Someday My Duke Will Come
Book 2 in the Isle of Synne series
Rating: 5 stars
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review.  All opinions are my own.

Someday My Duke Will Come follows the fake engagement and friends to lovers trope.  I find that the second book in the series usually has big shoes to fill when the first one was very good, but this one in my opinion was better. 
I loved Quincy!  He had gone through so much when he was younger.  Ignored by his mother and older siblings and only finding comfort and love from his father.  Unfortunately his father dies when Quincy needs him the most.
Due to an overheard conversation between his mother and brother, Quincy decides to leave and escape to America. It is there where he becomes a man and builds a life for himself.  It is not until fourteen years later that he returns to London when he finds himself as the new Duke.  He comes to find the dukedom very lacking in funds.  It is when his mother steps in and arranges a marriage for him.
Lady Clara was a delight.  She loves her family and is at a point in her life where she does not know what will be of her life since her younger sister is engaged to marry.  It is she who makes the decision for her and Quincy to enter a fake engagement.  Clara and Quincy have their own reasons to enter this engagement. She's known Quincy through her cousin (who is the male lead from the first book in the series).  They are friends who understand each other well and decide to help each other out.
It is when their feelings for each other begin to change that their pretend displays of affection get a little blurry.  They both have to confront their past before taking the next step.  They had to stand up to those who wanted to hurt them and make their relationship impossible.
This book made me laugh, cry and I truly enjoyed it because these two leads were so good to each other and they deserved to be happy.  
Looking forwards to the next one!!

A fake engagement between a 31 year old spinster and a reluctant duke, entered into almost accidentally, with a setting on the Isle of Synne, an abandoned house, and a tragic backstory.

The connection and chemistry between the MCs is very good - both have a liking of the other before the fake engagement, which only grows after.. I really like the Isle of Synne location the author has developed, and was charmed by the abandoned mansion that figures into this story. I'm struggling a little because, while this is a lovely and competent story, I wasn't really transported by it. I'm afraid I'm more likely to remember the landscapes and locations described than the plot. This may be an issue on my end rather than the fault of the author.

One thing that bothered me while reading was the excruciatingly slow reveal of the heroine's tragic past. I would have rather known faster so I could have better understood her reactions. Some may wish to check content warnings before reading. 

Overall, solid and enjoyable. I'd be happy to read the next in the series.

I received an ARC of the book from the publisher via NetGalley.

A manipulating aunt forces a spinster and a new Duke to pretend to be engaged. Lady Clara Ashford doesn't plan to get married. The secret she holds close to her heart would ruin the reputation of her family. Quincy Nesbit, the reluctant new Duke of Reigate, wasn't planning to marry, yet. He promised his father before his death he would go on an adventure and travel the places they marked on a map. Returning to London after fourteen years away making his fortune, he's ready to leave on his journey. His dream is dashed on learning he's the new Duke with more need for his money.  Clara gives him the stability to handle his anger. . He entices her to enjoy life.  When another secret is revealed, it's a test to trust in their love for each other.  A passionate emotional journey for two people to find their path in life. I never read an ending before finishing a book, but this one was very tempting.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a free copy of this book..

This historical romances deftly balances levity and emotional depth, as a spinster faces up to her past and finds love.

I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own. Someday My Duke Will Come by Christina Britton is the second book in her Isle of Synne series. I think you will enjoy this book more if you have read the first one. At the age of thirty-one, Lady Clara Ashford is believed to be firmly on the shelf. The impending wedding of her younger sister, ends her responsibilities to the sister she raised, and she is wondering what to do with her life as she believes that marriage is not an option for her. When his father died, Quincy Nesbitt, the fourth son of the Duke of Reigate, ran away from home to make his own choices as his mother had made plans to have him impressed into the Navy. Having made his fortune, he returns to England before setting out to explore the world as he and his father always dreamed only to discover that his brothers have all died, leaving the Dukedom bankrupt and his mother, still up to her nasty machinations, has plans to marry him off to an heiress. A fake engagement with Lady Clara to thwart his mother and buy Clara an escape from her Aunts matchmaking schemes seems to be a solution, but spending time with someone you are deeply attracted to leads to kisses that lead to wanting something more, however secrets in both of their pasts may ruin any chance for them to have a future together.
I enjoyed this book very much and do recommend reading it. Steam Level: Medium. Content Warning: Stillbirth of a child in the past. Publishing Date: January 12, 2021 #NetGalley #SomedayMyDukeWillCome #ChristinaBritton #HistoricalRomance #FakeEngagement #FriendsToLovers #bookstagram #bookstagrammer #ForeverGrandCentral

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.

Lady Clara Ashford had no intention of ever getting married. A rogue took advantage of her innocence when she was young, and she's spent her whole life trying to make sure no one finds out. But now that her sister Phoebe is engaged, Clara's well-meaning aunt has set her sights on Clara. Desperate to avoid the matchmaking schemes, Clara's not sure what to do -- until her neighbour, the new Duke of Reigate, shows up on her doorstep in need of her help. Quincy Nesbitt returns to England & learns that he’s the Duke of Reigate after his three elder brothers have all died so he reluctantly accepts the dukedom but he'll be damned if he accepts his brother's fiancée as well. The only polite way to decline is to become engaged to someone else -- quickly. Lady Clara has the right connections and happens to need him as much as he needs her.
This is the second book in the series & it can easily be read on its own. A very well written engrossing with wonderful characters. I loved Clara whose history was gradually revealed, she’s the rock that binds the family together & is totally selfless. However I adored Quincy who was everything & more that you want in a hero. The road to their HEA wasn’t easy, especially with a horrid Duchess trying to put a spoke in the works, but it did make for a totally enthralling read. Revelations had me in tears. The chemistry between Quincy & Clara sizzled & they nearly missed what was in front of their noses
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

Someday My Duke Will Come is the second book in the Isle of Synne series by Christina Britton. A steamy historical romance that is sure to sweep you off your feet, taking you away to another place, another time. The characters are well-written and develop at a smooth, steady pacing, which helps the story to read like a movie. I can't wait to read the next book in the Isle of Synne series!

I loved the connection between Clara and Quincy; they just seem to ‘know’ each other. And, both are protective of the other from the very beginning of meeting the ‘villain.’ Christina Britton’s villains are never what you would expect in a romance.  Yet, she brings together two sweet people, helps them to find the best in the other and throws in the ‘villain’ to test their strength.  Clara has a depth unlike other heroines that has brought her through what some would see as the worst in life.  Quincy, also damaged, grew up with a loving father and indifferent mother.  Both lost a parent while very young.

Someday My Duke Will Come is a beautiful story of love, forgiveness and family.  Definitely a perfect addition to the Isle of Synne series for our damaged heroes and their loves.

Since her seduction at the hands of a foul-intentioned rogue, Lady Clara Ashford has spent the last fifteen years knowing she can never marry.  She has appointed herself to the role of caregiver for the rest of her family, but now with her younger sister set to marry and begin her own household, Clara is struggling to find her place.  Fortunately, just when she most needs a purpose, her cousin’s friend Quincy, now the Duke of Reigate, has need of a pretend fiancée.

As the fourth son, Quincy Nesbitt never expected to inherit his father’s title, but when he returns from half a lifetime spent in America it is to find that his wastrel brothers have run the estate into the ground before their own early demises.  Quincy knows he must do all he can for those who rely on the dukedom for their livelihoods.  Though he takes his new responsibilities seriously, Quincy draws the line at marrying the lady to whom his late brother was briefly engaged, and the best way to avoid such an entanglement is to already have a fiancée.  As Quincy and Clara put on a show for those around them, he realizes his feelings are utterly real.  He just has to convince Clara of his sincerity and that’s he’s worth the risk.

I loved so many parts of this book.  It has to get a five star rating because the first half and the last quarter were excellent, but there was some lag and a bit of repetitiveness in that third quarter.  Clara’s enumeration of the reasons she and Quincy couldn’t have a real future got a bit old and she began to sound like a broken record after a while, and I do wish someone had put the duchess in her place more thoroughly.  Nonetheless, Clara was very brave in how she revealed her pain to her loved ones and her recognition of Quincy’s inherent goodness when others seemed to underestimate him and only see a carefree rake.  I adored Quincy as a hero and just wanted someone to give him the love his family had not.  Thankfully, Clara was perfect for him and I loved how he respected her and stepped up to show her what it was like to have someone care for her for a change.  In that respect, Quincy reminded me of Cam Rohan, from Lisa Kleypas’ Mine Till Midnight, and one of my all time favorite heroes.  Clara and Quincy needed and respected each other so much and that made it impossible not to root for them, plus I quite liked that she was a bit older than him.  I was also utterly charmed by the friendship between Quincy and Peter.  That bond of brotherhood and closeness is rare and precious, and I thought it was illustrated very well here.  I couldn’t put this book down and look forward to Margery’s story now.

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

After meeting and falling a bit in like with each other Clare and Quincy find themselves into a fake relationship years later. I loved the whitty banner between them and just their chemistry. Quincy is just wonderful from the start and how he handles everything. Clare is worried and have always worked for her siblings and finally takes her time for herself. But the fake relationship moves into more through their time- growth with each other. 

I really enjoyed this series and most of the time outside of London. Epilogue was also super nice- we got them after a couple years and their love! 


4 stars
3 steam

As I started this story I found that I really liked Quincy and his finding out he is now the duke and it was such a sweet story but the more I read it I realized that this story has a lot of depth. Holy cow, I was hit with so many emotions that honestly, I swear I am not a watering pot most of the time, but I could not see what I was reading for the tears. If anyone deserved a break in their life it is Clara and she got it in a man named Quincy. They are both lovely characters. Quincy is so caring and compassionate and Clara, bless her heart, is just so worried about others that she never takes care of herself. I am not someone who cares about epilogues, I can take them or leave them, but this epilogue is epic! Christina took a nice story of two caring people and turned it into a fantastic story filled with such emotion.

Will her past scars and his hateful relative dig a ridge between them ....

With this tale of two wounded persons whose past pain led to alter the course of their life, the author offers us a poignant story of strength and resilience.
A heartbreaking event pushed Clara to retreat in her shell, only showing her efficiency to the world while Quincy left everything behind, nearly forgetting who he was to accomplish his and his father’s dream.
Both are kind and helpful being, they are in charge and do not let mean persons or life’s circumstances change whom they are in their inner core. They are so very alike but hide it behind their very efficient society’s mask.
Clara made her life’s mission to be a mother’s figure for her younger siblings but by doing so, she deprived herself of any childhood joy. So when for once she let go of her restraints, the price to pay was so high she never ever after let go again. Always controlled, never impulsive, until Quincy’s return in her life.
Quincy left behind whom he was to begin anew and he made of his new life a success, now close to make his and his father’s long time dream true, his existence is once more turned upside down by a much unexpected news. Him the forth and lost son of a Duke is now the bearer of his father’s title. And with it, its bankrupted estate.
So what of his dreams when his spiteful mother wants retribution from him.
But an unexpected turn of event rescues him from her clutches and brings him closer to Clara.

Their fake engagement is the perfect mean to save them and by growing closer, they open unforeseen gates, bringing to the surface feelings they buried deep inside. Their way is paved by her silence and  some astonishing secrets. And while Clara hold on for too long to her past pain, when Quincy many time demonstrated he was no judgmental fellow, she was in her right to be dubious after what she endured.

Oh my, the duchess of Reigate is such an awful and bitter creature, my only regret is we do not learn if she ever gets her right comeuppance. She fed my blood-lust to see her crushed and even harmed, I would have happily walked on her in stilettos. Sorry.

In all, the author delivers an emotional second chance tale, a story of letting the past go and look at the future.
4.5 stars 

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen detailed lovemaking scenes.

I have been granted an advance copy by the author and publisher, here is my true and unbiased opinion.

As one of my final 2020 reads, Someday My Duke Will Come was an absolute gem. I’m so glad I ended my year with such a heartwarming historical romance! I stand by what I said in my review of book #1; Christina Britton is a talented writer whose imagery blends perfectly with the emotional aspects of the story to paint a compelling and beautiful picture. Main characters Quincy and Clara have both endured heartbreaking experiences that give them flaws, yet they are entirely believable characters who’ve remained kind and loyal despite their struggles. Honestly, they might just be my favorite romance couples of all-time! Also, Clara is an “older” heroine at thirty-one (I say this appreciatively as a woman in her late 20s), and Quincy is actually younger than her by a few years. These details were refreshing because I don’t know about you, but I’m a little tired of heroines in their early 20s falling for men aged 30+.

In addition, Britton incorporated the fake engagement trope very well. The pacing is steady and the circumstances are believable with enough subplots and lovable side characters to keep things interesting while never straying too far from the central story. I loved that Quincy and Clara’s friendship was the foundation of their ruse, and it made watching them fall in love even sweeter. The setting on the Isle of Synne remained as magical as it was in the first book, so I’d highly recommend this story for anyone looking for a historical romance set outside of London.

Although the external conflict of the fake engagement is excellently handled, Christina Britton truly shines with the internal conflict of this story. It made my heart swell as Quincy and Clara came to terms with the ghosts of their pasts and fell more in love with one another. I had to set the book down multiple times to let out an emotional sigh or a wide smile. If you want to feel things, pick up this book ASAP!

I have two minor criticisms of this book: one, although it definitely works as a standalone, many of its supporting characters who are important throughout the story were actually developed in book #1. If you haven’t read the first book in this series, it might be difficult to keep all of the side characters straight in book #2. This disappointed me as unfortunately I didn’t love the first book nearly as much as this one, mainly because of the hero (though as a side character he was much more tolerable in SMDWC). Again, you could read this book without having read book #1, but you won’t appreciate the supporting cast nearly as much.

Two, and maybe this just comes down to my not really liking epilogues in general, but I didn’t love the epilogue of this story. I know these types of epilogues are typical in romance, but in this case it felt heavy-handed as it tied a neat bow on every conflict from the story but several years in the future. I felt giddy after finishing the final pre-epilogue chapter and would’ve preferred to imagine Clara and Quincy’s future together rather than having it spelled out so definitively. I’ll probably skip it when I reread this book in the future. But in the end, it didn’t lessen my love for this book!

Overall, I would definitely recommend this book and this series. It’s unique, emotional, refreshing, and an all-around excellent read. I’m so happy book #3 will focus on Margery, as I’ve hoped she would get her own story since she was introduced!

Thank you to Forever (Grand Central Publishing) via Netgalley for providing me with an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

This was an entertaining, well-written historical romance. Lady Clara Ashford has dedicated herself to helping her family. Quincy Nesbitt has unexpectedly inherited a dukedom and refuses to marry the woman who had been engaged to his brother. Clara and Quincy enter into an agreement to have a fake engagement. The book was fast-paced and I didn't want to put it down. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading more books by this author.

I enjoyed the first book in this series, but this one I absolutely loved. Mr. Quincy Nesbitt ran away from a cruel mother when he was only 14 years old to make his own way into the world. When he finally returns years later, he learns his three older brothers have all died and he is now the Duke of Reigate, a title he never wanted. To get away from his mother's scheming to make Quincy marry his dead brother's fiance, he and Lady Clara Ashford agree to a fake betrothal. Lady Clara suffered terribly in her youth at the hands of a rogue and she has vowed to never marry because of that experience. Unfortunately, the more time she spends in Quincy's company, the more she wishes their betrothal was real. Can they both let go of their painful pasts and find the love of their lives?

Quincy was the perfect hero and I loved him. He was so kind and good and who couldn't help but fall in love with him. He was so patient with Clara, but the more he got to know her, the more he loved her. He just had to convince her they could share a life together. Ms. Britton does a good job of teasing out Clara's youthful heartbreak--it was so touching when she finally revealed what had happened to her when she was fifteen. I adore this series and can't wait to read the next book.

I was blown away by book 2 in the Isle of Synne series! I cried more than once reading this. 

Tropes you will find: Fake Betrothal, From Spare to Heir, Older Heroine/Younger Hero, (not by much,) Friends to Lovers, Spinster Bride

Trigger Warnings: Loss of a parent, loss of a child, loss of a sibling, verbal abuse from a parent.

This book was BEAUTIFULLY crafted, and I am so glad it is the first official book I finished in 2021. 

Quincy is the kind of hero that I love. He ran away from home as a teenager when his mother wanted to ship him off to the Navy right after the passing of his father. By taking matters into his own hands, he becomes a made man in America, and meets his best friend who is more like a brother than any of his 3 blood brothers. When his best friend (our hero in the previous book) meets the love of his life, Quincy meets the ever lovely Clara, who is 30, unmarried, and beautiful.

Lady Clara Ashford has been mother to her younger sister since she was 9. As a teen, she has a moment of rebellion with some detrimental consequences. After that point, she vows to never marry, and to be a spinster all her life. What she doesn't expect, is for Quincy to make her feel all of the things that she had been suppressing most of her life to be a mother figure. 

When Quincy finds out his three elder brothers have all passed away, and he is now a duke, he comes running to his best friend. Clara was home, and he seeks her company, even though he feels he shouldn't.  When Quincy's mother tries to step in and control him through a proposed marriage, Clara comes to his aide, announcing that they are already engaged.

This story swept me away, and I absolutely enjoyed the journey.  Though not every bit of this story is comfortable to read, (see trigger warnings) it was such a well crafted story, that you were rooting for both of our characters from the beginning.  They both deserve a beautiful life, and the unconditional love of another person. This book is a lovely representation that we all deserve that, no matter what we feel are our shortcomings.

OH MY GOODNESS! 
Someday My Duke Will Come by Christina Britton was just as FANTASTIC as book 1 of The Isle Of Synne Series! 
I just can't express all my feelings right now! 
I ABSOLUTELY LOVED THIS BOOK! 
OMG! Now I'm back in the historical mood! Definitely! Where can I find someone like Quincy? DAMN! 
When I read A Good Duke Is Hard To Find I fell in love with Quincy, next to Peter of course, and really wanted to know his story. 
Now in Someday My Duke Will Come we got the WOOOONDERFUL love story of Clara Ashford and Quincy Nesbitt. 
SWOON OVERLOAD! It's all I can say!!
Their story was just so good! 
Soooooo emotional because both had not the best past! OMG my heart broke a few times while I read their story! 
Well: I REALLY REALLY REALLY LOVED THIS BOOK! 
Christina Britton! I can't wait to read more from you! Thank you so much for this wonderful book! ❤❤❤❤❤❤

I enjoyed this book immensely. Clara is 31 years of age, she never had a season or a proposal due to a mysterious past. 
She has spent her life raising her sister and brother after her mother passed.  
But, now it is time for her sister to wed, and she is on top of the wedding planning! 
Quincy has just come back from America to find out he is a Duke, his mother is scheming to have him marry his brothers widow.  In a moment of desperation Clara states he can’t because he is to marry her. 
This is a wonderfully written book, with plenty of twists and turns. 

Thank you to the Publisher and NetGalley for a free advance copy in return for an honest review.

Fake Engagements is one of my favorite tropes. I just love it. I also really love strong female characters during Regency times. Add these two things together and it gives me a solid chance of devouring it. This did not disappoint. This is a solid historical romance.

Put the Forever Pub name on it and I'm sold.

This was my first read of this author and it was love. What a fun experience it was to step back in time a bit. Britton did a great job of allowing her readers to gain a sense of wonder of the period within making the wording hard to understand.

I really enjoyed this read.

Thank you Forever Pub and Netgalley for the advanced readers copy.