About the Book:
Title: A Sure Duke
Author: Christi Caldwell
Series: The McQuoids of Mayfair #1
Page Length: 312
Publication Date: Jan. 9, 2024
Publisher: Montlake
Synopsis: For a proper lady of the ton and the improper lord she’s mad for, love becomes an adventure in a rapturous and romantic romp by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell. Alexandra Bradbury and Dallin McQuoid are neighbors who couldn’t be more different. She’s prim, mindful, and skittish of social improprieties. Dallin is slightly scandalous, boisterously charming, and unbothered by gossip. On an unexpected night of magic forged under the stars, they discover what they do have in common. Could theirs be a rare love match that might last forever? But everything changes in a a death in the Bradbury family, financial ruin, and Alexandra’s betrothal to a wickedly wealthy marquess. Alexandra is expected to do what’s best for her family, regardless of her heart. Until another crisis arises, and the dutiful daughter must embark on a journey with the waggish lord across the street to prevent a catastrophe for both of their families. Along the road, will their stars finally align?
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My Review:
First of all, how gorgeous is that cover? I was swooning over this love story before I even started it, and I had a feeling I was going to love the book as much as I loved others by the author. I was correct! It’s a wonderful historical romance that made my heart melt on more than one occasion.
Alexandra and Dallin are such dynamic protagonists, and they have an incredible love story. Their first meeting was so romantic, and I can totally see why they fell so hard for each other. Between the talks of Shakespeare, the beautiful evening, the secretive nature of their encounter, and the stargazing, it’s positively swoon-worthy.
Unfortunately for Alexandra and Dallin, life got in the way. Now, a year after their first meeting, things are very different, and Alexandra’s duty to her family prevents her from following her heart. And, in fear of being shunned by society, she cannot even tell Dallin why she must marry another. It’s easy to see why Dallin is confused, hurt, and angry with Alexandra, and you also sympathize with her because of the situation she’s in.
Their situation also reveals how different their families are. While Dallin’s is very open, boisterous, and supportive, Alexandra’s is more reserved and proper. However, in both families, there is a lot of love. The families, though neighbors, don’t associate with each other, and Alexandra’s looks down on Dallin’s. It’s interesting to see how the family dynamics influence their decisions, actions, and feelings, and I so hoped that they would eventually see eye to eye.
I always love historical romances with road trips. This one is filled with tension and chemistry, and tropes that I adore, including only one room/bed! It is on this trip that Alexandra and Dallin learn more about each other and really start to let their walls down. more about each other and events from the last year that led to their present situation.
I thought this was a great story and a fabulous addition to the series. I’m a big fan of Caldwell’s historical romances, and I’m looking forward to reading more by her. Hopefully, well have more stories with Dallin’s amazing family!
Special thanks to NetGalley and the publisher for providing me with a copy of the book. All thoughts are my own.
Rating:
Favorite Parts:
- The romance.
- The writing.
- The road trip!
Favorite Lines:
He’d spent his life longing to know the excitement that came in exploring the world, only to discover that thrill wasn’t a place, but rather a person.
“Men have fashioned a world based on the idea women need looking after and they possess greater judgement. They make themselves our keepers and withhold power from us, and yet, women are also left attempting to sort out the messes men made.
