All she wants is to be a Lady. All he wants is an honest wife. After escaping to the garden for a reprieve from the stuffy ballroom, Miss Evelyn Trainor bumps into a handsome stranger through a hedge. When he boldly requests an introduction, she lies and tells him a fake name, Lady Eve, positive she’ll never see him again. But when she returns to the country for Christmas and finds her handsome … and finds her handsome stranger—the Duke of Alverton—has moved in next door for the holidays, she does what she must to guard her secret. For he has declared the importance of titles and cannot find out she is a commoner.
The Duke of Alverton has been taught one thing his entire life: rank matters above all else. Having recently inherited the dukedom, he is overcome by the inundation of matchmaking mamas and escapes to the country for Christmas.
When he arrives in the country and finds the woman from the ball who not only intrigues him, but carries the rank of Lady, he knows he has found his future wife.
Book 5 in the Belles of Christmas series, A Duke for Lady Eve is a standalone Regency holiday romance. The series can be enjoyed in any order:
Unmasking Lady Caroline by Mindy Burbridge Strunk, Book 1
Goodwill for the Gentleman by Martha Keyes, Book 2
The Earl’s Mistletoe Match by Ashtyn Newbold, Book 3
Nine Ladies Dancing by Deborah M. Hathaway, Book 4
more
Lady Eve is a heroine I enjoyed in this thoughtful read about the difference between character and social standing.
A Duke for Lady Eve was such a lovely story. Granted, the “deception” trope is not one of my favorites, so I was able to enjoy this one only because it didn’t drag on throughout the book, but rather around the first half. I loved the character of Ms. Evelyn Trainor, especially her heart and compassion for others, whereas the Duke (Alverton) had to grow on me (but hey, that only means the author wrote him as both accurate and believable). I also loved the side characters and how real they were since I found myself invested in Julia and Dr. Cooper, for example, and didn’t see the plot twist coming with the first one.
The narrator did a great job of bringing all the characters to life, though the only ones that sounded a bit forced/too high pitched were the siblings’ (Harry and Jack) voices. Otherwise, I think she nailed pretty much every nuance and emotion from the vast array of characters this book has.
Overall, a great sweet Regency Romance listen perfect for all fans of the genre and/or the author.
This was the first book I’ve ever read from Kasey Stockton and I have enjoyed it so much. I’ve already have here next book in the series and I know it will be good too.
I listened to the audio version of this book. The narrator was fabulous. Loved her. Very soothing voice like I imagine for Lady Eve. And I enjoyed the story too. I liked that Evelyn was able to teach the Duke about service and caring for people, even if they aren’t his concern, sheerly by example instead of being lectured or even talking about it really. The Duke wasn’t entirely likable in the beginning but he was intriguing. And actually, his behavior toward Lady Eve was likable and he is charming. It is just with everyone else he isn’t very likable. His attraction to Eve was intriguing. What was it about her, besides her singing voice? Something obviously.
I loved the feel of this book if that makes any sense. There wasn’t too much angst as Evelyn tried to figure out how to save her family.
I also enjoyed the secondary love story as brief as it was. Felt sad for the doctor but believe that someday he’ll find his true love too.
Enjoyable, pleasant, clean read.
No sex, language or violence
*I received a complimentary Audio-book from the author and voluntarily chose to review it.
A sweet romantic Christmas story of two people who must work past misconceptions of their own and other people’s making.
Both struggle with pride and yet have a warm and generous personality.
The plot and setting as well as the characters are well developed and well written.
The storyline keeps you turning the pages to see what can happen next.
I really enjoyed reading this story!
How could Eve get her Duke?
Yes, Lady Eve got her Duke, but it is the beginning and middle of the story that is the best part. Lady Eve was not really a Lady when she first met Duke Alverton. He insisted on an introduction upon hearing her sweet alto voice singing in the gardens next door during his neighbor’s masquerade. He had no intention of attending the ball but quickly made his way there and sought her out for the the next set. Then he quickly left again. With such a whirlwind of actions, Eve could hardly believe that she would ever see the Duke again. Once the ball and the season was over and she and her aunt had returned to her home in the country, she expected her ordinary life to continue. But it was never ordinary after that. Ms Stockton’s writing skills are evident throughout this story as one twist after another unexpected twist occurs. It made for a very entertaining read. It seemed that at one point all hope had been lost, however, a happy solution found its way into the story. It was a great feeling and relief fir me when it did for I personally became bereft when I thought things would not turn out the way I had hoped. But Ms Stockton created a wonderful happy ending with a perfectly satisfying epilogue. This read was totally worth my time as I was found with a wide smile on my face when all was said and done.
This book really pulled me in and held my attention. I loved it! The characters were wonderful, it’s sweet and clean, and the ending is perfect! Great story for Christmas or any time of year.
I received a complimentary copy of the book. All opinions are my own and are expressed voluntarily.
3.5 stars for this sweet regency. When Miss Evelyn Trainor plays pirates with her younger twin brothers she’s always Lady Eve; what young girl doesn’t pretend to be a lady or a princess? While at a masquerade ball in London with her Aunt Edith, she escapes to the garden to be alone. Only she’s not really alone. The Duke of Alverton, who’s also escaping to a garden to be alone is on the other side of the hedge that divides the adjoining estates. When he inquires her name she tells him “Lady Eve”. What’s the harm, she’s wearing a mask and what are the odds she’ll ever see him again?
The odds are not in Evelyn’s favor. Soon after she and her aunt return to her family’s country house, Evelyn discovers the Duke of Alverton is visiting his friend, the Earl of Sanders, whose estate borders Evelyn’s family’s. As you can imagine this is not a good thing. Of course they run into each other and Evelyn tries to be as vague as possible when answering questions about herself. The Duke is attracted to her and she to him, but after a time she decides she can no longer pretend to be Lady Eve and will have to tell Lord Alverton the truth. Of course, before she has a chance to do that, something happens to one of her brothers and Lord Alverton finds out there is no Lady Eve.
I liked the main characters, although each has their shortcomings to overcome. Evelyn thinks less of herself than she should and the Duke has been raised to value status above everything else. I enjoyed their interactions with each other, and their friends. I admit that at certain times in the story I wanted Evelyn to end up with the sweet and kind Dr. Cooper.
I didn’t care for the Duke’s mother and thought someone of her rank and status would’ve cared more for the type of woman she wanted her son to marry. I didn’t understand why Evelyn didn’t confront her father more directly about the family’s finances, and I wanted to know what happened to Aunt Edith who lied about Evelyn needing to get married to save the family from the poor house.
This is the first book I’ve read by this author. It’s part of a series, but each book is a standalone. I read it for a Facebook book club. I’ll definitely read another book by this author.
Such an enjoyable read incorporating some really good life lessons! Love this whole Belles of Christmas series.
This book was darling. I loved getting to know Evelyn’s family-they seemed so normal and relatable. At first I didn’t really like the Duke of Alverton, but he changed the way he acted after getting to know Eve and her family.
I hope the author writes more stories because I want to hear what happens to the doctor and to Lord Sanders.
This is definitely worth buying- it was a great read.
I received an ARC copy of this book, but my review is my honest opinion.
The interactions between Evelyn/Lady Eve and the Duke of Alverton are so entertaining that you can ignore the fact that you know there is a happily ever after and just enjoy. Their personalities or perhaps just differences in backgrounds make the contrast of her sweetness and kindness and his sense of self importance and awareness of his place in society add to the fun of their meetings. I totally enjoyed this book.
Story with great characters, most trying to help others in ways they are able. Some learning from others, making them better individuals. Some of those characters not so much. Some of the families tolerate each other, some care more about what they think their entitled to, and some who care very much for their family, blood related or not.
I really enjoyed the TON part of the story, but so glad it wasn’t the main focus as so many other books of that era.
I liked the Duke of Alverton with his attraction to the mysterious Lady Eve when he heard her singing in the garden of a masquerade ball. But then he was arrogant and thought himself superior to others. I wasn’t sure if he would change enough to accept a simple miss, who was not noble, but loved her younger brothers and put herself forth in service to others less fortunate. This was a clean Christmas romance.
A perfect book for this time of the year. Actually, it’s a good read anytime but since it’s the Christmas season it’s just right. I’ve read from Kasey Stockton before and she has always had well written characters. I liked how the Duke’s character developed and grew. The chemistry felt believable and I was rooting for the h & H. I think the supporting characters were a nice addition and helped add to the story and romance. I would definately read a book about the good doctor or the earl. The story was sweet but definately not too sweet or cheesy. Though it was a novella the story felt complete, had a well developed story with a nice flow.
This definitely brought back visions of Mr. Darcy and Elizabeth Bennett, which is a story I love. Evelyn is attending a masquerade ball in London with her aunt. She escapes to the garden and begins to hum and sing in a beautiful alto voice and is overheard by the Duke living next door. He comes over to the ball to have one dance with the beautiful masked woman and he can’t get her out of his mind. To keep her identity a secret, she introduces herself as Lady Eve but she has no title and it is a game she plays with her younger brothers.
She is being pressured by her aunt to marry to save her family from ruin. Upon returning to her home in the country, she comes up on the duke once again, unmasked. He is smitten by her and while she finds him very handsome, she knows she is not of the same class and they would never make a good match. The problem is she is beginning to wish for just that. Could a match between them ever be possible?
I love this author’s books because they are clean and full of romance. They are a pleasure to read and I feel good at the conclusion of each one and look forward to her next book to be published.
I was given an arc copy of this book and I willingly offer my honest review.
To tell a lie.
Well, to pretend for a moment to be a lady, when she’s not.
A duke who has been indoctrinated to believe that only a persons birth matters.
I found I really enjoyed this story.
Why is family such bad guys sometimes?
In this book, the reader meets Evelyn Trainor going to a masquerade she encounters Duke Alverton. Now our duke has problems with interfering women who are obsessed with marrying him off. When meeting Eve does something rather foolish and there will come a time when the fates will require her to accept what she must do. There are some really great characters and I love how the story ends. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Book five in the Belles of Christmas series a well written story with a very good storyline. I enjoyed reading Miss Evelyn Trainor and Duke Alverton’s story when they first meet Eve tells a little white lie never expecting to see him again. But he moves in next door to the cottage she is in. I hope there is more to come in this series. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I absolutely loved this book. The growth in both main characters and the supporting ones were great.
Likeable characters for their goodness. Exciting story with just the right amount of tension and suspense. Well written and engaging!