I loved this book. What a wonderful story and 2 lives that are lonely and hurting. This romance had me laughing or crying and in the end sighing. Not much heat, almost clean for me but with this book I did not miss the spice. This is the first book I have read from this author but it won't be the last.

The Duke Alone by Christi Caldwell is incredibly charming. I admittedly read a lot of versions of the Pride & Prejudice story, but I’ve never (never ever!) read a Home Alone inspired story. It was absolutely adorable & totally unique. It had me smiling and giggling with all of the callbacks to the movie. Having said that, The Duke Alone is more loosely inspired by Home Alone rather than a direct retell. Reading this book in the middle of summer had me craving for the Christmas season. It’s the perfect Christmas read! I loved the main character, Myrtle, so much. She was feisty, brave, and quirky. I really enjoyed seeing this hero thaw throughout the book. He was struggling through his grief, and I found his journey to a new chance at love to be very believable. My one issue with the book was the heroine’s age. She is very, very young. I wish that she was a bit older. Other than that, the book was a sweet little gift of a book. Do yourself a favor & read it in front of the Christmas tree with a blazing fire & a cup of cocoa!

*I received a copy of this book from Netgalley, all opinions are my own.*

Historical romance meets Home Alone in this novel by Christi Caldwell. Myrtle is forgotten by her family and turns to the reclusive Duke next door to help her keep an eye out for thieves and to lend an ear to her never ending prattle.
I found Myrtle to be a young woman after my own heart-she talks too much, is obsessed with Jane Austen and refuses to dim her shine for anyone. Val is the grumpy to her sunshine and the trope is woven seamlessly into their story without Val being cruel or Myrtle being a pushover. I found both characters to be endearingly (and sometimes maddeningly) human in their misconceptions of each others’ thoughts and intentions. Overall I found this novel to be a light and enjoyable read, easily completed in a day.

I enjoyed the story, it has a lot of ups and downs and a bit of the good type of drama, a touch of mystery and a lot of chemistry between Lady Myrtle and the Duke that will keep you glued to your reader till you finish the story.

Lady Myrtle McQuoid came from a large family and had just arrived home after spending four years at a lady’s finishing school. The family was in chaos, they were moving to Scotland for the Winter months due to their house being renovated. While she had been away the Duke of Aragon had moved next door. A man who kept to himself and didn’t want company or anyone trying to nosy into his private life.

Myrtle wanted to see for herself the rumours of how he had gotten rid of his servants so spying in his windows, he caught her and sent her running. Myrtle woke up the day after only to realise that all her family had gone to Scotland but had forgotten her and left her alone.

All alone and convinced that thieves were looking to break into their home, she tried to make friends with the Duke. The Duke’s dog who looked more like a wolf befriended her but the Duke, wounded with the past four years didn’t want to get to know her.

Slowly the Duke started to like her and when the thieves did eventually break into her house, rescued her and decided to take her to her family in Scotland.

A lovely written clean romantic story about a Duke who felt his life had finished at the death of his wife and a young lady who thinks her family have overlooked her only to find that love can be found in the most unusual circumstances

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

I will be leaving reviews on Amazon, Goodreads and Bookbub

This is a truly delightful, funny and heartwarming romance about a broken-hearted beast of a duke and a pesky, clever but underappreciated young woman trying to find her own voice in a loud, overwhelming family. I really enjoyed the character growth and growing intimacy between the two main characters as they realized how their seemingly opposing characters really complemented each other and challenged each other. But my favorite character was absolutely the adorable (if imposing) canine sidekick Horace!

5 stars

A cute winter read just in time for the Christmas season. Talk about toe-curling and cheeky smiling moments in this grumpy falls for the sunshine romance. Myrtle is forgotten and left alone for her 18th birthday but after working her way in to her neighbour, the Duke of Aragon's heart along with his dog, she hardly minds being forgotten. This is the type of romance that has you smiling and laughing to yourself as the characters cascade around pretending that they clearly don't like each other! Their chemistry is undeniable - filled with hidden wants and longings. Mrytle is all but subtle as she makes her own way into Val's icy heart.. but oh boy, does she warm it!

okay, wait..

Talk about a feel good romance that keeps you hooked and sated to the end! I do admit, the fade to black scene was surely disappointing... but one can imagine?

I do admit, the whole Home Alone homage flew right over my head whilst reading. It was only after checking fellow reviews that I noticed it (oops?) but nevertheless, and without it, this book was pretty awesome!

I read only few historical plots, but this was so well-written that I can't help but to look at the author's other works.

I marked this also as a light enemies to lovers, because Val at first did not tolerate Mrytle as much as he did in the end... but oh boy, it was a great ride. This made easy 5 stars for me, ticks all the boxes (except the lack of some good spicy time but totally not as needed)

so, to read or not to read?

110% for sure! This is worth all the energy and time spent! I would definitely recommend this if you're looking for one of those feel-good romances that is well written with everything you could possibly need. Might I mention.. one bed trope? like hell yes!

Thank you NetGalley and Team for providing me with an e-arc in exchange for an honest review!

I thought this book was adorable. It was such a charming, cozy romance. I normally don't prefer romances with "fade to black" scenes, but the dialogue and banter was so good, I did't mind. I love me a classic duke romance and this one did not disappoint. Myrtle, the boisterous and lovable heroine, is the middle child of a large Scottish family. She finds her self accidentally left behind by her family over the Christmas holiday. Like Home Alone if it was set in 19th century England. She turns to her mysterious and reclusive neighbor the Duke, Val, to keep her company. In addition to the budding romance between the two protagonist, there is also and interesting subplot of Myrtle trying to protect her home from thieves stealing her fathers prized collection. This book has some of the classic romance tropes. Slow-burn, grumpy/sunshine, and the fan favorite one bed trope. I really related to Myrtle. She is a girl who has so much to offer and so much to say but often feels left out on the fringes of both society and her own family. I also liked how Caldwell used Jane Austen and her novel Pride and Prejudiced throughout the book and to connect Val and Myrtle. One point of the book that bothered me a little, is her relationship with her family. I feel liked it wasn't really acknowledge that her family literally LEFT her! Like she was all like "there is nothing to forgive". She is a better person than me because I would have given my family hell. Overall, I thought this was a cute Christmas time romance and if you love a headstrong heroine, this is the book for you.

Kiddies, this is how you make an incredibly awkward relationship between a woman of 17/18 who thinks and speaks like a pre-adolescent (maybe that's why Myrtle was treated as such by her family) and a generally older widower man.

Plus, it's a Home Alone parody, you cannot convince me otherwise. It's very... Cringe. But don't get me wrong, I love the movie a lot! However, morphing it into a regency love story isn't the best formula for a winning novel.

I couldn’t finish this. The home alone plot line and allusions were just too close to the movie. All I could think about was Macaulay Culkin. The heroine was just too immature.

I was so excited to read this book. The set-up seemed right up my alley: miss/lady is forgotten alone by her family in London, and there is a handsome widower next-door... Unfortunately, this book did not live up to my expectations.
First of all, this is a closed-door romance (and it was ONE closed door scene by the 90% mark). If you dislike that (as I do), beware (I suffered so you don't have to, I guess). Second of all, it was kind of boring. There was a lot of singing (lyrics for Christmas songs written out), which I skipped because they were incredibly tedious. Third, I considered the FMC's characterization to have been weak. Like, she feels forgotten by her family and that is a source of a lot of her motivations, but the book itself proves that that isn't accurate. It's a lot of "telling" the reader how forgotten Myrtle is/feels , but a lot of showing (through the narration) the exact opposite. Fourth, there is also the problem of the MMC's late wife and her overbearing presence, or, rather, the grief Val feels for her. I did not think that he was actually in love with Myrtle by the end of the novel because he still seemed to be very much obsessed with his first wife. Fifth, Myrtle was so young (17 and then 18 years old), and that really bothered me because she actually seems to be 17 or 18 years old, and Val is obviously much older. Besides, every once in a while the vibes between them seem more like older brother-younger sister. Finally, I truly disliked the "Home Alone"-inspired plot with the robbers. It didn't mean anything, it could have easily been taken out and it wouldn't have made a difference to the book.
I just regret reading this book, I could have done better things with my time (and it's such a disappointment coming from an author I generally like).

1. 3 stars

Any book with a lead character called Myrtle is a winner for me! Fun story with more than a few shades of Home Alone. The Duke, Val (somewhat improbably Duke 'of Aragon'....) has retreated from society and people in general in the four years since his wife's death. When Myrtle is left alone by her family over Christmas they meet and he is bombarded with her cheerful chatter.

I enjoyed this book, the parts which describe Vals loss are so sad and you really are rooting for him and Myrtle.

This of course has the lovely predictability of a historical romance, yet the author has put the effort in to create some lovely twists. Parts of the plot reminded me a little of “Home Alone” which was quite amusing. Myrtle and Val’s relationship was intriguing and lovely to see develop, despite his enormous reluctance. An easy read which I devoured in a day and enjoyed a lot. The only thing I didn’t really enjoy was all the songs/singing and them all written out in full length- I ended up skipping those!

“The Duke Alone” by Christi Caldwell
Forgotten, Lost, Found & Remembered
I don’t remember when I fell in love with Myrtle. But I do know it was very early in this tale. I do remember my heartbreak for Val was from the very beginning. And, the adventures to be had by Myrtle as the story unfolds! Well, they are just too precious and could possibly spoil the story for you by sharing them here. This is a truly fun romance with suspense and pure joy. And a sweet clean Regency romance so I didn’t need to skip a single scene! Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion.
I received and ARC of this story from the publisher via NetGalley.

1.5 stars.

I think this book would have worked better as a novella
.
If you REALLY enjoyed the 1990 film Home Alone, you would kind of like this. Otherwise, I unfortunately think most should pass on this. There are sooooo many similarities to the movie, it kind of gets annoying, And in my opinion, the heroine was not likeable at all. I understand that she is young, and misunderstood, and teens can be annoying, but with the heroine, I had a harder time sympathizing with her because of the way she came off.

I've read other Caldwell books that thoroughly enjoyed, so don't give up on the author, just skip this particular book

How can I put into words how much I loved this book.

The description of the book made it sound like a Regency Home Alone story but it was so much more than that.

Myrtle has just returned home from finishing school to find her family and her home in uproar, the house needs repairing so the family are going to Scotland for Christmastide, unfortunately due to a leak Myrtle is left behind, surely they will come back for her when they realise she is missing.

Val lives next door to a very noisy family, nursing a fractured heart after the death of his wife Val has pretty much become a recluse with just him and his dog horace and a small staff.

When Myrtle realises her home is in danger from thieves she turns to the only person she can imagine helping her is her neighbour Val.

Val doesn't really want anything to do with the chit from next door but he is first and foremost a gentleman and has to assist just until the family get back, but what happens when she goes from being annoying to intriguing.

This was a fabulous book and I loved the fact there was really only the two character (and Horace) for the majority of the book. Had to love Horace.

Definitely recommend this book, we'll written, we'll described characters one of my favourite books the year.

This book was a play on Home Alone. Myrtle has just arrived home after 4 years away at school. She feels abandoned because she was the only child to be sent away. The family somehow all leave without her.

She comes across her neighbor a reclusive duke. She eventually softens him and they become friends over the course of several days. A break in causes the duke, Val, to take matters in his hands and take her to her family on Scotland.

There wasn't much intimacy and nothing explicit on the page. There was a LOT of singing with all the song lyrics in German taking of space.

In the end Myrtle's mother mentions how wonderful she is but never why she was sent away or any apology. Very weird.

Thank you to NetGalley and the publisher for the arc!

I enjoyed this book! The characters were well-written and consistent, and despite the story being very predictable, I liked it. The plot was easy and flowed well, and the writing was very easy to read; it was a relatively quick read. :)

The Duke Alone was my first Christi Caldwell book but it won't be my last. I loved this story. The heroine was so compelling and the conflicts that she and the hero faced dovetailed so well. Her personality was perfect to counter balance his and to coax him to be his best. I would read this book again because the story line was so good.

While some of the story may seem a bit improbable, the author made it all work. The opening scene was confusing with so many people, but it was meant to be that. Having a large family preparing to depart for a trip would have been chaotic and Caldwell brought that out.

The moment the family was gone, the story scaled back to focus on the heroine and the hero. They are a perfect couple. Even the oversized dog is adorable. I highly recommend this book.

Thank you to the publisher and Netgalley for an advance copy of The Duke Alone. All opinions are my own. #NetGalley #TheDukeAlone #ChristiCaldwell

Valentine “Val” Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon, is a widower. He has no interest in interacting with the world, especially with his nosy and rowdy neighbors. However, Val finds his solitude disrupted by a carefree chatterbox. The young woman continually disregards his numerous hints about wanting privacy. Val soon finds himself taken in by Myrtle’s optimism and off-key singing. When danger threatens her, he grudgingly comes to her rescue. Will Val make peace with his late wife’s death? Or will his misery cost him a second chance at love?
Lady Myrtle McQuoid feels invisible amongst her large and rumbunctious family. She returns home from finishing school, only to find them packing to spend the holidays in the country. When she awakes the next morning, Myrtle discovers that her family left without her. Alone in a cold and empty townhouse, she intends to make the most of her situation. Myrtle cannot ignore her growing fascination with her surly and antisocial neighbor. Can Myrtle help Val banish his dark grief? Will her family return for her before the holidays?
I have always had a thing for belligerent and sullen heroes. Valentine did not disappoint. I like Val’s inability to ignore Myrtle. She had this infectious way about her that helped lessen his grief. Her doggedness helped him finally put his late wife’s ghost to rest. What I love the most about Val is his admiration for Myrtle’s resourcefulness. He noticed that she was unlike most ladies in the peerage. Val liked how Myrtle did not play the hapless woman. That she met each challenge before her with exuberance.
Myrtle surprised me in a good way. I never expected to like her or her antics as much as I did. I absolutely adore Myrtle’s optimism. She did not let her family’s nonchalance daunt her. Myrtle remained true to her real nature rather than become the person her family expected her to be. What I love the most about Myrtle is how she never once gave up on Val. She did not allow his unfriendliness to frighten her off as it had done with others. Myrtle understood why Val behaved as he did.
THE DUKE ALONE is a standalone, holiday-themed historical romance by Christi Caldwell. It did feel odd reading a Christmas story in July since I had an advance reading copy, but the book is due out in October. I am not a fan of holiday-themed stories. Generally, I make a point to stay away from them, unless it is from a favorite author, and it is a part of a series I love. Since I have enjoyed two other books by this author, I decided to read more of her stories. The story’s premise has a HOME ALONE (as in the movie) feel to it. The author pays homage to Jane Austen and her most famous work, PRIDE AND PREJUDICE.
THE DUKE ALONE is a sweet tale of two lonely souls finding each other during an unprecedented time. I hope the author considers writing more stories about the McQuoid brood or Val’s younger brother. They all deserve their happily-ever-after!