I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful romance. It kept me reading far into the night. My heart went out to poor little Myrtle. Coming from a large family, she often felt invisible and ignored. As such, in this Home Alone revisited story, all her family, servants, and relatives leave to celebrate Christmastide in Scotland, early in the morning while she slept. Myrtle is totally alone except for the reclusive, brooding neighbor next door, who was rumored to be a murderer. But it was snowing and freezing in her house, and unable to start a fire, she had no choice but to reach out to her neighbor, Val, the Duke of Aragon. He was most unpleasant, nasty even, but he did help her, and she seemed mostly unfazed by his surliness. She was always happy and cheerful, in spite of her circumstances, and continued to sing Christmas carols (off key) and bothering him continuously. Learning that he had never gotten over his wife’s death, and the guilt he carried, she determined to help him live again. I loved his brother’s comment when Val refused to celebrate Christmas with his family. He told him , “ when we are gone, you will still grieve, but you will have missed the opportunity to spend time together while you could have”. So true!

The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell is the story of Myrtle and Val.
Val is a recluse after the death of his wife. Myrtle is a part of a large family that because of her quirky blue stocking ways they constantly seem to ignore her and forget about her. So, when they forget about her when they are returning home to Scotland it isn't shocking but does hurt. Myrtle works to befriend Val who tries to push her away but they slowly start to give in to their feelings. I really enjoyed this book and I am a huge fan of Ms. Caldwell so this was a must read for me.

I fell in love with the cover first, then I fell in love with the story.

This story is such a gem, I enjoyed every single page of this wonderful, funny, moving, sweet and fantastic book.

From the modern references to you-know-who (no, not him, the funny one everybody loves to watch on Christmas) to fairy tales to that story written by a Lady, this book was perfect. I laughed, smiled, groaned, blinked away my tears and totally and completely fell for Myrtle's charme and Val's gruff lovable attempts to keep her at bay.

Myrtle, who isn't perfect but definitely not resembles a turtle, burrows her way under those sky high walls that he erected straight into his heart, off-key song by off-key song, smile by smile. It seems, that in his efforts to build the walls as high as possible, he forgot to guard the ground beneath those walls - or maybe he just never had a chance when it came to this wonderful aggravating, always chattering (and singing, don't forget her singing) woman.

When Little Red Riding Hood met the wolf, there was no doubt who was the wolf but this time... who is the wolf? The one "everybody" sees as one - or those everybody but Myrtle considers to be harmless? And sometimes, wolves are just teddy bears in disguise, no matter on how many legs they walk around.

One pastry, one song, one laughter at a time, Myrtle changed Val's life - and I loved every minute of it. And when Scrooge finally succumbed to the magic of Christmas and, of course, Myrtle, and found his happiness again (with the help of our beloved Mr. Darcy to boot), I dried some tears and smiled so broadly that my cheeks hurt. I really really loved this book.

Very 'bubbly' style of writing for this historical romance, with the author obviously trying to make the story lighthearted. I would have enjoyed a darker take on the story, but that's just me. The first few pages are filled with so many family member's names, that my head was spinning. I'm not a fan when authors do this, as it adds nothing to a reading experience, but detracts - especially when the characters appear so briefly. I've really loved this author's books in the past, but her newer ones haven't impressed me as much. There are a lot of internal thoughts interrupting throughout the dialogue, so you have to dig it out of them, which was annoying. The heroine is only 17, so take note of that.

The story is based on the Home Alone movie, with Myrtle's family going to Scotland for Christmas and leaving her alone. with no one but her grumpy and depressed neighbour nearby; Val, a brooding Duke, (naturally), and his dog. The story is entertaining in parts, but it still felt really modern in flavour and I kept thinking about Kevin and how this story related to his story. LOL.

I liked it, but I didn't love it. My thanks go to NetGalley and the publisher for the eArc in return for my opinion. The book is now available on Kindle, and the audio is also included for free with kindle unlimited membership.

I’ve read quite a few books by the author in the past and unfortunately I think I need to stop now.
The last 3 books weren’t my favourites at all and this one I had to dnf after just 3 chapters. I’m really sorry but when I can’t get into a book anymore, I prefer to stop and not dragging and hating the story.
I’m usually giving second and thirds chances but this one might’ve been my last by the author. I’m sure many people will enjoy it much more than me.

Very grateful to the publisher for my review copy

So this book had a good plot and not something you see in normal regancy romances which I quite liked. I loved the Character of Val who started off dark and mysterious and you got to know the reasons behind why he is such a recluse.

There was a little bit of smut but I do enjoy sex scenes to have more to them. It was okay overal but I was disappointed after so much sexual tension and build up.

The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell follows Lady Myrtle McQuoid. She has been forgotten at the family’s London townhouse. She is sure they will realize their mistake and return for her. Widower Val Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon, enjoys being left alone with his dog. His broody nature does not enjoy the chatty young woman next door. When Myrtle detects a threat, she must enlist the help of the duke. Unable to leave her vulnerable, Val agrees to help Myrtle. Soon Christmas magic does its thing and love blossoms.

The Duke Alone is a very cute Christmassy historical romance. I liked how it took inspiration from Home Alone!

I have just recently started reading Ms Caldwell's books and have really been enjoying them and this one also did not disappoint. A Regency Home Alone, what a clever plot! Myrtle has always felt like she is easily looked over and her being accidentally left at home when her family all heads to the country for Christmas just seems to prove that point. Val Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon is a widower and the neighbor that just likes to be left alone. Devastated after his wife's and unborn child's death, he has removed himself from society and chooses the solidarity of his home. As much as Myrtle's chatter and spirited behavior annoys him, he can't help but be captivated by her.
Overall, a great story that pulled me in from the start an kept my interest all the way through. I loved the grumpy/sunshine pairing between Myrtle and Val and their chemistry was just amazing! An entertaining and enjoyable story, and I am happy to have had the opportunity to read this!
I received a complimentary copy from Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell just released and this holiday romance is a loose retelling of the Home Alone movie.

When you think of Home Alone you think of the middle child in a huge family being forgotten in the chaos of holiday travel, a curmudgeonly neighbour with a secret heart of gold and the two bumbling robbers that try to break into the empty house… we’ll all of that is here, but the hilarious hijinks that prevent the robbery are left out. I was looking forward to these regency era booby traps that were not to be.

What you do get is a slow burn, closed door, grumpy sunshine romance featuring a grieving duke and A forgotten about debutante. There was a lot of back and forth optimism/pessimism between the leads and Myrtle eventually wears down the reclusive duke and they find a mutual liking and attraction… BUT, he still fights this, since this 26 yo widower is too broken for her.

Putting aside the Duke’s minor acts of chivalry to his abandoned female neighbor, I still find this “Home Alone” scenario extremely unrealistic. Does she not have any other friends/acquaintances in town to aid her? Would the Duke not insist she have some of his staff if she refused to stay at his home?? Why would she stay there by herself?!? (I’ll admit these are common problems I have with the movie as well)

Overall, this is a cute holiday romance where the Duke learns how to let people get close again and our heroine discovers not only is she lovable but she was loved all along. Just make sure you go in knowing that you’re not getting the Christi Caldwell steam you would expect and no ridiculous traps either. If you come in with these expectations, it will be a treat!

I absolutely adored Myrtle and Val's story! It was so much fun watching Myrtle befriend Val and through that friendship what the walls that he had put up, slowly come down so that he could love again!

“Of all the uncertainties in the world, the one thing one could always rely on were those people who loved pups. And the Duke of Aragon was a man who clearly loved his dog.”

Dogs and Austen combine to make this a fun and sweet tale.

This book is incredibly sweet. If you have a love of pups, or a love of Jane Austen, or both, you have to pick this up. It’s a quick and easy read.
Our main characters are so adorable that my gripe is I wanted more time with just them. He lets the dog stay with her! She knows what that means and it is a huge romantic gesture, maybe my favorite romantic gesture in a romance novel. This also has a truly gorgeous proposal. However, every scene between them feels like he’s constantly trying to leave. Even though I understood that I would have liked longer scenes where they were just together.
The repeated use of the word “mayhap” instead of “maybe” did kind of take me out of the moment. But the writing is authentic and lyrical. I will say some of the plot lines, especially with her family, felt a bit rushed.
Definitely recommend for a fun winter read!

Star Rating: 3.75/5
Tropes: Friends to lovers, forced proximity, slow burn
CW: Death, death of unborn child, PTSD

I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.

A cute little read set at Christmas time with a lonely Duke and an impressionable, joyful young lady.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley in exchange of an honest review *

If you've seen the movie Home Alone, you will in short order clue in to the fact that the movie's plot is a major influence on our heroine's story. An eighteen-year-old young woman, newly returned from finishing school, mistakenly left behind by her family in a large, empty, leaking house. No food, no fires, no servants...and two burglars casing the place. But, what have we here? A grieving, reclusive, widowed duke just across the street? The possibilities are limitless and Caldwell cannily takes advantage of them all.

I love a grumpy-sunshine pairing and, boy howdy, do these two qualify. Val just wants to be left alone but chatty, carol-singing Myrtle, with her wild curls, huge dimples, and smile that won't quit keeps showing up at his door. Again, and again, and again. It seems the grouchier he gets, the wider her smile becomes. His horse likes her. His huge, scary-looking dog who doesn't like anyone but Val is a total marshmallow in her hands. And Val? He's quickly becoming befuddled, bewildered, and thoroughly charmed. He doesn't need this irrepressible bundle of sunshine in his life. Or maybe, she's exactly what he does need.

Caldwell brings a perfect blend of lighthearted laughter and emotional depth to this story of two people who both feel alone and out of step with those around them but slowly grow to realize they are exactly right with one another. There are hijinks and a bit of danger, plus sweetly poignant moments that tug at the heart. There's also a dog - Horace - who darn near steals the whole book. I adored him. I adored Myrtle with him. I can only imagine how he's going to be with any children Val and Myrtle have. I'm already smiling at the thought. If Caldwell has any thoughts about a novella (maybe next Christmas?) for this new family down the road, I'm all in!

A couple small issues: I loved Myrtle's constant singing but having all the lyrics included on the page got old fast. I skimmed through most of them. Also, I have a feeling some readers may be uneasy with how young and innocent Myrtle seems (she turns 18 during the book). To them, I would say, keep reading. I felt a bit of that in the early chapters of the book but found the ensuing growth and depth of her character during her journey organic and believable, leaving me happy with the balance of feelings and power within her relationship with Val. These two are meant to be.

The Duke Alone is going straight to my keeper shelf where it will be revisited this Christmas and every Christmas to come. It made me laugh, made me cry, and left my heart overflowing with joy.

*ARC received for fair and unbiased review

This story reminded me so much of Home Alone! It was uncanny how I kept relating it to Home Alone.
The heroine got on my nerves just a little bit. Well, to be totally honest she got on my nerves a lot! She is so immature in so many ways.
Sorry to say this just was not a good read for me. It was a struggle to get through it.
I may reread this at another time and see if my opinion changes.
Thank you to NetGalley, the publisher and author for the opportunity to read this book for my honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

The Duke Alone is a wonderful Christmas Story. Lady Myrtle McQuoid is one of six children in the family. In spite of that she has always felt a little forgotten. When her family heads to the country because of repairs to the household, in their haste to leave she is left behind. Not entirely upset she just needs to stay warm, until her family realize their mistake and return for her.

Val Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon, is mourning the loss of his wife and has shut himself off from the world. He just wants to be alone with his loyal dog. Myrtle decides to visit the Duke in order to pass the time. The Duke realizes that Myrtle has been left behind and is fearful of being alone. She thinks there are two men trying to steal her father's collectibles. So, she strikes up a friendship with the Duke in spite of his reluctance. Val does not think she is in danger but in truth it is closer than they both realize.

Myrtle keeps up at her attempts of friendship one day by revealing it is her birthday by showing him the cake she went and bought for herself. Val is shocked that she is all alone and on her birthday. Furious with her family, he slowly starts to accept her friendship as it turns to something more.

The men return to rob the house, and after rescuing her he decides there is no choice but to return her to her family since they have not come back for her. Val is forced to face his fears over his first wife's death from being in a carriage accident, by spending it inside with Myrtle. As they help each other overcome their fears they fall for one another, but Myrtle makes a decision that will change their futures forever.

I really enjoyed this story. Myrtle is a chatterbox and never stops talking which Val finds annoying and distracting. These opposites are perfect for one another as they both long for something they cannot find by themselves. This is a quick afternoon read that will make you laugh while reading it. Not your typical launch into society story, it is so much more.

Starring Valentine “Val” Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon and Lady Myrtle McQuoid

Trope: Forced Proximity, Home Alone, Grumpy/Sunshine, Widower, Debutante

This is officially THE BEST BOOK I read in 2022. I’m ugly crying af so hard I can’t breathe!! Myrtle and Val’s story… aw man!! So freaken beautiful it’s making my heart expand with the joy of it!! Honestly, a standing ovation and a salute to Christi Caldwell… she wrote pure magic and I will love this book year round and not just during the holidays!!

It’s always a slippery slope writing a widower hero…. especially one who obviously loved his first wife. Val thinks his life died with her and he is content to live in the isolated world he build for himself and his dog. Then little Miss Sunshine, aka Myrtle, bulldozes her way into his life and he starts to feel again. I love that she got him to smile and laugh… even when he tried to resist it. Myrtle is not a replacement wife…. but she is there to give him the love and happiness that he needs while they are both given this gift to be together… Omigosh I’m ugly crying again!

Myrtle feels forgotten by her family… which isn’t an unreasonable feeling considering that they DID forget her. But this gives her the wonderful opportunity to be alone-ish with Val, who lives next door. She’s able to just be herself with him and for the first time feels that she’s being seen, heard, and understood. I love that the more grumpy Val is the more cheerful Myrtle is. It’s like she knows it’s her superpower to crack the walls around his heart. She’s my favorite kind of heroine. And I’m so glad that she’ll be there to make Val happy!!

I’m just gonna end this with, I loooooooove Val and Myrtle so hard!! Thank you, Christi Caldwell for bringing them to life and telling us their story.

Favorite 2022 Book Couples List
Favorite 2022 Ugly Cry AF List
Favorite Book Published in 2022 List

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 reading this story over and over and over again!!

Once again, Lady Myrtle McQuoid has been forgotten by her boisterous family, but this time, they have left her in London, as they packed up for the country. So Myrtle must do all that she can to stay warm, fed and safe, especially given two men that are attempting to pose as workers for the builder, that her parents have commissioned to repair their house. When her next door neighbour, Val Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon, appears with his dog, Myrtle realises that she might have a friend. Yet Val is determined to remove himself from the nonstop chattering of Myrtle, a joyful and opinionated woman, who is always singing. Yet the more time in her company, the more her charm begins to wear down the reclusive duke.
Myrtle’s passion for life, despite her disappointment with her family, is definitely needed by Val. His past threatens to overwhelm him, and the pain he feels, oozes from the pages. I loved Myrtle’s determination to grabbing peel away the layers of Val’s past, without hurting him, was beautiful to watch. Likewise, Val’s genuine concern for Myrtle, restored her self-confidence. These two definitely needed each other, and I enjoyed watching their relationship grow.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

This is a voluntary review of an advanced copy.

At first, I was a bit annoyed that Myrtle was kind of childish but then realized that she was only seventeen! And from other reviews, I do have to agree that there was a bit of "Home Alone" to this story as Myrtle is left behind when the family takes off for Scotland.

Good thing she was able to get help from next door neighbor, Val, Duke of Aragon when the thieves decided to break in.

Maybe I missed the explanation but a couple things didn't make sense to me - why was Myrtle peeking into the Duke's windows? When the thieves were appended, did they ever find out if Mr. Phippen was involved or not.

I did enjoy the progress of their relationship as Val went from a grumpy bear of a man to realizing that he could have a second love in his life and there was no good reason for him to keep punishing himself for his wife's death in the carriage accident.

Not sure the mother's explanation made sense about sending Myrtle away for her own good and that it was not a punishment but at least their relationship was better. Enjoyed the HEA and following wedding!

BOOK REVIEW: The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell
2022 Publication Date: October 18

⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

T.I.M.E. Best Books By Genre | Best Historical Romance Books
T.I.M.E. Most Anticipated Books Of 2022

CONNECT WITH A BOOK | T.I.M.E. SIMPLE LIVING TIP
Accept responsibility when it is yours to accept... And accept that some things are simply beyond our control...

T.I.M.E. BOOK REVIEW:
The Duke Alone is a fun and enjoyable read, thanks largely to Christi Caldwell's delightful writing style.

The Characters You'll Love...
One of the things I love about Christi Caldwell's writing is that her characters feel like real people. Lady Myrtle is an easy character to root for; she's kind-hearted, intelligent, and resourceful. The duke, on the other hand, is more complicated. He's guarded and doesn't let anyone get too close, but there's something about him that makes you want to know more. Caldwell does a great job of slowly revealing his backstory and motivations throughout the novel.

The Romance Will Steal Your Breath Away...
Caldwell is a master of slow-burn romance, and The Duke Alone is no exception. Lady Myrtle and the duke have a tentative friendship at first, but as they get to know each other better, the sparks begin to fly. Caldwell writes their interactions with just the right mix of humor and sexual tension, making their relationship feel realistic and relatable. Throughout the book, you'll be rooting for these two characters to find their way back to each other.

Caldwell also captures the historical Regency era perfectly, with all of the manners and customs of the period coming through clearly in the text. The story itself is fairly predictable, but that's not necessarily a bad thing. Sometimes it's nice to escape into a world where you know exactly how everything is going to turn out. I mean... when you put a wonderful historical romance novel on your Christmas list, you do expect Santa to deliver, right?

Overall, The Duke Alone is a charming historical romance that will leave you smiling... So, make sure you leave Santa some cookies and milk as a sweet thank you...

Perfect for the romance reader looking for lighthearted historical romance novels to escape into.

With its delightful blend of humor and romance (with a very light touch for steamy historical romance novels), Caldwell's novel is sure to please fans of the romance genre. Just be warned... You may not want to come back to reality once you're done reading!... ✨😎✨

Pages: 316
Genre: Best Historical Romances
Sub-Genre: Christmas Romance
T.I.M.E. Jalapeno Rating:️ 🌶 (Mild Spicy)
Time Period: 1813 (Regency Romances)
Location: London (England)

IF YOU LIKE THIS BOOK THEN TRY…
Book: Remember Love by Mary Balogh (A Ravenswood Novel Series | Book 1) ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Movie: Home Alone

BOOK SYNOPSIS:
Christi Caldwell's The Duke Alone is a historical romance set in London during the winter season.

The story follows Lady Myrtle McQuoid, who has been left behind by her family while they travel to their country house for the Christmas holiday season. Lady Myrtle is content to stay at home and enjoy her new independence... And her natural curiosity and charming perseverance start to blossom.

But when the reclusive duke across the street reluctantly helps her with a few challenges, she finds herself intrigued and amused by his curmudgeonly ways.

As Lady Myrtle gets to know the duke, she also discovers that he is harboring a dark secret. When danger threatens, the duke must choose between protecting Lady Myrtle and safeguarding his own secrets and privacy.

Christi Caldwell's The Duke Alone is a heartwarming story of love and redemption that will stay with you long after you turn the last page.

A must-read book for fans of best historical romance novels. With endearing characters, a slow-burn romance, and just enough suspense to keep you turning pages, this book will keep you entertained from beginning to end.

BOOK CLUB DISCUSSION:
• What can you do or say to comfort someone who has endured great loss?
• It's never too late to find happiness and love.
• Sometimes the best Christmas gifts come in the form of simple acts of kindness.

BOOK QUOTE:
"We are living in a world where so much, where most, is beyond our control... " — The Duke Alone 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.

Thank you to Netgalley for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.

Hmm this book had promise but any chance of character growth or plot but fizzled right out.