Reviews

Someday My Duke Will Come by Christina Britton

bookish_kayy's review

4.0

I love a fake engagement, and I’ve discovered that I also really love historical romance as well. This was such a feat combination of the two. The characterization, the plot, it all flowed seamlessly.
The only problem I had was how much I really disliked the hero’s mother. I mean. Sheesh, y’all.
Overall, this was a hit for me, and I’d recommend the read.

jo_beth's review

emotional hopeful fast-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? No
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

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Content Warnings

Moderate: Miscarriage

saltycaroline's review

If it takes going to an English island with a fun name and a fake engagement to marry a hot young duke then that is a sacrifice I am willing to make

CW: Stillbirth, sexual content, emotional abuse, infidelity

I work for the publisher; all opinions are my own.

wildwhuck's review

3.0

2.5 about 50% I started skipping through pages. Toward the it would have sworn I'd read the book before

rainelle_barrett's review

3.0

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.

jcmbank's review

dark emotional hopeful lighthearted medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

3.5

allisonwonderlandreads's review

emotional hopeful medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? No

3.0

I love a spinster romance, and I love a fake engagement even more. Two for the price of one?? Yes, please. We return to the Isle of Synne with Clara and Quincy, two people adept at wearing masks that hide old sorrows. One wears a face of good cheer, while the other has the placid kindness of a spinster, a chaperone, and an older sister who had to take on responsibility too soon. Both are haunted by loss and unused to letting it out into the light. Clara doesn't know how to have fun, and Quincy lets his easy charm deflect deeper conversation. They fall in love quickly, but it's easy to understand why. They make a habit of defending each other and checking in when no one else notices something amiss. With an evil mom on the prowl who I wanted to slap silly, there are plenty of opportunities to look out for each other. If the secret of Clara and Quincy's lie comes out, another more powerful one could follow. It would have far-reaching consequences for Clara's family and could halt the growing feelings between our lovebirds. Worst of all, Clara would be devastated.

It took me a while to get into this one. Though I love an easy-going love story, and this book saves its hardest-hitting emotional punches for non-romantic situations (a nice change of pace), the instalove lacks tension for me. In some ways, the characters discover their feelings slowly, but it feels intense from the beginning in a way that didn't draw me in. I was on board with the romance because they have such a tender, open-hearted dynamic-- my investment in it just remained a bit surface-level.

Clara's journey starts with a fear of feeling superfluous when no one in her family needs her any longer. Her parents are gone, her younger brother is gone, and her sister is off to a happily married future -- one that Clara doesn't dare dream for herself. But this ultra-relatable concern gives way to dealing with a darker history (content warning: grief and loss of a child). I burrowed into my feels toward the end as Clara starts to let people in not only to support her in her grief but share her more joyful memories of those she lost-- including a child society would have her feel ashamed over. For a historical romance with a sweet love story and a heart-wrenching personal journey, check this one out.

shomarq's review against another edition

emotional sad medium-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes

4.5

isaborjam's review

emotional funny lighthearted slow-paced

• Plot- or character-driven? Character
• Strong character development? Yes
• Loveable characters? Yes
• Diverse cast of characters? No
• Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated

4.75

aliciasplendeur's review

5.0

Can I give this all the stars? Having already been introduced to Quincy and Clara in A Good Duke is Hard to Find, the first book in this series, made it easy to recall how much I liked these characters. Now, I love them. The angst when they both realize they are in love with the other was so palpable. Quincy is my new book boyfriend.

Lady Clara Ashford has spent her whole life taking care of others, especially after the death of her mother. And years later a rogue took advantage of her, leaving her to swear off marriage. With her younger about to be married Clara wonders where she'll fit in without any purpose. Until Quincy returns.

Quincy is back from America to visit his friends before setting off to travel the world like he's always dreamed. He also intends to confront the ghosts of his past and he stops at the home he fled years ago only to learn that he is now the Duke of Reigate. When his mother tries to push his brother's former fiance on him Lady Clara steps in declaring that he can't marry another because they are already engaged.

Thanks so much to Forever, NetGalley, and the author for this ARC to review.