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The Duke's Den #3
Nothing Compares to the Duke
Christy Carlyle concludes her Duke’s Den series with this sparkling romance about two reluctant allies intent on following the rules and breaking every single one.
His Only Regret…
Rhys Forester, the new Duke of Claremont, lives his life by four words: Enjoy All, Regret Nothing. He’s devoted to the pleasure of his wild soirees, reckless behavior, and shocking the ton with his interests in trade. The debts that come with his title don’t fit the carefree lifestyle he’s created, and when he’s forced to return to his family’s estate, he’s also forced to confront his one and only regret: the beautiful girl he left behind.
May Be Falling in Love…
Arabella Prescott has been the belle of more balls than she cares to remember. After three seasons and five rejected proposals, she’s done with the marriage mart. Bella’s hopes to live a comfortable life, alone, come crashing down when her parents demand she marry. But her salvation may come in the form of the man she hates the most.
Bella has never forgiven Rhys for what he did to her, but desperate times call for fake engagements. With a few dozen rules, their scheme begins, but it’s not long before the former enemies find themselves breaking every single rule, including the most important of them all: don’t fall in love…
His Only Regret…
Rhys Forester, the new Duke of Claremont, lives his life by four words: Enjoy All, Regret Nothing. He’s devoted to the pleasure of his wild soirees, reckless behavior, and shocking the ton with his interests in trade. The debts that come with his title don’t fit the carefree lifestyle he’s created, and when he’s forced to return to his family’s estate, he’s also forced to confront his one and only regret: the beautiful girl he left behind.
May Be Falling in Love…
Arabella Prescott has been the belle of more balls than she cares to remember. After three seasons and five rejected proposals, she’s done with the marriage mart. Bella’s hopes to live a comfortable life, alone, come crashing down when her parents demand she marry. But her salvation may come in the form of the man she hates the most.
Bella has never forgiven Rhys for what he did to her, but desperate times call for fake engagements. With a few dozen rules, their scheme begins, but it’s not long before the former enemies find themselves breaking every single rule, including the most important of them all: don’t fall in love…
351 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 26, 2020
About the author
Christy Carlyle
40 books524 followersFueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 131 reviews
May 23, 2020
Series: The Duke’s Den #3
Publication Date: 5/26/20
Number of Pages: 368
Rhys Forester and Arabella Prescott have a history – both a joyous one and a heartbreaking one. They were best friends from the time they were children running their family estates together – getting covered in mud, riding their horses – you name it – they were inseparable. Arabella was the person who knew Rhys better than anyone – knew all of his fears and secrets. Then, Arabella begins to see Rhys in a different light and he thoroughly breaks her heart. He just threw it down and stomped on it. Let’s just say that Arabella hasn’t been particularly forgiving – and I don’t blame her.
Rhys has lead a debauched hedonistic lifestyle for the last five years. He throws wild parties, acts recklessly, and womanizes every night while sleeping his days away. However, he has made his own fortune by investments of many kinds, but particularly as part-owner of the Duke’s Den. Then, his father dies and Rhys becomes the fifth Duke of Claremont – only to learn that the dukedom isn’t as solvent as Rhys had assumed it was. It is devouring all of his funds and he has to figure out what has happened. His father couldn’t have been that much of a profligate – or could he? Rhys heads back to his estate to investigate – but balancing ledgers is not his strong suit and he’s having a very hard time of it.
Arabella has had several very successful seasons and has declined a number of marriage proposals. She has ambitions of her own and they include publishing her own book – and remaining single. She thinks her parents have accepted her wish to become a spinster – until – she discovers that the house party they are planning is strictly to introduce her to several very marriage-minded men. Once she learns the reason for their insistence, she starts looking for ways around them. Who could be better to help her than Rhys? After all, he owes her – big time.
Each has a skill and ability the other needs, so they strike a bargain – they’ll have a fake betrothal to satisfy her parents and she’ll help Rhys with the ledgers and his sister's debut season. Everybody wins! But, as they spend more and more time together, Rhys begins to realize what a horrible mistake he made years ago. Can he convince Arabella to trust him again? To love him again? Can Arabella learn to forgive Rhys and trust him again?
I really enjoyed this book and truly came to like the main characters. I do have to admit that I didn’t really understand Rhys’s descent into debauchery – I understand that his father wasn’t the best example and they didn’t get along, but I think I just didn’t really get enough information on that to understand it.
I hope you will give this well-written book a try and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Reading
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Publication Date: 5/26/20
Number of Pages: 368
Rhys Forester and Arabella Prescott have a history – both a joyous one and a heartbreaking one. They were best friends from the time they were children running their family estates together – getting covered in mud, riding their horses – you name it – they were inseparable. Arabella was the person who knew Rhys better than anyone – knew all of his fears and secrets. Then, Arabella begins to see Rhys in a different light and he thoroughly breaks her heart. He just threw it down and stomped on it. Let’s just say that Arabella hasn’t been particularly forgiving – and I don’t blame her.
Rhys has lead a debauched hedonistic lifestyle for the last five years. He throws wild parties, acts recklessly, and womanizes every night while sleeping his days away. However, he has made his own fortune by investments of many kinds, but particularly as part-owner of the Duke’s Den. Then, his father dies and Rhys becomes the fifth Duke of Claremont – only to learn that the dukedom isn’t as solvent as Rhys had assumed it was. It is devouring all of his funds and he has to figure out what has happened. His father couldn’t have been that much of a profligate – or could he? Rhys heads back to his estate to investigate – but balancing ledgers is not his strong suit and he’s having a very hard time of it.
Arabella has had several very successful seasons and has declined a number of marriage proposals. She has ambitions of her own and they include publishing her own book – and remaining single. She thinks her parents have accepted her wish to become a spinster – until – she discovers that the house party they are planning is strictly to introduce her to several very marriage-minded men. Once she learns the reason for their insistence, she starts looking for ways around them. Who could be better to help her than Rhys? After all, he owes her – big time.
Each has a skill and ability the other needs, so they strike a bargain – they’ll have a fake betrothal to satisfy her parents and she’ll help Rhys with the ledgers and his sister's debut season. Everybody wins! But, as they spend more and more time together, Rhys begins to realize what a horrible mistake he made years ago. Can he convince Arabella to trust him again? To love him again? Can Arabella learn to forgive Rhys and trust him again?
I really enjoyed this book and truly came to like the main characters. I do have to admit that I didn’t really understand Rhys’s descent into debauchery – I understand that his father wasn’t the best example and they didn’t get along, but I think I just didn’t really get enough information on that to understand it.
I hope you will give this well-written book a try and that you’ll enjoy it as much as I did. Happy Reading
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 19, 2020
I’ve enjoyed the previous two books in this series, so I was all in on this one.
I loved Bella and Rhys. She’s so clever and he’s charming and each needs the other’s help. Toss in their history + a fake engagement and I was here for all of it. There are a few other characters in this story, but the main focus is the two MCs. Seeing the previous couples just makes me want to go back to the other books.
Plot wise it was good. I was happy to see Bella was given a chance to work through her past hurt and that Rhys acknowledged out loud what he did. Their progression from no-longer-friends to partners in crime to love felt organic. There was a good amount of conversation and I’m always excited to get dialogue instead of inner monologue.
Overall, it was a satisfying story with characters who were easy to root for. I know I’ll be reading this series again.
**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**
I loved Bella and Rhys. She’s so clever and he’s charming and each needs the other’s help. Toss in their history + a fake engagement and I was here for all of it. There are a few other characters in this story, but the main focus is the two MCs. Seeing the previous couples just makes me want to go back to the other books.
Plot wise it was good. I was happy to see Bella was given a chance to work through her past hurt and that Rhys acknowledged out loud what he did. Their progression from no-longer-friends to partners in crime to love felt organic. There was a good amount of conversation and I’m always excited to get dialogue instead of inner monologue.
Overall, it was a satisfying story with characters who were easy to root for. I know I’ll be reading this series again.
**Huge thanks to Avon for providing the arc free of charge**
December 23, 2020
Les personnages et l'histoire sont sympathique mais sans plus. Je n'irais pas jusqu'à dire que je me suis ennuyée mais il m'a manqué un peu de passion. Tout et tout le monde est un peu trop gentil, accommodant et compréhensif.
July 2, 2020
I love a fake relationship. The whole mechanism of the trope works because it throws resistant people with a simmering attraction into situations that force them to be closer. It doesn't work when these situations...like...don't happen? From the initiation of the fake relationship to the time they bang, not much happens to bring them closer together. He's supportive of her, so I guess that helps her forgive him? They've always loved each other, so there's not much to overcome. Any stakes that interfere with them finally being together are low. Sometimes I'm all for low stakes - but there's got to be something, like humor or ... anything ... to compensate for the lack of stakes.
Parts of this that piqued my interest came to nothing. A financial mystery in the duke's accounts! Not high stakes, bc other income. Helping his sister come out! Barely attended to. Puzzles and publication! Briefly addressed, obstacles overcome off page. His dyslexia! Forgotten after the initial ledger read-through. The villain who robbed the ducal accounts and the investigation! Simple and an afterthought.
I was excited for this series because I found the first novel so utterly beautiful. The second one let me down. This one let me down a lot. It felt like a story I'd read before. I mean, I guess all historical romances are kind of stories we've read before, but give me some characters I love, give me some balls (dances; I reread this and was like...ooop), some adventures on the road, some tropey-tropes, and I'm all in. A note on the history - I never care for historical accuracy, per say, but here their time spent alone pushed the boundaries of my suspension of disbelief.
Meh.
Parts of this that piqued my interest came to nothing. A financial mystery in the duke's accounts! Not high stakes, bc other income. Helping his sister come out! Barely attended to. Puzzles and publication! Briefly addressed, obstacles overcome off page. His dyslexia! Forgotten after the initial ledger read-through. The villain who robbed the ducal accounts and the investigation! Simple and an afterthought.
I was excited for this series because I found the first novel so utterly beautiful. The second one let me down. This one let me down a lot. It felt like a story I'd read before. I mean, I guess all historical romances are kind of stories we've read before, but give me some characters I love, give me some balls (dances; I reread this and was like...ooop), some adventures on the road, some tropey-tropes, and I'm all in. A note on the history - I never care for historical accuracy, per say, but here their time spent alone pushed the boundaries of my suspension of disbelief.
Meh.
May 30, 2020
I have been on a roll with reading books from authors that have been on my TBR for a while that I just haven't gotten to (too many books, too little time). With that being said, I don't know what I was waiting for with this author LOL
Fake to real romances are my FAVORITE! Watching Rhys and Bella fall in love for real was fantastic.
While this was third book in the series, don't worry. It can easily be read on it's on :)
Fake to real romances are my FAVORITE! Watching Rhys and Bella fall in love for real was fantastic.
While this was third book in the series, don't worry. It can easily be read on it's on :)
May 26, 2020
NOTHING COMPARES TO THE DUKE by Christy Carlyle is book Three in The Duke's Den Series. This is the story of Arabella Prescott and Rhys Forester, the Duke of Claremont. I have read the previous books (loved them) but felt this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Rhys and Arabella once were best of friends running around as children. But then when they were a little older Arabella started to have different feelings for Rhys who ended up breaking her heart and left. Now all these years later Arabella is turning down marriage proposals and working to get her parents to understand this but of course they aren't excepting of this. Arabella wants to continue writing and just settling in to a spinster's life but when she learns her parents have set in motion a house party to introduce her to eligible men she starts to think of a plan to help herself. Rhys is all kinds of wild with his life being a full on rake, even part owner in The Duke's Den. But when his father dies he is left to return home to see what is going on with his new Title. Which leads him to needing help with his ledgers then with helping his sister's debut season. This leads him to Arabella who they end up striking a deal to help each other with the situations they find themselves in. But neither counted on how their feelings start to be renewed and taking onto more emotions than before. This was another great story by this author.
July 28, 2020
This book had so little plot, I was 72% of the way finished and had no clue how I'd gotten that far because nothing of importance had happened. I guess it wasn't bad but there were some loose ends and overall I was disappointed by the characters.
April 29, 2022
Dunno, the main couple just lacked chemistry 🤷🏻♀️
May 27, 2020
I hadn't read the first two books before starting Nothing Compares to the Duke, and I'm glad to admit I didn't feel like I had missed out, and was able to read without having any confusion.
Bella and Rhys used to be as thick as thieves until Bella, who had a crush on Rhys, found him with another woman. From then on, they never spoke until many years later when Rhys seeks Bella's help.
Bella [...] glanced over her shoulder at the man she should have slapped five years ago.
I greatly enjoyed getting a glimpse of these two being young and carefree, and having that specific scene when the encounter happens told through flashback, rather than from memory. It definitely felt more powerful and brought all the feels for Bella.
I appreciated so much Rhys owning up to what he did and putting his feelings on the table right from the start. He knew it was the only way for Bella to forgive him and move on from the past. Once that happened, I just loved their little banter, and the course of them going on a "detective adventure".
"I'd be more than happy to exchange favors, Bella." His smile was wicked, unlike any he'd ever offered her before. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."
I was slightly surprised by the fake-engagement, but at the same time, I loved it! I'm such a sucker for this trope. When Bella proposed the idea, my heart got so giddy! I respected Rhys so much when he gave his answer to Bella. Rhys is just so perfect. *dreamy sigh* I especially loved all the conversations these two characters had. I will always prefer dialogue because it truly shows the reader that the characters are connecting, at least in my eyes.
Overall, Nothing Compares to the Duke is so lovely, enticing and marvelous! I'll be reading more books by this author!
Bella and Rhys used to be as thick as thieves until Bella, who had a crush on Rhys, found him with another woman. From then on, they never spoke until many years later when Rhys seeks Bella's help.
Bella [...] glanced over her shoulder at the man she should have slapped five years ago.
I greatly enjoyed getting a glimpse of these two being young and carefree, and having that specific scene when the encounter happens told through flashback, rather than from memory. It definitely felt more powerful and brought all the feels for Bella.
I appreciated so much Rhys owning up to what he did and putting his feelings on the table right from the start. He knew it was the only way for Bella to forgive him and move on from the past. Once that happened, I just loved their little banter, and the course of them going on a "detective adventure".
"I'd be more than happy to exchange favors, Bella." His smile was wicked, unlike any he'd ever offered her before. "If you change your mind, you know where to find me."
I was slightly surprised by the fake-engagement, but at the same time, I loved it! I'm such a sucker for this trope. When Bella proposed the idea, my heart got so giddy! I respected Rhys so much when he gave his answer to Bella. Rhys is just so perfect. *dreamy sigh* I especially loved all the conversations these two characters had. I will always prefer dialogue because it truly shows the reader that the characters are connecting, at least in my eyes.
Overall, Nothing Compares to the Duke is so lovely, enticing and marvelous! I'll be reading more books by this author!
May 4, 2020
I didn't know that this was part of a series but I was not lost, and kind of figured out who the previous book featured and plan on going back to read it. I did enjoy this book. So we meet Arabella when she turns 18 and she has the biggest crush on her best friend, she is at her party and doesn't want to give her speech without him she is too excited until she finds him with a widow in a scandalous position, she runs away and tells him to go, not only does he go but they do not speak for 4 years. Rhys has always regretted what happened with Bella and he truly misses her, but now he needs her help so he gets his gumption and goes and asks for it and for her forgiveness, she does agree but wants something in return, she wants to fake an engagement which she truly doesn't want but needs so that her parents will stop trying to get her married off, but you guys know what starts as fake doesn't stay there..I had read some previous reviews saying that Rhys betrayed her but he didn't they were friends, she saw him as more but at that time he didn't he just saw her as his friend.
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinion
rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinion
May 31, 2020
A no drama book. Those are sort of rare.
There is Bella who fell for her best friend Rhys, but he was busy with all the other ladies and being a, oh wait for it, rake! Shocking ;) So she was all bye!
Now he is back, he is a Duke, the estate is loosing money, his sister needs a season, and he needs to step up.
And Bella is entertaining suitors as a houseparty. And yes that is the story for much of the book. Them meeting again, talking, realising they still need each other, her knowing she never stopped loving him, and him noticing her for the first time for real.
And then they will live happily ever after. And Rhys will change his ways, and she can continue writing her books. All well that ends well.
Good narration. I enjoyed her voices and tone. And well I guess she was good for this lowdrama book too
There is Bella who fell for her best friend Rhys, but he was busy with all the other ladies and being a, oh wait for it, rake! Shocking ;) So she was all bye!
Now he is back, he is a Duke, the estate is loosing money, his sister needs a season, and he needs to step up.
And Bella is entertaining suitors as a houseparty. And yes that is the story for much of the book. Them meeting again, talking, realising they still need each other, her knowing she never stopped loving him, and him noticing her for the first time for real.
And then they will live happily ever after. And Rhys will change his ways, and she can continue writing her books. All well that ends well.
Good narration. I enjoyed her voices and tone. And well I guess she was good for this lowdrama book too
May 28, 2020
Bella and Rhys were soooo good together! She’s clever and analytical. He’s the historical equivalent of a frat boy. Oddly enough, they paired very well together and I loved every minute of their not so fake relationship!
June 28, 2020
Rhys Forester, now the Duke of Claremont, believes his only talent lies in entertaining people and he's spent his life thus far completely immersed in scandalous parties and an even more scandalous interest in trade. But his inheritance comes with unexpected debts, leading to the necessity for Rhys to return to his family's estate and investigate the issue. This means confronting the beautiful neighbor who was his lifelong friend until he inadvertently ruined their relationship in the only true regret he carries.
Arabella Prescott has had three seasons and rejected five marriage proposals and hopes to never have to endure the matrimonial scene again. She hopes to live comfortably, alone with her books, but her parents are intent on moving to Greece where her father has received a teaching position that greatly interests him and where the climate will be better for his health. They are loathe to leave her unsettled, but Bella knows thy need to go and soon, which means she needs a fiance and help may come in the form of the man she'd hoped to have no further dealings with.
Though she can somewhat forgive Rhys, she can never forget the hurt his actions caused. A fake engagement to him is just what she needs to appease her parents, but she must be careful to guard her heart. To that end, she establishes rules for herself and Rhys to ensure their engagement remains fake and no one gets hurt, but soon they find themselves breaking all those rules and what was meant to be fake rapidly becomes all too real.
I adored these two together, I just really wish Rhys had had a better sense of self-worth and not been such a wild, partying rake. I did love it when Rhys opened his eyes to the attraction he's truly always had for Bella. I just wished Rhys would've pursued Bella a little harder, rather than giving her so much time to think and decide. Overall, these two were cute together and I was glad to see so much open communication between them. This was a satisfying ending to the series and I'm looking forward to what's next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Arabella Prescott has had three seasons and rejected five marriage proposals and hopes to never have to endure the matrimonial scene again. She hopes to live comfortably, alone with her books, but her parents are intent on moving to Greece where her father has received a teaching position that greatly interests him and where the climate will be better for his health. They are loathe to leave her unsettled, but Bella knows thy need to go and soon, which means she needs a fiance and help may come in the form of the man she'd hoped to have no further dealings with.
Though she can somewhat forgive Rhys, she can never forget the hurt his actions caused. A fake engagement to him is just what she needs to appease her parents, but she must be careful to guard her heart. To that end, she establishes rules for herself and Rhys to ensure their engagement remains fake and no one gets hurt, but soon they find themselves breaking all those rules and what was meant to be fake rapidly becomes all too real.
I adored these two together, I just really wish Rhys had had a better sense of self-worth and not been such a wild, partying rake. I did love it when Rhys opened his eyes to the attraction he's truly always had for Bella. I just wished Rhys would've pursued Bella a little harder, rather than giving her so much time to think and decide. Overall, these two were cute together and I was glad to see so much open communication between them. This was a satisfying ending to the series and I'm looking forward to what's next from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 28, 2021
This book was a bit of a letdown. I bought it before reading the first two books in the series and actually kind of forgot about it (I have a LOT of books on my Kindle, LOL). First, I want to say that I appreciate finding a new, young author who has a solid grasp on editing and/or a good editor. This book is not hindered by spelling and grammar mistakes that are pretty rampant these days. I also think she does a decent job of establishing setting and character, and writes dialog that isn't super anachronistic or redundant.
However, I thought the characters in the first two books were more compelling and had more at stake in their relationships. The H of the first book was physically and emotionally scarred by his abusive father, and the second book featured an H who was a by-blow struggling to learn more about his family, while that h was trying to forge a name for herself as an inventor. This H hasn't had much struggle in his life; his dad wasn't a great guy but there was nothing traumatic that happened to him. H is basically always up for a good time, likes to drink and sleep around, and over the years has really never thought of others that much.
The h, on the other hand, is a good girl who enjoys puzzles and has aspired to be published. She is on the cusp of being on the shelf and wants to please her parents by marrying, hence she makes an agreement with H. She will help him deal with the books for the ducal estate he's just inherited, and help with his sister's Season, while he will pretend to be engaged to her. They were best friends growing up, then had a falling out, but she is convinced a fake engagement is the best way to assuage her family. The author could have created tension here, but h's parents are both nice people who trust the H to a rather odd degree, considering his reputation, and he never behaves in an untoward manner.
The bottom line is, there is no real villain and neither the H nor the h learn a lesson about their lives or themselves. The book starts with a lot of silliness involving possible suitors who are invited by h's parents to attend a house party in honor of her birthday, and I wondered if they wanted h to feel a bit pressured to marry H, considering the jerks and dullards they invited. Seriously, did the dad not vet these guys? They should have been told to leave as soon as they started making bets regarding h. Anyway, they're eventually gone, and h comes up with the idea for the fake engagement. Somehow they're going to make it look real until her parents go to Greece, then in a few days/weeks call it all off, and not disturb her parents enough to make them want to come back and check on her (really it makes no sense).
I wanted the h to have a serious discussion with H about her expectations in the relationship, since he'd broken her heart. In fact, I started wondering if she wasn't angrier at him more for causing her to get rattled just before her big 18th birthday party speech than having a fling with a widow. In reality, he'd never committed to her and always treated her like a little sister. So, in a nutshell, she's chosen to turn down guy after guy over 5 years, while putting her parents to a lot of expense, because she became fixated on someone who hadn't promised anything when she was 18. Since he's gained a bad reputation but her parents don't seem to care, she should have spoken with him years before and leveled with him, if she wanted him to see her as an adult.
More critiquing below, but there are also possible spoilers...
--When H/h track down the man who's been draining the H's family coffers, the h endangers herself, bordering on TSTL territory (why must all of these h's who are supposedly so logical and intelligent refuse to listen to others in dangerous situations?). Fortunately the scene is brief. The problem is, there is no real sense of angst. The H has been earning enough money from his gambling den and investments that the money loss isn't a big deal for him. He feels guilty about his father's behavior, and his own, and he worries over h getting hurt, but it all seems a bit weak.
Also, one bad habit this author seems to have is the "h tripping scene." In this book, h is completely silly, ignores H's advice, and falls off a ladder. Straight into H's arms, of course. But can we have the steamy scene without the h being foolish?
--At the beginning of the book it's hinted that H might have suffer from a learning disability, which forces him to read slowly, and math is not his strong suit. This is the main reason for his enlisting h's help. But when he doesn't agree immediately to the fake engagement, she threatens to leave (seems pretty selfish of her, honestly), saying that he's able to do the work on his own. This subplot is then completely dropped.
--Next, where's the tension involving h getting her book published on her own? It's emphasized that this is something she wants to do to to assert her independence, but when she suspects the H may have had a hand in helping her get published, that subplot is dropped until the prologue, after they're married. It's brought up in more of a teasing fashion then. Once they've already been intimate a couple times, her concern seems to shift to being afraid he still might leave her. There's a back and forth where the H says he loves her, but she can't commit, and he tells her he'll wait for her...but not forever. What does that mean??
--The leads to the biggest disappointment of the story for me: the HEA. The h leaves a ball for H's townhouse, which is right across the street. Apparently, three weeks was a bit too long for him to wait, because he's back to his partying and impulsive behavior, getting tanked on bad booze and letting other goad him into walking on his balcony balustrade. You really, really have to wonder why this guy's friends all seem to want to watch him get hurt or mortally wounded. Anyway, this is the point in the story when H should be trying to prove himself to h, showing that he's grown up. The h should have chewed him out for risking his neck, thrown everyone out of his townhouse, and tossed out the hooch. Instead, she yells out a marriage proposal at him, and he insists in jumping down from the balcony (somehow not hurting himself) and slurs a proposal to her.
How does the H change? I'm not convinced he does. How does the h gain trust in him? I'm not convinced she does.
This is a perfectly readable book, just not as good as the first two in the series. The plot is too contrived and the characters won't linger in my imagination. The sex scenes were nicely steamy, so no issue there (they might be the best aspect of the book). So read accordingly.
However, I thought the characters in the first two books were more compelling and had more at stake in their relationships. The H of the first book was physically and emotionally scarred by his abusive father, and the second book featured an H who was a by-blow struggling to learn more about his family, while that h was trying to forge a name for herself as an inventor. This H hasn't had much struggle in his life; his dad wasn't a great guy but there was nothing traumatic that happened to him. H is basically always up for a good time, likes to drink and sleep around, and over the years has really never thought of others that much.
The h, on the other hand, is a good girl who enjoys puzzles and has aspired to be published. She is on the cusp of being on the shelf and wants to please her parents by marrying, hence she makes an agreement with H. She will help him deal with the books for the ducal estate he's just inherited, and help with his sister's Season, while he will pretend to be engaged to her. They were best friends growing up, then had a falling out, but she is convinced a fake engagement is the best way to assuage her family. The author could have created tension here, but h's parents are both nice people who trust the H to a rather odd degree, considering his reputation, and he never behaves in an untoward manner.
The bottom line is, there is no real villain and neither the H nor the h learn a lesson about their lives or themselves. The book starts with a lot of silliness involving possible suitors who are invited by h's parents to attend a house party in honor of her birthday, and I wondered if they wanted h to feel a bit pressured to marry H, considering the jerks and dullards they invited. Seriously, did the dad not vet these guys? They should have been told to leave as soon as they started making bets regarding h. Anyway, they're eventually gone, and h comes up with the idea for the fake engagement. Somehow they're going to make it look real until her parents go to Greece, then in a few days/weeks call it all off, and not disturb her parents enough to make them want to come back and check on her (really it makes no sense).
I wanted the h to have a serious discussion with H about her expectations in the relationship, since he'd broken her heart. In fact, I started wondering if she wasn't angrier at him more for causing her to get rattled just before her big 18th birthday party speech than having a fling with a widow. In reality, he'd never committed to her and always treated her like a little sister. So, in a nutshell, she's chosen to turn down guy after guy over 5 years, while putting her parents to a lot of expense, because she became fixated on someone who hadn't promised anything when she was 18. Since he's gained a bad reputation but her parents don't seem to care, she should have spoken with him years before and leveled with him, if she wanted him to see her as an adult.
More critiquing below, but there are also possible spoilers...
--When H/h track down the man who's been draining the H's family coffers, the h endangers herself, bordering on TSTL territory (why must all of these h's who are supposedly so logical and intelligent refuse to listen to others in dangerous situations?). Fortunately the scene is brief. The problem is, there is no real sense of angst. The H has been earning enough money from his gambling den and investments that the money loss isn't a big deal for him. He feels guilty about his father's behavior, and his own, and he worries over h getting hurt, but it all seems a bit weak.
Also, one bad habit this author seems to have is the "h tripping scene." In this book, h is completely silly, ignores H's advice, and falls off a ladder. Straight into H's arms, of course. But can we have the steamy scene without the h being foolish?
--At the beginning of the book it's hinted that H might have suffer from a learning disability, which forces him to read slowly, and math is not his strong suit. This is the main reason for his enlisting h's help. But when he doesn't agree immediately to the fake engagement, she threatens to leave (seems pretty selfish of her, honestly), saying that he's able to do the work on his own. This subplot is then completely dropped.
--Next, where's the tension involving h getting her book published on her own? It's emphasized that this is something she wants to do to to assert her independence, but when she suspects the H may have had a hand in helping her get published, that subplot is dropped until the prologue, after they're married. It's brought up in more of a teasing fashion then. Once they've already been intimate a couple times, her concern seems to shift to being afraid he still might leave her. There's a back and forth where the H says he loves her, but she can't commit, and he tells her he'll wait for her...but not forever. What does that mean??
--The leads to the biggest disappointment of the story for me: the HEA. The h leaves a ball for H's townhouse, which is right across the street. Apparently, three weeks was a bit too long for him to wait, because he's back to his partying and impulsive behavior, getting tanked on bad booze and letting other goad him into walking on his balcony balustrade. You really, really have to wonder why this guy's friends all seem to want to watch him get hurt or mortally wounded. Anyway, this is the point in the story when H should be trying to prove himself to h, showing that he's grown up. The h should have chewed him out for risking his neck, thrown everyone out of his townhouse, and tossed out the hooch. Instead, she yells out a marriage proposal at him, and he insists in jumping down from the balcony (somehow not hurting himself) and slurs a proposal to her.
How does the H change? I'm not convinced he does. How does the h gain trust in him? I'm not convinced she does.
This is a perfectly readable book, just not as good as the first two in the series. The plot is too contrived and the characters won't linger in my imagination. The sex scenes were nicely steamy, so no issue there (they might be the best aspect of the book). So read accordingly.
July 30, 2021
Nothing Compares to the Duke is a delicious friends-to-lovers romance. Bella and Rhys had electric chemistry which made their fake engagement scheme all the more fun. Bella is a great pragmatic heroine and Rhys, despite his reputation, becomes such a cinnamon roll as he falls head over heels for his best friend.
While I loved the romance, the mystery plot that brings the two together, was wrapped up too quickly. It felt dismissive and abrupt, even for a historical romance. There was also a couple other plot points that I felt should have been revisited for character development, but are mentioned briefly and then forgotten about which I felt was a missed opportunity.
Still, this was overall a fantastic read and I look forward to continuing reading Christy Carlyle's works.
While I loved the romance, the mystery plot that brings the two together, was wrapped up too quickly. It felt dismissive and abrupt, even for a historical romance. There was also a couple other plot points that I felt should have been revisited for character development, but are mentioned briefly and then forgotten about which I felt was a missed opportunity.
Still, this was overall a fantastic read and I look forward to continuing reading Christy Carlyle's works.
April 27, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via Edelweiss. This in no way impacted on my view.
Nothing Compares to the Duke follows Rhys Forester, Duke of Claremont, as he is coming to grips with his new position, and dealing with the dire financial situation his father left him in. He's got a reputation for living a life on the wild side, but knows that he needs to start to settle to his title, especially as his younger sister, Meg, is about to debut. He returns to the family estate, hoping to speak with the wayward steward, when he is reunited with neighbour, and once friend, Arabella Prescott. Five years ago, they left things on shaky ground, as Rhys ruined Bella's 18th birthday, and since then, they've not spoken. They were inseparable as children, but being together now is like pulling teeth. Bella is not without her own reputation, especially as she's turned down five previous proposals. She mainly cares about publishing her book and doesn't want to marry, especially when her heart was lost to Rhys all those years ago. However, her parents are going abroad to Greece for a few years, for her father to teach, and they don't want to leave her alone, and unmarried. So, she asks Rhys to pretend to be engaged to her, and in return, she will help with Meg's coming out, and also help him find the thieving steward, and help him with the finances - as maths was never Rhys' forte. Can they get through the next few months pretending, or will their feelings complicate things?
Bella and Rhys were fantastic main characters for this book. Both were strong willed, and feisty, and knew what they wanted, and wouldn't take any crap from anyone. Both had been left heartbroken - though originally for different reasons - after Bella's birthday five years ago, and it was something that had really affected them and it was about time they dealt with it. I really thought Bella's goal to publish her book was admirable, especially when you consider that an unmarried women at this time had little chance of being successful. Rhys wanted to help her, and would move heaven and earth for her to be happy, even going along with the fake engagement because it was what she needed. Fake relationship tropes are a favourite of mine, and I adored how this time around we had the friends to lovers trope as well - and it was extremely well done.
The subplot of Claremont's finances and the conniving steward was enjoyable too, but all I was invested in, really, was Bella and Rhys relationship. Their chemistry was off the charts, and it was inevitable that they would begin to blur the lines between real and fake sooner or later, and I was waiting with bated breath for that to happen. This is my first of Carlyle's books, but definitely won't be my last. Her world building and relationships are fantastic, and I need more.
Nothing Compares to the Duke follows Rhys Forester, Duke of Claremont, as he is coming to grips with his new position, and dealing with the dire financial situation his father left him in. He's got a reputation for living a life on the wild side, but knows that he needs to start to settle to his title, especially as his younger sister, Meg, is about to debut. He returns to the family estate, hoping to speak with the wayward steward, when he is reunited with neighbour, and once friend, Arabella Prescott. Five years ago, they left things on shaky ground, as Rhys ruined Bella's 18th birthday, and since then, they've not spoken. They were inseparable as children, but being together now is like pulling teeth. Bella is not without her own reputation, especially as she's turned down five previous proposals. She mainly cares about publishing her book and doesn't want to marry, especially when her heart was lost to Rhys all those years ago. However, her parents are going abroad to Greece for a few years, for her father to teach, and they don't want to leave her alone, and unmarried. So, she asks Rhys to pretend to be engaged to her, and in return, she will help with Meg's coming out, and also help him find the thieving steward, and help him with the finances - as maths was never Rhys' forte. Can they get through the next few months pretending, or will their feelings complicate things?
Bella and Rhys were fantastic main characters for this book. Both were strong willed, and feisty, and knew what they wanted, and wouldn't take any crap from anyone. Both had been left heartbroken - though originally for different reasons - after Bella's birthday five years ago, and it was something that had really affected them and it was about time they dealt with it. I really thought Bella's goal to publish her book was admirable, especially when you consider that an unmarried women at this time had little chance of being successful. Rhys wanted to help her, and would move heaven and earth for her to be happy, even going along with the fake engagement because it was what she needed. Fake relationship tropes are a favourite of mine, and I adored how this time around we had the friends to lovers trope as well - and it was extremely well done.
The subplot of Claremont's finances and the conniving steward was enjoyable too, but all I was invested in, really, was Bella and Rhys relationship. Their chemistry was off the charts, and it was inevitable that they would begin to blur the lines between real and fake sooner or later, and I was waiting with bated breath for that to happen. This is my first of Carlyle's books, but definitely won't be my last. Her world building and relationships are fantastic, and I need more.
May 20, 2020
Spurned by her childhood crush/ best friend, Arabella was developed a thick skin over the past five years. A know beauty, she’s been propped too many times. But she has frozen her heart and not found the right suitor to crack the ice shield she has constructed to keep her heart safe and mind focused. Now Bella is determined to remain spinster and instead of creating a family, she wants to create puzzles! She has focused her brilliant mind to the task of creating a word puzzle book that she is determined to get published all on her own.
Rhys, the Duke of Claremont needs help. Not only must he return to his estate that he has avoided for years since he destroyed his friendship with his neighbour, Bella, he must also solve the mystery of his disappearing funds. Rhys has a learning disability (my guess is dyslexia) and the only one who has ever understood and was able to help him (and make him feel intelligent) is the same person that hasn’t spoken to him in five years!
Rhys sucks up his pride to ask for help… of course there are stings attached! Bella requires a fake fiancee to stop her parents from forcing the issue. Can these former best friends not only work together to solve the mysteries of the Claremont finances and get along well enough to convince Bella’s parents that they are a love match???
Oh yes, yes, and yes! I absolutely adore the former best friends… enemies to lovers… second chance romance vibe that was focused on for this book. Add in the fake engagement and the reformation of an extreme rake and you have a recipe for great fun and great sexy times!!! This was. Great book and I barely put it down from the moment I started!
Nothing Compares to the Duke by Christy Carlyle is scheduled to release May 26th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books through Edelweiss+. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#NothingComparestotheDuke #ChristyCarlyle #Edelweiss #pinkcowlandreads
Rhys, the Duke of Claremont needs help. Not only must he return to his estate that he has avoided for years since he destroyed his friendship with his neighbour, Bella, he must also solve the mystery of his disappearing funds. Rhys has a learning disability (my guess is dyslexia) and the only one who has ever understood and was able to help him (and make him feel intelligent) is the same person that hasn’t spoken to him in five years!
Rhys sucks up his pride to ask for help… of course there are stings attached! Bella requires a fake fiancee to stop her parents from forcing the issue. Can these former best friends not only work together to solve the mysteries of the Claremont finances and get along well enough to convince Bella’s parents that they are a love match???
Oh yes, yes, and yes! I absolutely adore the former best friends… enemies to lovers… second chance romance vibe that was focused on for this book. Add in the fake engagement and the reformation of an extreme rake and you have a recipe for great fun and great sexy times!!! This was. Great book and I barely put it down from the moment I started!
Nothing Compares to the Duke by Christy Carlyle is scheduled to release May 26th, 2020.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from HarperCollins Publishers, Avon Books through Edelweiss+. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
Blog link: https://pinkcowlandreads.blogspot.com...
#NothingComparestotheDuke #ChristyCarlyle #Edelweiss #pinkcowlandreads
May 26, 2020
Twenty-three year old Bella (Arabella) has turned down numerous proposals, and really wants her parents to head off to Greece and leave her alone with her ambitions. But, despite things changing, they haven’t changed THAT much, and they are determined she will marry. She’s determined to find a publisher for her book, and she’s got ideas to share with the world - neither is particularly acceptable to society or her parents.
Rhys has returned to the family estate to take up reins as Duke, and see that debts are settled and his little sister gets a debut worthy of a Duke’s sister. He’s had plenty of time to make his own choices and mistakes, and a reputation that proceeds him, but things have to change, and he’s determined to see it done. Knowing Bella from when they were children, he’s unaware that she held a crush then, or that finding him with ‘a woman’ on her birthday was devastating. But, he just might be the solution to her having to marry, and he’s not wholly detestable.
Setting up this ‘fake romance’ with plenty of ground rules and Bella’s determination to get her parents approval for the union soon - so they can leave believing her settled, the two are adorable together. Of course, the relationship keeps them in close proximity and there’s plenty of time for them to recognize and see the other: and for feelings to develop. Rhys wasn’t expecting Bella to be all grown up and so intriguing: Bella can’t help but feel a bit of the old excitement when she’s always seeing him. Full of laughter, broken rules and electric attraction, this book was my favorite in the series, and had plenty of heart, social changes and a heroine to adore.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
Rhys has returned to the family estate to take up reins as Duke, and see that debts are settled and his little sister gets a debut worthy of a Duke’s sister. He’s had plenty of time to make his own choices and mistakes, and a reputation that proceeds him, but things have to change, and he’s determined to see it done. Knowing Bella from when they were children, he’s unaware that she held a crush then, or that finding him with ‘a woman’ on her birthday was devastating. But, he just might be the solution to her having to marry, and he’s not wholly detestable.
Setting up this ‘fake romance’ with plenty of ground rules and Bella’s determination to get her parents approval for the union soon - so they can leave believing her settled, the two are adorable together. Of course, the relationship keeps them in close proximity and there’s plenty of time for them to recognize and see the other: and for feelings to develop. Rhys wasn’t expecting Bella to be all grown up and so intriguing: Bella can’t help but feel a bit of the old excitement when she’s always seeing him. Full of laughter, broken rules and electric attraction, this book was my favorite in the series, and had plenty of heart, social changes and a heroine to adore.
I received an eArc copy of the title from the publisher via Edelweiss for purpose of honest review. I was not compensated for this review: all conclusions are my own responsibility.
Review first appeared at I am, Indeed
June 29, 2020
Nothing Compares to the Duke brings us the story of Arabella Prescott and Rhys Forrester.
Our story starts with a young Arabella in the midst or her coming out, young and in love with her childhood friend Rhys. These two have grown up together, shared adventures, it was normal for Arabella to assume the next step may be marriage. What she does not realize is that Rhys is entering a discovery stage in his life. He is discovering women and the joys of being a young buck. Arabella walks in on him with a widow, breaking her heart and setting in motion the future of their relationship.
Fast forward ahead and now we find Rhys as the new Duke of Claremont. The estate that has been passed down to him by his father is experiencing financial difficulties. Things that he was not aware of, and he struggles to understand the family accounts. He searches out his childhood friend, as she is the only one he can trust.
But Bella has still not forgiven him. After many Seasons and turndown proposals she has developed a cool exterior inside and out. Her parents have an opportunity to go to Greece, but will not leave until she is married, so they are turning on the pressure. Bella proposes a fake engagement to Rhys, in exchange with helping him with his accounts and the coming out of his sister.
I’m a little torn on how I feel about their story. The mystery of the financial records kept me interested to continue to read on. I grew a little frustrated with Bella’s supposedly betrayal from Rhys. She was cold and unapproachable. I found it interesting that Rhys never hinted at a possible relationship when they were young, yet having walked in on him grew bitterness and coldness inside her. Their chemistry was not off the charts, but more of a gentle simmer.
Overall it was a nice story to read on a lazy afternoon,
*** I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.
Our story starts with a young Arabella in the midst or her coming out, young and in love with her childhood friend Rhys. These two have grown up together, shared adventures, it was normal for Arabella to assume the next step may be marriage. What she does not realize is that Rhys is entering a discovery stage in his life. He is discovering women and the joys of being a young buck. Arabella walks in on him with a widow, breaking her heart and setting in motion the future of their relationship.
Fast forward ahead and now we find Rhys as the new Duke of Claremont. The estate that has been passed down to him by his father is experiencing financial difficulties. Things that he was not aware of, and he struggles to understand the family accounts. He searches out his childhood friend, as she is the only one he can trust.
But Bella has still not forgiven him. After many Seasons and turndown proposals she has developed a cool exterior inside and out. Her parents have an opportunity to go to Greece, but will not leave until she is married, so they are turning on the pressure. Bella proposes a fake engagement to Rhys, in exchange with helping him with his accounts and the coming out of his sister.
I’m a little torn on how I feel about their story. The mystery of the financial records kept me interested to continue to read on. I grew a little frustrated with Bella’s supposedly betrayal from Rhys. She was cold and unapproachable. I found it interesting that Rhys never hinted at a possible relationship when they were young, yet having walked in on him grew bitterness and coldness inside her. Their chemistry was not off the charts, but more of a gentle simmer.
Overall it was a nice story to read on a lazy afternoon,
*** I received an advanced copy in exchange of an honest review.
May 23, 2020
2.5 Stars rounded Up
Rhys Forester had intrigued me from the first time his character appeared on the series and I was reaaally keen on his story. It turned out to be ...not wholly satisfying? I suspected the opening chapter would be the major blow that broken years long friendship. But what transpired just had me gobsmacked. Don’t get me wrong, it’s shitty of Rhys to do what he did, but Arabella struck me as spoiled and nagging brat of a young lady. And to have that one incident (only) erasing years long familiarity. I mean, really??
While Rhys’ backstory was actually interesting, I felt like it wasn’t fully told and revealed to give this book justice. His relationship with his father that becoming (almost) non existing in his adult life wasn’t much explored. I also thought as someone who was supposedly known him best Bella was quick to judge him after her wish wasn’t being reciprocated.
So yeah, it’s safe to say I wasn’t too impressed with the heroine. She suffered others’ expectations of her station but she did the same in her dealing with her erstwhile best friend. And I was also disappointed that Rhys’ relationship with his partners in the Duke’s Den wasn’t particularly close given the plot of this installment. Color me naive, I just wish the more involving brotherhood than was shown here.
Worry not, it’s a given that these former best mates found their way together - it’s not a spoiler, it’s what expected. But I wasn’t very excited with the way the story went. All in all, NOTHING COMPARES TO THE DUKE was a cute enough read with undeliverable potential. It riddled with loopholes that - were they filled - would whack more impact to the story.
Copy of the book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss + in exchange for an honest review.
Rhys Forester had intrigued me from the first time his character appeared on the series and I was reaaally keen on his story. It turned out to be ...not wholly satisfying? I suspected the opening chapter would be the major blow that broken years long friendship. But what transpired just had me gobsmacked. Don’t get me wrong, it’s shitty of Rhys to do what he did, but Arabella struck me as spoiled and nagging brat of a young lady. And to have that one incident (only) erasing years long familiarity. I mean, really??
While Rhys’ backstory was actually interesting, I felt like it wasn’t fully told and revealed to give this book justice. His relationship with his father that becoming (almost) non existing in his adult life wasn’t much explored. I also thought as someone who was supposedly known him best Bella was quick to judge him after her wish wasn’t being reciprocated.
So yeah, it’s safe to say I wasn’t too impressed with the heroine. She suffered others’ expectations of her station but she did the same in her dealing with her erstwhile best friend. And I was also disappointed that Rhys’ relationship with his partners in the Duke’s Den wasn’t particularly close given the plot of this installment. Color me naive, I just wish the more involving brotherhood than was shown here.
Worry not, it’s a given that these former best mates found their way together - it’s not a spoiler, it’s what expected. But I wasn’t very excited with the way the story went. All in all, NOTHING COMPARES TO THE DUKE was a cute enough read with undeliverable potential. It riddled with loopholes that - were they filled - would whack more impact to the story.
Copy of the book is kindly given by the author/publisher via Edelweiss + in exchange for an honest review.
May 18, 2020
I received an ARC of this book to read through Edelweiss+ in exchange for a fair review. Nothing Compares to the Duke is the third book in Christy Carlyle’s excellent series The Duke’s Den. It can be read as a stand-alone, but I do highly recommend the first two books in the series. Rhys Forester is now the Duke of Claremont, but the estate matters are in a mess, his steward has gone missing, and he can’t make heads or tails of the account books as he suffers from what I believe is dyslexia. He turns to the one person he trusts to help him Arabella Prescott, his childhood friend and confidante from whom he’s been estranged for the last five years. Arabella Prescott had her heart broken on her 18th birthday when she encountered Rhys in flagrante delicto with another woman at her party. Since that time, she’s earned a reputation for being cold and unfeeling, having turned down several marriage proposals. The story has three of my favourite tropes … a fake engagement … a second chance at love … and friends to lovers as they learn to become friends again after being apart for so long. With a smart and adventurous heroine and a flawed but sexy hero who’s willing to become her hero, this book is one I thoroughly enjoyed. Medium Steam. Publishing Date May 26, 2020 #NothingComparesToTheDuke #ChristyCarlyle #HistoricalRomance #AvonBooks #HarperCollinsCanada #bookstagram
June 24, 2020
I was hung up by the prologue when sussing our this review. How could two best friends have such a massive misunderstanding and not speak again for 5 years? Why would a seemingly nice boy from an unloving home so disrespect the family next door that was always there for him? What did he really have in his past that made him such a reckless Don Juan? So his dad was a jerk, why try to outdo him?
And the thing that bugged me the most? It’s not giving much away, but the heroine always wore her daisy pendant, given to her on the day her heart was broken publicly. She made it clear it wasn’t eve her favorite flower and she didn’t understand why her best friend and unrequited love gave it to her, yet she wears it everyday. Why wear something that was such a constant painful reminder of a life she’d never get to have?
Sorry, I get caught up in small details and these were too much for me to get over. Otherwise bland.
And the thing that bugged me the most? It’s not giving much away, but the heroine always wore her daisy pendant, given to her on the day her heart was broken publicly. She made it clear it wasn’t eve her favorite flower and she didn’t understand why her best friend and unrequited love gave it to her, yet she wears it everyday. Why wear something that was such a constant painful reminder of a life she’d never get to have?
Sorry, I get caught up in small details and these were too much for me to get over. Otherwise bland.
May 27, 2020
Once childhood friends, Rhys and Arabella had gone their separate ways when he had ruined their friendship on her eighteenth birthday. He began to live the life of his father, a rake with all the trappings that involved.
But five years later he inherited the Dukedom, which was not in the best of shape and he started waking up and seeing his life as it was.
Arabella had her seasons and was content to be left independent and write that book she knew she could. But her family decided it was time for her to marry.
The friends to lovers trope that the two decided to help each other and they eventually began to see the inside of their hearts and not all the outward dressing.
Loved these two characters and seeing how they tried to make their way back to each other, with some humor, and wonderful dialogue that made this story complete! Don't miss this one!
But five years later he inherited the Dukedom, which was not in the best of shape and he started waking up and seeing his life as it was.
Arabella had her seasons and was content to be left independent and write that book she knew she could. But her family decided it was time for her to marry.
The friends to lovers trope that the two decided to help each other and they eventually began to see the inside of their hearts and not all the outward dressing.
Loved these two characters and seeing how they tried to make their way back to each other, with some humor, and wonderful dialogue that made this story complete! Don't miss this one!
June 4, 2020
rabella Prescott has loved being the belle of the ball until her heart was broken by her best friend Rhys Forester, the future Duke of Claremont. Now five years later Belle has not married and Rhys show up at a party uninvited. She’s never forgiven him for his transgression at her sixteenth birthday party, she hoped to one day marry him. Rhys knows he owes Bella an apology, he broke her heart and their friendship was lost five years ago. Bella has several successful seasons with dozens of marriage proposals, but she has never forgotten her first love and childhood friend. The friends are reunited when they discover they both need help and they strike a bargain, Arabella helps to launch his sister debut into society and she helps Rhys with his ledgers. A captivating story of rekindled love and forgiveness. I have voluntarily read and reviewed this amazing story.
June 8, 2021
Promiscuous hero in an age with no condoms
Five years ago, the hero passed on a chance to marry his beloved best friend in order to lead a hedonistic life with lots of booze and an endless stream of hookers. I wouldn't like this type of story if we're set in the present day, and the guy religiously employed a condom. But in an historical romance, I can't help cringing at the thought that he's a walking time bomb of STDs and is going to pass them on to the poor heroine.
Five years ago, the hero passed on a chance to marry his beloved best friend in order to lead a hedonistic life with lots of booze and an endless stream of hookers. I wouldn't like this type of story if we're set in the present day, and the guy religiously employed a condom. But in an historical romance, I can't help cringing at the thought that he's a walking time bomb of STDs and is going to pass them on to the poor heroine.
October 3, 2020
despite me liking christy's writing, i was not convinced by the romance in this book. i didn't see the chemistry nor much development of romance in this. it started off with them already somewhat having feelings for one another and i had hoped that the author could have expanded more into Rhys' and Bella's characters and backstories instead of the mystery.
August 19, 2021
Rhys Forester and Arabella Prescott grew up together and Arabella thought that they would be a couple later in life only he broke her heart. Now her parents insist that she has to marry before her sister and preferably before they go to Greece to teach. What she really wants is to publish her book of puzzles. She comes to Rhys to offer a fake engagement that will offer them respite. They didn't reckon on becoming attracted and that their lives would be changed by this plan.
It was a fun read with two interesting characters who seemed to care but were worried that their pasts would influence their futures and that they would have to work at their happy ever after.
It was a fun read with two interesting characters who seemed to care but were worried that their pasts would influence their futures and that they would have to work at their happy ever after.
April 11, 2020
I received a copy of this book directly from the author/publisher in exchange for an honest review.
Nothing Compares To the Duke by Christy Carlyle is not your usual historical romance. The heroine is extraordinarily clever, determined, and hard-headed, and the hero is a bit of a lost soul. Had the two never been childhood friends, this story may have gone an entirely different way, but there was something sweet about how close they were, despite being very different people.
The book overall was well-written and well-paced. The characters had depth, and there were just enough hijinks to keep things going. My only real qualm with the story was the last chapter before the epilogue. There was something off about it - perhaps the desperation of the hero in the way he momentarily returned to his old ways��� it just didn't sit quite right with me.
That aside, the rest of the book was fantastic, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances.
Nothing Compares To the Duke by Christy Carlyle is not your usual historical romance. The heroine is extraordinarily clever, determined, and hard-headed, and the hero is a bit of a lost soul. Had the two never been childhood friends, this story may have gone an entirely different way, but there was something sweet about how close they were, despite being very different people.
The book overall was well-written and well-paced. The characters had depth, and there were just enough hijinks to keep things going. My only real qualm with the story was the last chapter before the epilogue. There was something off about it - perhaps the desperation of the hero in the way he momentarily returned to his old ways��� it just didn't sit quite right with me.
That aside, the rest of the book was fantastic, and I would certainly recommend it to anyone who loves historical romances.
April 18, 2021
Pretty good, but I'm not sure I enjoyed it as much as the first two books in this series. I really wanted to know more about Bella's puzzles and the book she was putting together. Still...I intend to look for more of this author's work.
October 20, 2020
THIS WAS A DREAM COME TRUE. THE STORY READ LIKE A SECOND CHANCE ROMANCE, EXCEPT THE FIRST TIME THE LOVE NEVER GOT A CHANCE TO BLOOM. FILLED WITH ANGST AND CHARACTERS WHO ARE JUST TOO STUBBORN TO ADMIT LOVE.
RHYS is a total fool. I'll tell you this. Growing up with Bella, they are the childhood sweetheart couple who grew up together and fell in love with each other. At 22, he's a randy young man who wasn't hesitant to sow his wild oats, but this time it's at the expense of the young girl who holds his heart all along. Their first separation was painful but beautifully written. It's a typical separation scene, when Bella stumbles upon Rhys and a woman during her birthday party. Imagine the heartbreak that caused an 18 year old girl. 5 years later, Rhys returns from his debauchery and frolicking, lavished parties in London. He's basically the embodiment of an 18th century rich, young and handsome playboy who doesn't give a shit about responsibility. Can't say I liked what he represented in the beginning. When duty calls, and his estate is left crumbling, he returns to Essex to settle his finances. As a boy, Rhys isn't good with words or numbers, not to say he's stupid. He's not. Bella was the one who helped him stumble along the way. They were each other's confidantes, their strengths to each other's weaknesses, they were best friends who got torn apart when life interfered, hormones surged and puberty hit. I won't lie and say how wonderful it was to read about the many moments where Rhys feels the pain of losing Bella's warmth and intimacy they had as children. See what I mean by a fool? He was absolutely clueless about WHY he even feels like a knife went through his gut at the thought of never ever seeing Bella again.
BELLA herself is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who has loved Rhys all her life. This leads her to reject several marriage proposals over the years because she's stuck on loving one man. While the story was more forward than some HR novels, I have to say I wasn't too keen on how the author used to ol' fake engagement plot to pull these two together. It wasn't original, per se. The characters delighted me, but I just wished there was something more meaningful than playing a fake couple to help them both find their way back to each other. For Rhys, the story showed him finally realizing that he's always been in love with his girl. For Bella, she needed the forgive Rhys for hurting her, and also for trusting herself to be able to move on to something more with Rhys and not get sucked into wallowing in self-pity again. Throughout the story, Bella helps Rhys to solve his financial mystery of his estate, while he in turns play her fake fiance so that her parents will leave with an unburdened heart to Greece for her Father's teaching job.
OVERALL this was a beautiful story, I don't care what anyone else thinks of it, I'm sure there will be some who will call this stupid because the characters kept dragging their relationship, and dodging missiles and just being silly for thinking that the other deserves better OR that they'll never have more but just one night together. I think that entire mass of silliness and angst was the reason why I found it beautiful. If you think otherwise, ask yourself if you'll truly have the guts to just tell the person you've loved for years that you do and not suffer anxiety, or fear of rejection or disappointment because it's called being human.
RHYS is a total fool. I'll tell you this. Growing up with Bella, they are the childhood sweetheart couple who grew up together and fell in love with each other. At 22, he's a randy young man who wasn't hesitant to sow his wild oats, but this time it's at the expense of the young girl who holds his heart all along. Their first separation was painful but beautifully written. It's a typical separation scene, when Bella stumbles upon Rhys and a woman during her birthday party. Imagine the heartbreak that caused an 18 year old girl. 5 years later, Rhys returns from his debauchery and frolicking, lavished parties in London. He's basically the embodiment of an 18th century rich, young and handsome playboy who doesn't give a shit about responsibility. Can't say I liked what he represented in the beginning. When duty calls, and his estate is left crumbling, he returns to Essex to settle his finances. As a boy, Rhys isn't good with words or numbers, not to say he's stupid. He's not. Bella was the one who helped him stumble along the way. They were each other's confidantes, their strengths to each other's weaknesses, they were best friends who got torn apart when life interfered, hormones surged and puberty hit. I won't lie and say how wonderful it was to read about the many moments where Rhys feels the pain of losing Bella's warmth and intimacy they had as children. See what I mean by a fool? He was absolutely clueless about WHY he even feels like a knife went through his gut at the thought of never ever seeing Bella again.
BELLA herself is a beautiful and intelligent young woman who has loved Rhys all her life. This leads her to reject several marriage proposals over the years because she's stuck on loving one man. While the story was more forward than some HR novels, I have to say I wasn't too keen on how the author used to ol' fake engagement plot to pull these two together. It wasn't original, per se. The characters delighted me, but I just wished there was something more meaningful than playing a fake couple to help them both find their way back to each other. For Rhys, the story showed him finally realizing that he's always been in love with his girl. For Bella, she needed the forgive Rhys for hurting her, and also for trusting herself to be able to move on to something more with Rhys and not get sucked into wallowing in self-pity again. Throughout the story, Bella helps Rhys to solve his financial mystery of his estate, while he in turns play her fake fiance so that her parents will leave with an unburdened heart to Greece for her Father's teaching job.
OVERALL this was a beautiful story, I don't care what anyone else thinks of it, I'm sure there will be some who will call this stupid because the characters kept dragging their relationship, and dodging missiles and just being silly for thinking that the other deserves better OR that they'll never have more but just one night together. I think that entire mass of silliness and angst was the reason why I found it beautiful. If you think otherwise, ask yourself if you'll truly have the guts to just tell the person you've loved for years that you do and not suffer anxiety, or fear of rejection or disappointment because it's called being human.
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