The last thing Dannie needs is a Victorian gentleman on her ranch, playing cowboy while she’s trying to save her family’s livelihood. Will high stakes and high emotions lead to heartbreak?
Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell, is running as far from his family and responsibilities as he can. His fascination with cowboys takes him from English shores to the Arizona desert, but … from English shores to the Arizona desert, but the days of showdowns are over, and Tombstone, Arizona, is a respectable town. With no funds left, and no desire to call on his affluent family for rescue, Evan seeks a position as a cowboy at a ranch on its last leg.
Daniella Bolton’s fiancé left when the drought of 1893 crippled the KB ranch, but that’s just fine by her. She doesn’t need a man to help her save her family’s land. Especially not an Englishman who looks down on her style of living, like Evan does. She loves her life on the ranch, and no outsider could ever understand what it means to be loyal to the land and her family’s way of life.
Being a cowboy is harder than Evan thought, but as he works to earn his place on the ranch, his heart opens up to the beauty of the desert… as well as that of Dannie Bolton. Watching Evan fight for the ranch she loves makes Dannie realize that not all men are afraid of hard work and troubled times, and loving Evan might be just the salve her wounded heart needs. But when Evan’s family summons him home right when Dannie needs him most, the feelings of betrayal from her former fiancé’s flight return tenfold.
Does Evan dare risk his tenuous relationship with Dannie to fulfill his family responsibilities? Or will leaving Arizona be the worst mistake of his life?
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I’m always extremely impressed when an author can write a novel outside of their typical genre, and do it well. And though Silver Dollar Duke is still set in the 1800s it’s later in the century than the typical Regency Era book, and it’s set in the wilds of Arizona, not England.
I’ve always loved Sally’s use of descriptive words. There were so many times that her metaphors and scene depictions made me smile and pulled me. She used western diction with ease and it made it feel natural and took little to no adjustments to feel a part of that time and place.
I absolutely loved that it was in dual perspective. Sally excels at giving you how her male and female leads react differently to a given scene without making you feel like you’re reading the same thing over. She’s also has impeccable timing in her writing , answering questions I was asking in my head before they pulled me out of the story and guiding me to little details that become important later on. The one exception was Lee. I found myself frequently wondering where his parents were. Why did Ruthie and Abram have him? Did I miss something?
I have to confess I’m not usually a fan of westerns, but every time I read one of Sally’s books I feel like I’m having a conversation with an old friend. I didn’t hesitate to pick it up when Sally sent me a copy and it did not disappoint. Her thorough research and fantastic story telling made for both a fascinating history lesson and entertaining story.
This book has a likeable cast of characters, a unique plot, and it combines some of my favorite time periods and locations.
As the younger son of a Marquess in England, Evan Rounsevell doesn’t have a lot of focus in life. However, he does dream about life in the wild west of America.
Daniella Bolton has been burned before in love and now only wants to work hard at her family’s ranch and ignore the handsome British greenhorn.
Evan gets judged instantly for his upbringing, but he is a hard worker and a fast learner. Dannie bothered me at first with how rude she was to him, and it took a little longer to warm up to her.
I really liked the theme that in America you could choose what to make of yourself instead of just taking the path that was handed to you. This was especially the case for Evan where he wouldn’t have been given a lot of choices if he stayed in England.
I like reading Historical Westerns. I do wish there were a little more historical details added to the story from this time period.
This book, along with many others I have read, and almost every Hallmark movie, seems to think Bostonians think poorly of people from other areas, when Southerners and Westerners are the ones always saying how cold, and heartless Boston people are. Just so you know Hallmark, we like people from all areas, and while the weather may be cold, we aren’t.
I read the description for the next book in the series, Copper for the Countess, and I am really looking forward to Frosty’s story. He was one of the most intriguing characters in Sliver Dollar Duke.
This is a new genre for this author and I thought she did a great job! I enjoyed that this wasn’t the typical western either since it mixed the Victorian romance genre with a western. Britton always writes great characters and this book is no exception. I loved Evan and Dannie; Dannie was such a strong female character and I enjoyed the fact that she didn’t need a male rescuer. I enjoyed the pacing of the story and I wasn’t sure how things were going to wrap up in the end and I really enjoyed the ending! Overall this was a great read and I can’t wait to read the next book in this series! I highly recommend for fans of westerns and also historical romances!
A Feel-good and romantic historical western about an English Lord’s cowboy dream.
Silver Dollar Duke is a story of soul-searching, hard-working, and believing in your dreams. It is the first installment in Sally Britton’s new series Hearts of Arizona.
I’m a fan of her Regency Romances, and I was happy to see her talent explore another beloved subgenre, the historical westerns.
Evan Rousevell was the second son of a Marquess who always dreamt of becoming a cowboy.
London’s society and his secondary role in his aristocratic family always left a void inside him that he did not know how to fulfill.
When his father determined that he should settle down and take responsibility for one of the family’s minor estates, Evan decided to take a break and escape to America. He wanted a last adventure before being dutiful and doing what his father wanted.
He went to Arizona and managed to get hired as a ranch hand.
Evan did not expect to enjoy ranch life and develop feelings for his employer’s indomitable daughter, Daniella.
The story is romantic, full of small gestures, exchange of looks across pastures, slow-building admiration, and a soul-deep connection between two very different people with much more in common than they would have expected.
I loved all the descriptions of ranch life: the everyday chores, the fierceness of the ranchers, and the sense of companionship and family.
Evan and Daniella were too lovely for words, and so were the side characters. Ruthie, Abraham, Dannie’s father, the foreman Frosty, and the sweet dog couple Gus and Fable.
I can’t wait to read Frosty’s story. I find introspective, good-hearted heroes irresistible.
Silver Dollar Duke is a must-read for everyone who enjoys a feel-good, romantic, historical western.
Disclosure: I received a paperback copy of this book from the Author in exchange for an honest review.
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I will be honest, I had no idea what to think when I started this book. A mix of Victorian and western? I was intrigued, but not sure how to feel. However, I have loved Ms. Britton’s books in the past, so I was ready to read it. And I really enjoyed it! Evan has dreamed about the wilds of America. As the second son of a marquess in England, he is expected to marry well, tend to his brother’s lands, and be a credit to the family. However, he wants to make something of himself, to prove himself, and America is the place where anyone can build a life for themselves. When he comes to Arizona to work on one of the ranches and he is met by the young Bolton’s of King Bolton’s ranch, Evan is excited for the opportunity to pursue his dream. Danniella Bolton, or Dannie as everyone calls her, is less than impressed with the proper English gentleman who appears in the nearby town. He is much too smooth, much too charming, and much too green. He has no idea what he is in for when he asks her father for work on the ranch. But Evan’s work ethic and character soon prove her doubts wrong, he is honorable and willing to get his hands dirty. However, as respect turns into something more, will their differences keep them apart?
I thought Evan was so sweet. He wanted to do something with his life and he left to prove himself. Even though he came from a world of luxury and convenience, he worked on the ranch and started at the bottom. He was truly a gentleman towards Dannie and admires her greatly. Dannie had past trouble with love and was suspicious of Evan at first. She had to get over her fears and past hurts to truly see him. She was so tough and capable, but she had walls up too. I admired her abilities, she could do so much! She truly had a heart for the land and loved the work they did on the ranch. It was also amazing to see the world of Arizona in that time period. Silver Dollar Duke is the first of the Hearts of Arizona series, so I am excited to see how the world is developed. The Bolton family was lovely to read about and those who worked alongside them were like family too. I am excited to read more!
Watching Evan prove himself on the ranch, as he learned the workings of the ranch, he was discovering what he really wanted in life. What did he really want? Just to show that he could work on a ranch? Dannie had to also see what she really wanted, to get over her past. The struggles facing the ranch and those on it would test them and their relationship.
Overall, this book exceeded my expectations! It was leaning more towards western, but it was really cute. It was a sweet clean romance, with the adventure and excitement of living in the wilds of Arizona! Anyone who enjoys adventure, westerns, and clean romance will enjoy this!
I voluntarily reviewed a complimentary copy of this book which I received from the author. All views expressed are only my honest opinion, I was not required to write a positive review.
Silver Dollar Duke by Sally Britton
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REVIEW:
Have you ever had one of those books that you didn’t want to end? That’s the way I am with every Sally Britton book. This one was no different. I completely fell in love with the storyline and the characters. I found myself smiling and enjoying myself throughout the entire book. Through compelling characters, a sweet storyline, and a delightful romance, Sally Britton has written the perfect book. She has such a phenomenal way of capturing history. Dannie and Evan’s story was one of my absolute favorites that I have read. Their story was sweet and beautiful. The story follows Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell. He has always dreamed of going out west. Evan finds himself in Arizona. Soon after his arrival, he starts working for the Bolton family. Though they are from different social classes, Evan and Daniella can’t help their growing affection for each other. Even though they know Evan can not stay forever. He must return to England. I can honestly say this is going on my favorite book list. This is definitely a must read! This was definitely a five star read. I cannot wait to see more historical westerns by Sally!
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Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell, is running as far from his family and responsibilities as he can. His fascination with cowboys takes him from English shores to the Arizona desert, but the days of showdowns are over, and Tombstone, Arizona, is a respectable town. With no funds left, and no desire to call on his affluent family for rescue, Evan seeks a position as a cowboy at a ranch on its last leg.
Daniella Bolton’s fiancé left when the drought of 1893 crippled the KB ranch, but that’s just fine by her. She doesn’t need a man to help her save her family’s land. Especially not an Englishman who looks down on her style of living, like Evan does. She loves her life on the ranch, and no outsider could ever understand what it means to be loyal to the land and her family’s way of life.
Being a cowboy is harder than Evan thought, but as he works to earn his place on the ranch, his heart opens up to the beauty of the desert… as well as that of Dannie Bolton. Watching Evan fight for the ranch she loves makes Dannie realize that not all men are afraid of hard work and troubled times, and loving Evan might be just the salve her wounded heart needs. But when Evan’s family summons him home right when Dannie needs him most, the feelings of betrayal from her former fiancé’s flight return tenfold.
Does Evan dare risk his tenuous relationship with Dannie to fulfill his family responsibilities? Or will leaving Arizona be the worst mistake of his life?
This was such a different read! I don’t think anyone has tried to marry Regency and the American West before! Sally is so brave for writing outside the box. The first of the book I spent just trying to wrap my head around this new idea. Fitting Lord Evan into the wild west was messing with my brain but believe me by the end of the book he didn’t just belong it was part of him. Dannie took me awhile to get used to, she had some serious walls! I love the Duke was able to gently lower them by just being himself. There was such an ease to their story. She fell in love with him without even trying:} Sally is a great writer and really made this work for me.
This is a sweet proper romance with some sweet kisses and no religion. Just good moral folks :}
The Silver Dollar Duke is a well-written Victorian romance that mostly takes place in Arizona. Dannie (Daniella) and Duke (Evan) are great characters that Sally Britton brings to life along with the King Bolton ranch and all its inhabitants I liked that both main characters had strong family loyalty and respected it in each other even though it seemed the very thing that would keep them apart. I loved the humorous situations and dialogue sprinkled throughout the book. The plot has some interesting twist and turns that I did not foresee. The book moves at a relaxed pace in keeping with the setting. There is a fun HEA and a great epilogue in store for you. I definitely plan to read more from this author.
I received a complimentary copy. I chose to write a review and share my opinion of this wonderful romance with you.
The last thing Dannie needs is a Victorian gentleman on her ranch, playing cowboy while she’s trying to save her family’s livelihood. Will high stakes and high emotions lead to heartbreak?
Evan Rounsevell, second son to the Marquess of Rothwell, is running as far from his family and responsibilities as he can. His fascination with cowboys takes him from English shores to the Arizona desert, but the days of showdowns are over, and Tombstone, Arizona, is a respectable town. With no funds left, and no desire to call on his affluent family for rescue, Evan seeks a position as a cowboy at a ranch on its last leg.
Dannie and Evan’s story is one of the reasons for love.
Sally Britton has written a book which I like.
I can see why the western frontier of the American west would have been so appealing to Evan Rounsevell as he learned about the adventures and opportunities you could experience. The weaving of the silver dollar into Evan’s wish to travel to America was a stroke of genius with Ms. Britton’s story.
Evan showed his fortitude and determination to overcome the odds of a greenhorn striking out to be a ranch hand in Arizona. Getting his hands dirty and working hard won the admiration of not only the owner of KB Ranch, but also that of his daughter, Daniella, and me. I was rooting for Evan as he began falling in love with the ranch life and all it had to offer, including Daniella.
This book is the first in the Hearts of Arizona and the next book is one I look forward to reading. If you like stories of the Old West with a beautiful love story, I highly recommend reading it.
This book is truly a feel good, southern wild west American/Victorian novel. I loved how Sally wove the two worlds together, and showed how they coincided in history. I loved the romance, and the quick wit of Dannie. She was a spitfire, and unwilling to change her ways. It was so fun to see their relationship naturally unfold, and the kindness, love and patience that Evan showed to her through the process. There were puppies being born, laundry being washed, fences being mended and some good old fashioned partying. I truly loved how Sally took me to the south, and made Madi miss home. Meg just wished there was more cattle rustling action.
I would recommend this book to anyone that likes Historical Victorian or Historical Western Romances. It was such a good mix of the two, and truly made me appreciate her amazing talent so much!
This is book one in a trilogy. Book two comes out in October, and book three comes out next year!
Content Warning: Attempted “Forced Kiss” Situation
Clean Rating: Regency/Southern Clean…. Heart Fluttering goodness
Dear Mrs. Britton,
Oh, but I loved this book! This adorable sweet western was so beautifully written that I just couldn’t get enough! The characters, the conflicts, the resolutions, the love story (swoon!), even the setting sucked me in from the very first page and I didn’t want it to end!
Dannie is just the sort of heroine I love to read about. A woman who is strong and knows her mind, but also has flaws she is able to overcome, as well as not being so strong she just can’t have a man in her life. I loved her so much! Her character growth was perfect!
Naturally Evan utterly charming and wonderful. I so enjoyed picturing this man from a privileged background learn about manual labor and just how much work it actually takes to run a ranch. But he’s still so humble! And so very swoony!
The way you have pieced together this love story was utter brilliance. I loved the pacing and the romantic tension and the obstacles that had to be overcome. I was on the edge of my seat, quite literally at times, waiting to see what would happen. And then what DID happen?! Well, absolutely nothing I predicted! I will say nothing further for fear someone else will read this correspondence and will be given spoilers, but I am quite certain you know what I am talking about.
I finished this book with a smile on my face. I was deliriously happy and am deeply looking forward to reading its sequel. Thank you for providing such a wonderful book to read. I loved it so much (and I am grateful you have an extensive backlog I can immerse myself into while waiting for the next story)!
Your fan,
Jessica
Quotes I loved:
“Ah. That boy would nurse a rattler back to health if he found one with a bent tail.”
“Miss Bolton, I assure you I am a man of honesty and integrity. That you would doubt me speaks less to your desire to exercise caution and more to a prejudice of which I cannot understand. Perhaps with time, you will understand I am a man of my word.”
“Out here, from the beginning of an acquaintance, you trust more to how a man behaves at present than whatever his past has been. I’ve known men who were thieves in the East, but I trust them with my life and valuables out here. You worry less about where a am comes from than you do where he’s going, and what he plans to do to get there.”
“Every man oughta get a chance to prove he’s worth his salt.”
“Did you forget your dancing slippers when you came over on the boat?” Dannie sidled up next to him, leaning her back against the white-washed church wall, too Their shoulders were inches apart.
“Among other things,” he responded. “I left behind my valet. I think I miss him most of all. Only think how much more the cattle would respect me I was turned out in style every day, with a shine to my boots and freshly shaven.”
“Daddy, love is stability, isn’t it? You’d offer yourself to her. That’s the best thing any woman could ask for.”
“Without the reach, I wasn’t someone a man would want to love. And she told me that I was more than enough. That offering myself, my heart, to the right man would be more than enough. Even if I didn’t have a penny to my name.”
“You’re turning into quite the cowboy, Duke.”
“I hope that’s a compliment.”
“We’ll see.”
“It might be your laundry, but I’m going to help you with it.” He pulled the shirt out of the water and ran it down the scrubbing board and into the water a few times, giving attention to the sleeve.
He mouth opened wide, and she stepped back, hands going to her hips. “Why would you do that?”
“Society raised me to be a gentleman. That means coming to the assistance of a lady in distress. Can you think of anything more distressing than laundry?”
Rating:
This was a really cute story. I found Evan extremely likable and Dannie as well – once her rough edges wore down. Westerns are not usually my favorite genre but this one was unique and fun. It should be interesting that the next story in this series is based on the quiet foreman, Frosty. I enjoyed both the Kindle and audible version of this book.
Oh my this book was fantastic! I loved getting to know each character and seeing an English nobleman in the Wild West working on a ranch was so much fun. I can’t wait to hear the other books in this series when they release.
I LOVED it so much. It struck all the right chords with me and had all the feels! Sometimes, depending upon what’s coming between the couple, I find myself getting bored in the middle of the story. Not here. It kept me entertained all the way through.
I listened to the audiobook, and Marian Hussey was a delight too!
I listened to the audio version of this story and Sally did not disappoint with this new genre of Victorian Western! The narrator was fantastic! I can’t wait to see what the rest of the series brings!
I received a copy from the author and all opinions are my own.
Such a fun and romantic book. This hit all of my wants in both the Victorian and Western genres. It was a great mix of the two.
Dannie doesn’t trust Evan because of a past relationship. He wants adventure and is willing to work and learn. Little by little they trust each other and build a bond. Great story. I loved the ending.
When I learned one of my absolute favorite Regency romance writers was writing a Western romance I couldn’t wait. And let me tell ya, I was not disappointed. With Silver Dollar Duke, Sally Britton proves can write a Western romance every bit as swoony as any of her Regencies. I’m already antsy for the next one!
Regency meets Western? What is not to love here? Dannie is your stereotypical western woman, strong, able to care for herself and not about to let a strange man worm his way onto her family ranch. Evan is the second son and has always dreamed of experiencing real cowboy life. He has a lot to prove to Dannie and the other ranch hands, including her father. Evan is the real deal though, genuine and a hard worker. Dannie’s broken heart, and trust, is no match for the real man she comes to see in Evan. I loved seeing Evan grow in the ways of the West! Most of all though, I enjoyed the friendship that slowly developed into more. The narrator does an excellent job of capturing the accents and male/female characters. She truly brought the story to life and I thoroughly enjoyed being able to listen to the story unfold. I received a complimentary copy from the author and all opinions expressed are my own, freely given.