my first book from this author and I really enjoyed it. I loved Madeline, how she is a strong independent woman running her family business, caring for the town, and is still loving/ kind. Will is wonderful in his own way, and it would be frustrating for everyone to want you to be like your father when you are trying to fix all the problems he made. A true slow burn love story that has strong character building.