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Duchess of Love #0.5
The Duchess of Love
A Duke In Disguise
The day was as hot as the pond was inviting. It's not as if anyone in Little Huffington was going to happen upon a secluded vale on the Duke of Greycliffe's lands. And Venus Collingswood didn't want to get her shift all wet. It was the perfect setting in which to plan her lovely bookworm of a sister's betrothal to the mysterious new duke arriving seven days hence. If only she had a suitable accomplice . . .
Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe, never thought arriving at his own household a week early would cause so much trouble. The housekeeper thinks he's his own cousin. Actually, the chance to not be the duke for a while is a pleasant opportunity indeed. It might even help him interrogate the delectable little nymph he's discovered swimming in his pond—if he can manage to get a word in edgewise . . .
The day was as hot as the pond was inviting. It's not as if anyone in Little Huffington was going to happen upon a secluded vale on the Duke of Greycliffe's lands. And Venus Collingswood didn't want to get her shift all wet. It was the perfect setting in which to plan her lovely bookworm of a sister's betrothal to the mysterious new duke arriving seven days hence. If only she had a suitable accomplice . . .
Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe, never thought arriving at his own household a week early would cause so much trouble. The housekeeper thinks he's his own cousin. Actually, the chance to not be the duke for a while is a pleasant opportunity indeed. It might even help him interrogate the delectable little nymph he's discovered swimming in his pond—if he can manage to get a word in edgewise . . .
106 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
167 people are currently reading
1216 people want to read
About the author
Sally MacKenzie
42 books639 followersSally MacKenzie decided to become a writer in grade school when she read one of her stories to the class. Her classmates laughed and she was hooked. She sat down immediately to pen her first novel.
Well, not exactly.
The hooked part is right--cursed might be a better description--but the sitting down and writing part came later. Much later.
Sally eventually went on to college, majoring in English, and, upon graduation, did what many English majors do--she went to law school. But she still couldn’t shake her dream of writing fiction. Midway through law school, she faced the fact that she really did not want to be a lawyer. She took a permanent leave of absence, came home to the Washington, D.C. area, and sat down to type her first novel.
Well, not exactly.
She did come home and write, but mostly she wrote regulations for the United States government’s school nutrition programs. (Ketchup as a vegetable, anyone?) When her law school sweetheart graduated, he moved to D.C. and they got married. A couple years later, the first of their four sons was born, and Sally “retired” to manage their family. She wrote a story or two and some picture book texts, all now stored away in a filing cabinet, but she spent most of her energies on baby tending which rapidly evolved into carpool driving. She became an extremely skilled scheduler, getting all four boys to soccer, basketball, baseball, track, swimming, piano, scouts, and birthday parties without ever losing one. (Okay, she did lose the youngest for a few minutes, but she found him before he’d toddled into the parking lot.) And she did more writing--school newsletters, auction programs, class plays, swim league guidance, and the acclaimed annual MacKenzie family newsletter--but no fiction.
Finally, the boys started driving (Eek!) and leaving for college. The nest was emptying and she wasn't getting any younger. The time had come to chase the dream or let it go for good, so she sat down at the computer and wrote. And rewrote. And rewrote again until she had a polished manuscript. She joined the Romance Writers of America, and when the plea went out for Regency manuscripts for the 2004 Golden Heart contest, she sent in The Naked Duke. The stars aligned. She made the final round, and one of the judging editors liked the manuscript and offered to buy it.
Yee haw!!
When not writing or obsessing over the various mysteries of book promotion, Sally can be found at the gym working hard to age gracefully, at the pool on the SLOW side of the Masters swim practice, or at one meeting or another volunteering at the helm of the summer swim league.
Here's Sally with her family--she's 5 ft. 8 in. tall, but she's short in this crowd.
Well, not exactly.
The hooked part is right--cursed might be a better description--but the sitting down and writing part came later. Much later.
Sally eventually went on to college, majoring in English, and, upon graduation, did what many English majors do--she went to law school. But she still couldn’t shake her dream of writing fiction. Midway through law school, she faced the fact that she really did not want to be a lawyer. She took a permanent leave of absence, came home to the Washington, D.C. area, and sat down to type her first novel.
Well, not exactly.
She did come home and write, but mostly she wrote regulations for the United States government’s school nutrition programs. (Ketchup as a vegetable, anyone?) When her law school sweetheart graduated, he moved to D.C. and they got married. A couple years later, the first of their four sons was born, and Sally “retired” to manage their family. She wrote a story or two and some picture book texts, all now stored away in a filing cabinet, but she spent most of her energies on baby tending which rapidly evolved into carpool driving. She became an extremely skilled scheduler, getting all four boys to soccer, basketball, baseball, track, swimming, piano, scouts, and birthday parties without ever losing one. (Okay, she did lose the youngest for a few minutes, but she found him before he’d toddled into the parking lot.) And she did more writing--school newsletters, auction programs, class plays, swim league guidance, and the acclaimed annual MacKenzie family newsletter--but no fiction.
Finally, the boys started driving (Eek!) and leaving for college. The nest was emptying and she wasn't getting any younger. The time had come to chase the dream or let it go for good, so she sat down at the computer and wrote. And rewrote. And rewrote again until she had a polished manuscript. She joined the Romance Writers of America, and when the plea went out for Regency manuscripts for the 2004 Golden Heart contest, she sent in The Naked Duke. The stars aligned. She made the final round, and one of the judging editors liked the manuscript and offered to buy it.
Yee haw!!
When not writing or obsessing over the various mysteries of book promotion, Sally can be found at the gym working hard to age gracefully, at the pool on the SLOW side of the Masters swim practice, or at one meeting or another volunteering at the helm of the summer swim league.
Here's Sally with her family--she's 5 ft. 8 in. tall, but she's short in this crowd.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 227 reviews
May 6, 2012
4 stars – Historical Romance Novella
Cute, winsome story! This is the first I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
And I might give the author's Naked Nobility series a try at some point as well.
Note: According to the author's website, this prequel novella will be included in the print version of the first book, Bedding Lord Ned.
Cute, winsome story! This is the first I've read by this author and I'm looking forward to the next book in the series.
And I might give the author's Naked Nobility series a try at some point as well.
Note: According to the author's website, this prequel novella will be included in the print version of the first book, Bedding Lord Ned.
April 22, 2022
Mas que un libro corto lo he sentido como un relato largo jejeje. Me ha gustado, la verdad es que pensaba que iba a ser de otra forma y me ha sorprendido gratamente. Me han encantado Venus y Drew, y me han hecho reir... seguire leyendo esta saga
October 12, 2016
2,5 Estrellas
No han sido un inicio de serie apoteósico. Aunque es corto y se lee en un suspiro la verdad es que tenía situaciones y conversaciones muy poco creíbles para la época en que se supone está ambientada. Aún así voy a seguir leyendo el resto de los libros de la serie.
No han sido un inicio de serie apoteósico. Aunque es corto y se lee en un suspiro la verdad es que tenía situaciones y conversaciones muy poco creíbles para la época en que se supone está ambientada. Aún así voy a seguir leyendo el resto de los libros de la serie.
April 11, 2012
This was a short, fun, sweet novella that I really enjoyed. Venus Collingswood decides to go for a dip in her neighbors lake one last time before the new owners arrive in a few days. Besides, her dog is having fun in the water and it is blasted hot out. Just as she is about to dive in, she slips and is grabbed up by some very strong arms....male arms of a man just as unclothed as she is. Quite a fun interaction occurs and even though the man identifies himself as the new duke, Venus thinks he is jesting as he seems much to young and decides he must be the cousin instead. As Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe, is hoping to just be himself, not his title, he sees no harm in letting her think this for the time being. Naturally, problems arise as to him hiding his true identity and it puts the happiness of not just Venus in jeopardy, but that also of her sister.
This is a quick prequel novella to a new series that will feature Venus as an adult matchmaking for her sons and I found it delightful! It is a wonderful mix of humor, sassiness, love, and warmth with just a touch of heat at the end. This was my first read of Sally MacKenzie and if she can make a few hours fly by as fast as she did with this novella, I think I am in for a treat for her full length novels! This is a perfect afternoon treat for a spring day that is sure to leave a smile on your face and I am anxious to see more of Venus and Drew!
I received this ARC from Kensington Books. It is actually printed in the back of the upcoming book, Bedding Lord Ned but will be available as an ebook first and then will be printed in its entirety when Bedding Lord Ned releases on June 5th.
This is a quick prequel novella to a new series that will feature Venus as an adult matchmaking for her sons and I found it delightful! It is a wonderful mix of humor, sassiness, love, and warmth with just a touch of heat at the end. This was my first read of Sally MacKenzie and if she can make a few hours fly by as fast as she did with this novella, I think I am in for a treat for her full length novels! This is a perfect afternoon treat for a spring day that is sure to leave a smile on your face and I am anxious to see more of Venus and Drew!
I received this ARC from Kensington Books. It is actually printed in the back of the upcoming book, Bedding Lord Ned but will be available as an ebook first and then will be printed in its entirety when Bedding Lord Ned releases on June 5th.
July 1, 2012
Although this is a prequel to Bedding Lord Ned showing us how the Duchess of Love, matchmaker extradonnaire, the hero's mother and the Duke met and fell in love. I would recommend reading this after having read Bedding Lord Ned, or atleast I liked reading this knowing what is going to happen in the future and seeing them just as in love as they are when the novella ends, it made the romance that did seem a little bit rushed (it was love at first sight) seem more viable.
It is hard to judge it though when it was only 100 pages long, but having got to know and like the characters already from reading Bedding Lord Ned I already liked them and this book didn't make me think otherwise. Venus was already matchmaking at 19, trying to find someone for her beautiful but bookish older sister and hoping her sister would catch the eye of the new duke in their small village. Of course a case of mistaken identity ensues and things get rather tangled.
It was a fun novella, funny and romantic and a great background story for some of the characters in the full length book in the series.
It is hard to judge it though when it was only 100 pages long, but having got to know and like the characters already from reading Bedding Lord Ned I already liked them and this book didn't make me think otherwise. Venus was already matchmaking at 19, trying to find someone for her beautiful but bookish older sister and hoping her sister would catch the eye of the new duke in their small village. Of course a case of mistaken identity ensues and things get rather tangled.
It was a fun novella, funny and romantic and a great background story for some of the characters in the full length book in the series.
November 9, 2022
En realidad sería una 2,5⭐ Se lee bien pero es muy insta todo 🤭
March 28, 2013
review first posted on Demon Lover's Books & More
3.5
You can read this either before or after Bedding Lord Ned and Surprising Lord Jack, but it’s more fun to read it after Bedding Lord Ned just because it gives you a glimpse into the Duke and Duchess before they had children.
Here we see Venus, who will later become known as the Duchess of Love, trying to pull her sister out of her books and towards some eligible men. Living in a small town, and being daughters of a vicar aren’t really conducive to meeting handsome men.
Enter the Duke of Greycliffe and his cousin.
The duke, Andrew is only 21, while his cousin Mr. Valentine is 28, so when his new housekeeper mistakes Valentine for the Andrew, Drew decides to roll with it. It would be nice to not have to be himself for a few days. He could merely be Drew.
But Drew comes upon a beautiful girl about to skinny dip in the pond on his property, and well, he falls head over heels. But he sort of lets her believe he’s Mr. Valentine, and then promises to introduce her sister to the duke (or, really, his cousin).
It is a cute little romance with a Big Misunderstanding, but because it’s short, it works. When Venus finds out he’s lied to her (and she finds out in a horrible way), she thinks he did it to make fun of how gullible she is. It was pretty heartbreaking. I wish that there had been a teensy bit more at the end, maybe just to see what happened with her sister, or the horrible ladies from London (I mean, we can assume it all works out, of course, but it would’ve given the story some closure).
I liked this one, and from what I’ve heard, this short story is at the back of the paperback edition of Bedding Lord Ned.
3.5
You can read this either before or after Bedding Lord Ned and Surprising Lord Jack, but it’s more fun to read it after Bedding Lord Ned just because it gives you a glimpse into the Duke and Duchess before they had children.
Here we see Venus, who will later become known as the Duchess of Love, trying to pull her sister out of her books and towards some eligible men. Living in a small town, and being daughters of a vicar aren’t really conducive to meeting handsome men.
Enter the Duke of Greycliffe and his cousin.
The duke, Andrew is only 21, while his cousin Mr. Valentine is 28, so when his new housekeeper mistakes Valentine for the Andrew, Drew decides to roll with it. It would be nice to not have to be himself for a few days. He could merely be Drew.
But Drew comes upon a beautiful girl about to skinny dip in the pond on his property, and well, he falls head over heels. But he sort of lets her believe he’s Mr. Valentine, and then promises to introduce her sister to the duke (or, really, his cousin).
It is a cute little romance with a Big Misunderstanding, but because it’s short, it works. When Venus finds out he’s lied to her (and she finds out in a horrible way), she thinks he did it to make fun of how gullible she is. It was pretty heartbreaking. I wish that there had been a teensy bit more at the end, maybe just to see what happened with her sister, or the horrible ladies from London (I mean, we can assume it all works out, of course, but it would’ve given the story some closure).
I liked this one, and from what I’ve heard, this short story is at the back of the paperback edition of Bedding Lord Ned.
May 3, 2012
Oh, this was a cute one! I can't wait to read the next one. :)
June 11, 2012
This review is also posted on Always a Booklover
Note: This is just gonna be a really short review. I simply have way too many reviews to write and not enough time
The Duchess of Love was a very fun read. I did wish it hadn’t been a novella though, there was a lot of scope for the plot development. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading it. When I first saw the blurb, I just knew I had to read it. It seemed like everything I would enjoy. I mean, mistaken identity, headstrong heroine, what’s not to love? I don’t normally read novellas, but this was a really enjoyable one.
To sum up the plot, it’s basically about how a duke came to Little Huffington and the heroine, who wanted to marry the duke off to her sister. However, as you can guess, things didn’t turn out the way that she wanted.
The heroine, Venus, was a very nice heroine. A little headstrong and not someone you bully at all. I liked how she stood up to Drew. I had hoped for more character development, but I felt the author did really well, with what little space she had to write. Drew was a rather good hero. Though I would have liked him to be older, I felt that he was very mature for his age.
The storyline was interesting and I was addicted. I just kept on reading. Though there wasn’t enough angst for my liking, the love depicted in the story was still very good and I really enjoyed reading about it. The plot was intriguing and I loved that mistaken identity part to it.
After reading this book, which I got free off Amazon, I read the teaser to Bedding Lord Ned. Instantly, I just knew I had to read it. Which is what I’m about to do! I finally got my copy and now I can’t wait to get started.
So yep, I really enjoyed this book. Lighthearted, easy read. If it was a full-length novella, I am pretty sure I would have loved it even more. Overall, it was a very fun and easy read. If you’re looking for something easy and short, then this is the book for you!
Ok fine, it wasn’t short as it should be. I don’t know, I guess I can’t really write short reviews?
Note: This is just gonna be a really short review. I simply have way too many reviews to write and not enough time
The Duchess of Love was a very fun read. I did wish it hadn’t been a novella though, there was a lot of scope for the plot development. Nevertheless, I really enjoyed reading it. When I first saw the blurb, I just knew I had to read it. It seemed like everything I would enjoy. I mean, mistaken identity, headstrong heroine, what’s not to love? I don’t normally read novellas, but this was a really enjoyable one.
To sum up the plot, it’s basically about how a duke came to Little Huffington and the heroine, who wanted to marry the duke off to her sister. However, as you can guess, things didn’t turn out the way that she wanted.
The heroine, Venus, was a very nice heroine. A little headstrong and not someone you bully at all. I liked how she stood up to Drew. I had hoped for more character development, but I felt the author did really well, with what little space she had to write. Drew was a rather good hero. Though I would have liked him to be older, I felt that he was very mature for his age.
The storyline was interesting and I was addicted. I just kept on reading. Though there wasn’t enough angst for my liking, the love depicted in the story was still very good and I really enjoyed reading about it. The plot was intriguing and I loved that mistaken identity part to it.
After reading this book, which I got free off Amazon, I read the teaser to Bedding Lord Ned. Instantly, I just knew I had to read it. Which is what I’m about to do! I finally got my copy and now I can’t wait to get started.
So yep, I really enjoyed this book. Lighthearted, easy read. If it was a full-length novella, I am pretty sure I would have loved it even more. Overall, it was a very fun and easy read. If you’re looking for something easy and short, then this is the book for you!
Ok fine, it wasn’t short as it should be. I don’t know, I guess I can’t really write short reviews?
June 3, 2012
I got a flash of the image from the classic BBC Pride and Prejudice moment when Mr. Darcy dives into the pond at Pemberly when Drew (Andrew Valentine, Duke of Greycliffe) jumps in the water to save Venus Collingswood when he thinks she is drowning.
Of course they're both in their birthday suits (aka butt naked!) what else would you expect from the author that wrote the Naked Nobles series like Sally MacKenzie Bundle: The Naked Earl, the Naked Gentleman, the Naked Marquis, the Naked Baron, the Naked Duke, the Naked Viscount, the Naked.
This was short and very sweet about mistaken identities and wonderful coincidences. I love Sally MacKenzie's style of modern/regency English romance novels.
Delicious like chocolate taste without the guilt of any fatty calories. I'm looking forward to reading Bedding Lord Ned when it comes out this year.
106 pages and free for kindle June 3, 2012
3 stars
Of course they're both in their birthday suits (aka butt naked!) what else would you expect from the author that wrote the Naked Nobles series like Sally MacKenzie Bundle: The Naked Earl, the Naked Gentleman, the Naked Marquis, the Naked Baron, the Naked Duke, the Naked Viscount, the Naked.
This was short and very sweet about mistaken identities and wonderful coincidences. I love Sally MacKenzie's style of modern/regency English romance novels.
Delicious like chocolate taste without the guilt of any fatty calories. I'm looking forward to reading Bedding Lord Ned when it comes out this year.
106 pages and free for kindle June 3, 2012
3 stars
February 19, 2021
ng. This is a quick prequel novella to the Duchess of Love Series. And it's actually my first taste of the author's writing, but it most certainly will not be the last because I enjoyed this book so much even though it wasn't totally what I was expecting. It's delightful, sexy, humorous, entertaining. Just an all-around fun read. And for a short story, the character development was beautifully done. So yes, I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes.
January 4, 2014
Un relato corto, muy corto. Con algunas escenas tan inverosímiles que resultan divertidas.
Pero tan tan corto que no llega a mucho
Pero tan tan corto que no llega a mucho
February 6, 2017
Great novella, just a little short for any true depth of characters. I loved the plot and the characters, just would have liked more development. Happy reading!
October 1, 2024
One of those short stories that are sweet and mellow and quite predictable. Good read if you planning to gear up to reading longer books.
July 11, 2024
No tenía ni la más remota idea de qué esperar de esta historia y lo cierto es que la he pasado muy bien con ella. Es ágil, divertida, los personajes son muy queribles, y te deja con una sensación muy bonita.
January 31, 2015
I have to say I pretty much laughed through this entire story. I'm glad I "met" the Duke and Duchess in Lord Ned's story (Bedding Lord Ned). Having seen how strong their love still is, it was fun to learn how it all began. From their meeting in the pond to the garden party this was lots of fun.
Venus is afflicted with a family of bookworms. Both her parents and her sister think nothing of getting completely lost in their studies. Venus is smart, too, but she's much more of a people person. She hates the idea that her beautiful sister could end up and old maid, so when she hears that the Duke and his cousin are coming she plans to introduce him to her sister. While doing her plotting she is drawn to the pond where she spent many happy hours and decides to take advantage of the solitude and go swimming. She's shocked to encounter an equally naked man who claims to be the duke's cousin. In spite of her innocence Venus has no problem looking him over and deciding she likes what she sees. He also makes her feel rather strange, but she likes it. Being a pretty forthright person she tells Drew about her plan and asks for his assistance. I really loved seeing all her planning and maneuvering. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body and I loved how what she did was supposed to make people happy. I liked the way that she went to Drew when she heard what those women said and really let him have it. It was really funny to see him try to get a word in edgewise as he tried to explain. I loved the ending and seeing how she is just what Drew needs.
Drew became the Duke at the age of thirteen. He is so sick of the way people treat him just because of his rank, and how no one seems to be interested in him for himself. When he is mistaken for his cousin by the housekeeper, he convinces Nigel to go along with it so he can have a break. Then, while taking a walk, he comes across Venus just as he's about to go for a swim. Their meeting is somewhat explosive and he is enchanted by her. But once he lies about who he is, he is stuck, because he doesn't want to admit his lie. When he and his cousin are pursued from London by two very determined women things really start to fall apart. I loved seeing Drew cope with her volatility and show her just how much she means to him, even in so short a time.
You know that a case of switching identities is going to have moments when you really wonder if it will all work out. I really understood Drew's desire to escape for a little while, but it sure got him in trouble with Venus. The scene at the garden party was both heartbreaking and funny.
Venus is afflicted with a family of bookworms. Both her parents and her sister think nothing of getting completely lost in their studies. Venus is smart, too, but she's much more of a people person. She hates the idea that her beautiful sister could end up and old maid, so when she hears that the Duke and his cousin are coming she plans to introduce him to her sister. While doing her plotting she is drawn to the pond where she spent many happy hours and decides to take advantage of the solitude and go swimming. She's shocked to encounter an equally naked man who claims to be the duke's cousin. In spite of her innocence Venus has no problem looking him over and deciding she likes what she sees. He also makes her feel rather strange, but she likes it. Being a pretty forthright person she tells Drew about her plan and asks for his assistance. I really loved seeing all her planning and maneuvering. She doesn't have a mean bone in her body and I loved how what she did was supposed to make people happy. I liked the way that she went to Drew when she heard what those women said and really let him have it. It was really funny to see him try to get a word in edgewise as he tried to explain. I loved the ending and seeing how she is just what Drew needs.
Drew became the Duke at the age of thirteen. He is so sick of the way people treat him just because of his rank, and how no one seems to be interested in him for himself. When he is mistaken for his cousin by the housekeeper, he convinces Nigel to go along with it so he can have a break. Then, while taking a walk, he comes across Venus just as he's about to go for a swim. Their meeting is somewhat explosive and he is enchanted by her. But once he lies about who he is, he is stuck, because he doesn't want to admit his lie. When he and his cousin are pursued from London by two very determined women things really start to fall apart. I loved seeing Drew cope with her volatility and show her just how much she means to him, even in so short a time.
You know that a case of switching identities is going to have moments when you really wonder if it will all work out. I really understood Drew's desire to escape for a little while, but it sure got him in trouble with Venus. The scene at the garden party was both heartbreaking and funny.
April 5, 2013
A short, cute & humorous, very fun to read historical romance with a case of mistaken identity or mistaken assumption & love at first sight.
The Duke of Greycliffe, Andrew (Drew) Valentine & his cousin, Mr. Nigel Valentine arrived at the former's inherited property Hyndon Hall at Little Huffington where the housekeeper mistook Mr. Valentine (Nigel) as the duke since he is older (28) than Drew who's only 21. Drew took advantage of this mistake since he wanted to experience how it is to be a simple "mister" especially when immediately after this incident he accidentally met & was smitten by the beautiful & very naked Venus Collingswood, 19 y/o.
Venus is the vicar's daughter & the village matchmaker. She feels it's failure on her part not to find a match for her older bookworm sister, Aphrodite (Ditee) Collingswood, 23 y/o. Venus decided to play matchmaker to Ditee & Nigel, who she also assumed to be the Duke of Greycliffe. With the help of Drew she devised ways for Ditee & Nigel to meet. Although Ditee & Nigel only met once & only briefly, they fell for each other with them having the same interest, reading the classics.
Despite Nigel telling Drew to tell Venus & the rest the truth about their identity, he wanted to prolong the subterfuge since having fallen for her, he wanted to know if she cared for Drew Valentine before he introduce her to the Duke of Greycliffe. He believe that he'll never knew her true feelings for Drew once she knows that he's the real Duke.
As it happens, when Drew finally decided to tell everybody especially Venus the truth, she inadvertently came to know that he is the Duke from one of the pushy London ladies who's pursuing after the Valentines.
As in a fairy tale, alls well that ends well when Drew explained everything to Venus & he asked her to be her duchess.
I like this story although it's short & I feel it ended abruptly & left me hanging. I wanted to know more on how the relationship between Drew & Venus further developed & prospered since they're both so young. I wanted to know what happened to Ditee & Nigel's relationship.
I like the other secondary characters in this novella & the funny circumstances they found themselves in. I even like old Mrs. Fedderly, the village gossip who even with her short stint in this novella left her mark.
Looking forward to Ned's & Jack's books.
The Duke of Greycliffe, Andrew (Drew) Valentine & his cousin, Mr. Nigel Valentine arrived at the former's inherited property Hyndon Hall at Little Huffington where the housekeeper mistook Mr. Valentine (Nigel) as the duke since he is older (28) than Drew who's only 21. Drew took advantage of this mistake since he wanted to experience how it is to be a simple "mister" especially when immediately after this incident he accidentally met & was smitten by the beautiful & very naked Venus Collingswood, 19 y/o.
Venus is the vicar's daughter & the village matchmaker. She feels it's failure on her part not to find a match for her older bookworm sister, Aphrodite (Ditee) Collingswood, 23 y/o. Venus decided to play matchmaker to Ditee & Nigel, who she also assumed to be the Duke of Greycliffe. With the help of Drew she devised ways for Ditee & Nigel to meet. Although Ditee & Nigel only met once & only briefly, they fell for each other with them having the same interest, reading the classics.
Despite Nigel telling Drew to tell Venus & the rest the truth about their identity, he wanted to prolong the subterfuge since having fallen for her, he wanted to know if she cared for Drew Valentine before he introduce her to the Duke of Greycliffe. He believe that he'll never knew her true feelings for Drew once she knows that he's the real Duke.
As it happens, when Drew finally decided to tell everybody especially Venus the truth, she inadvertently came to know that he is the Duke from one of the pushy London ladies who's pursuing after the Valentines.
As in a fairy tale, alls well that ends well when Drew explained everything to Venus & he asked her to be her duchess.
I like this story although it's short & I feel it ended abruptly & left me hanging. I wanted to know more on how the relationship between Drew & Venus further developed & prospered since they're both so young. I wanted to know what happened to Ditee & Nigel's relationship.
I like the other secondary characters in this novella & the funny circumstances they found themselves in. I even like old Mrs. Fedderly, the village gossip who even with her short stint in this novella left her mark.
Looking forward to Ned's & Jack's books.
dnf
February 18, 2013I should have known.
In general, I don't like historicals where people act like they are in the 21st century but something made me want to try this one out. I shouldn't have bothered. The characters act in such outrageous ways that it really didn't feel like a historical AT ALL (the heroine swimming naked and then telling the hero all about how she wants to hook up her sister with the Duke, etc.)
Also, this novella borrowed the beginning from P&P with a young Mrs. Bennett (yes, MRS. Bennet...Lizzie's mother) as the heroine. Perish the thought!
DNF
In general, I don't like historicals where people act like they are in the 21st century but something made me want to try this one out. I shouldn't have bothered. The characters act in such outrageous ways that it really didn't feel like a historical AT ALL (the heroine swimming naked and then telling the hero all about how she wants to hook up her sister with the Duke, etc.)
Also, this novella borrowed the beginning from P&P with a young Mrs. Bennett (yes, MRS. Bennet...Lizzie's mother) as the heroine. Perish the thought!
DNF
April 15, 2021
Novela corta, muy corta, precuela de la serie "La duquesa del amor" y que he leído en un visto y no visto.
Este tipo de historias no acaba de gustarme porque se me hace todo demasiado rápido, sin tiempo a que evoluciones las cosas y, así y todo, a pesar de la rapidez con la que se desarrolla la historia me ha gustado, ya que no deja de ser una comedia de enredos, siendo alocada y algo absurda en algunos momentos.
Una pena que no fuese una novela larga, creo que la hubiese disfrutado mucho.
Este tipo de historias no acaba de gustarme porque se me hace todo demasiado rápido, sin tiempo a que evoluciones las cosas y, así y todo, a pesar de la rapidez con la que se desarrolla la historia me ha gustado, ya que no deja de ser una comedia de enredos, siendo alocada y algo absurda en algunos momentos.
Una pena que no fuese una novela larga, creo que la hubiese disfrutado mucho.
March 25, 2014
Nice silly Popcorn romance book , the one you can read while waiting , or in travel , very short sweet & funny
November 13, 2017
2017 continues to be the year of romance novellas for me (seriously this reading funk is the worst!). As I've been having a difficult time concentrating on full-length novels, novellas have been my go-to. Therefore, I was searching for some new ones when I came across The Duchess of Love by Sally MacKenzie. As this author has been on my radar for awhile, and my library had this one available on Overdrive, I gave it a try. The Duchess of Love by Sally MacKenzie was a cute read, but I think it's better if you've read the other books in this series, beforehand.
The Duchess of Love is about Venus Collingswood, who is a bit different from her parents and sister. While Venus' parents and sister, Aphrodite, are very into research and intellectual pursuits, Venus is more into romance, especially matchmaking. When she learns a duke is moving in nearby, she's determined to match the duke with her sister. However, Aphrodite is not at all interested. Frustrated Venus goes for a swim at the pond . . . and meets Andrew Valentine, the Duke of Greycliffe. However, because Andrew is very young, Venus doesn't realize he's the duke, and Andrew doesn't fill her in. And then, romance.
Venus was pretty adorable, and easy to like. She is such a matchmaker. It was pretty adorable with how she was just so determined that Aphrodite make a match with the duke, even though Aphrodite never once indicted that she wanted that. It was clear how much Venus did love her sister, even if she didn't really know who would be the best fit for her. At times Venus did seem a bit young, which isn't a bad thing, but it did make it a little bit difficult to relate to.
Andrew was adorable, as well. He inherited the dukedom very young, and people are always surprised to realize he is a duke, because of his young age. And he can't resist the opportunity to not be pursued for his title when people don't realize he is the duke (they believe his older cousin traveling with him is the duke, and Andrew doesn't correct them). I absolutely was shipping Venus and Andrew together. They were cute and I could tell they would make a great couple.
I think my one issue with The Duchess of Love, if you could even call it an issue, is that I think this book is best appreciated if the reader already read the other books in this series. I think it would have had a bigger impact if I was more familiar with Venus as a matchmaker. But, overall, The Duchess of Love by Sally MacKenzie was a nice introduction to this author and this series. I definitely want to read more.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
The Duchess of Love is about Venus Collingswood, who is a bit different from her parents and sister. While Venus' parents and sister, Aphrodite, are very into research and intellectual pursuits, Venus is more into romance, especially matchmaking. When she learns a duke is moving in nearby, she's determined to match the duke with her sister. However, Aphrodite is not at all interested. Frustrated Venus goes for a swim at the pond . . . and meets Andrew Valentine, the Duke of Greycliffe. However, because Andrew is very young, Venus doesn't realize he's the duke, and Andrew doesn't fill her in. And then, romance.
Venus was pretty adorable, and easy to like. She is such a matchmaker. It was pretty adorable with how she was just so determined that Aphrodite make a match with the duke, even though Aphrodite never once indicted that she wanted that. It was clear how much Venus did love her sister, even if she didn't really know who would be the best fit for her. At times Venus did seem a bit young, which isn't a bad thing, but it did make it a little bit difficult to relate to.
Andrew was adorable, as well. He inherited the dukedom very young, and people are always surprised to realize he is a duke, because of his young age. And he can't resist the opportunity to not be pursued for his title when people don't realize he is the duke (they believe his older cousin traveling with him is the duke, and Andrew doesn't correct them). I absolutely was shipping Venus and Andrew together. They were cute and I could tell they would make a great couple.
I think my one issue with The Duchess of Love, if you could even call it an issue, is that I think this book is best appreciated if the reader already read the other books in this series. I think it would have had a bigger impact if I was more familiar with Venus as a matchmaker. But, overall, The Duchess of Love by Sally MacKenzie was a nice introduction to this author and this series. I definitely want to read more.This review was originally posted on Quinn's Book Nook
February 18, 2023
La pareja es deliciosa, tiene una química desde el minuto uno, y solo puedo decir que .lo pase a lo grande con cada puntada de cada uno. Tenemos una lectura ligera, un primer encuentro accidentado y gracioso. Dos seres que se reconocen como iguales y una pequeña travesura que dará juego suficiente para disfrutar de la pareja en un corte corto, pero bonito. Ambos son curiosos, astutos y encantadores. Yo quedé enamorada de LA DUQUESA DEL AMOR, y segura que va a volver a caer.
Sally MacKenzie me tiene enamorada, me ha hecho reír y pasar a lo grande con cada propuesta de esta serie, esta no iba a ser ser manos. Estoy deseando conocer más de su pluma ¡Feliz lectura!
Sally MacKenzie me tiene enamorada, me ha hecho reír y pasar a lo grande con cada propuesta de esta serie, esta no iba a ser ser manos. Estoy deseando conocer más de su pluma ¡Feliz lectura!
July 1, 2025
4 stars.
Don’t actually believe they were in love (exchanged declarations in the same conversation she learned his true identity??) but this was a quick and charming read. Normally that kind of deception doesn’t work for me, but I think the novella format helped.
Don’t actually believe they were in love (exchanged declarations in the same conversation she learned his true identity??) but this was a quick and charming read. Normally that kind of deception doesn’t work for me, but I think the novella format helped.
February 21, 2023
Ayyy, me gustó muchoo. De verdad no me esperaba que me encantara tanto, es muy corta y simple hasta cierto aspecto pero aún así fue linda ❣️.
November 25, 2017
I really enjoyed reading this novella, I can't wait to get book 1.
August 31, 2022
3.5 ⭐
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Bonita pero muy corta.
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Bonita pero muy corta.
April 16, 2013
I was drawn to the general plot, wanting to know how it ends just to satisfy my curiosity. Funny, bold, but not believable. This was more like historians acting in a modern way. Like watching highschool kids in an amateur play, entertaining enough, just not gratifying as a professional Broadway performance. They were kids acting like adults. And making adult decisions.
The writing seemed forced, it was amusing. Yet didn't have that lovely British sarcasm. . . "snarky-charm" I call it. "Snarky" was attempted, but no "charm". I didn't feel like I transported to the era. (just like the analogy, I was watching a highschool play. . . Historical pretend).
If this was written in a different genre, I would have been more lenient because the plot was creative and bold especially for that time period. But when it comes to the writing, I not only look for the vernacular of that era (it was there in the dialog), but it must be interwoven deeply into the description, saturated in the fluff, the idioms, phrases, everything. . . As if I'm reading poetry in motion.
It's short and sweet. Enough entertainment to keep me reading, however, not as enticing.
The writing seemed forced, it was amusing. Yet didn't have that lovely British sarcasm. . . "snarky-charm" I call it. "Snarky" was attempted, but no "charm". I didn't feel like I transported to the era. (just like the analogy, I was watching a highschool play. . . Historical pretend).
If this was written in a different genre, I would have been more lenient because the plot was creative and bold especially for that time period. But when it comes to the writing, I not only look for the vernacular of that era (it was there in the dialog), but it must be interwoven deeply into the description, saturated in the fluff, the idioms, phrases, everything. . . As if I'm reading poetry in motion.
It's short and sweet. Enough entertainment to keep me reading, however, not as enticing.
May 9, 2013
The Duchess of Love is a short novella that was included in the book Bedding Lord Ned. This short story is about Venus and Drew (Ned's Parents) and their love story. I wanted to do a separate review for this one, I found I really liked this one even if it was a bit short, with only being 97 pages. There was a sense of charm and sweet feeling to the story. Venus is well known in her country town as the matchmaker of love. When the Duke of Greycliff comes to town, she decides to try to set him up with her beautiful sister. When she first meets Drew, they meet under less formal circumstances and she believes him to be the Duke's cousin, not the Duke himself. Drew has been the Duke since he was thirteen years old but is looking for someone that will see him as himself and not the Duke. So he hides who he is from Venus, wanting her to love him for who he is and not what he is. Overall I found it to be a witty and poignant story that I found to be a very fun story, a good start to the series.
August 24, 2012
I don't normally like these short novellas much. But this one was an exception. I enjoyed Drew, the Duke of Greycliffe, as he switched places with his cousin Nigel just to have a little peace. And then Venus, the vicar's daughter, falls in love with him not realizing who he really is.
The story was humorous and touching. A nice, satisfying read.
The story was humorous and touching. A nice, satisfying read.
April 12, 2016
Empiezo a pensar que los escritores cada dia estan mas presionados por los editores pq este libro se lo podia haber ahorrado Sally MacKenzie y haber hecho un libro mas largo , con mas historia , con protagonistas mas elaborados y con mas sentimiento. Es un libro sin ninguna pretension, para leer en 20 minutos y olvidarlo en 10.
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