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The Beautiful Barringtons #7
The Desire of a Duchess
An unexpected encounter leads to a passionate affair…
Beatrice Howard, the widowed Duchess of Castlemare was once considered the jewel of London. Lauded and sought after for her beauty, decorum, and pedigree, Beatrice was also despised for her malicious and petty nature. After a tragic accident sends her fleeing to the remote village of Chiddon, Beatrice now hides from the society she once lorded over. Chiddon not only provides sanctuary from prying eyes, but also atonement for the terrible pain she’s caused others, especially Andromeda Barrington.
Her life is peaceful. Content. Serene.
Until Beatrice’s past suddenly interrupts her quiet existence in the form of the handsome and charming Lord Blythe.
Ellis Aperton, Earl of Blythe has only recently returned from Rome after spending the last several years trying to become something other than an earl known more for his physical beauty and charm than anything else. It seems his only purpose is to marry well and produce an heir. A trifling existence. Driven to the country by the matchmaking of his mother, he finds himself in the remote village of Chiddon. A place of few amusements. A tavern. Scenic landscape. Blythe is bored senseless until he rescues a rider about to fall off her horse.
The Duchess of Castlemare is less than pleased with his rescue.
Blythe wishes he’d let the horse run off her.
Thrown together in Chiddon, mutual discord blooms into an undeniable attraction neither of Beatrice nor Blythe can resist. Their affair is fierce. Passionate. Doomed.
Blythe must return to London
Beatrice refuses to even entertain the thought.
But the past cannot stay buried forever, not even in Chiddon. Will Beatrice finally face society once more? Or risk losing Blythe forever?
Beatrice Howard, the widowed Duchess of Castlemare was once considered the jewel of London. Lauded and sought after for her beauty, decorum, and pedigree, Beatrice was also despised for her malicious and petty nature. After a tragic accident sends her fleeing to the remote village of Chiddon, Beatrice now hides from the society she once lorded over. Chiddon not only provides sanctuary from prying eyes, but also atonement for the terrible pain she’s caused others, especially Andromeda Barrington.
Her life is peaceful. Content. Serene.
Until Beatrice’s past suddenly interrupts her quiet existence in the form of the handsome and charming Lord Blythe.
Ellis Aperton, Earl of Blythe has only recently returned from Rome after spending the last several years trying to become something other than an earl known more for his physical beauty and charm than anything else. It seems his only purpose is to marry well and produce an heir. A trifling existence. Driven to the country by the matchmaking of his mother, he finds himself in the remote village of Chiddon. A place of few amusements. A tavern. Scenic landscape. Blythe is bored senseless until he rescues a rider about to fall off her horse.
The Duchess of Castlemare is less than pleased with his rescue.
Blythe wishes he’d let the horse run off her.
Thrown together in Chiddon, mutual discord blooms into an undeniable attraction neither of Beatrice nor Blythe can resist. Their affair is fierce. Passionate. Doomed.
Blythe must return to London
Beatrice refuses to even entertain the thought.
But the past cannot stay buried forever, not even in Chiddon. Will Beatrice finally face society once more? Or risk losing Blythe forever?
243 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 30, 2023
437 people are currently reading
383 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
41 books610 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 146 reviews
March 30, 2023
4-Redeemed-Stars
Ratings -
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/ Storyline - 📖📖📖
Romance - 💖💖💖💖
Feels - 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth - 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension - ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality - 🔥🔥🔥
No of Sex Scenes - 🍑🍑🍑
Sex Scene Length - 🍆🍆
My Thoughts
- I love this series and Ms Ayer's writing.
- I found this book to be sweet, sensual and cute.
- I had the advantage of reading this with an unbiased perspective because I don't remember Beatrice from previous books. So my opinion of her was uncoloured. But looks like Ms Ayers pulled a miracle by redeeming Bea. She was a lovely character, kind and nice.
- I adored Ellis. He was fun-loving and a dollop of sunshine.
*The only thing I am thinking is that would Bea have changed if her accident had not scarred her?
Ratings -
Overall - ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Plot/ Storyline - 📖📖📖
Romance - 💖💖💖💖
Feels - 🦋🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth - 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension - ⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️⚡️
Sensuality - 🔥🔥🔥
No of Sex Scenes - 🍑🍑🍑
Sex Scene Length - 🍆🍆
My Thoughts
- I love this series and Ms Ayer's writing.
- I found this book to be sweet, sensual and cute.
- I had the advantage of reading this with an unbiased perspective because I don't remember Beatrice from previous books. So my opinion of her was uncoloured. But looks like Ms Ayers pulled a miracle by redeeming Bea. She was a lovely character, kind and nice.
- I adored Ellis. He was fun-loving and a dollop of sunshine.
*The only thing I am thinking is that would Bea have changed if her accident had not scarred her?
April 1, 2023
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Beatrice Howard was beautiful on the outside, the jewel of London, but that beautiful exterior hid a malicious and unkind nature. She was petty and mean, spent much of her time insulting those below her in her quest to marry the most eligible bachelor. She didn't care who she hurt in the process of getting what she wants. When an accident leaves her horrifically scarred, Beatrice retreats to a small town in the country and begins to try and make amends for the horrible person she used to be. Blythe and Beatrice have always battled each other, but underneath their harsh words run a desire that neither can deny.
The thing I love about Kathleen Ayer's writing is it's fun and engaging. The quips and the banter make you laugh, and you could feel the animosity between Blythe and Beatrice. They were enemies, but both were really just trying to protect themselves from each other. First, I am so happy that Beatrice got a redemption arc and worked so hard to make amends for her awful behavior. I loved to see how she grew as a person, and then when Blythe came along, he showed her that even though she was scarred and believed herself to be hideous that she could still be worthy and wanted by a man. Blythe never let her scars prevent his pursuit of her, and he was all in even when she was leery. I found their love to be extremely deep, and I was so happy to see how love made them strong. Beatrice makes an apology to Romy whom she hurt badly, and then came after Blythe and made a sweet gesture to get him back after their third act break up.
Overall, I really love this series and can't say enough good things about all the books.
Beatrice Howard was beautiful on the outside, the jewel of London, but that beautiful exterior hid a malicious and unkind nature. She was petty and mean, spent much of her time insulting those below her in her quest to marry the most eligible bachelor. She didn't care who she hurt in the process of getting what she wants. When an accident leaves her horrifically scarred, Beatrice retreats to a small town in the country and begins to try and make amends for the horrible person she used to be. Blythe and Beatrice have always battled each other, but underneath their harsh words run a desire that neither can deny.
The thing I love about Kathleen Ayer's writing is it's fun and engaging. The quips and the banter make you laugh, and you could feel the animosity between Blythe and Beatrice. They were enemies, but both were really just trying to protect themselves from each other. First, I am so happy that Beatrice got a redemption arc and worked so hard to make amends for her awful behavior. I loved to see how she grew as a person, and then when Blythe came along, he showed her that even though she was scarred and believed herself to be hideous that she could still be worthy and wanted by a man. Blythe never let her scars prevent his pursuit of her, and he was all in even when she was leery. I found their love to be extremely deep, and I was so happy to see how love made them strong. Beatrice makes an apology to Romy whom she hurt badly, and then came after Blythe and made a sweet gesture to get him back after their third act break up.
Overall, I really love this series and can't say enough good things about all the books.
March 14, 2023
Former mean girl Beatrice Howard, now the widowed Duchess of Castlemare, was once at the center of London society. After a tragic accident exiles her to a remote country village, Beatrice hides from the society she once lorded over. Her quiet existence is disrupted by the appearance Ellis Aperton, Earl of Blythe. Now their previous friction develops into an attraction that neither Beatrice nor Blythe can resist.
This is book seven in the Beautiful Barringtons series, but the main characters are non-Barrington family members that we have met before. I would recommend reading book two, The Design of Dukes, where Beatrice and Blythe are introduced and play a role.
The pairing was a bit of a surprise, as Beatrice did not seem to have many redeeming qualities when readers met her previously. Blythe was attracted to her beauty but put off by her attitude. Returning to England after living abroad, Blythe sees a chance to get Beatrice out of his system before contracting the emotionless ton-marriage his mother is suggesting. I really enjoyed seeing the evolution in Beatrice. She realizes what a vain and malicious girl she was, and I liked the way in which she tried to atone for her past behavior.
Tropes: Anti-Heroine/Villainous Heroine, Widow, Scarred Heroine/Beauty & Beast, Enemies to Lovers, Secret Crush, Hero Falls First
Steam: 3 (four scenes but two felt short)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
This is book seven in the Beautiful Barringtons series, but the main characters are non-Barrington family members that we have met before. I would recommend reading book two, The Design of Dukes, where Beatrice and Blythe are introduced and play a role.
The pairing was a bit of a surprise, as Beatrice did not seem to have many redeeming qualities when readers met her previously. Blythe was attracted to her beauty but put off by her attitude. Returning to England after living abroad, Blythe sees a chance to get Beatrice out of his system before contracting the emotionless ton-marriage his mother is suggesting. I really enjoyed seeing the evolution in Beatrice. She realizes what a vain and malicious girl she was, and I liked the way in which she tried to atone for her past behavior.
Tropes: Anti-Heroine/Villainous Heroine, Widow, Scarred Heroine/Beauty & Beast, Enemies to Lovers, Secret Crush, Hero Falls First
Steam: 3 (four scenes but two felt short)
* I received an ARC and this is my honest review.
June 5, 2023
Those two are a most unlikely couple and so perfect together.
If you love historical romance, then please, give this series a chance. It's amazing.
If you love historical romance, then please, give this series a chance. It's amazing.
March 30, 2023
The Desire of a Duchess is the seventh book in Kathleen Ayers Beautiful Barringtons series. It can be read as a stand alone but a read of the earlier books will give the reader a better understanding (in particular book 2 The Design of Dukes).
The main couple in this one was a bit of a surprise to be honest and I admit to having my reservations before I picked this up. I really was not sure it would work.
The book follows Lady Beatrice Howard (now the Dowager Duchess of Castlemare) who was a much hated character in earlier novels and Ellis Aperton, the Earl of Blythe who is the dazzling and much admired friend of two of the series’ earlier novels. The pairing was a surprise mainly because Beatrice was such a negative character in most of the previous books that it would not have occurred to me she was deserving of a HEA. But Kathleen has woven such a beautiful tale of redemption that it absolutely tugs at your heartstrings.
Set a couple of years after the previous books Lady Beatrice is now a widow living in a relatively obscure village and is largely forgotten by the ton. Ellis, Lord Blythe has been abroad and is now back in England being pressured to marry and produce an heir by his mother. Escaping to his hunting lodge for a brief respite he happens upon Beatrice and after his initial animosity realises that she is much changed.
Having always been secretly attracted to Beatrice despite despising her nature Ellis thinks this would be an opportune time to indulge his attraction before heading back to London. His attraction slowly leads to admiration and then love. But will Beatrice be brave enough to go back and face the people that abandoned her?
Beatrice was a complete revelation. Having once been a spoilt, venomous character she has undergone a complete change after a terrible incident. Recognising how horribly she had treated people she buries herself in village life and works hard to improve the village for the better as a form of penance. Kathleen manages to show the reader how Beatrice had been raised to be so unfeeling and we begin to understand her and really root for the ‘new’ Beatrice who understandably has so many insecurities. We fall in love with her as does Ellis.
There are so many things to love about this book. I love the sometimes caustic banter the two share, I love the way Ellis is so tender and understanding with Beatrice once he realises what happened, I love the way Beatrice faces her demons on her own without Ellis (but having the security of knowing that he will always back her), I love the side characters - especially Melinda who is a delight, I loved seeing Andromeda and Granby again, I shared the joy of the ‘surprise’ at the end and I especially loved the epilogue from Lady Blythe’s point of view showing her to be a pretty wonderful mum!
I started this book with much apprehension and I finished with a big smile on my face. I recieved an ARC of this from the author for which I am pretty grateful because otherwise I would have probably missed this gem of a book. Highly recommended.
The main couple in this one was a bit of a surprise to be honest and I admit to having my reservations before I picked this up. I really was not sure it would work.
The book follows Lady Beatrice Howard (now the Dowager Duchess of Castlemare) who was a much hated character in earlier novels and Ellis Aperton, the Earl of Blythe who is the dazzling and much admired friend of two of the series’ earlier novels. The pairing was a surprise mainly because Beatrice was such a negative character in most of the previous books that it would not have occurred to me she was deserving of a HEA. But Kathleen has woven such a beautiful tale of redemption that it absolutely tugs at your heartstrings.
Set a couple of years after the previous books Lady Beatrice is now a widow living in a relatively obscure village and is largely forgotten by the ton. Ellis, Lord Blythe has been abroad and is now back in England being pressured to marry and produce an heir by his mother. Escaping to his hunting lodge for a brief respite he happens upon Beatrice and after his initial animosity realises that she is much changed.
Having always been secretly attracted to Beatrice despite despising her nature Ellis thinks this would be an opportune time to indulge his attraction before heading back to London. His attraction slowly leads to admiration and then love. But will Beatrice be brave enough to go back and face the people that abandoned her?
Beatrice was a complete revelation. Having once been a spoilt, venomous character she has undergone a complete change after a terrible incident. Recognising how horribly she had treated people she buries herself in village life and works hard to improve the village for the better as a form of penance. Kathleen manages to show the reader how Beatrice had been raised to be so unfeeling and we begin to understand her and really root for the ‘new’ Beatrice who understandably has so many insecurities. We fall in love with her as does Ellis.
There are so many things to love about this book. I love the sometimes caustic banter the two share, I love the way Ellis is so tender and understanding with Beatrice once he realises what happened, I love the way Beatrice faces her demons on her own without Ellis (but having the security of knowing that he will always back her), I love the side characters - especially Melinda who is a delight, I loved seeing Andromeda and Granby again, I shared the joy of the ‘surprise’ at the end and I especially loved the epilogue from Lady Blythe’s point of view showing her to be a pretty wonderful mum!
I started this book with much apprehension and I finished with a big smile on my face. I recieved an ARC of this from the author for which I am pretty grateful because otherwise I would have probably missed this gem of a book. Highly recommended.
March 25, 2023
Oh my! I think this is my favorite of the series! Blythe and Bea were so snippy towards each other and it was such a wonderful banter. Beatrice changed SO MUCH. Her character growth was amazing to see. This hit all the right spots for me!
August 26, 2025
Düşesin Arzusu ❤️🔥🔥🐦🔥
İşte fark budur kitabın adı bile yakıyor yaaaaa. Sadece şöyle söyleyeyim bu çiftten aşırı Blair & Nate havası aldım ve çok hoşuma gitti. Sevmek isteyerek başladım ve çok severek okudum.
Serinin diğer kitaplarında adeta fitne fesat yuvası olan dışı ne kadar güzelse içi de o kadar rezil olan Beatrice (26 falandır heralde) ile 5 kız kardeşi ve annesi olan bir evin tek oğlu herkesin sevgilisi tam bir golden retriever olan Ellis (30larındaydı) ' nın 2. şans hikayesi. Aslında ikinci şans da denemez çiftimiz birbirlerinden etkilenir ama herkesin farklı ajandası olduğundan sadece bir birlerine ara ara laf sokarlar.
Günlerden bir gün ikisinin de başka şeylerden kaçıp saklandığı ücra bir yerde denk gelirler ve olaylar gelişir. Ellis ve Beatrice ikisi de aynı kişiler değildir ama bazı şeylerin peşinden gitmekte her zaman fayda var 🙂↔️ Gavurların dediği gibi redeeming story 🥹
**
Karakter gelişimi 🤌🏻
Diyaloglar 👌🏼
Olay gelişimi 👍🏻
Çok beğendim çoooooook.
**
Kitabın Özeti: Aşk lazım aşk aşk 🧡
İşte fark budur kitabın adı bile yakıyor yaaaaa. Sadece şöyle söyleyeyim bu çiftten aşırı Blair & Nate havası aldım ve çok hoşuma gitti. Sevmek isteyerek başladım ve çok severek okudum.
Serinin diğer kitaplarında adeta fitne fesat yuvası olan dışı ne kadar güzelse içi de o kadar rezil olan Beatrice (26 falandır heralde) ile 5 kız kardeşi ve annesi olan bir evin tek oğlu herkesin sevgilisi tam bir golden retriever olan Ellis (30larındaydı) ' nın 2. şans hikayesi. Aslında ikinci şans da denemez çiftimiz birbirlerinden etkilenir ama herkesin farklı ajandası olduğundan sadece bir birlerine ara ara laf sokarlar.
Günlerden bir gün ikisinin de başka şeylerden kaçıp saklandığı ücra bir yerde denk gelirler ve olaylar gelişir. Ellis ve Beatrice ikisi de aynı kişiler değildir ama bazı şeylerin peşinden gitmekte her zaman fayda var 🙂↔️ Gavurların dediği gibi redeeming story 🥹
**
Karakter gelişimi 🤌🏻
Diyaloglar 👌🏼
Olay gelişimi 👍🏻
Çok beğendim çoooooook.
**
Kitabın Özeti: Aşk lazım aşk aşk 🧡
March 31, 2023
Awesome!!!!!
This story was a great read...... I loved it. Could not put it down. The story flowed-it never dragged! It deserves a 5 star rating!!!!
One again a great read....
This story was a great read...... I loved it. Could not put it down. The story flowed-it never dragged! It deserves a 5 star rating!!!!
One again a great read....
April 7, 2023
I love Kathleen Ayers writing. This is my 18th book by her. I read one of her books in 2016 and picked her up again faithfully in 2019 and is one of my favorite authors. I can truthfully say every book has been a fantastic read. As a matter of fact, of my almost 2600 books read since 2015, she has written 2 of my all-time favorite books. (The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons Book 2) and Wicked Again (The Wickeds Book 7).
I really loved Beatrice and Ellis' story. I loved their hateful, lustful foreplay. I loved their personalities. I loved their story. The only thing is it didn't really seem to be as steamy as her usual reads. I mean Book 6 review, I wrote the sex was super hot and I didn't get that with this book. I actually didn't really notice until after I read it and thought, "Wait, this is Kathleen Ayers...where is the super hot sex?" But overall still a great read.
I would definitely recommend this book.
I really loved Beatrice and Ellis' story. I loved their hateful, lustful foreplay. I loved their personalities. I loved their story. The only thing is it didn't really seem to be as steamy as her usual reads. I mean Book 6 review, I wrote the sex was super hot and I didn't get that with this book. I actually didn't really notice until after I read it and thought, "Wait, this is Kathleen Ayers...where is the super hot sex?" But overall still a great read.
I would definitely recommend this book.
March 18, 2023
The pairing in this book was very unexpected. Until now all Ms Ayers main leads had been quite likeable.
Butttt, I didn't like both Beattice and elise in earlier books.
Beatrice came a long way. We get a backstory as to why she waS the way she was. Due to circumstances she be became a better human being.how ironic is that in order to be a good human she looses her good looks first.
Then there is Elise .I found him quite frivolous in earlier books.he did redeemed himself in this story.
Beatrice and Elise had lots of chemistry and together they were likeable.
The plot moved at a decent pace.
Though the steam level could have been higher .
Tropes:
Second chance
Disfigured h
Enemies to lovers
HEA
Steam stat 3***
Overall 5****
Special mention
Miss Ayers presents a very picturesque description of the places she writes. I could imagine the places easily.she is no doubt a very talented writer.
Butttt, I didn't like both Beattice and elise in earlier books.
Beatrice came a long way. We get a backstory as to why she waS the way she was. Due to circumstances she be became a better human being.how ironic is that in order to be a good human she looses her good looks first.
Then there is Elise .I found him quite frivolous in earlier books.he did redeemed himself in this story.
Beatrice and Elise had lots of chemistry and together they were likeable.
The plot moved at a decent pace.
Though the steam level could have been higher .
Tropes:
Second chance
Disfigured h
Enemies to lovers
HEA
Steam stat 3***
Overall 5****
Special mention
Miss Ayers presents a very picturesque description of the places she writes. I could imagine the places easily.she is no doubt a very talented writer.
March 6, 2023
Ellis (Blythe) & Beatrice. She was our former mean girl that attempted to destroy Andromeda when Granby chose her over Beatrice (the season's diamond) in book 2 (The Design of Dukes) of the series. We were introduced to Ellis in book 3 (The Marquess Method) as besties with Haven and a major rake.
So both were the sought after ones in the earlier seasons. After getting dumped by the Duke of Granby Beatrice marries another Duke who was a crap person but what do you expect when you marry for the title only. While married she had an accident where her carriage crashed and fell into a river bed. She was trapped under the carriage and was bleeding from being drug down the side of the bank on sharp rocks. Her driver died in the crash. It took 2 days for someone to come looking for her (mainly because the driver floated downstream and people saw his body and went looking for the crash so they weren't really looking for her specifically). She sustained some major injuries (lost an earlobe) on her right side. Her husband and her parents were horrified by her injuries and her husband shipped her off to a remote country estate almost like putting her in hiding. She was delivered to the estate still bleeding and in need of care. The housekeeper nursed her back to health. Her parents never visited her and neither did her husband (who dies leaving her a widow).
Blythe is taking care of his mother and 5 sisters. Mom is pressuring him to marry and beget an heir. Wanting to get away from the nagging he keeps running off. He ran off for a year to Rome and is now back but runs off to a remote hunting lodge to get away from his mother. He runs into Beatrice and their rivalry from London picks up where it left off (throwing insults at each other). It seems that Blythe was appalled by how Beatrice treated other people and despite being the diamond of the season he avoided her. But you know what they say about people that pick on someone (because they like them). Well ding ding. They've both been attracted to each other but also didn't really like each other.
Anywho. Blythe goes into the town nearby (town being used loosely) and is told about some of the good deeds Beatrice had done to rebuild the town (good deeds to atone for the wrongs she committed in the past). Intrigued he pursues her (he wants to hook up with her). She is attracted AF to Blythe but with her injuries/scars she holds back. Blythe's solicitor comes to see him and tells him about the rumors surrounding her accident. Self conscience she's been hiding her scars as best as she can.
So in essence we have him chasing after her while she attempts to push him away. The finally hook up and end up falling for each other but she doesn't think she can be the society lady he needs on his arm and continues to try and push him away from having a future together. We have our confrontation and he has to return to London when he is told his mom is ill. She isn't but manipulates him to get him back in town for the ball she's holding.
Beatrice loves him and gets the courage to go after him in London. While there she apologizes to Andromeda (who makes her a gorgeous gown for the ball cut perfectly to hide the scars). She goes to the ball and Blythe sees her and tells her that "he's been looking for her" and he always will. You'd think Mama Blythe would be pissed but she knew he was having feels for Beatrice and she saw her son in love with Beatrice. So her manipulation wasn't only to Blythe but also Beatrice to get her to chase after him.
This was a sweet book to read. Yeah Beatrice was our villain in earlier books but she more than made up for her prior deeds in this book. I love how the author shows us the circumstances that were going on instead of just leaving her as a bad guy. I also like the it's okay to apologize message.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the above review is my own.
So both were the sought after ones in the earlier seasons. After getting dumped by the Duke of Granby Beatrice marries another Duke who was a crap person but what do you expect when you marry for the title only. While married she had an accident where her carriage crashed and fell into a river bed. She was trapped under the carriage and was bleeding from being drug down the side of the bank on sharp rocks. Her driver died in the crash. It took 2 days for someone to come looking for her (mainly because the driver floated downstream and people saw his body and went looking for the crash so they weren't really looking for her specifically). She sustained some major injuries (lost an earlobe) on her right side. Her husband and her parents were horrified by her injuries and her husband shipped her off to a remote country estate almost like putting her in hiding. She was delivered to the estate still bleeding and in need of care. The housekeeper nursed her back to health. Her parents never visited her and neither did her husband (who dies leaving her a widow).
Blythe is taking care of his mother and 5 sisters. Mom is pressuring him to marry and beget an heir. Wanting to get away from the nagging he keeps running off. He ran off for a year to Rome and is now back but runs off to a remote hunting lodge to get away from his mother. He runs into Beatrice and their rivalry from London picks up where it left off (throwing insults at each other). It seems that Blythe was appalled by how Beatrice treated other people and despite being the diamond of the season he avoided her. But you know what they say about people that pick on someone (because they like them). Well ding ding. They've both been attracted to each other but also didn't really like each other.
Anywho. Blythe goes into the town nearby (town being used loosely) and is told about some of the good deeds Beatrice had done to rebuild the town (good deeds to atone for the wrongs she committed in the past). Intrigued he pursues her (he wants to hook up with her). She is attracted AF to Blythe but with her injuries/scars she holds back. Blythe's solicitor comes to see him and tells him about the rumors surrounding her accident. Self conscience she's been hiding her scars as best as she can.
So in essence we have him chasing after her while she attempts to push him away. The finally hook up and end up falling for each other but she doesn't think she can be the society lady he needs on his arm and continues to try and push him away from having a future together. We have our confrontation and he has to return to London when he is told his mom is ill. She isn't but manipulates him to get him back in town for the ball she's holding.
Beatrice loves him and gets the courage to go after him in London. While there she apologizes to Andromeda (who makes her a gorgeous gown for the ball cut perfectly to hide the scars). She goes to the ball and Blythe sees her and tells her that "he's been looking for her" and he always will. You'd think Mama Blythe would be pissed but she knew he was having feels for Beatrice and she saw her son in love with Beatrice. So her manipulation wasn't only to Blythe but also Beatrice to get her to chase after him.
This was a sweet book to read. Yeah Beatrice was our villain in earlier books but she more than made up for her prior deeds in this book. I love how the author shows us the circumstances that were going on instead of just leaving her as a bad guy. I also like the it's okay to apologize message.
I received an ARC copy of this book but the above review is my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
The Beautiful Barringtons series has expanded to feature non-Barringtons in their own books. This one centers on Lady Beatrice Howard, who tormented Andromeda and Theodora Barrington in earlier books. She has had her comeuppance and is hiding away in the country. Enter Ellis, Lord Blythe, friend to Granby and others in the previous books.
These two have sniped and danced around one another for years, and are starting to realize it might not be an enemy situation after all. It felt more Taming of the Shrew, as Blythe had a lot of armor to get through to win Bea over.
Trigger alert: Bea’s comeuppance is almost unimaginably horrifying—what happened to her was awful. Her physical scars are only part of the damage.
This book is somewhat less steamy than previous ones, possibly. It takes a while for Blythe to get his chance to win Bea over. But he was a patient and persistent fellow, not willing to let Bea give up on them out of fear. I enjoyed the story, and although Bea was abrasive, she won me over in spite of how mean she was in earlier books. Blythe was such a fun character, I’m glad he got his own story. Thank you for the ARC, I devoured it, and hope there are more Barrington world stories coming. Soon :)!
These two have sniped and danced around one another for years, and are starting to realize it might not be an enemy situation after all. It felt more Taming of the Shrew, as Blythe had a lot of armor to get through to win Bea over.
Trigger alert: Bea’s comeuppance is almost unimaginably horrifying—what happened to her was awful. Her physical scars are only part of the damage.
This book is somewhat less steamy than previous ones, possibly. It takes a while for Blythe to get his chance to win Bea over. But he was a patient and persistent fellow, not willing to let Bea give up on them out of fear. I enjoyed the story, and although Bea was abrasive, she won me over in spite of how mean she was in earlier books. Blythe was such a fun character, I’m glad he got his own story. Thank you for the ARC, I devoured it, and hope there are more Barrington world stories coming. Soon :)!
April 18, 2023
Blythe & Beatrice
This was an amazing end to the wonderful passionate steamy series. I loved all the 7 books 📕 and was surprised and elated to see redemption for h in this last book after being so petty and mean in the previous books 📚. It was also heartbreaking to see her suffering a horrific accident that almost takes her life. She has a carriage accident where she is pinned under the carriage and dragged through the river for 3 days before anyone finds her. The saddest part was when she realizes that no one would be looking for her (neither her parents or friends). She sustained bruises and scars on her face (even losing an earlobe) and body and took a long time for her to recover. In my opinion she paid for her mistakes dearly because of this incident. She lives in a small town in the country where she helps improve the people’s lives wherever she can. Sort of her self-imposed penance to make up for all the mean and petty things she did. She becomes dearly loved by the townspeople and her small staff at her country home. All seems well for her until Lord Blythe comes to the town to hide away from the pressures of his mother to wed. They meet and both resume their unpleasant mean banter they had in London in the past. But the truth is they are both strongly attracted to each other and this is how they guard their hearts ❤️. During the time Blythe is there he gets to know the new Beatrice and they fall in love. H must go back to London because he receives a message that his mother is ill ( really a ruse to move things along). H wants h to come back with him but she is still traumatized about how she looks and is scared of how the ton will receive her. H leaves and after awhile she goes after him to London to win him back. She makes peace with one of the ladies she hurt (actually almost got her drowned). The lady is a modiste who designed a perfect beautiful gown to hide her scars and bring out her beauty (she even engineered earrings that looped around the ear). With all the courage she had she goes to the ball where H is supposed to announce his engagement to another lady. After H sees h at the ball he is bewitched by her Beauty. There are comings and goings throughout the ball but in the end H announces his engagement to h and they get their happily ever after ❤️. It was an excellent read and a wonderful satisfying end to this lovely series. I would recommend it and the series.
This was an amazing end to the wonderful passionate steamy series. I loved all the 7 books 📕 and was surprised and elated to see redemption for h in this last book after being so petty and mean in the previous books 📚. It was also heartbreaking to see her suffering a horrific accident that almost takes her life. She has a carriage accident where she is pinned under the carriage and dragged through the river for 3 days before anyone finds her. The saddest part was when she realizes that no one would be looking for her (neither her parents or friends). She sustained bruises and scars on her face (even losing an earlobe) and body and took a long time for her to recover. In my opinion she paid for her mistakes dearly because of this incident. She lives in a small town in the country where she helps improve the people’s lives wherever she can. Sort of her self-imposed penance to make up for all the mean and petty things she did. She becomes dearly loved by the townspeople and her small staff at her country home. All seems well for her until Lord Blythe comes to the town to hide away from the pressures of his mother to wed. They meet and both resume their unpleasant mean banter they had in London in the past. But the truth is they are both strongly attracted to each other and this is how they guard their hearts ❤️. During the time Blythe is there he gets to know the new Beatrice and they fall in love. H must go back to London because he receives a message that his mother is ill ( really a ruse to move things along). H wants h to come back with him but she is still traumatized about how she looks and is scared of how the ton will receive her. H leaves and after awhile she goes after him to London to win him back. She makes peace with one of the ladies she hurt (actually almost got her drowned). The lady is a modiste who designed a perfect beautiful gown to hide her scars and bring out her beauty (she even engineered earrings that looped around the ear). With all the courage she had she goes to the ball where H is supposed to announce his engagement to another lady. After H sees h at the ball he is bewitched by her Beauty. There are comings and goings throughout the ball but in the end H announces his engagement to h and they get their happily ever after ❤️. It was an excellent read and a wonderful satisfying end to this lovely series. I would recommend it and the series.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 30, 2023
I love a good book series and the Beautiful Barrington’s continues to be one of my favorites, I considered this one to be Barrington adjacent as it took me a minute to remember the the female lead in this book, in fact I went back and read when she was first introduced in book 2, The Design of Dukes and gosh, Beatrice was AWFUL to Romy, she was an absolute cow and I certainly didn't want to like her and I’m not sure that I ever truly came to like her fully but I did love her and Blythe together and I loved this book.
Ellis is lovable from the moment he enters the books, he’s not your typical cold, aloof lord, he’s a lovely and endearing and my oh my does he have the hots for the uptight duchess. I loved their banter from the start, it was like a tennis game of witty remarks going back and forth.
Since last seeing Beatrice, life has been unkind to her. She was involved in a horrible accident that has scarred her beautiful face and more and because of that she has shut herself away from the rest of the world until a chance encounter on horseback reunites these two.
I loved how attracted these two were to each other and I loved the banter between the two continued even as their relationship began to evolve into something romantic.
Blythe saw past Beatrice’s imperfections and saw the lady she was trying to become and oh he just loves her enough to breathe life back into her resulting in a return to the ton for the Duchess and a new life for both of them.
Overall, I can't praise Kathleen Ayers highly enough, the way her characters pop up in other books across the series makes me so invested and as soon as I read the last word I am always counting the days until her next release.
Ellis is lovable from the moment he enters the books, he’s not your typical cold, aloof lord, he’s a lovely and endearing and my oh my does he have the hots for the uptight duchess. I loved their banter from the start, it was like a tennis game of witty remarks going back and forth.
Since last seeing Beatrice, life has been unkind to her. She was involved in a horrible accident that has scarred her beautiful face and more and because of that she has shut herself away from the rest of the world until a chance encounter on horseback reunites these two.
I loved how attracted these two were to each other and I loved the banter between the two continued even as their relationship began to evolve into something romantic.
Blythe saw past Beatrice’s imperfections and saw the lady she was trying to become and oh he just loves her enough to breathe life back into her resulting in a return to the ton for the Duchess and a new life for both of them.
Overall, I can't praise Kathleen Ayers highly enough, the way her characters pop up in other books across the series makes me so invested and as soon as I read the last word I am always counting the days until her next release.
March 3, 2023
I do love a book where I should dislike the heroine but really love her. I also love a book that entangles the stories of other people from the series. My favourite books are by authors that write well and tell a great tale. So I knew I would love the Desire of a Duchess before I even started. Bea is flawed in so many ways but is strong and fierce and managed to change her character to become a better person. I loved reading how she did it and what made her like she was and what made her change. I enjoyed the banter between Bea and Ellis and how their HEA happens. I laughed, I cried and I finished reading the book wanting more. Ms Ayers writes with humour and a lightness that makes reading her books very pleasurable. Her steamy scenes are well worth a ‘corner fold’ and re-read. I am part of her ARC team as I just cannot wait for her to write more books and be first reading them - I have adored each and every one.
April 1, 2023
5⭐️ 2.25🌶️
“You don’t long for the taste of champagne?”
“I long for the taste of you.”
Kathleen knocked it outta the park with this one!! 🙌🏻 The Design of Dukes is my all time favorite but this one I love equally as much but for a different reason.
If you’ve read this series you will be familiar with both MCs, and while this can definitely be read as a standalone I think you’ll appreciate Beatrice’s transformation had you at least read the aforementioned Design of Dukes.
I adored so many things about this book but most of all that it was primarily about Blythe and Beatrice. A few outside characters who were all wonderful, but no big drama or plot twists. We get to know both characters well. I don’t normally enjoy a FMC redemption arc, but I could truly feel how much Beatrice wanted to atone for her horrible behavior and treatment of others. Understanding how her insecurities and upbringing shaped who she was actually made me feel for her. Her accident which left her a slightly disfigured put a lot in perspective, chief amongst them being she was all alone. 😢
“Two days, Blythe. I was there for two days. I don’t know what it would be like to have someone miss me. To care enough to wonder where I am.”
And Blythe 🥰 I loved how genuine he was and empathized with his struggle to want to be good at so many things he was passionate about but never actually being successful. Yet it didn’t make him bitter or jealous, he just accepted and appreciated those who have the talents he didn’t possess. Loved his stories and while he was usually easy going and flirty, he also had a dominant side 😏
I enjoyed the witty banter and barbs they threw at each other upon seeing each other in the country. Beatrice trying to stay strong and keep Blythe at bay for fear he might discover her secret; and Blythe originally just looking for some fun but finding out that there was more behind Beatrice than a sharp tongue.
There were so many funny or sweet moments and conversations between them, I could picture the scenes in my head. But there spice was hot as well! I can always count on Kathleen’s books to bring the heat 🔥 Every interaction between them revealed a little more, I couldn’t put this down! The pacing and flow was perfect, There is literally nothing I disliked. Even the self preservation third act conflict was perfect and well executed. I just loved how Blythe was so dedicated to her despite his hard she pushed him away🤩
I will look for you, Bea. Always.
Very highly recommended! 👨🏻🍳💋
*ARC review
“You don’t long for the taste of champagne?”
“I long for the taste of you.”
Kathleen knocked it outta the park with this one!! 🙌🏻 The Design of Dukes is my all time favorite but this one I love equally as much but for a different reason.
If you’ve read this series you will be familiar with both MCs, and while this can definitely be read as a standalone I think you’ll appreciate Beatrice’s transformation had you at least read the aforementioned Design of Dukes.
I adored so many things about this book but most of all that it was primarily about Blythe and Beatrice. A few outside characters who were all wonderful, but no big drama or plot twists. We get to know both characters well. I don’t normally enjoy a FMC redemption arc, but I could truly feel how much Beatrice wanted to atone for her horrible behavior and treatment of others. Understanding how her insecurities and upbringing shaped who she was actually made me feel for her. Her accident which left her a slightly disfigured put a lot in perspective, chief amongst them being she was all alone. 😢
“Two days, Blythe. I was there for two days. I don’t know what it would be like to have someone miss me. To care enough to wonder where I am.”
And Blythe 🥰 I loved how genuine he was and empathized with his struggle to want to be good at so many things he was passionate about but never actually being successful. Yet it didn’t make him bitter or jealous, he just accepted and appreciated those who have the talents he didn’t possess. Loved his stories and while he was usually easy going and flirty, he also had a dominant side 😏
I enjoyed the witty banter and barbs they threw at each other upon seeing each other in the country. Beatrice trying to stay strong and keep Blythe at bay for fear he might discover her secret; and Blythe originally just looking for some fun but finding out that there was more behind Beatrice than a sharp tongue.
There were so many funny or sweet moments and conversations between them, I could picture the scenes in my head. But there spice was hot as well! I can always count on Kathleen’s books to bring the heat 🔥 Every interaction between them revealed a little more, I couldn’t put this down! The pacing and flow was perfect, There is literally nothing I disliked. Even the self preservation third act conflict was perfect and well executed. I just loved how Blythe was so dedicated to her despite his hard she pushed him away🤩
I will look for you, Bea. Always.
Very highly recommended! 👨🏻🍳💋
*ARC review
March 30, 2023
When I first read the information about Kathleen Ayer’s new book, The Desire of a Duchess, I realized I would need to do some background work to remind me about the character of Beatrice. I first re-read book # 2, The Design of Dukes. I wanted to re-read the whole series again but I needed to stay on track. While reading Book # 2 again I focused on Beatrice’s personality and that helped me get ready to read “The Desire of a Duchess”. I really wanted to see how Kathleen Ayer’s was going to make Beatrice the character we wanted her to be.
The book “The Desire of a Duchess” takes place in the remote village of Chiddon where the Earl of Blythe just happened to be hiding from his matchmaker mother in a remote hunting lodge. While out riding one day he just happens to rescue a woman that was out riding but lost control of her horse. At that time Blythe didn’t realize that it was Beatrice that he was rescuing but it didn’t take long for him to recognize her. She is not happy that Blythe was the one to rescue her and then the Fireworks started between the two of them.
As the book unfolds we learn more about Beatrice’s life after the loss of her hopes of marrying The Duke of Granby in book # 2. We read about the changes she made in her life to take her from the bitter young woman that she was in book # 2 to make her into a changed woman in Book # 7.
We realize as the story unfolds that Blythe really does have feelings for Beatrice and has had them for a long time. Blythe really has to be patient with Beatrice to get to know her and to find out what really happened in her life and how she ended up in the Village of Chiddon.
There are many fun stories about Blythe and how he helps out the Village of Chiddon as he really is a “Jack of all trades” and also having the fun Earl of Blythe in this book was a real bonus.
It was so much fun reading Blythe and Beatrice’s story, they are a great match but I would never have put the two of them together. But that’s why I don’t write books a I leave the writing to great authors like Kathleen Ayers.
I was given an ARC copy of this book for my honest review but I also purchased my own copy of The Desire of a Duchess as soon as I could when it was on pre-order.
The book “The Desire of a Duchess” takes place in the remote village of Chiddon where the Earl of Blythe just happened to be hiding from his matchmaker mother in a remote hunting lodge. While out riding one day he just happens to rescue a woman that was out riding but lost control of her horse. At that time Blythe didn’t realize that it was Beatrice that he was rescuing but it didn’t take long for him to recognize her. She is not happy that Blythe was the one to rescue her and then the Fireworks started between the two of them.
As the book unfolds we learn more about Beatrice’s life after the loss of her hopes of marrying The Duke of Granby in book # 2. We read about the changes she made in her life to take her from the bitter young woman that she was in book # 2 to make her into a changed woman in Book # 7.
We realize as the story unfolds that Blythe really does have feelings for Beatrice and has had them for a long time. Blythe really has to be patient with Beatrice to get to know her and to find out what really happened in her life and how she ended up in the Village of Chiddon.
There are many fun stories about Blythe and how he helps out the Village of Chiddon as he really is a “Jack of all trades” and also having the fun Earl of Blythe in this book was a real bonus.
It was so much fun reading Blythe and Beatrice’s story, they are a great match but I would never have put the two of them together. But that’s why I don’t write books a I leave the writing to great authors like Kathleen Ayers.
I was given an ARC copy of this book for my honest review but I also purchased my own copy of The Desire of a Duchess as soon as I could when it was on pre-order.
May 24, 2024
I was not sure I would care for this book I had no attachment to either of the main characters. I didn’t really enjoy Blythe and Beatrice. Beatrice was a mean girl in previous books and this one we see how she was taught to be so and encouraged to do so. Blythe was a smooth talker that Theo was into but he wasn’t necessarily in to her. He just liked flirting. They had a mutual dislike because both were into each other but didn’t know how to deal with the popularity the other had in society. Beatrice has been repenting away from all anonymously for her sins and cruelty. She isn’t brave enough to face those she wronged for most of the book. My only grip with that, is we only see her apologize to one person, I think even if it was off screen so to speak love to see her go through her list and apologize to all of them. I like. Blythe in the book he was funny not as much of an ass as other men in this series but very sexy. I loved Melinda. And I wish the epilogue had not been from his moms point of view maybe even Melinda’s would have been better. I wonder when we will get Esterwood’s book.
April 1, 2023
Author Kathleen Ayers never disappoints and she has once again delivered another great story with the unlikely pairing of Beatrice Howard and Ellis Aperton,Earl of Blythe.
This book is about Beatrice Howard,who was a contender for Granbys Duchess in book 2,Designs of a Duke.Beatrice was kind of vain and self centred mean girl,whose goal was to marry in the nobility and she does, to the Duke of Castlemare.
A widow now,she lives in a small village of Chiddon,after an accident and has turned around her life from being unkind and mean to helping other any way she can.
Ellis Aperton or Blythe came to Chiddon to escape his mothers nagging about marriage and producing an heir.He happens upon Beatrice and the attraction he felt for her from before resurfaces and so begins their story.Beatrice and Ellis have quite a banter and attraction was so loud,their was no other way around it but to give in.Beatrice though changed for good,still has to face her demons with Blythe having her back.Blythe is also a complete surprise because I didn’t think much of him in previous books.
I loved how Ms Ayers created her redemption arc and honestly only a gifted author can do that.
The book has some very nice steamy,sensual scenes and the as with all her books a great epilogue.
PS. . . Waiting for Pheadras book desperately and don’t want this series to end 😎.
*I received an e-arc of this wonderful book and the opinions are my own.
This book is about Beatrice Howard,who was a contender for Granbys Duchess in book 2,Designs of a Duke.Beatrice was kind of vain and self centred mean girl,whose goal was to marry in the nobility and she does, to the Duke of Castlemare.
A widow now,she lives in a small village of Chiddon,after an accident and has turned around her life from being unkind and mean to helping other any way she can.
Ellis Aperton or Blythe came to Chiddon to escape his mothers nagging about marriage and producing an heir.He happens upon Beatrice and the attraction he felt for her from before resurfaces and so begins their story.Beatrice and Ellis have quite a banter and attraction was so loud,their was no other way around it but to give in.Beatrice though changed for good,still has to face her demons with Blythe having her back.Blythe is also a complete surprise because I didn’t think much of him in previous books.
I loved how Ms Ayers created her redemption arc and honestly only a gifted author can do that.
The book has some very nice steamy,sensual scenes and the as with all her books a great epilogue.
PS. . . Waiting for Pheadras book desperately and don’t want this series to end 😎.
*I received an e-arc of this wonderful book and the opinions are my own.
April 4, 2023
I have been absolutely enthralled with the Beautiful Barringtons series and was almost upset that this particular story didn’t contain one at all! I should have known that Kathleen Ayers wouldn’t let me down. I mean, really, she never has before.
The main characters in this book were introduced to us in a previous novel, and we definitely have feelings about them. The Earl of Blythe and the Duchess of Castlemare have a history and it’s not a good one. Beatrice was a bully who had been vicious and cruel to not only one of our favorite Beautiful Barringtons but to a host of people in the ton who didn’t have the capacity to defend themselves against her. Blythe has witnessed her terrible behavior and has treated her with the disdain she sadly deserves though he doesn’t enjoy it. Beatrice, for her part, is one of the only women who doesn’t fall at Ellis’ feet. It seems this dance they’ve done around each other has only intensified the simmering lust they have for one other but that’s just the surface.
Ellis knows that Beatrice is scared to risk her heart again and Beatrice knows that there is more to Ellis than his beautiful face and figure. This is a story of redemption and dedication and they play out in some very unexpected ways. It was an absolute joy to read and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
The main characters in this book were introduced to us in a previous novel, and we definitely have feelings about them. The Earl of Blythe and the Duchess of Castlemare have a history and it’s not a good one. Beatrice was a bully who had been vicious and cruel to not only one of our favorite Beautiful Barringtons but to a host of people in the ton who didn’t have the capacity to defend themselves against her. Blythe has witnessed her terrible behavior and has treated her with the disdain she sadly deserves though he doesn’t enjoy it. Beatrice, for her part, is one of the only women who doesn’t fall at Ellis’ feet. It seems this dance they’ve done around each other has only intensified the simmering lust they have for one other but that’s just the surface.
Ellis knows that Beatrice is scared to risk her heart again and Beatrice knows that there is more to Ellis than his beautiful face and figure. This is a story of redemption and dedication and they play out in some very unexpected ways. It was an absolute joy to read and I can’t wait for the next in the series!
I received an ARC of this book for the purpose of review.
April 1, 2023
So well written, full of drama, love, intrigue and romance. Beatrice is a high society Duchess who had a habit of not being so nice to people but was married to a "Duke" but not of her choice but to make her parents happy. He wasn't a very nice person to her, who after the carriage accident, he had her removed to the countryside so that no one would see her scars. Ellis has returned to to London and has his mother wanting him to marry so he leaves for the countryside. there they meet up and both hate each other but find that love and hate are so close together. The action and reactions between them is great. Both these characters are in the earlier books in the series. Can not say enough about this series and this book. Would recommend this book to everyone.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
May 20, 2024
It wasn’t bad, but I might just be too much of a grudge holder to fully enjoy it. It was interesting to read while watching the third season of bridgerton since they both have a redeemed mean girl storyline. There were parts I really enjoyed, mainly when the vicar comes up to speak to Blythe while their at the picnic table. Overall, it was fine, I just had a hard time getting into it.
March 30, 2023
The Desire of a Duchess is the seventh book in the Beautiful Barringtons series though it can be read as a standalone.
I wasn’t expecting these two characters to have their own story together but I absolutely loved it! We have Lady Beatrice Howard (now a widowed Duchess) who was a terrible person in previous books and she knows it. After an accident she took a hard look at her life and decided to change her attitude and attempt to do better. Beatrice gets the most beautiful redemption story and I just loved how Kathleen delivers this. I really felt for Beatrice and you really get to understand why she was so terrible. She lacked for any love or support in her life, seeing her worth only in what her beauty could attain her family. But now everything is different and she’s hiding out in the countryside where she’s found a life to build.
Then we have Ellis, the Earl of Blythe, who’s known to charming and is a friend of previous books’ protagonists. I hadn’t been particularly interested in him previously but I loved him in this book. He’s escaped to the countryside to get a break from London and his nagging mother. And to his surprise he finds the one person he never would’ve expected and she’s not who he remembers her to be.
The banter between them was top tier and having Ellis pursue Beatrice was very fun. They’re very different people on the surface but their insults and hate and hurt feelings were just covering for their interest in each other. He works his way under her skin and he offers her kindness and understanding in a way she’s never had before. The romance was well developed and as always I fell in love with these characters and their story. The side characters were excellent and I really enjoyed the countryside setting. It gave the characters more freedom to explore themselves without the pressure of London. However London awaited them and couldn’t be avoided forever - I enjoyed the ending as lot and seeing Beatrice make some amends was a really special moment.
As always I devoured this book, Kathleen always delivers such beautiful stories though this one might be a favourite! I just really loved the story and character redemptions 🥹 i would highly recommended any of Kathleen’s books, they always deliver and give me exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
If you’re looking for a hero falls first story then this is the one for you! I’d also have enemies to lovers, anti hero, scarred and redemption arc aspects.
I received an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
I wasn’t expecting these two characters to have their own story together but I absolutely loved it! We have Lady Beatrice Howard (now a widowed Duchess) who was a terrible person in previous books and she knows it. After an accident she took a hard look at her life and decided to change her attitude and attempt to do better. Beatrice gets the most beautiful redemption story and I just loved how Kathleen delivers this. I really felt for Beatrice and you really get to understand why she was so terrible. She lacked for any love or support in her life, seeing her worth only in what her beauty could attain her family. But now everything is different and she’s hiding out in the countryside where she’s found a life to build.
Then we have Ellis, the Earl of Blythe, who’s known to charming and is a friend of previous books’ protagonists. I hadn’t been particularly interested in him previously but I loved him in this book. He’s escaped to the countryside to get a break from London and his nagging mother. And to his surprise he finds the one person he never would’ve expected and she’s not who he remembers her to be.
The banter between them was top tier and having Ellis pursue Beatrice was very fun. They’re very different people on the surface but their insults and hate and hurt feelings were just covering for their interest in each other. He works his way under her skin and he offers her kindness and understanding in a way she’s never had before. The romance was well developed and as always I fell in love with these characters and their story. The side characters were excellent and I really enjoyed the countryside setting. It gave the characters more freedom to explore themselves without the pressure of London. However London awaited them and couldn’t be avoided forever - I enjoyed the ending as lot and seeing Beatrice make some amends was a really special moment.
As always I devoured this book, Kathleen always delivers such beautiful stories though this one might be a favourite! I just really loved the story and character redemptions 🥹 i would highly recommended any of Kathleen’s books, they always deliver and give me exactly what I didn’t know I needed.
If you’re looking for a hero falls first story then this is the one for you! I’d also have enemies to lovers, anti hero, scarred and redemption arc aspects.
I received an ARC, all thoughts are my own.
March 30, 2023
We haven’t got a nice memory of Beatrice Howard for she ruined quite a few lives and reputations in the last few books.
she’s completely changed now ( looking death in the eyes can do that to a person) but the earl of Blythe can’t believe she’s not the same person he knew and despised anymore.
Their battle of wills is epic, their banter is witty and at times hilarious and their love/hate relationship is explosive.
Even the secondary characters and their lives are compelling and I hope a couple of them will have their own stories to tell.
Another fabulous book set in the world of the Barringtons: well done ms Ayers!
she’s completely changed now ( looking death in the eyes can do that to a person) but the earl of Blythe can’t believe she’s not the same person he knew and despised anymore.
Their battle of wills is epic, their banter is witty and at times hilarious and their love/hate relationship is explosive.
Even the secondary characters and their lives are compelling and I hope a couple of them will have their own stories to tell.
Another fabulous book set in the world of the Barringtons: well done ms Ayers!
March 30, 2023
I wasn’t sure if I would love this one. Bea was just so horrid and shallow in previous books. But in this one-she was just…human. After a tragic accident, Bea tries to atone for her past mistakes. However, she is not written as some perfect paragon. Rather, as a flawed human that has learned the error of her ways. Blythe re-enters her life and expects to find the same selfish and self absorbed debutant. He soon realizes she is not who he thought and he sets out to woo her and heal her broken soul. This story was very real and actually made me laugh a lot. Especially when Bea calls Blythe out as a peacock. Blythe incidentally is not as shallow as he was portrayed in previous novels-although he is a tiny bit of a peacock. Bottom line-this is a lovely story of two very human people with very human flaws. They heal one another and challenge one another to be better humans. I found it delightful!
April 2, 2023
Redemption
Absolutely loved it. This series just gets better and better. I love how Beatrice is trying to make amends, you get a good look at how she became such a horrible person. Ellis has been fascinated by her forever. So glad Ellis saw beyond her self pity.
Absolutely loved it. This series just gets better and better. I love how Beatrice is trying to make amends, you get a good look at how she became such a horrible person. Ellis has been fascinated by her forever. So glad Ellis saw beyond her self pity.
April 3, 2023
Great Fun in the country!
As the Harpy and the Preening Peacock circle each other and trade barbs sparks fly and eventually catch. Blythe and Beatrice have the task of getting out of their own way to find their HEA.
As the Harpy and the Preening Peacock circle each other and trade barbs sparks fly and eventually catch. Blythe and Beatrice have the task of getting out of their own way to find their HEA.
March 8, 2023
The Desire of a Duchess, by Kathleen Ayers. Oh what a Scintillating and titillating juicy story this is. I have never rooted so hard for the leading male character to conquer his leading female character. I have to share with you that I was very drawn into this story. For about five point three hours nothing existed in my world except the main characters, Beatrice and Ellis.
Believe me when I say, you will be wanting your own Ellis at the end of this story. I just loved how the two come together at the beginning. I said to myself if this how the they will be during the book, I have a feeling that I’m going to really enjoy this book. Two people who supposedly can’t stand each other spar off with name calling or cat calling as they say. I laughed each time Beatrice or Ellis saw one another.
Can I tell you how much I liked Beatrice’s character. Her story was very passionate and painful for this book. Not too painful though, but just enough for you to empathize with her. The new Beatrice though, she didn’t want anyone’s sympathy, so when Ellis appears in her site the war of the worlds begins. Ellis I found to be just a randy Rake.
At the duration of this splendid story I think you will wondering whose pursuing who, and whose the one that needs their heart mended. Beatrice and Ellis story definitely touched my heart. I felt this through the outstanding writing from the author. I found the book to be very entertaining from the characters, to the bickering among everyone and the steamy coupling, if you get my meaning. The scene where Ellis and Beatrice are sitting at the table, behind the tree during the festival… let me just say this.
That Vicar didn’t know how close he came to meeting his maker. Read the book… you’ll understand my meaning. Can I say that the ending was one like The Fourth of July, at the end where they have that big sign off. Well I thought that the ending was spectacular. I laughed and I sighed.
I also applauded the brilliant writing from this author. So let me end this with you. Yes the book has nosy demanding mothers ( Duchess Blythe) and best friends (Melinda) and the parents from hell. I’ll leave those for you to find out when you read the book. There’s a ball that had me laughing to the end.
Yes, I have found another great read. I give this book two snaps and a, “Melinda you are turning into a little minx.” Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Believe me when I say, you will be wanting your own Ellis at the end of this story. I just loved how the two come together at the beginning. I said to myself if this how the they will be during the book, I have a feeling that I’m going to really enjoy this book. Two people who supposedly can’t stand each other spar off with name calling or cat calling as they say. I laughed each time Beatrice or Ellis saw one another.
Can I tell you how much I liked Beatrice’s character. Her story was very passionate and painful for this book. Not too painful though, but just enough for you to empathize with her. The new Beatrice though, she didn’t want anyone’s sympathy, so when Ellis appears in her site the war of the worlds begins. Ellis I found to be just a randy Rake.
At the duration of this splendid story I think you will wondering whose pursuing who, and whose the one that needs their heart mended. Beatrice and Ellis story definitely touched my heart. I felt this through the outstanding writing from the author. I found the book to be very entertaining from the characters, to the bickering among everyone and the steamy coupling, if you get my meaning. The scene where Ellis and Beatrice are sitting at the table, behind the tree during the festival… let me just say this.
That Vicar didn’t know how close he came to meeting his maker. Read the book… you’ll understand my meaning. Can I say that the ending was one like The Fourth of July, at the end where they have that big sign off. Well I thought that the ending was spectacular. I laughed and I sighed.
I also applauded the brilliant writing from this author. So let me end this with you. Yes the book has nosy demanding mothers ( Duchess Blythe) and best friends (Melinda) and the parents from hell. I’ll leave those for you to find out when you read the book. There’s a ball that had me laughing to the end.
Yes, I have found another great read. I give this book two snaps and a, “Melinda you are turning into a little minx.” Until next time my fellow readers… read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
April 2, 2023
I just loved this story and it might be my favorite of the Beautiful Barringtons. Beatrice and Ellis are so great together, the banter never stops! Not only will you lol but you might shed a tear or two. Great story; definitely one that you'll want to keep and re-read.
March 30, 2023
Another amazing addition to the Beautiful Barringtons, The Desire of a Duchess might be one of my favourite books Kathleen Ayers has written so far. Former Queen of Mean, Beatrice, dowager Duchess of Castlemare has known tragedy and loss since Barrington readers will have last met her. She is a reformed woman making amends and living a secluded life and I'm totally on board with her redemption arc. Ayers wrote her as kind but not without backbone and personality, which was the perfect compliment to Ellis, Earl of Blythe. Ellis is charm itself, though he's never charmed Bestrice. Not years ago, and not when they reunite in a chance encounter in the country. These two toed the line between love and hate and I enjoyed every page of delectable banter and every steamy encounter as well. The Desire of A Duchess has everything I want: pining, grand gestures, and the fear of a risk not working out. This book is easily one of the most enjoyable reads from the series and I can't wait to read whatever Ayers writes next!
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