The duke alone
Description
For an abandoned lady and a reclusive duke, the winter season brings a swirl of romance—and danger—in a bracing novel by USA Today bestselling author Christi Caldwell.
Lady Myrtle McQuoid has always felt a little forgotten, and this season is no exception. When her boisterous family vacates their London townhouse for the country, Myrtle finds she’s been left behind. But she just needs to stay warm, keep her belly full, and distract herself until her relatives realize their mistake and turn back to collect her. Surely that won’t take long.
Brooding widower Val Bancroft, the Duke of Aragon, has shut himself off from the world. He craves blessed solitude—a loyal dog, a silent house, and his own company are all he requires. Certainly not the nonstop chattering of the joyful, opinionated young woman next door.
But with a potential threat lurking in the winter shadows, Myrtle may need to pluck up the nerve to approach the reclusive duke. And Val is not one to turn his back on a vulnerable lady.
Amid the silent nights of London, beneath a blanket of snow, could the light of a new, warm love be kindling?
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Library Journal Review
Caldwell's (Desperately Seeking a Duchess) latest Regency romance draws inspiration from the classic holiday movie Home Alone. The romance centers on Lady Myrtle McQuoid, who is left behind by her large family at Christmas, and Val, the taciturn Duke who lives next door and has pulled away from society following the tragic death of his wife. Caldwell conjures plenty of Christmas magic with her setting, and readers familiar with her inspiration will find humor in the running thread of the two burglars that worry Myrtle. Though the book takes place over only a few days, Caldwell builds a strong relationship foundation between the pair that seems substantial. The character arcs are well-articulated and feel earned. As so much of the book is spent with only Val and Myrtle, Caldwell has the opportunity to truly examine their personalities and their interactions without any other subplots or characters to interrupt. The romance takes center stage, with only the running threat of the burglars to interrupt. VERDICT Caldwell's chaste, emotional romance will charm readers looking for a Christmas story that mixes melancholy with joy.--Brigid Black
Library Journal Reviews
Caldwell's (Desperately Seeking a Duchess) latest Regency romance draws inspiration from the classic holiday movie Home Alone. The romance centers on Lady Myrtle McQuoid, who is left behind by her large family at Christmas, and Val, the taciturn Duke who lives next door and has pulled away from society following the tragic death of his wife. Caldwell conjures plenty of Christmas magic with her setting, and readers familiar with her inspiration will find humor in the running thread of the two burglars that worry Myrtle. Though the book takes place over only a few days, Caldwell builds a strong relationship foundation between the pair that seems substantial. The character arcs are well-articulated and feel earned. As so much of the book is spent with only Val and Myrtle, Caldwell has the opportunity to truly examine their personalities and their interactions without any other subplots or characters to interrupt. The romance takes center stage, with only the running threat of the burglars to interrupt. VERDICT Caldwell's chaste, emotional romance will charm readers looking for a Christmas story that mixes melancholy with joy.—Brigid Black
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