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Hearts and Ever Afters
A Duke for Christmas
Isabella did not want to end up on Charles’ doorstep, but it might be exactly what both of them need… A clean, Regency romance to warm your heart. Charles, Marquess of Sutherland, will one day inherit his father’s dukedom. His mother insists that he consider marriage, but why choose one lady when you can enjoy the company of many ladies? After escaping to his country estate for a Yuletide celebration, Charles is looking forward to spending time with friends who have no consideration for propriety. His plans are thwarted when an unsuspecting guest shows up on his doorstep and is in desperate need of his help. Charles has not spoken to his childhood friend, Isabella, for more than ten years, and is frustrated that this woman is taking the attention away from his houseguests. Isabella has never been afraid to stand up to Charles, but she is shocked at how his values have changed since they were children. Although they were once inseparable, he will not even spare her a few minutes of his time. Can Charles change his selfish ways, or is he simply a rogue too attached to the frivolities of society? If you love clean, Regency-era Christmas romances with a strong woman heroine, you will love A Duke for Christmas. Authors This is a clean, stand-alone romance with a HEA.
115 pages, Kindle Edition
Published November 29, 2017
113 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
About the author
Joyce Alec
94 books90 followersJoyce Alec grew up in Colorado and graduated from college with a degree in business. After developing a passion for books, she spent countless hours reading a variety of genres, but fell in love with sweet, historical romances. Joyce’s passion for reading eventually cultivated into a love for writing, so creating Regency-era tales of love is a dream come true for her.
After planting her roots in Florida, Joyce found another passion: the ocean! In her free time, you can find Joyce at the beach with a big floppy hat, flip-flops, and a vanilla iced coffee in hand. She lives in the Sunshine State with her prince charming and wildly vivacious son.
After planting her roots in Florida, Joyce found another passion: the ocean! In her free time, you can find Joyce at the beach with a big floppy hat, flip-flops, and a vanilla iced coffee in hand. She lives in the Sunshine State with her prince charming and wildly vivacious son.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews
December 25, 2017
This was a cute, short, and sweet book. It takes place during the Christmas season, but can be read at any time of the year.
Isabella and Charles were the best of friends as children. He was of the nobility, and she the working class. That did not stop them from making a connection. Years later, Charles is a jaded man of the ton and Isabella desperately needs help. The premise of this book is whether he can look past his selfishness and help a friend in need.
I enjoyed the introspection on the worth of a person, verses worth as determined by wealth. This is a quick read and enjoyable.
I "purchased" a copy of the book for 'Free" for my kindle.
Isabella and Charles were the best of friends as children. He was of the nobility, and she the working class. That did not stop them from making a connection. Years later, Charles is a jaded man of the ton and Isabella desperately needs help. The premise of this book is whether he can look past his selfishness and help a friend in need.
I enjoyed the introspection on the worth of a person, verses worth as determined by wealth. This is a quick read and enjoyable.
I "purchased" a copy of the book for 'Free" for my kindle.
December 24, 2017
Nice and fast Christmas romance. I love the character of Isabel. She is a strong, independent young woman who came into some bad luck. Whereas Charles is a rich and spoiled man, who thinks the world of himself...
March 25, 2018
Isabella Docherty was a happy child.
She lived in a good house and had as her best friend, he 5 years older than her, Charles, Marquess of Sutherland, eldest son to the Duke of Harve.
They were so inseparable that he even postponed in a few years to Eton, and when he left, Isabella cried a lot.
At first they continued communicating to each other by letters, until distractions and new friends caused Charles to stop writing.
Isabella continued to write, but not getting any more answers from her old friend, she also stopped sending them.
Still, Isabella had a full life, alongside her mother, the only parent she knew.
When her mother died, Isabella lived alone in the cottage, receiving annual compensation.
This whole story would be beautiful if Isabella was not the bastard daughter of the governess with Duke's brother-in-law, and years later, her cottage was totally destroyed and she herself was beaten by Lady Johnston, Duke's crazy sister.
Without having anyone else to ask for help, after recovering from the attack, Isabella traveled for days and hours searching for the duke, but he was traveling to Scotland. It was when she arrived at Charles's estate, where he went with some friends to escape responsibilities and the parents' demand that he seek a wife.
When Isabella got there, starving, dirty and wet from the rain, Charles was in the middle of his country party and he was not very polite with her. He treated her like a servant. Isabella had to accept the conditions imposed by him, but rather, she told some truths that he needed to hear.
In her eyes, Charles had become a cold, frivolous man. Long ago there was no friend she had met.
With the Christmas festivities approaching, when Charles actually knew the attack she suffered, he began to take action. However, her crazy aunt already had another plans for the family's Christmas.
4 stars
She lived in a good house and had as her best friend, he 5 years older than her, Charles, Marquess of Sutherland, eldest son to the Duke of Harve.
They were so inseparable that he even postponed in a few years to Eton, and when he left, Isabella cried a lot.
At first they continued communicating to each other by letters, until distractions and new friends caused Charles to stop writing.
Isabella continued to write, but not getting any more answers from her old friend, she also stopped sending them.
Still, Isabella had a full life, alongside her mother, the only parent she knew.
When her mother died, Isabella lived alone in the cottage, receiving annual compensation.
This whole story would be beautiful if Isabella was not the bastard daughter of the governess with Duke's brother-in-law, and years later, her cottage was totally destroyed and she herself was beaten by Lady Johnston, Duke's crazy sister.
Without having anyone else to ask for help, after recovering from the attack, Isabella traveled for days and hours searching for the duke, but he was traveling to Scotland. It was when she arrived at Charles's estate, where he went with some friends to escape responsibilities and the parents' demand that he seek a wife.
When Isabella got there, starving, dirty and wet from the rain, Charles was in the middle of his country party and he was not very polite with her. He treated her like a servant. Isabella had to accept the conditions imposed by him, but rather, she told some truths that he needed to hear.
In her eyes, Charles had become a cold, frivolous man. Long ago there was no friend she had met.
With the Christmas festivities approaching, when Charles actually knew the attack she suffered, he began to take action. However, her crazy aunt already had another plans for the family's Christmas.
4 stars
December 20, 2023
Charles is the Marquess of Sutherland the son of Duke Harve. Isabella Docherty was the childhood friend of Charles. Charles’ mother wanted him to marry but Charles didn’t want marriage and lived frivolously. Isabella was happy living with her mother until she died for she was the bastard daughter of the governess with the Duke’s brother-in-law. The cottage where Isabella had lived was destroyed by Lady Johnson the Duke’s sister who also beat Isabella. Isabella escaped and traveled to see her friend Charles but when she arrived he treated her like a servant and left her in disgraceful conditions. Isabella speaks to Charles to try to persuade him to change his arrogant ways. I really enjoyed this sweet historical romance novel.
November 22, 2018
This was a very cute story about two friends who grew up together but were from different classes and drifted apart when the gentleman went away to school at Eton. He became a bit of a rogue and very much more interested in his own pleasure than anything else. She being the daughter of a governess grew into a frugal working class woman, living with her mother in their cottage. After her mother died, she was attacked and beaten and her cottage, with everything she owned, was burned to the ground. Not having anyone else to turn to, she turned to her childhood friend, who was more concerned about his house guests and his party than he was with some woman dripping water all over his floors.
October 26, 2020
Sweet Story
This is a sweet story of child friends to lovers and crossing class distinctions. Though having grown apart through the years, Isabella ends up begging Charles for help after her home is destroyed. Having grown into a bored, self-indulgent young lord, he knows he needs to help her. But, at the same time, she is putting a crimp into his holiday fun. While not afraid to stand up to Charles, Isabella also knows she does not belong in his world. It is the danger that Isabella faces that forces both of them to an awakening neither of them were ready for. Just enough character abrasion and little twists to make this clean story interesting. A good read.
This is a sweet story of child friends to lovers and crossing class distinctions. Though having grown apart through the years, Isabella ends up begging Charles for help after her home is destroyed. Having grown into a bored, self-indulgent young lord, he knows he needs to help her. But, at the same time, she is putting a crimp into his holiday fun. While not afraid to stand up to Charles, Isabella also knows she does not belong in his world. It is the danger that Isabella faces that forces both of them to an awakening neither of them were ready for. Just enough character abrasion and little twists to make this clean story interesting. A good read.
December 3, 2017
From heartache to love
Charles and Isabella had grown up as friends even though he was nobility and she was the daughter of his governess who had been raped by one of his relatives. They grew apart as they got older and one day she shows up our of the blue needing his help after devastating events. He is not the same as she remembers him. Selfish and conceited he almost loses what he should be cherishing.
Charles and Isabella had grown up as friends even though he was nobility and she was the daughter of his governess who had been raped by one of his relatives. They grew apart as they got older and one day she shows up our of the blue needing his help after devastating events. He is not the same as she remembers him. Selfish and conceited he almost loses what he should be cherishing.
October 1, 2018
Loved the story but inappropriate relationship
Daughter of his uncle.... The result of a rape of his governess is the lady of this story. While the relationship is decent and caring and typical of the era, it is still inappropriate. The author wrote beautifully and lovingly about the characters. There is an HEA. Unfortunately because of the subject matter this story is not for younger readers.
Daughter of his uncle.... The result of a rape of his governess is the lady of this story. While the relationship is decent and caring and typical of the era, it is still inappropriate. The author wrote beautifully and lovingly about the characters. There is an HEA. Unfortunately because of the subject matter this story is not for younger readers.
December 8, 2018
Childhood values rekindled
Kindness and Human decency has fled Charles lifestyle a long time ago! He is harsh, selfish and a rake! Isabella has been torn from the only home she has known by a mad woman! She hates Isabella just for existing! Isabella comes to Charles for help. He takes his own sweet time! It takes an injury to Isabella and a literal slap across the face to wake Charles up. HEA is possible after all. Worth regaining childhood values!
Kindness and Human decency has fled Charles lifestyle a long time ago! He is harsh, selfish and a rake! Isabella has been torn from the only home she has known by a mad woman! She hates Isabella just for existing! Isabella comes to Charles for help. He takes his own sweet time! It takes an injury to Isabella and a literal slap across the face to wake Charles up. HEA is possible after all. Worth regaining childhood values!
December 13, 2017
A Duke for Christmas was a relatively light read, with a lot of self rediscovery from one of the characters. I mostly liked it, although Charles could be very irritating earlier on. 4 stars. I received an ARC of this book in exchange for an honest review.
December 7, 2017
A feel good read!
I loved this book! Miss Alec has delivered a good time in this sweet story. I loved the strong female character and the way she brings Charles to his proper place.
I loved this book! Miss Alec has delivered a good time in this sweet story. I loved the strong female character and the way she brings Charles to his proper place.
April 3, 2018
I enjoyed this tale about how an old friend, now a good woman in need of help, encourages Charles to realize how selfish he has been and to grow into the man he should be. Despite that premise, the story is still a light read with strong characters. I spent an enjoyable afternoon with this romance.
November 27, 2018
A Duke Foe Christmas
Great read and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The life of the rich and the underlings is truly something to read about. With love and intrigue it sure made the book. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
Great read and one I thoroughly enjoyed reading. The life of the rich and the underlings is truly something to read about. With love and intrigue it sure made the book. This is my review and mine alone. Norma Gorrill
January 16, 2019
Childhood friends
After Isabelle's home is destroyed, she hints an old friend but it has been so long he has changed. Can she find help and for her predicament and help Charles as well? A delightful Christmas and future for old friends.
After Isabelle's home is destroyed, she hints an old friend but it has been so long he has changed. Can she find help and for her predicament and help Charles as well? A delightful Christmas and future for old friends.
December 20, 2018
Sweet romance with a touch of danger
This was an enjoyable story that included romance, danger and redemption. Nice and clean with an enjoyable story line that kept me interested from start to finish.
This was an enjoyable story that included romance, danger and redemption. Nice and clean with an enjoyable story line that kept me interested from start to finish.
January 24, 2022
loved this read I was not able to put down I wanted to know what was going to happen next. I would recommend it to anyone who wants a short read with a great ending and also a story that keeps you on the edge of your seat
July 26, 2024
Enjoyable book
I enjoyed reading this story about a Duke and his childhood friend, Isabella, whose stations in life were different, and this eventually drove them apart, but eventually lead back together through a set off difficult and tragic situations,
I enjoyed reading this story about a Duke and his childhood friend, Isabella, whose stations in life were different, and this eventually drove them apart, but eventually lead back together through a set off difficult and tragic situations,
August 4, 2018
Heartwarming
What a scary and dangerous tale! The characters were so real that I could feel each event as it unfolded.
What a scary and dangerous tale! The characters were so real that I could feel each event as it unfolded.
August 6, 2018
Lovely
What a truly beautiful story of friends lost and found again! Then to find yourself and to love is a true gift!
What a truly beautiful story of friends lost and found again! Then to find yourself and to love is a true gift!
September 13, 2018
Inspiring a wonderful book
Isabella and Charles' story is wonderfully told. The surprising way of bringing back a lost friendship and turning it into areal love was great writing.
Isabella and Charles' story is wonderfully told. The surprising way of bringing back a lost friendship and turning it into areal love was great writing.
September 18, 2018
Sticky sweet.
December 13, 2018
A little sappy.
December 25, 2018
Fast read. Great plot but I think Isabella's "growing attraction" wasn't natural enough.
January 3, 2019
Very good
November 20, 2019
Nice read
A sweet and simple read with a plot that has an element of intrigue and action along with a happy ending. A short story but all details are nicely covered at the end
A sweet and simple read with a plot that has an element of intrigue and action along with a happy ending. A short story but all details are nicely covered at the end
April 22, 2020
Romance
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
Thank you for sharing these wonderful romance novels series books. Please keep writing more of these wonderful books. Thank you
December 15, 2021
Sweet realization
It to the return of a true friend to change the cold heart. Highly recommended for all readers. Clean and sweet.
It to the return of a true friend to change the cold heart. Highly recommended for all readers. Clean and sweet.
June 18, 2022
An interesting Regency novella that would have made a great novel.
August 25, 2024
i enjoyed this book, kept you guessing as to the outcome.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 32 reviews