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The Duke of Danby's Christmas #1

The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx

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It's Christmas 1817 and the Duke of Danby is matchmaking again!
Spend the holidays in Yorkshire with freshly fallen snow, Yuletide balls and mistletoe kisses.

AVA STONE's ON THE WAY TO THE CASTLE...
Identical twins, Ladies Lily and Amelia Woodward may look the same, but they’re as different as night and day. Ever-dutiful Lily is resigned to whatever destiny their great-uncle the Duke of Danby has in store for her, while free-spirited Amelia is determined to fight His Grace every step of the way. With Christmas upon them, the Woodwards set out for Danby Castle and stumble across an overturned coach and a pair of handsome gentlemen in peril. Will this fateful encounter alter the future for both sisters and the likely plans the duke had in store for all of them?

SAMANTHA GRACE's THREE LITTLE WORDS...
Disheartened but not defeated, Gavin MacBride temporarily abandon’s plans for restoring the family coffers to escort his sister-in-law’s long-lost relative to Yorkshire for a reunion. Gavin might have failed to secure funds to ensure his family’s future prosperity, but surely, he can deliver a young woman to Danby Castle in one piece. * Heiress Victoria Eastland isn’t making his job easy, though, especially when she sets off for Yorkshire alone. With no carriages for hire at the local coaching inn, Gavin is resigned to give chase on horseback in inclement weather, but a Good Samaritan takes pity on Gavin and invites him to share his coach. Soon, the newfound friends are led on a merry chase that ends with a bold rescue and an unexpected discovery. The outspoken, foolishly brave Miss Eastland has been under Gavin's nose the whole time—and a little too close when one is unprepared to lose his heart.

CLAUDIA DAIN's SUITOR BY SURPRISE...
Miss Judith Whitton, youngest niece of the Duke of Danby, is not yet married. Having met John Copley one year ago at her first Christmas in Yorkshire, she is puzzled that John has not yet offered for her, especially after the intimacies they shared. * Mr. Alfred FitzHerbert knows why Copley has not offered for Copley is a scoundrel. If Alfred can distract Judith from her fatal infatuation with Copley successfully, Danby will fund his bridge project. Distract, not wed. No one looking at Alfie could ever imagine him being any girl's fatal attraction, an insult no true Englishman can be expected to ignore, not even one nicknamed 'the archbishop.'

316 pages, Kindle Edition

First published October 23, 2018

33 people are currently reading
57 people want to read

About the author

Ava Stone

147 books226 followers
Ava Stone is a USA Today bestselling author of Regency historical romance and college age New Adult romance. Whether in the 19th Century or the 21st, her books explore deep themes but with a light touch. A single mother, Ava lives outside Raleigh NC, with her son and two black and white tuxedo kitty cats. She loves classic movies, researching history, and traveling whenever she gets the chance.

Feel free to visit her at www.avastoneauthor.com and www.desolatesun.com

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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
Profile Image for Melanie.
1,691 reviews380 followers
November 6, 2018
The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx is a delightful collection of three holiday romances that perfectly get you in the holiday spirit.

On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone - 4 Stars

Twins Lily and Amelia Woodward are quite different despite their identical looks. They have very different reactions to finding out they’re spending Christmas with their great-uncle, a notorious matchmaker. Lily is ready to accept whatever match Danby makes for her until she falls for Richard Plantier, Earl of Glasbury. Lily and Richard’s romance is full of numerous misunderstandings but the characters are very sweet with each other and I enjoyed their happy ending. Meanwhile, Amelia wants nothing to do with any match Danby makes for she is in love with Mr. Daniel Lacy. Amelia and Daniel’s relationship is at first very much based on lust, but they’re both willing to turn it into more and I liked their realistic relationship. Overall I felt this was a solid story with two wonderful romances and I hope to read more from this author in the future.

Three Little Words by Samantha Grace - 3.5 Stars

Gavin MacBride has been tasked by his brother to escort his sister-in-law’s long lost relative to Yorkshire for Christmas only to arrive and discover the woman set off alone. After discovering there are no more coaches, a mysterious stranger offers to share his and Gavin is off. I enjoyed this story quite a bit and in large part that is due to the character of Victoria Eastland. Victoria doesn’t care for societies rules and ignores them whenever possible. She was an absolutely delightful woman and I enjoyed her immensely. Her pairing with Gavin is a good one and I believe they suit each other very well. My only complaint was at the end of the story they’re suddenly engaged but we don’t actually see it happen. Overall though this was a fun story and I’ll definitely check out more books from the author in the future.

Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain - 3 Stars

Miss Judith Whitton is enamored with scoundrel John Copley and Alfred FitzHerbert has been tasked by the Duke of Danby to distract Judith and draw her attentions elsewhere. Alfred is a reserved man and doesn’t believe he’ll succeed but has agreed to try. The pairing of Judith and Alfred was a bit odd to me as they didn’t seem to have anything in common and had very different personalities. There were a few sweet moments between them but I found myself wishing there was more buildup in their relationship. My main complaint with this story is Judith’s sisters who I found to be quite judgmental and a bit snobby. Overall this was a cute novella though and I would be interested to read more from the author at some point.

The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx was a fun, quick read and I definitely recommend it if you’re looking for some light holiday romances.

Overall average rating - 3.5 Stars

**I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
Profile Image for Tammy.
9,119 reviews50 followers
November 21, 2018
Three enjoyable historical romance reads with plenty of drama and romance. The stories are fun and entertaining the characters are enjoyable and the stories put you in the Christmas mood. I really like it!
Profile Image for AnnMarie.
1,313 reviews34 followers
January 23, 2019
The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx is the first anthology in The Duke of Danby's Christmas series by Ava Stone, Samantha Grace, and Claudia Dain. Each book centres around the Duke of Danby's famous matchmaking balls. People know when they are invited to one of them they better look out because chances are they won't leave unless they are betrothed!

ON THE WAY TO THE CASTLE by Ava Stone

Lily and Amelia Woodward have been invited to one of Duke of Danby's balls. He is their great grandfather and they know what an invite to his ball means.

Richard Plantier, Earl of Glasbury and his friend Mr Daniel Lacy have also been invited to the ball. Dire circumstances see them ending up sharing a coach with each other and before they even reach the matchmaking party love matches have been forged. Sounds simple, but it isn't. One couple can't be certain that theirs is actually a love match, and the other couple can't have a future for reasons you will read about.

There was excitement, drama, beautiful romance and some sweet laughs in this book and of course a wonderful happily ever after.

Definitely worthy of 5 stars!

THREE LITTLE WORDS by Samantha Grace

Victoria Eastland has travelled from abroad to find her real family after her 'brother' on his death bed finally tells her that she was adopted.

Colin Macbride has been given the job of escorting her to Yorkshire. One of Victoria's sisters is his sister-in-law. Before he has the chance to pick her up, not having been able to inform her beforehand that he was on his way, she has already left London and is making the journey by herself. Colin needs to put a rush on and try to catch up with her before anything bad happens. His brother will never forgive him if he fails to bring her home safely.

I am not going to say anything more about the plot because I don't want to give spoilers. Suffice to say that this book gave me many laughs, some deep heartfelt emotional moments, and happy sigh-worthy moments when Victoria gets her happily ever after.
There is one thing I dislike about the story. When Victoria gets her man we don't get to share their very first kiss. All of a sudden it's a done deal and they are sharing a kiss or two after they are engaged. Come on Samantha, no matter how quickly you might have to end a book there is always space for the wonderful first kiss.

This story earns a 4-star rating.

SUITOR BY SURPRISE by Claudia Dain

Miss Judith Whitton is the youngest niece of the Duke of Danby. She naively fell in love with John Copley before she had to depart for London from Yorkshire where she had been for the holiday. He promised he would be with her again soon, but a year later he still hasn't even sent a message. Judith still believes he loves her and is waiting for him. When the Duke discovers that she is in love with Copley he devises a plan to keep them apart.

Alfred FitzHerbert is a gentleman, and a man that the Duke believes could easily distract Judith from her attraction to John Copley (the rogue). He needs some help with financing so the Duke agrees to help him if Alfred, in turn, keeps Judith and John apart. He agrees and not just because he will receive money, but because he knows what a rotter John is and that no woman deserves to be used by him.

Will he achieve his goal, and will he be able to do it without breaking Judith's heart?

I liked this story but at times the possible relationship between Judith and Alfred seemed unbelievable, even when they supposedly were really falling for each other. Everything came to a conclusion too fast for my liking. I think if there was more time for the characters to develop and for the ending to be more drawn out I would have liked the story a lot more. I also would have liked the Duke of Danby to have been featured more, or for some of the story to involve one of his parties.

This story earns 3 stars from me.

This set of stories was a pleasure to read, I love the Duke of Danby and his matchmaking. These matches, for the most part, were fabulous and I enjoyed reading them.
Profile Image for Janet.
5,266 reviews66 followers
October 23, 2018
Ava Stone's On The Way To The Castle
Identical twins, Ladies Lily and Amelia Woodward may look the same, but they’re as different as night and day. With Christmas upon them, the Woodwards and their brother set out for Danby Castle and stumble across an overturned coach . Richard Plantier Earl of Glasbury & his friend Daniel Lacy are on their way to Danby Castle when they are held up by highwaymen. Luckily for them they are rescued by the Woodwards.
A delightful short story that I read in a sitting, Strong characters & a well paced story held my interest from start to finish. Highwaymen, curses, misunderstandings & romance just the right ingredients for a short story
Samantha Grace's Three Little Words
Gavin MacBride temporarily abandon’s plans for restoring the family coffers to escort his sister-in-law’s long-lost relative to Yorkshire for a reunion. Gavin might have failed to secure funds to ensure his family’s future prosperity, but surely, he can deliver a young woman to Danby Castle in one piece. Heiress Victoria Eastland isn’t making his job easy, though, especially when she sets off for Yorkshire alone. With no carriages for hire at the local coaching inn, Gavin is resigned to give chase on horseback in inclement weather, but a Good Samaritan takes pity on Gavin and invites him to share his coach.
Another delightful story, Gavin & Victoria are well portrayed, the story flows well & I read it in a sting. Ideal for whiling away a couple of hours.

Claudia Dain's Suitor By Surprise
Miss Judith Whitton, youngest niece of the Duke of Danby, is not yet married. Having met John Copley one year ago at her first Christmas in Yorkshire, she is puzzled that John has not yet offered for her, especially after the intimacies they shared. Alfred FitzHerbert knows Copley is a scoundrel. If Alfred can distract Judith from her fatal infatuation with Copley successfully, Danby will fund his York bridge project. Distract, not wed. No one looking at him could ever imagine him being any girl's fatal attraction, an insult no true Englishman can be expected to ignore, not even one nicknamed 'the archbishop.'
A well written enjoyable read. Alfie & Judith are very likeable & their verbal banter entertaining. Another short story I read in a sitting
I do love the Danby stories & I’m so glad he has such a large family as it means more entertaining enjoyable novellas to read.
Profile Image for Lori D.
4,085 reviews132 followers
December 31, 2018
A wonderful collection of three stories by some of the best authors of historical romance, that will get you in the holiday spirit. All are headed to Danby Castle where the Duke of Danby resides.

Ava Stone's On the Way to the Castle, finds twins Lily and Amelia on the way to their great uncle's home, who is a notorious matchmaker. Lily is ready to accept Danby's recommendation for a match, but Amelia is determined to fight because she is in love with another. But fate steps in with an overturned coach containing some handsome gentlemen and it seems uncle may not have to step in at all! Love everything by Ava Stone and this is no exception! The perfect romance that warms the heart.

Samantha Grace's Three Little Words, finds Gavin MacBride asked to escort one Victoria Eastland, heiress, to Danby Castle. How hard could that be? Well very when he finds the young lady has set out on her own and he has the devil of a time tracking her down! Only able to secure a horse, he is taking in by a stranger in their coach and the chase begins. Or is it already over? A lovely story of a feisty woman who cares nothing for society's strictures and finds a handsome man may just be her match.

In Suitor By Surprise by Claudia Dain, a most unlikely man is sent out to distract Judith, the niece of the Duke of Danby. Having been enamored by a scoundrel (she does not know he was!), Alfred is tasked with distracting her from that man. He just wants to get much needed funding for a bridge and the Duke made an offer he could not refuse. The key was to distract her, but is seems more is coming of it as he spends time with beautiful Judith.

Prepare to be enchanted and only wanting to read more from these authors!


Profile Image for Dee Deacon Foster.
421 reviews19 followers
December 26, 2018
Aahh, the Duke of Danby is at it again and not everyone is happy about it.
On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone
Can love be found on the way to the castle? Ladies Lily and Amelia Woodward seems to think so. One is resigned to whatever their great uncle has planned and one will fight him tooth and nail to avoid his marriage match. Will an overturned coach and handsome gentlemen affect the duke’s plans? Or could this be another of his matchmaking attempts?
What better Christmas story than when Ava Stone writes the Duke of Danby. Love, love, love Ms. Stone and she does not disappoint in this one.
Three Little Words by Samantha Grace
How hard can it be to escort one young woman to Danby Castle at Christmas? For Gavin MacBride – extremely hard if that young woman’s name is Victoria Eastland. Samantha Grace leads us on a merry chase across England when Victoria sets off on her own. Fate seems to conspire against Gavin in his search for Victoria or is it working in conjunction with the Duke of Danby to bring these two their happily ever after?
Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain
Miss Judith Whitton (a family always worth visiting with) – will this Christmas visit to the Duke of Danby bring a happily ever after for Judith and the man who caught her attention a year ago?
Albert FitzHerbert should know that when the Duke of Danby agrees to fund something “if”…it usually involves more than the duke lets on, and when he knows why Judith’s man has not offered for her it could get complicated. So sit back ad let Claudia Dain surprise you in this delightful tale.
Profile Image for Cherry London.
Author 1 book83 followers
November 3, 2018
An exciting package with some titillating sweet romantic tales, these delicious stories feed the romantic souls. The Duke of Dandy was feared by all because of his matchmaking interfering machinations into their personal lives. I love the stories in this book they are heartwarming and very enticing. A beautiful book filled with lovely and heart jerking tales.
Profile Image for Norah Gibbons.
843 reviews8 followers
July 31, 2021
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
The Duke of Danby’s Holiday Hijinx by Ava Stone, Samantha Grace, and Claudia Dain is a Christmas holiday-themed anthology. The elderly Duke of Danby, a renowned matchmaker, is hosting a house party with the intent of finding matches for his unmarried relations and family friends. The stories are fun to read, lighthearted and charming. I enjoyed this book and do recommend reading it.
Profile Image for Julia David.
2,535 reviews26 followers
November 8, 2018
Three fun Christmas stories. The Duke of Danby is at it again. He is making matches for his beloved family. Even when they think they don't want to be married, he maneuvers everyone around until they think it was their idea to get married. I always enjoy seeing what is going on with the Duke.
Profile Image for Sissy's Romance Book Review .
8,992 reviews16 followers
November 10, 2018
The Duke of Danby's Holiday Hijinx by Ava Stone, Samantha Grace, Claudia Dain is book One in The Duke of Danby's Christmas Series.
This is a great Christmas themed box set with some really great authors that total about 320 pages. I totally love box set for reason I have given before...its a great way to find new authors and read quick stories from a treasured author. Theses sets are easy read that allow for them to be read when you need a quick book fix. Loved each story that was in this set. Here is a copied list of book introductions:
AVA STONE's ON THE WAY TO THE CASTLE...
Identical twins, Ladies Lily and Amelia Woodward may look the same, but they’re as different as night and day. Ever-dutiful Lily is resigned to whatever destiny their great-uncle the Duke of Danby has in store for her, while free-spirited Amelia is determined to fight His Grace every step of the way. With Christmas upon them, the Woodwards set out for Danby Castle and stumble across an overturned coach and a pair of handsome gentlemen in peril. Will this fateful encounter alter the future for both sisters and the likely plans the duke had in store for all of them?

SAMANTHA GRACE's THREE LITTLE WORDS...
Disheartened but not defeated, Gavin MacBride temporarily abandon’s plans for restoring the family coffers to escort his sister-in-law’s long-lost relative to Yorkshire for a reunion. Gavin might have failed to secure funds to ensure his family’s future prosperity, but surely, he can deliver a young woman to Danby Castle in one piece. * Heiress Victoria Eastland isn’t making his job easy, though, especially when she sets off for Yorkshire alone. With no carriages for hire at the local coaching inn, Gavin is resigned to give chase on horseback in inclement weather, but a Good Samaritan takes pity on Gavin and invites him to share his coach. Soon, the newfound friends are led on a merry chase that ends with a bold rescue and an unexpected discovery. The outspoken, foolishly brave Miss Eastland has been under Gavin's nose the whole time—and a little too close when one is unprepared to lose his heart.

CLAUDIA DAIN's SUITOR BY SURPRISE...
Miss Judith Whitton, youngest niece of the Duke of Danby, is not yet married. Having met John Copley one year ago at her first Christmas in Yorkshire, she is puzzled that John has not yet offered for her, especially after the intimacies they shared. * Mr. Alfred FitzHerbert knows why Copley has not offered for Judith: Copley is a scoundrel. If Alfred can distract Judith from her fatal infatuation with Copley successfully, Danby will fund his bridge project. Distract, not wed. No one looking at Alfie could ever imagine him being any girl's fatal attraction, an insult no true Englishman can be expected to ignore, not even one nicknamed 'the archbishop.'
Profile Image for Lori Meehan.
1,145 reviews
November 12, 2018
3.25*
On the Way to the Castle
Ava Stone
5*
Richard Plantier, Earl of Glasbury’s convinces Mr. Daniel Lacy to attend the Duke of Danby’s Christmas house party, it may be the last time he has to break the curse that plagues his family. On way they are attacked by highwayman and left hurt and stranded in the snow.
Lord Elston and his sisters Lady’s Lily and Amelia Woodward have been summoned to their great-uncle Danby’s house party. They dread going to the matchmakers but know they must and hope they do not come back wed.
The Woodward’s happen upon Richard and Daniel and help them to safety. Amelia cannot believe her good fortune, Daniel Lacy is in their coach and on the way to her great uncles home. She has pined for him since she met him when he was betrothed to her cousin. It’s to bad he probably hates her family since her cousin jilted him. Lily can’t help the spark she feels for poor Richard, she needs to see him healthy from the terrible head injury, she is so intrigued by him. What started off as a unwanted trip just might be a chance of a lifetime.
This was a very charming Christmas romance with good characters and a very cute puppy.

Three Little Words
Samantha Grace
3.5*
Victoria Eastland finds out her life as she knew it was a lie. Her parents and brother are all died and she’s now on the path to find her real family in England.
Gavin MacBride has been sent to escort Victoria to meet her family. He will do anything for his family even if that means chasing a girl he’s never met through the countryside.
Victoria knows traveling alone as a woman is dangerous so doning her male persona she sets off to Danby’s town. She runs into Gavin who needs help with traveling after someone, after offering to share the coach they find they enjoy each other’s company.
When the truth is revealed can the secrets be overcome with the trust and friendship developed or will these two go their separate ways?

Suitor By Surprise
Claudia Dain
3*
This was my least favorite of the three stories in this anthology. I felt it was wrapped up entirely to fast even though there was 14 chapters.
Judith Whitton has been in love for a year with Mr. Conley since she met at Christmas. She has not seen nor heard from him since.
Alfred “Affie” FitzHerbert has been sent to London by Lord Danby to dissuade Judith from her feelings for Conley. Affie knows Conley for the rake he is and vows to protect Judith, what he doesn’t know is how he himself will feel for Judith.
When Mr. Conley arrives in town Affie and Judith must find their way through a mass of feelings, truth and honor.
Profile Image for Marsha Keeper Bookshelf.
4,290 reviews88 followers
November 18, 2018
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf

The Duke of Danby is a meddlesome matchmaker, with a heart of gold and a love of his family… every last one of them. In the first anthology in The Duke of Danby’s Christmas series we have three enjoyable Christmas tales that might or might not have some help from our Duke with a Cupid’s heart.

I happen to love anthologies (or boxed sets for that matter) for they give me a chance to not only get a novella from an author I know and enjoy but to discover new to me authors as well. I enjoyed all three stories, On The Way to the Castle by Ava Stone, Three Little Words by Samantha Grace and Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain. I don’t really have a favorite from the group for they all were entertaining stories, each with unique twists and turns to the couple’s happy ending. The cover description gives enough of a look at each story to grab your interest, and I don’t want to spoil your reading enjoyment by saying too much.

I enjoyed this look back to Christmas in Yorkshire in 1817… and I intend to pick up the other two anthologies as well. If you love Historical Romance, especially at Christmastime, then you’ll find a treat for yourself with this group of entertaining Christmas tales. I would definitely recommend The Duke of Danby’s Holiday Hijinx to any reader who enjoys finding love in unusual circumstances, the joy of Christmas magic, and some really good stories to fall in love with.

*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Profile Image for Amy Alvis.
2,042 reviews84 followers
November 20, 2018
I really enjoyed all three of these novellas!

On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone - 4 stars

This story was great because you get 2 stories for the price of one! Lily and Amelia are twins and on the way to their great-uncle's home from Christmas. He is known for his matchmaking, but each of the girls feels differently about what is about to happen. Traveling to his estate, they encounter two wounded men. The sisters find themselves attracted the strangers, if only their brother doesn't interfere.

Three Little Words by Samantha Grace - 4 stars

Gavin has been tasked with bringing his SIL's sister home for the holidays, but he seems to always be one step behind her. He soon learns that the young man he has been traveling with is the woman he was looking for. But she doesn't want to be taken to her sister, whom she's been estranged from. Will Gavin end up disappointing his brother or the woman he is falling for?

Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain - 4 stars

Judith has fallen in love and can't wait for her beau to ask for her hand in marriage. Too bad it's been almost a year since she has seen him. Unknown to her, her uncle has tasked another to take her mind off or her beau. Will he succeed?

I really enjoyed all three stories buy these authors and will soon be reading the other Duke of Danby books that they have written.
1,222 reviews15 followers
November 13, 2018
Three quick Christmas novellas centered around the matchmaking by the Duke of Damby.

On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone - my favorite of the three and two romances in one. Mystery and romance included. Loved this one!

Three Little Words by Samantha Grace - feisty and independent heroine and a hero trying to do right. Slight mystery and good story.

Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain - my least favorite of the three. Hard to keep the sisters straight and the whole premise was just ok. The dialogue was stilted to me. The characters talk and talk and talk, but seem to talk around everything. Found myself skimming through this one.

I received a review copy as part of the Regency Review Crew.
478 reviews4 followers
November 16, 2018
Anthologies often give the reader to learn new authors. That was the situation for me with this Duke of Danby offering. This book tells three stories with at least one character related to the Duke. The duke is up to his matchmaking tricks once again. Does he have a hand in these matches, maybe, maybe not. The couple's may have met without the duke's meddling, but I do feel somewhere he had to be an influencer, e does have a reputation to uphold. I found this an okay read, probably because I enjoy intrigue and danger in my reads. All in all it is a nice read, particularly Samantha Grace's contribution. I received this eBook from NetGalley for an honest review.
1,029 reviews13 followers
November 30, 2018
There are things I like about reading an omnibus. Since I like to read a book in its entirety in one or two sittings, I find if I am short for time I can read just one of these stories at a time and pick the book up to read the rest at a later time. What I don’t like about reading these short stories is that I find there aren’t enough pages in the story to flesh out the characters and not rush the plot. I enjoyed this book and I liked that they all had a common theme of visiting the same Duke. Of them all, I found I liked Ava Stone’s the best. She is a new author to me and I will definitely be looking to read her other stories.
Profile Image for Laurie.
1,558 reviews35 followers
December 27, 2018
I hadn't read anything by any of these three authors before, so I was excited to give this collection a shot. At the very least, I hoped that reading it would put me in a festive mood just before the holidays. Unfortunately for me, even though this collection is advertised as the first in a series, the stories actually seemed to be follow ups to novellas that were published in previous collections, featuring secondary characters from the earlier stories. That left me feeling a bit lost because there was some background and context missing that probably would have contributed to my enjoyment of the novellas included in this collection. As it was, I can't say that I would recommend this collection for anyone who hasn't read the earlier, related novellas or who isn't already a fan of these authors. While each of the stories was, for the most part, pleasant, none of them were anything special. There are much better books out there to enjoy in anticipation of the holidays.

*ARC provided by the publisher via Net Galley in exchange for an honest review.
1,296 reviews1 follower
October 25, 2018
Awesome as usual

We are back with Danby. These books are always favorites.
Lily and Amelia are twins who are nothing alike. They have been summoned to the castle but the stumble into love along the way.
Samantha Grace's story fun. I really enjoyed this story. Victoria comes to England after she finds out she has a family she didn't know about. Victoria finds more than her family.
And finally we have a cute, quick read of Judith and Affie. Loved it!!
Profile Image for Ltlmer2.
651 reviews19 followers
February 17, 2020
3 unenthusiastic stars

Just meh. All 3 weren't horrible or fabulous. They were just THERE. I didnt hate them, but I didnt like them much either; I just didnt care about them at all and had to force myself to keep reading. Particularly the last story, which just seemed like blah blah blah get on with any type of interaction with the lead characters at least in the same room please.
Profile Image for Carole Burant.
1,279 reviews38 followers
January 3, 2019
You have to love the Duke of Danby:) AVA STONE's ON THE WAY TO THE CASTLE, SAMANTHA GRACE's THREE LITTLE WORDS and CLAUDIA DAIN's SUITOR BY SURPRISE were all fun to read and I thoroughly enjoyed all 3 stories. It was a perfect book to read during the holidays.
1,135 reviews2 followers
December 12, 2020
As with any anthology these were hit and miss. It's tough to get a full story line in a small package but for the most part these were fun holiday reads.

** Thanks to netgalley for an e-copy of this book for review.
136 reviews
October 31, 2018
The Duke of Danby, seems to want his young relatives to marry for love and mot be miserable for the rest of their lives. I recommend all of these books to every one.
11 reviews
February 1, 2019
Lovely stories. Christmas feel goods. Duke of Danny is a scamp, who loves his family.
Profile Image for Kelly Marie.
432 reviews24 followers
January 11, 2019
On the Way to the Castle by Ava Stone.

The Duke of Danby is at it again and this time it's double the work. I think this is the most we've heard him talk or leave his study. You have two romances going on at once, but they blend perfectly together. Brought together because of a carriage accident their brother Jamie is going out of his mind trying to watch his sisters for different reasons. Lily and Richard are a love at first sight couple that are perfect for each other. They just have misunderstandings and a curse to get past.  Amelia and Daniel's romance is more lust filled because she's loved him from afar and he just now see her for her. Theirs is one that is fast, but sweet and you know they are going to be happy.

Lily takes life as it comes and is very level-headed. She doesn't hide her feelings and has no secrets. I loved how she is with everyone and doesn't hold back with him. She is the opposite of her sister and the center of her family.

Richard had a plan that was derailed as soon as he met Lily. I loved how he instantly was taken with her and quickly regretted his plan as soon as it was out of his mouth. He needed the Duke without realizing it.

Amelia is dramatic and afraid of what the Duke has planned for her. She can come off as childish, but really isn't and is very sweet. I loved how she just came up with a plan and didn't hesitate to ask.

Daniel isn't really as perfect as he appeared back in Lady Grace's Husband Hunt. He has a very passionate side that comes out around Amelia. I was so happy to see him get a happy ending.

Three Little Word by Samantha Grace

One of the funniest cases of mistaken identity I’ve read! The whole chase was hysterical and ended very well for everyone. They were instantly drawn to each other and you wonder if the Duke of Danby had planned it or not. I knew there was more to the story of her family than she thought. I wish it had been longer.

Victoria is not a woman you want to make mad and she can take care of herself. She was not going to be told what to do by anyone, but she also didn’t hold back from what her heart said.

Gavin was determined to do something right for his family. He’s one of the few that isn’t afraid of the Duke of Danby. He also didn’t hold back from his heart.

Suitor by Surprise by Claudia Dain
Never underestimate the Duke of Danby’s reach! This is a whirlwind romance that will have you waiting for the next surprise. You never know what is going to happen with them. I loved the ending and what happened with Copley.

Judith isn’t completely blinded by love. She is a surprise at every turn because you think she will do one thing and she does the opposite. I loved how she acted in the end.

Alfie Thought he knew the Duke of Danby better than anyone. I loved that he was so sure of himself and his plan. He was what she needed and didn’t know it.

Copy Provided for an honest and voluntary review.
Profile Image for Bernadette Long.
677 reviews3 followers
January 14, 2019
It's the Christmas holiday and the duke of Danby is busy with matchmaking again. "On the Way to the Castle" by Ava Stone, twin sisters Lily and Amelia Woodward encounter Daniel Lacy and Richard Plantier and discover delightful secrets and truths. In "Three Little Words" Victoria Eastland travels disguised as a man to Yorkshire and meets Gavin MacBride along the route. Judith Whitton is known for her beauty and fancies herself in love with one man in "Suitor by Surprise" but finds herself taken by surprise by the interest of Alfred Fitzhebert.

Thanks to the publisher and to NetGalley for an ARC; all opinions are my own.
Profile Image for Kristin.
1,469 reviews119 followers
January 30, 2019
I would like to thank netgalley and Night Shift Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.

On the way to the castle - 3 stars

I enjoyed this, but there were too many story lines.

Three little words - 4 stars

Enjoyable, but the last chapter felt like it came from a different story.

Suitor by surprise - DNF

Writing felt very clunky, didn't get past the first page.
Profile Image for Mary Hart.
1,128 reviews27 followers
November 8, 2018
4 stars

Three different stories related to that maestro of a match maker, the Duke of Danby.

I enjoyed all three stories but I would rate them as following:

Ava Stone 4.0
Samantha Grace 3.5
Claudia Dain's 3.0

Samantha's heroine I really loved, especially the way she confused Gavin on his search for her. I'd certainly look out for more of her stories. There's not as much Christmas as often happens in these seasonal stories but that's more to my taste. I'd recommend this book.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
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