Cover Image: The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx

The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx

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Member Reviews

Three enjoyable historical romance reads with plenty of drama and romance. The stories are fun and entertaining the characters are enjoyable and the stories put you in the Christmas mood. I really like it!

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The Duke of Danby is a meddlesome matchmaker, with a heart of gold and a love of his family… every last one of them. In the first anthology in The Duke of Danby’s Christmas series we have three enjoyable Christmas tales that might or might not have some help from our Duke with a Cupid’s heart.

I happen to love anthologies (or boxed sets for that matter) for they give me a chance to not only get a novella from an author I know and enjoy but to discover new to me authors as well. I enjoyed all three stories, On The Way to the Castle by Ava Stone, Three Little Words by Samantha Grace and Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain. I don’t really have a favorite from the group for they all were entertaining stories, each with unique twists and turns to the couple’s happy ending. The cover description gives enough of a look at each story to grab your interest, and I don’t want to spoil your reading enjoyment by saying too much.

I enjoyed this look back to Christmas in Yorkshire in 1817… and I intend to pick up the other two anthologies as well. If you love Historical Romance, especially at Christmastime, then you’ll find a treat for yourself with this group of entertaining Christmas tales. I would definitely recommend The Duke of Danby’s Holiday Hijinx to any reader who enjoys finding love in unusual circumstances, the joy of Christmas magic, and some really good stories to fall in love with.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*

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I received a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. The Duke of danby's holiday hijinks is a collection of three short novellas that's seemingly have to do with the Duke of Danby playing Matchmaker. However the role of the Duke seems very minimal in any of these relationships. Over all these books for okay however being novellas a lack a certain level of depth. An okay way to kill a couple hours.

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Anthologies often give the reader to learn new authors. That was the situation for me with this Duke of Danby offering. This book tells three stories with at least one character related to the Duke. The duke is up to his matchmaking tricks once again. Does he have a hand in these matches, maybe, maybe not. The couple's may have met without the duke's meddling, but I do feel somewhere he had to be an influencer, e does have a reputation to uphold. I found this an okay read, probably because I enjoy intrigue and danger in my reads. All in all it is a nice read, particularly Samantha Grace's contribution.

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I originally requested this book due to it having a short story by Ava Stone. While I enjoyed the tale by AS, and the following one by Samantha Grace, I found the last story by Claudia Dain to be my favourite and I’m happy to have found a new author to read!
Wonderful Christmas read... who doesn’t love a Danny novella?! ARC received from Netgalley. 3 stars.

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3.25*
On the Way to the Castle
Ava Stone
5*
Richard Plantier, Earl of Glasbury’s convinces Mr. Daniel Lacy to attend the Duke of Danby’s Christmas house party, it may be the last time he has to break the curse that plagues his family. On way they are attacked by highwayman and left hurt and stranded in the snow.
Lord Elston and his sisters Lady’s Lily and Amelia Woodward have been summoned to their great-uncle Danby’s house party. They dread going to the matchmakers but know they must and hope they do not come back wed.
The Woodward’s happen upon Richard and Daniel and help them to safety. Amelia cannot believe her good fortune, Daniel Lacy is in their coach and on the way to her great uncles home. She has pined for him since she met him when he was betrothed to her cousin. It’s to bad he probably hates her family since her cousin jilted him. Lily can’t help the spark she feels for poor Richard, she needs to see him healthy from the terrible head injury, she is so intrigued by him. What started off as a unwanted trip just might be a chance of a lifetime.
This was a very charming Christmas romance with good characters and a very cute puppy.

Three Little Words
Samantha Grace
3.5*
Victoria Eastland finds out her life as she knew it was a lie. Her parents and brother are all died and she’s now on the path to find her real family in England.
Gavin MacBride has been sent to escort Victoria to meet her family. He will do anything for his family even if that means chasing a girl he’s never met through the countryside.
Victoria knows traveling alone as a woman is dangerous so doning her male persona she sets off to Danby’s town. She runs into Gavin who needs help with traveling after someone, after offering to share the coach they find they enjoy each other’s company.
When the truth is revealed can the secrets be overcome with the trust and friendship developed or will these two go their separate ways?

Suitor By Surprise
Claudia Dain
3*
This was my least favorite of the three stories in this anthology. I felt it was wrapped up entirely to fast even though there was 14 chapters.
Judith Whitton has been in love for a year with Mr. Conley since she met at Christmas. She has not seen nor heard from him since.
Alfred “Affie” FitzHerbert has been sent to London by Lord Danby to dissuade Judith from her feelings for Conley. Affie knows Conley for the rake he is and vows to protect Judith, what he doesn’t know is how he himself will feel for Judith.
When Mr. Conley arrives in town Affie and Judith must find their way through a mass of feelings, truth and honor.

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Truly three magical holiday romances.

Ava Stone’s On The Way To The Castle - Ladies Lily and Amelia (identical twins) along with their brother set out for Danby Castle when Lily spots an overturned coach. Richard and his friend Daniel were also on their way to Danby Castle when they were held up by highwaymen. It contains a double romance. A delightful short story, well paced and held my interest throughout.

Samantha Grace’s Three Little Words - Gavin MacBride has the task of escorting his sister-in-law’s long lost relative to Danby Castle. How hard can that be. Victoria Eastland isn’t making it easy for him especially when she sets out alone and Gavin has no idea what she looks like. With no carriage to chase out after her, he shares a carriage with the lad he meets at the inn. Victoria and Gavin are well portrayed. Another delightful story.

Claudia Dain’s Suitor By Surprise- Judith the youngest niece of the duke, is not yet married. She is surprised that s suitor has not offered for her. Alfred knows Copley is a scoundrel. Alfred will try to distract Judith from her fatal attraction with Copley. If he does, Danby promises to fund his York Bridge project. Alfred and Judith are very likeable as is their bantering. A well written enjoyable read,

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The Duke of Danby is well renowned for playing the matchmaking. The novella begins with Ava Stone’s story ‘On the way to the Castle’ which finds identical twins Lady Lily and Amelia Woodward, rescuing the Earl of Glasbury (Richard) and his friend Daniel Lacy. Both Richard and Daniel, on travelling to Danby Castle, are set upon by highwaymen, only to find themselves rescued by the twins and their brother. To make this story interesting, Daniel was to marry into the family but was rejected by his bride to be.

Gavin MacBride finds himself escorting his sister-in-law’s long lost relative, Victoria Eastland, to Danby Castle, in ‘Three Little Words’ by Samantha Grace. He has had to put his plans to rectify the family’s financial situation aside, in order to complete this one task. However, Victoria makes the task even more challenging when she decides to go alone, forcing Gavin to chase after her. This was an entertaining read with Victoria making life very interesting for Gavin.
The last novella ‘Suitor by Surprise’ by Claudia Dain follows Miss Judith Whitton and Alfred FitzHerbert. Judith, the youngest niece of the Duke’s is infatuated with John Coply, who she met at the Duke’s Christmas party one year earlier. After a brief but intimate romance, Judith has struggled to understand why John has not offered for her. Realising that Copley is in no way good for Judith, the Duke of Danby offers to fund Alfred’s York Bridge project, if he will distract Judith from her infatuation with John. The dialogue between Judith and Alfie was very entertaining and their romance quite believable.
Three entertaining and enjoyable novellas that make for great reading. I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

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The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx by Ava Stone, Samantha Grace, Claudia Dain is book One in The Duke of Danby's Christmas Series.
This is a great Christmas themed box set with some really great authors that total about 320 pages. I totally love box set for reason I have given before...its a great way to find new authors and read quick stories from a treasured author. Theses sets are easy read that allow for them to be read when you need a quick book fix. Loved each story that was in this set. Here is a copied list of book introductions:
AVA STONE's ON THE WAY TO THE CASTLE...
Identical twins, Ladies Lily and Amelia Woodward may look the same, but they’re as different as night and day. Ever-dutiful Lily is resigned to whatever destiny their great-uncle the Duke of Danby has in store for her, while free-spirited Amelia is determined to fight His Grace every step of the way. With Christmas upon them, the Woodwards set out for Danby Castle and stumble across an overturned coach and a pair of handsome gentlemen in peril. Will this fateful encounter alter the future for both sisters and the likely plans the duke had in store for all of them?

SAMANTHA GRACE's THREE LITTLE WORDS...
Disheartened but not defeated, Gavin MacBride temporarily abandon’s plans for restoring the family coffers to escort his sister-in-law’s long-lost relative to Yorkshire for a reunion. Gavin might have failed to secure funds to ensure his family’s future prosperity, but surely, he can deliver a young woman to Danby Castle in one piece. * Heiress Victoria Eastland isn’t making his job easy, though, especially when she sets off for Yorkshire alone. With no carriages for hire at the local coaching inn, Gavin is resigned to give chase on horseback in inclement weather, but a Good Samaritan takes pity on Gavin and invites him to share his coach. Soon, the newfound friends are led on a merry chase that ends with a bold rescue and an unexpected discovery. The outspoken, foolishly brave Miss Eastland has been under Gavin's nose the whole time—and a little too close when one is unprepared to lose his heart.

CLAUDIA DAIN's SUITOR BY SURPRISE...
Miss Judith Whitton, youngest niece of the Duke of Danby, is not yet married. Having met John Copley one year ago at her first Christmas in Yorkshire, she is puzzled that John has not yet offered for her, especially after the intimacies they shared. * Mr. Alfred FitzHerbert knows why Copley has not offered for Judith: Copley is a scoundrel. If Alfred can distract Judith from her fatal infatuation with Copley successfully, Danby will fund his bridge project. Distract, not wed. No one looking at Alfie could ever imagine him being any girl's fatal attraction, an insult no true Englishman can be expected to ignore, not even one nicknamed 'the archbishop.'

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Three fun Christmas stories. The Duke of Danby is at it again. He is making matches for his beloved family. Even when they think they don't want to be married, he maneuvers everyone around until they think it was their idea to get married. I always enjoy seeing what is going on with the Duke.

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4 stars

Three different stories related to that maestro of a match maker, the Duke of Danby.

I enjoyed all three stories but I would rate them as following:

Ava Stone 4.0
Samantha Grace 3.5
Claudia Dain's 3.0

Samantha's heroine I really loved, especially the way she confused Gavin on his search for her. I'd certainly look out for more of her stories. There's not as much Christmas as often happens in these seasonal stories but that's more to my taste. I'd recommend this book.

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

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The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx is a delightful collection of three holiday romances that perfectly get you in the holiday spirit.

On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone - 4 Stars

Twins Lily and Amelia Woodward are quite different despite their identical looks. They have very different reactions to finding out they’re spending Christmas with their great-uncle, a notorious matchmaker. Lily is ready to accept whatever match Danby makes for her until she falls for Richard Plantier, Earl of Glasbury. Lily and Richard’s romance is full of numerous misunderstandings but the characters are very sweet with each other and I enjoyed their happy ending. Meanwhile, Amelia wants nothing to do with any match Danby makes for she is in love with Mr. Daniel Lacy. Amelia and Daniel’s relationship is at first very much based on lust, but they’re both willing to turn it into more and I liked their realistic relationship. Overall I felt this was a solid story with two wonderful romances and I hope to read more from this author in the future.

Three Little Words by Samantha Grace - 3.5 Stars

Gavin MacBride has been tasked by his brother to escort his sister-in-law’s long lost relative to Yorkshire for Christmas only to arrive and discover the woman set off alone. After discovering there are no more coaches, a mysterious stranger offers to share his and Gavin is off. I enjoyed this story quite a bit and in large part that is due to the character of Victoria Eastland. Victoria doesn’t care for societies rules and ignores them whenever possible. She was an absolutely delightful woman and I enjoyed her immensely. Her pairing with Gavin is a good one and I believe they suit each other very well. My only complaint was at the end of the story they’re suddenly engaged but we don’t actually see it happen. Overall though this was a fun story and I’ll definitely check out more books from the author in the future.

Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain - 3 Stars

Miss Judith Whitton is enamored with scoundrel John Copley and Alfred FitzHerbert has been tasked by the Duke of Danby to distract Judith and draw her attentions elsewhere. Alfred is a reserved man and doesn’t believe he’ll succeed but has agreed to try. The pairing of Judith and Alfred was a bit odd to me as they didn’t seem to have anything in common and had very different personalities. There were a few sweet moments between them but I found myself wishing there was more buildup in their relationship. My main complaint with this story is Judith’s sisters who I found to be quite judgmental and a bit snobby. Overall this was a cute novella though and I would be interested to read more from the author at some point.

The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx was a fun, quick read and I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for some light holiday romances.

Overall average rating - 3.5 Stars

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On the way to the castle - 3 stars

I enjoyed this, but there were too many story lines.

Three little words - 4 stars

Enjoyable, but the last chapter felt like it came from a different story.

Suitor by surprise - DNF

Writing felt very clunky, didn't get past the first page.

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An exciting package with some titillating sweet romantic tales, these delicious stories feed the romantic souls. The Duke of Dandy was feared by all because of his matchmaking interfering machinations into their personal lives. I love the stories in this book they are heartwarming and very enticing. A beautiful book filled with lovely and heart jerking tales.

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