Duke Gone Rogue audiobook

William Hart, Duke of Ashmore, is on a mission to restore the dukedom from the scandals his father created. But staying out of the ton gossip has made him a joyless grump. His sisters insist he get away for a while, and he sets off for a family property he intends to sell. Madeline Ravenwood is hard at work preparing for the annual flower show. She is tasked by the committee to convince the duke to repair his ramshackle manor house before a royal visit. But spending time together has made Will and Maddie's attraction impossible to ignore.This is the first book in a new series, Love on Holiday. I really enjoyed this story and it gave me classic 2000s HR vibes. Everyone wants to compare every new book to Bridgerton, but this one actually gave me that sort of feeling. Maddie is a quietly strong and capable heroine. She runs the gardening business she inherited from her parents, and takes on too many commitments because she loves her community. Will just needed a chance to get away from society, and duty, and allow himself to open up to someone. They make a (more subtle) grumpy/sunshine pairing. It was the perfect book for cuddling up with blanket and reading the day away.Tropes: Class Difference, Working HeroineSteam Rating: 1* I received an ARC and this is my honest review. #DukeGoneRogue #NetGalley

3.5 stars

3.5 stars - Historical Romance

“Duke Gone Rogue” is a first time read by new author, Christy Carlyle to this reader. I thought the story was lovely and enjoyable.Both characters, Madeline Ravenwood and Will Hart, Duke of Ashmore were likeable individuals although they have their own motives for being who they are. The heroine, due to her parent’s death has taken on running their flower business and has the skills and determination to make it succeed. Then there is the hero, despite his somewhat unlikeable to likeable attitude is bent on atoning for his father’s past sins and is trying hard not to follow in his path. Sub-characters are the hero’s sisters who sets him off to their country estate in hopes that he could change his demeanor and detract from also ruining one of the sister’s betrothal party. Upon arriving to the diminishing estate, he encounters Madeline and the two become attracted on more than a friendly basis. I enjoyed the building relationship between the two and the complement of intimacy that I think took longer to come about. I do like steamy in my HRs and this one was a bit lacking.There were some parts of the story that dragged or just died and that was the investigation into the father’s past dealings and plot of blackmail that fizzled. In any case, I think it was well-written with some iffy spots that could have been developed better, but it was an enjoyable read. Looking forward to reading the second in the series.Thank you to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for this ARC in exchange for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Madeline Ravenwood and William Hart, the Duke of Ashmore met quite by chance in Lady Trenmere’s conservatory, when she witnessed his fiancée jilting him. The woman was angry at Will and threw her betrothal ring at him while telling him how heartless he is. Madeline tried to escape unseen, but Will stopped her. In just a few moments, Madeline came to the realization that the jilted man was not only the most handsome man she had ever met, and he is definitely not heartless. Too bad she is returning to Cornwall in the morning and would most likely never see him again.Months later, Will’s sisters convince him to take a holiday to Carnwyth, one of the properties his father purchased and was known for wild parties. Will has spent every moment since his father’s death trying to uncover his father’s misdeeds and set them to right, it has given him a reputation as heartless and glum, not to mention has caused more than one noble to worry about what sins Will uncover and reveal about them. It was that digging that caused his fiancée to dump him. At first, he resists, not wanting to miss his youngest sister’s engagement ball, but when his sister Cora reveals that several of his former fiancée’s family and friends will be that it would be best if he was not around, he grudgingly agrees to leave. He arrives in Haven Cove and learns almost immediately that his sister didn’t tell him everything he need to know, such as Princess Beatrice was scheduled to visit the town and the arrival of a duke would not go unnoticed! Madeline has been running her family’s nursery business ever since her father died, and she has all but given up on romance. She keeps herself busy with projects and committees, but her heart isn’t really in it, which makes her feel guilty like she is betraying her father. She has often thought of the man she met in London, so when she realizes that the Duke is that man, it sets her heart aflutter and the Princess’s visit gives her the perfect excuse to see him – his house has been neglected and is an eyesore, she needs him to tidy it up before the Princess arrives. But to her surprise, Will is not really willing to fix up the house, that is unless Maddie is willing to help. This was a well-written, nicely-paced story with wonderful characters. The book doesn’t really have any angst and nothing is keeping our lovers apart, save themselves and their desire to see the other happy. For me, it was a delightfully light, uncomplicated read filled with great characters, instant attraction, kitten infestations, carousel rides, flowers, royal visits, well-meaning siblings, bunting, steamyish love scenes, and finally a very sweet ending complete with a HEA and an epilogue. This is the first book in a new series which I am happy to recommend and will impatiently await the next installment!.*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*

Super cute. Will be reviewed at smittenbybooks.com

I absolutely devoured this unconventional historical romance. Maddy is the queen of committees and the linchpin of her community's social calendar. She is also trying to keep the business her parents left her afloat. She's juggling so many things - and her carefully constructed world can't handle finding room for the temptation that is the implacable Duke of Ashmore. Her determination to keep her distance proves futile, as circumstances throw them together. She discovers the wry humor that lurks beneath his steely demeanor, the love of kittens that he disguises with his ducal propriety, warm encouragement and incomparable hugs, and an incredible ability to listen to her thoughts and fears and offer sound, caring advice. Will is a man who knows what his responsibilities are. His father's peccadilloes and penchant for destruction wrecked the family's reputation and coffers. He has to keep an iron rein on his emotions, and remain constantly attuned to any rumors that will skew his sisters' chances for successful marriages. He has been called cold, haughty, arrogant and untouchable. But the capable, insightful botanist he exchanged banter with in a conservatory utterly decimates his defenses. Rowing lessons, walks in the rain, and baring their deepest fears to each other lead to a feetfirst plunge into the shark-infested waters of an affair that has a time limit. They know that what is between them cannot last -- they have separate lives in completely different parts of the country, and a long-term connection isn't something they can consider. But love always finds a way to bloom and prosper, and this happily-ever-after stole my heart.

When Will Hart, the Duke of Ashmore, travels to the family lands in Cornwall at his sisters’ request, he never expects to run into the woman who witnessed his broken engagement. Madeline Ravenwood is equally stunned when she is tasked with convincing Will to fix his eye-sore home before a special visit by Princess Beatrice. So much rides on Princess Beatrice’s endorsement, including the success of her family’s business, but the more time Maddie spends with Will, the more she questions her priorities. Will’s feelings for Maddie grow stronger as they spend their days together, but can he convince Maddie that they have a future together when social constraints and expectations threaten to keep them apart?The majority of the story takes place in Haven’s Cove, a seaside community where Madeline lives. A small community where everyone knows everyone else, Haven’s Cove is vividly depicted, and I can see why Maddie loves it so much. It sounds so beautiful and is the perfect backdrop for the story.Maddie is a hardworking, generous, and kind woman. She is independent and very different from the women Will is accustomed to interacting with. Maddie is very involved in her community and is on numerous committees, including the one preparing for Princess Beatrice’s visit. So much rides on this visit, and Maddie is hoping that it will boost the economy and garner more recognition for the nursery she inherited from her parents. Maddie is often conflicted between her responsibilities and her desires, and this proves true when it comes to how she feels for Will.Will is super swoon-worthy in a grumpy kind of way. At the start of the story, his life revolves around restoring his family name and providing his younger sisters with a secure future. He is intense, and people see him as rigid, heartless, and unpleasant. Leaving his duties behind, leaving the ton and polite society, and even leaving the pressures of being the eldest brother responsible for the well-being of his younger sisters gives him the opportunity to be himself. He finally has a reprieve and doesn’t even realize how much he needs it. Will changes so much as the story progresses, as does Maddie. They definitely bring out the best in each other and encourage each other to live their best lives. I love how they both come to realize what is truly important.The love story between Will and Maddie is fantastic. They have such amazing chemistry, and I like how they learn more about themselves and each other as their relationship progresses. They have a lot in common and relate to each other well, even though they are from different social classes and have lived very different lives. For example, both characters have had responsibilities thrust upon them, and neither had much say in their futures. These commonalities connect them on a deep level. On top of that, their chemistry and romance are so swoon-worthy!Duke Gone Rogue is a great start to what promises to be a fun new historical romance series! It’s an entertaining read with well-layered characters, and the love story is romantic, angst-filled, and a bit steamy. I’m so thankful to Avon, NetGalley, and Christy Carlyle for a copy of the book in exchange for my honest review.

Since inheriting his title, William Hart, the Duke of Ashmore, has done everything in his power to undo the damage his unscrupulous father did to the family name. Unfortunately, his ruthless honesty has gained him a reputation for being a joyless prig. He may be a catch thanks to his title, but his reputation as a dullard makes him less than a success in London society. His sisters all but force him to a neglected ducal property in Cornwall for some relaxation and he reluctantly agrees to go try to find the man he was before he assumed so much responsibility.Madeline Ravenwood likes to stay as busy as possible. For her this means running the plant nursery business her parents established and left to her and co-chairing the Royal Visit Committee in her small Cornish town. The work of preparing for Princess Beatrice’s visit to the town is enough to keep Maddie hopping and she doesn’t need the distraction of a stern but very attractive duke.When Maddie, on behalf of the committee, asks Will to make some repairs to his eyesore of an estate, he reluctantly agrees, but only if she’ll spend time showing him around Cornwall in exchange. As they spend days, and soon enough nights, together, Will falls ever more in love with Maddie, but she’s acutely aware of how different their lives are and he’s not sure he’ll be able to convince her to subject herself to the changes becoming his duchess will bring to her life.I loved how light-hearted and low angst this book was. It left me feeling happy and satisfied without the MCs having spent copious amounts of time apart doing soul searching. Maddie and Will did spend a good amount of time ruminating on all the reasons they shouldn’t be together, but they ultimately followed their hearts and there was never any real doubt that they belonged together given how strong their connection so obviously was. I enjoyed the easiness that existed between Maddie and Will and how they just came together through mutual attraction and minimal drama. She got to know Will as no one else had, without judging him for his father’s actions or his ruthless attempts to right the wrongs he inherited. He also got Maddie to slow down and take some time to acknowledge what she truly wanted to be doing, rather than focusing so much on upholding her parents’ legacy. These two were just wholesome and endearing together and I loved the building and natural progression of their relationship with a real foundation in their connection beyond just physical attraction. It was also nice to have pretty open communication between them and I enjoyed that she was able to help Will relax and just be himself outside of the expectations placed on him. I do wish their intimacy had been a bit more detailed, just because I think that would’ve added a little extra oomph to their relationship development, but otherwise I really enjoyed this one and I was very refreshed by the Cornish setting, so I’m looking forward to the rest of this series.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...

William Hart, Duke of Ashmore, is considered a grump and too focused on reestablishing his family's good name. When his betrothed breaks off the engagement, his sister Cora arranges for him to go on holiday in Cornwall, to the estate where their father held his bacchamalian parties. Madeline Ravenwood continues working her father's nursery business in Cornwall. Meeting Will again, the spark grows, until the attraction turns to passion. When Will must return to London, he doesn't think Maddy would leave her business. A gentle nudge from a friend forces Will to make a decision. The romance happens very quickly, but the angst seems to follow at the same time. Love this couple! Steamy.I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Duke Gone Rogue is a fun and softly sweet romance story between a Duke and a working class heroine. Christy Carlyle gently weaves together this fast paced romance with low angst, delightful characters, a charming setting, and a sweet chemistry between the hero and heroine in the late Victorian era (1890s). Carlyle's writing is engaging, quickly drawing the reader in and it is well paced as this soft romance unfolds between two people who are at a sort of cross roads in their lives. Will, the hero, is a duke who has the reputation of as a grumpy stick in the mud, after a failed engagement his sisters encourage him to take a vacation at a rundown estate in Cornwall to hopefully reinvigorate him. Madeline is a hard worker, she run's her families flower business, she is a founding member of the Royal Visit Committee and she is involved in many groups around town. Madeline knows that anything she puts her mind to, she can accomplish. Madeline and Will are constantly put in each other's paths when Madeline is tasked with encouraging the Duke to renovate his estate in time for Princess Beatrice's visit. During this time Will and Madeline allow their attraction to grow as Maddie helps him to explore Cornwall and learn to open himself up. This romance story is gently explored in a vacation setting in the Cornwall area. I love that this novels action plays out in the everyday operations of this small town as they prep for a new hotel opening and an annual flower show that will be judged by Princess Beatrice. Because this novel is built around a small town we are introduced to various people in the town, that are delightful and unique in their own way. I also found the late Victorian date of this novel to be nicely refreshing and explores some of the new innovations in technology in a nice and subtle way. Carlyle does a lovely job of balancing the romantic relationship between Will and Madeline while still keeping their daily lives and the town every present in the action of the story. Watching their initial attraction flourish and grow as they are draw to each other and spend time together is really lovely. Will and Madeline have a sweet chemistry that is grow from mutual attraction and respect for the other. Will and Madeline learn to work together, explore their attraction while both being cautious and aware of what they imagine the other's hopes and dreams for the future are. Will and Maddie are so sweet together and supportive of each other. I really enjoyed how they both were able to help the other take a look at where they currently where in their lives and question where they want to be. Their relationship is sweetly sensual, and while not closed door, the steam level is definitely on the moderate side of steamy. I would definitely recommend this lovely, low angst romance. The charming setting, the intriguing side characters, a strong and independent heroine and a hero who blooms with the love he has for his heroine is such a delightful mix for a wonderful historical romance. Thank you to Avon Romance and NetGalley for an eARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

In this historical romance, a duke is bullied by his sisters into taking a much-needed seaside vacation. The story is so light and pleasant that reading it became a much-needed vacation for me, too. It follows Will, Duke of Ashmore, and Maddie, the owner of a nursery who is passionate about rose hybridization, as she prepares for a royal visit that could put her creations on the map.The book serves up the cold, grumpy duke trope done right. Will's never cruel or careless with his words, nor is he haughty and too sure of himself. He's just overworked and has little capability in terms of fun and relaxation, which can be offputting to others. The fact that he is tracking down his late father's past wrongdoings doesn't sit well with the other aristocrats, either, making him unwelcome in society. Maddie's burdened by the family business she inherited and the many commitments she takes on to keep herself busy. Both Will and Maddie need a reminder of how to slow down, enjoy life, and seek something for themselves that rejuvenates their energy rather than draining it. It made for a sweet, sunny romance rather than a stormy one.Sometimes a light romance passes me by without leaving a mark, but this one was just the carefree read I needed, a balm to my weary, jaded disposition. The author so perfectly summons that feeling of a giddy crush as the two feel drawn to one another, simply reveling in each other's company. Whether it was an idyllic scene in a rowboat out in the cove or a zestful day trip to a May fair celebration, I cherished being a party to it all. If you're in the mood for a Victorian romance that will clear away the cobwebs and provide a happy escape, I recommend this getaway, the first in what promises to be a joyous series.

Maddie Rawenwood is a young businesswoman who’s managing her late parents’ nursery in Cornwall. She’s also very involved in the life of her little village, chairing various committees, especially those tasked to making preparations for the upcoming visit of Princess Sophia. There’s only one little problem to be solved: the imposing, crumbling manor that is ruining the beautiful seaside view and that belongs to an equally imposing, stern and frustratingly handsome duke…William, Duke of Ashmore, has dedicated his life to righting his late father’s wrongs and in doing so he’s acquired a reputation for being sulky, forbidding and heartless. When his sisters decide they have had enough of him being a spoilsport, they arrange a vacation for him in Cornwall. Will goes, albeit grudgingly, but his sour mood soon improves with the help of a fetching young flower lover…Reading the wonderful descriptions of the Cornish seaside village I suddenly wished I could go there and visit those awesome places. Thanks to the talented author’s brilliant writing I could picture the breathtaking views, the rolling sea and the flowers of Maddie’s nursery with their vivid colors and their fragrant smell. The story is a classic holiday romance, with two main characters that are deeply changed by their love for each other. This was my first book by Christy Carlyle and I found it a very pleasant reading, the type of book you can enjoy while relaxing on your couch with a cup of hot chocolate nearby on a chilly winter evening, dreaming about summer and summer resorts…I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Big thanks to Avon Publishing for an e-ARC of this book via NetGalley. This review is being given voluntarily and all thoughts and opinions are my own. This was such a surprising read for me. I obviously loved what I read in the synopsis and was so excited to get an email saying I had gotten an e-ARC of the book because eit just sounded SO good!Will and Maddie were such a great couple for me to read about. I love the way we are first introduced to them and how well their relationship development flowed. I think the writing in this book really made this top tier for me because of how well everything just came together seamlessly. I absolutely loved that there wasn't any big angsty scenes or an anxiety inducing third act mishap because this book was perfect without it.Forewarning to my spicy scene lovers, this is very low steam and has a fade to black scene and the author kind of just glosses over the act itself with little details. And, as a spicy scene lover, I can tell you now that this did not affect how much I enjoyed this book. Would I have loved to see that for this couple? Yes, but the book and writing was so good that I didn't even mind/notice that much.

Carlyle starts her new series with this sweet story of a Duke and a horticulturist. Will is a Duke with a reputation for being a bore. His father before him had quite the opposite problem, lying and cheating his way through the ton with his scandalous behavior. Will is determined to right his father's wrongs, but in the process, he's discovering plenty about his peers and they are none too happy. But when he meets Maddie, who is hiding behind the plants, at a dinner party in London, he can't get his mind off of her. Maddie runs a plant nursery down in Cornwall, a business she took over after her parents died. But she's also been unable to forget Will, though she doesn't know that he's a Duke. When he shows up down in Cornwall at one of his father's neglected estates, Will and Maddie reconnect as she tries to convince him to repair his Father's estate and inject some life into their local economy. I don't read many historical romances these days. But the publisher sent me this one, so I felt compelled to give it a go. I'm happy to say that I liked it a lot. It's sweet though not overly steamy, and distinctly lacking alphahole or stupid MCs, which is a too common problem. I'll definitely read more.

Duke Gone Rogue is the first book in Christy Carlyle's new Love on Holiday series. I have a number of books by. Ms. Carlyle that I haven't yet read, and I'm glad to become acquainted with her work here. If this one is any indication, I'm in for a treat. This story is oh-so-charming and sweet with a bit of steam, and fans of historical romance will surely enjoy it.Will Hart is the current Duke of Ashmore. He's totally different from the former duke, his dissipated father. His father spent most of his life in the pursuit of sensual pleasures and cheating others; therefore, Will has gone the opposite way in order to rebuild the dukedom. Now Will is considered honest. He's also considered forbidding, joyless and a stick-in-the-mud. The word "curmudgeon" has also been thrown about. Will's two sisters don't want him to drag down the engagement party of the youngest, so they ask him to visit the family's run-down estate in Cornwall. Will reluctantly agrees, so off he goes, where he sees Madeline Ravenwood again. He met her once in London under awkward circumstances, and he hasn't been able to get her out of his mind. Maddie is busy running the gardening business left to her by her father; she is also a founding member of the Royal Visit Committee, which is busily preparing for Princess Beatrice's visit to judge their annual flower show. Since Maddie has met the duke, the Committee asks her to convince him to repair his rundown manor before the royal visit. He agrees to work on the eyesore if Maddie will spend time with him. Can a duke and a gardener find common ground, or will reality get in the way?This was really a lovely story. There were no "I hate you/I love you" theatrics going on. Will and Maddie were extremely attracted to each other and didn't particularly fight it. The only angst basically dealt with the differences of Will and Maddie's stations in life and the beginning of rumors in London that Will was spending some time with a businesswoman and perhaps was beginning to act like his father. That's not to say the storyline was boring...far from it. This was more a character-driven story. I adored both Will and Maddie. Will was trying to restore the reputation of being the Duke of Ashmore, and he realized he was losing himself. When he went to Cornwall he began to find his way again, taking up sketching as he did when younger. He also found joy in doing simple things with Maddie such as rowing in the lake (a first for him) and visiting a fair in a neighboring village. Maddie was a busy little bee, running her gardening business, working on hybrid roses and volunteering for all sorts of committees. What she really wanted to do was plan gardens and work with her beloved roses; however, she felt guilty when she thought of selling the business that was her father's. She had an infectious joyful personality that drew people to her, especially Will. When the two became physical there was some steam, but nothing particularly explicit. It was heartbreaking when they decided they couldn't be together due to their positions, and I admit I shed a few tears. But of course there had to be a HEA, as these two both deserved it. There was also some humor in the book; I found the "infestation of kittens" particularly enjoyable. I'm looking forward to the next book in this series.I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.