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Dueling Pistols #1
The Wedding Duel
A charming Regency-era tale of a duel, a dilemma, and undeniable desire...
A Holt Medallion nominee for Best First Book
First published by Kensington Publishing Corp.
THE WEDDING DUEL
It was meant to be a duel like any other—defend a lady's reputation, teach a scamp a lesson in honor, and win the day. But from the first moment Keene Davies raises the cursed pistol things go awry. The shot goes astray, he wounds his best friend, and his displeased father threatens to disinherit him—unless he marries a scandalous little hoyden named Sophie.
Unbeknownst to Keene, Sophie Farthing has grown into a lovely young woman, albeit one still inclined to fall into scrapes. Her high spirits and tendency to ride hell bent for leather lead her into more than one disaster, but she's bound to make the most of this unexpected marriage to Keene. She's determined to teach her husband that honor begins with the heart, not the handle of a pistol, and that passion should go hand in glove with love...
A Holt Medallion nominee for Best First Book
First published by Kensington Publishing Corp.
THE WEDDING DUEL
It was meant to be a duel like any other—defend a lady's reputation, teach a scamp a lesson in honor, and win the day. But from the first moment Keene Davies raises the cursed pistol things go awry. The shot goes astray, he wounds his best friend, and his displeased father threatens to disinherit him—unless he marries a scandalous little hoyden named Sophie.
Unbeknownst to Keene, Sophie Farthing has grown into a lovely young woman, albeit one still inclined to fall into scrapes. Her high spirits and tendency to ride hell bent for leather lead her into more than one disaster, but she's bound to make the most of this unexpected marriage to Keene. She's determined to teach her husband that honor begins with the heart, not the handle of a pistol, and that passion should go hand in glove with love...
306 pages, ebook
First published August 1, 2002
540 people are currently reading
660 people want to read
About the author
Katy Madison
28 books61 followersKaty Madison has always loved stories. As a child she was always lugging a book around. At the age of eight, after
Katy Madison having gone through over a hundred Nancy Drew mysteries, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books—at least twice—and many others including her full weekly allotment of library books, Katy went to her mother and begged for a new book to read. Her frustrated mother handed her a romance novel. Katy fell in love with the romance genre. She quickly found where her mother hid the rest and began sneaking them out to read. She cut her eye teeth on books by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart, not to mention dozens of Barbara Cartland’s. With a nod to great Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Katy offers up her gothic romance Tainted by Temptation.
Katy Madison having gone through over a hundred Nancy Drew mysteries, all the Laura Ingalls Wilder books—at least twice—and many others including her full weekly allotment of library books, Katy went to her mother and begged for a new book to read. Her frustrated mother handed her a romance novel. Katy fell in love with the romance genre. She quickly found where her mother hid the rest and began sneaking them out to read. She cut her eye teeth on books by Georgette Heyer and Mary Stewart, not to mention dozens of Barbara Cartland’s. With a nod to great Gothic novels like Jane Eyre and Rebecca, Katy offers up her gothic romance Tainted by Temptation.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
September 26, 2016
One word: boring. I disliked the main characters, hated that they had a major misunderstanding through the book due to not talking, the secondary characters were tossed in to do what I couldn't figure out. One minute they are supportive, the next it seems like one is trying to seduce main character, the next they love their own husband? I skipped and skipped and slogged to end but should have just quit within the first few pages. If you like an actual story, good plot and characters, skip this one.
March 9, 2011
What a book fail. Heroine is a moron and hero is a fool. Please god, I need brain bleach. >:(
April 30, 2017
Cute story. I enjoyed the characters and their development, but holy Hannah! There was about 2.5 stories wrapped in one. Personally I thought expanding on Victor's storyline should have been reserved for a later book, but nonetheless it was awkwardly included in this story. I enjoyed our strong heroine, but there were times she was excessively naive. Should she really have been that naive about how to preserve your virtue, even if she was a "county bumpkin?" I mean that is your whole purpose as a lady in those times. There were some funny moments in the story that i couldn't help but laugh out loud. Overall, I would recommend the read. The story moved along quickly and was well written,
July 7, 2017
2.5 stars. This book was truly in the middle of "I like it" and "eh, it was ok." I had a hard time putting it down and yet it really pissed me off while I was reading it. The characters were just kinda flat in a really weird way. It was like they were the plot, almost. Hard to explain unless you've read it, I think. The side characters were more developed than the main ones it felt like. And unfortunately I couldn't stand the side characters most of the time, even though they had some very humanish qualities. I say "humanish" because they were kind of all over the place in that they stuck to their "morals" but didn't really act like they did. Really what I'm getting at is that this book was very confusingly put together, it was missing pieces and yet had too much of others. I'm not actually really sure what to think of this book: do I hate it, like it, a little of both. Probably a little of both, but ultimately I have to reserve judgment on this one. I think I'll come back later and add a note once I've thought more on it, assuming I think more on it at all.
November 16, 2017
The Wedding Duel
I so truly enjoyed reading this story, I couldn’t stop reading it until I finished it, I enjoy books that have some humor in them and romance and some spice in them too, I am ready to read the second book now, I love your books and absolutely recommend it, thank you for a great book
I so truly enjoyed reading this story, I couldn’t stop reading it until I finished it, I enjoy books that have some humor in them and romance and some spice in them too, I am ready to read the second book now, I love your books and absolutely recommend it, thank you for a great book
November 22, 2017
Very frustrating
Didn't like any of the characters
If they don't talk to each other at the start of their marriage that doesn't bode well
Just ask the question why don't you! And what were her parents about?? I would be very offended if my parents thought that of me
Didn't like any of the characters
If they don't talk to each other at the start of their marriage that doesn't bode well
Just ask the question why don't you! And what were her parents about?? I would be very offended if my parents thought that of me
November 29, 2017
Couldn't put it down
What does it say that I stayed up until 2:30 am to finish reading The Wedding Duel? 🙃 And I was fighting a migraine?!
What does it say that I stayed up until 2:30 am to finish reading The Wedding Duel? 🙃 And I was fighting a migraine?!
January 13, 2020
Oh, so very, very funny! 😂 It’s such a farce; I loved reading it. All misunderstandings are based on assumptions, of course. The misunderstandings between Sophie and her parents when Sophie is thrown of the horse (her fall from ‘Grace’) are really hilarious 🤣 And they continue when Sophie marries Keene. I can only repeat that it is just like a farce and I loved reading it!
October 10, 2016
Excellent
I Really liked this enchanting reading, the characters are wonderful great story telling. Also not a cliffhanger . I will be looking at more from this author
I Really liked this enchanting reading, the characters are wonderful great story telling. Also not a cliffhanger . I will be looking at more from this author
did-not-finish
August 15, 2012SUPER annoying characters.
September 6, 2016
amusant .un superbe exemple de non communication
October 8, 2016
Light hearted froth with some fun moments - the miscommunication verged on farce at times but was well thought out. I enjoyed the characters and the author's style.
October 18, 2016
Lots of twists
What a story! Full of twists, turns and misunderstanding. All in all a great story. I look forward to reading more of this series.
What a story! Full of twists, turns and misunderstanding. All in all a great story. I look forward to reading more of this series.
October 27, 2016
I love it! Lots of adventures ,funny people, and crazy ones. I read it in one sit.
November 16, 2016
It is a great book to read
August 10, 2017
Historical romance with amusing characters.
I grew up on historical romances, but not every writer fleshes her characters out as Ms Madison has in this story. There are several subplots running parallel to each other and each one is pulled together with a flourish and a bow at the story's end.
The heroine has all the basic elements one would expect, but her faults are more endearing than crude. She and her loved one run at cross purposes in their relationship while match making and interceding on behalf of their friends. I actually didn't expect everyone to have been set back on track as well as they were.
I did enjoy my return to historical romance and would say I would recommend this book to others. It has the behaviors of the English ton of that time right on target. There were hints of premarital and marital sex and the domineering behaviors of the men of aristocracy were reinforced repeatedly, but it was historically on point. There were no glaring editing issues which makes for easier reading. I would give it a 4.2.
I grew up on historical romances, but not every writer fleshes her characters out as Ms Madison has in this story. There are several subplots running parallel to each other and each one is pulled together with a flourish and a bow at the story's end.
The heroine has all the basic elements one would expect, but her faults are more endearing than crude. She and her loved one run at cross purposes in their relationship while match making and interceding on behalf of their friends. I actually didn't expect everyone to have been set back on track as well as they were.
I did enjoy my return to historical romance and would say I would recommend this book to others. It has the behaviors of the English ton of that time right on target. There were hints of premarital and marital sex and the domineering behaviors of the men of aristocracy were reinforced repeatedly, but it was historically on point. There were no glaring editing issues which makes for easier reading. I would give it a 4.2.
July 8, 2019
I enjoyed this book. I have noticed there are a few low reviews due to ridiculous plot, misconceptions and miscommunication. In a serious book this would most certainly get on my nerves, as well. However, I may be wrong but I think the writer is presenting this novel in the form of a farce, which puts new light on the matter. The characters are too daft for words and the scenarios are silly in places. I think it falls short of complete farce but could be classed as semi farcical in places and it is certainly light hearted. As unlikely as many of the scenes are, it is certainly entertaining.
I am not sure whether I liked the character of George who was too self pitying for words, though.
It may depend on your mind set as to whether you enjoy this book. When I was looking for something to read, I put 'comedy' in the search engine and found this so that is what I expected and I THINK that is what the author intended, so if you are looking for serious romance it may not be for you. To daft to be taken seriously but highly recommended.
I am not sure whether I liked the character of George who was too self pitying for words, though.
It may depend on your mind set as to whether you enjoy this book. When I was looking for something to read, I put 'comedy' in the search engine and found this so that is what I expected and I THINK that is what the author intended, so if you are looking for serious romance it may not be for you. To daft to be taken seriously but highly recommended.
August 6, 2018
Surprisingly I enjoyed it v much!
With all bad reviews I thought I won't like it either but sometimes books with high reviews didnt even tickle my fancy. I had read book #3 and I liked it and I liked this one too. Loved the writing Inot so much with the heroine I wish she has more backbone thats why I subtracted 1 star.
Very smart concept IMO full of misconceptions, filled with witty dialogues so hilarious. Funny writing e.g. when Sophie said " I did not mean to fall from Grace", one who overheard it will think something else, but she did literally fall from Grace (her horse's name).
We talking about Regency era so I can see the plot fits its genre. When one did not ask direct personal questions or any remarks, however flattering might be, let alone accusation of being compromised.
I am waiting for the 2nd book go on sale but in the meantime I will reread book 3.
With all bad reviews I thought I won't like it either but sometimes books with high reviews didnt even tickle my fancy. I had read book #3 and I liked it and I liked this one too. Loved the writing Inot so much with the heroine I wish she has more backbone thats why I subtracted 1 star.
Very smart concept IMO full of misconceptions, filled with witty dialogues so hilarious. Funny writing e.g. when Sophie said " I did not mean to fall from Grace", one who overheard it will think something else, but she did literally fall from Grace (her horse's name).
We talking about Regency era so I can see the plot fits its genre. When one did not ask direct personal questions or any remarks, however flattering might be, let alone accusation of being compromised.
I am waiting for the 2nd book go on sale but in the meantime I will reread book 3.
August 14, 2017
Spoilers!
I found the author's writing confusing. So the hero has loved the heroine forever even though he hasn't visited her family for 6 years? And his dad must have known and that's why he gave him the ultimatum? We are given no evidence that this is true. Oh and what is the deal with Amelia? What is she to all three of these friends? And we are to believe that she is the epitome of good ton and female behavior and yet she was willing to sleep with all or any of these friends at any time before she was married? The heroine is stupid. After having to defend herself repeatedly against the attentions of a randy member of the ton she continues to accept his invitations? I really have a million more questions regarding this book. Frankly it felt like the writer just put in whatever sentence came to her mind with little thought to the plot, characters, etc. DNR
I found the author's writing confusing. So the hero has loved the heroine forever even though he hasn't visited her family for 6 years? And his dad must have known and that's why he gave him the ultimatum? We are given no evidence that this is true. Oh and what is the deal with Amelia? What is she to all three of these friends? And we are to believe that she is the epitome of good ton and female behavior and yet she was willing to sleep with all or any of these friends at any time before she was married? The heroine is stupid. After having to defend herself repeatedly against the attentions of a randy member of the ton she continues to accept his invitations? I really have a million more questions regarding this book. Frankly it felt like the writer just put in whatever sentence came to her mind with little thought to the plot, characters, etc. DNR
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 25, 2019
Drenn, wretched mind numbingly bad
The heroine is a half wit. Seriously, she runs out in the street in the middle of London. She uses twine to prevent someone from falling off a roof. That being said she recognized a roofied drink and acted accordingly. But the absolute kicker is everyone else is an idiot as well. You have the melodramatic nodcock who doesn't understand how pregnancy works. The insipid cypher who blends so seamlessly in the background as to be not there. The moron,the half wit married who straight out doesn't ask her if she's pregnant. And the only one that has a fair brain is pissed and self involved. The one that has any brains should have said the two sentences that resolved the "conflict" at the beginning of the book and saved ten thousand words of tedium. And the half wit should have died. I would have cheered for that.
The heroine is a half wit. Seriously, she runs out in the street in the middle of London. She uses twine to prevent someone from falling off a roof. That being said she recognized a roofied drink and acted accordingly. But the absolute kicker is everyone else is an idiot as well. You have the melodramatic nodcock who doesn't understand how pregnancy works. The insipid cypher who blends so seamlessly in the background as to be not there. The moron,the half wit married who straight out doesn't ask her if she's pregnant. And the only one that has a fair brain is pissed and self involved. The one that has any brains should have said the two sentences that resolved the "conflict" at the beginning of the book and saved ten thousand words of tedium. And the half wit should have died. I would have cheered for that.
June 3, 2019
The Wedding Duel by Katy Madison is a fantastic historical romance. Ms. Madison has provided readers with a well-written book loaded with outstanding characters. Keene is told by his father that he won't inherit any properties other than the entailed estate. Instead his cousin Sophie will inherit everything else. Sophie's a country girl with strict parents and has been crazy about her cousin Keene her whole life. Sophie and Keene's story is loaded with drama, misunderstandings, humor, action, sizzle and suspense. I enjoyed reading this book and look forward to reading more from Katy Madison in the future. The Wedding Duel is book 1 of the Dueling Pistols Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
August 2, 2017
Couldn't put down
I loved Sophie's spirit. I just wish men wouldn't try change women. Her parents think she is fast and tell her new husband that she is pregnant. Keene knows Sophie doesn't lie but still thinks she is being deceptive. Double thinking, bad juju. I know where double thinking leads. Regardless, what Keene thinks, Sophie is an indomitable force and he needs to nurture. Which he does by having Amelia take her through society. Too bad Keene could not let her be herself.
I loved Sophie's spirit. I just wish men wouldn't try change women. Her parents think she is fast and tell her new husband that she is pregnant. Keene knows Sophie doesn't lie but still thinks she is being deceptive. Double thinking, bad juju. I know where double thinking leads. Regardless, what Keene thinks, Sophie is an indomitable force and he needs to nurture. Which he does by having Amelia take her through society. Too bad Keene could not let her be herself.
October 20, 2017
Sophie and Keene, distant cousins and then they married. Suddenly its a very different relationship with both having unanswered questions about each others lives.
I will admit to being highly amused at times and at others wanting to kick both of them 'where the sun don't shine'. If only they would both sit down with each other and have a serious talk instead of listening to other people, but if they did then we wouldn't have had this delightful story.
It really was a fun read and I enjoyed every second of it.
I will admit to being highly amused at times and at others wanting to kick both of them 'where the sun don't shine'. If only they would both sit down with each other and have a serious talk instead of listening to other people, but if they did then we wouldn't have had this delightful story.
It really was a fun read and I enjoyed every second of it.
October 28, 2016
I did like it. The hero is a bit heartless in the beginning and it seems really long. I like the reason is there seems a lot going on, it is telling the story of three friends, so sometimes I feels like you are moving off from the main story but it does this because the issues concerning the friends affect the hero's perception of his situation.
The ending was good, it seemed to pick up a bit at 70%.
The ending was good, it seemed to pick up a bit at 70%.
July 18, 2017
Five stars
I love the Regency period romance and this book was delightful. It had a refreshing plot with a spunky lady and of course, the handsome and devilishly sexy husband. The Lady Jersey and Almacks play their roles in the romance as well the typical London haunts. I must say they were not overplayed and the story line was the starting character. Well written and well edited.
I love the Regency period romance and this book was delightful. It had a refreshing plot with a spunky lady and of course, the handsome and devilishly sexy husband. The Lady Jersey and Almacks play their roles in the romance as well the typical London haunts. I must say they were not overplayed and the story line was the starting character. Well written and well edited.
November 30, 2017
Delightful book.
Nice plot twists in this fun fairy tale of three interesting couples. Great characters. I especially enjoyed the author's handling of illegitimacy. This is the first time I have seen this subject used extensively in this genre. The writing was very good with realistic dialogue and descriptions. I had trouble putting it down. However find another copy editor. There were so many errors in grammar and sentence structure that it was truly annoying.
Nice plot twists in this fun fairy tale of three interesting couples. Great characters. I especially enjoyed the author's handling of illegitimacy. This is the first time I have seen this subject used extensively in this genre. The writing was very good with realistic dialogue and descriptions. I had trouble putting it down. However find another copy editor. There were so many errors in grammar and sentence structure that it was truly annoying.
October 18, 2021
A hectic romp from start to finish. If you like Gilbert and Sullivan you will love this book, some brilliant lines made me laugh and laugh author did a brilliant job of keeping track of the true plot and the sub plot for each character based on what they knew. Want to read the next book. I would love to see this author write a police murder thriller, maybe murder at a big house party etc as she is do hood at keeping the complex plots organised. A must read.
June 29, 2017
Lovely story
Keene and Sophie took me on a merry Chase in the story with untruths and business but it made me laugh on so many occasions. By the time the truth came out, all I could do was laugh and appreciate the relationship these two had along with AmeliA, Victor and George's stories. Great story.
Keene and Sophie took me on a merry Chase in the story with untruths and business but it made me laugh on so many occasions. By the time the truth came out, all I could do was laugh and appreciate the relationship these two had along with AmeliA, Victor and George's stories. Great story.
August 20, 2017
Another standard historical romance. I wanted to like the main characters but I found Sophie to be so ignorant to the ways of world that it was too comical. Read more as one slapstick misunderstanding after another and I found it aggravated me more than amused.
It was well written enough that I stuck with it till the end, but I didn't love the characters.
It was well written enough that I stuck with it till the end, but I didn't love the characters.
November 30, 2017
I love these characters but I felt like the book started in the middle of the story. I usually just have to learn the characters in the first chapter but with this story I felt I had to sort out a missing chapter. This book was heartbreaking. The characters spent to much time under misconceptions and half the conversations had two completely different meanings for each speaker.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews