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Endearing Young Charms #5
Duke's Diamonds
"MY FORTUNE IN DIAMONDS, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF THE MANLEY DIAMOND COLLAR WHICH GOES TO MISS EMILY WINTERS, I LEAVE TO MY DOG DUKE."
Old Sir Peregrine's will shocked everyone. Especially his lovely illegitimate daughter, Emily, to whom he also left his entire estate. Only on Duke's death would the diamonds revert to the relatives. Now Emily had to see that nobody murdered Duke. They were that kind of family.
Meanwhile Emily was falling in love with the dashing rakehell Lord Storm, whose fortune and title brought him women by the droves.
With such competition what chance did Emily have? Furthermore what would a high-born young man like Lord Storm want with a woman whose origins were as scandalous as Emily's?
Old Sir Peregrine's will shocked everyone. Especially his lovely illegitimate daughter, Emily, to whom he also left his entire estate. Only on Duke's death would the diamonds revert to the relatives. Now Emily had to see that nobody murdered Duke. They were that kind of family.
Meanwhile Emily was falling in love with the dashing rakehell Lord Storm, whose fortune and title brought him women by the droves.
With such competition what chance did Emily have? Furthermore what would a high-born young man like Lord Storm want with a woman whose origins were as scandalous as Emily's?
160 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published November 12, 1982
41 people are currently reading
211 people want to read
About the author
Marion Chesney
144 books753 followersMarion Chesney Gibbons
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
aka: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, M.C. Beaton, Sarah Chester.
Marion Chesney was born on 1936 in Glasgow, Scotland, UK, and started her first job as a bookseller in charge of the fiction department in John Smith & Sons Ltd. While bookselling, by chance, she got an offer from the Scottish Daily Mail to review variety shows and quickly rose to be their theatre critic. She left Smith’s to join Scottish Field magazine as a secretary in the advertising department, without any shorthand or typing, but quickly got the job of fashion editor instead. She then moved to the Scottish Daily Express where she reported mostly on crime. This was followed by a move to Fleet Street to the Daily Express where she became chief woman reporter. After marrying Harry Scott Gibbons and having a son, Charles, Marion went to the United States where Harry had been offered the job of editor of the Oyster Bay Guardian. When that didn’t work out, they went to Virginia and Marion worked as a waitress in a greasy spoon on the Jefferson Davies in Alexandria while Harry washed the dishes. Both then got jobs on Rupert Murdoch’s new tabloid, The Star, and moved to New York.
Anxious to spend more time at home with her small son, Marion, urged by her husband, started to write historical romances in 1977. After she had written over 100 of them under her maiden name, Marion Chesney, and under the pseudonyms: Ann Fairfax, Jennie Tremaine, Helen Crampton, Charlotte Ward, and Sarah Chester, she getting fed up with 1714 to 1910, she began to write detectives stories in 1985 under the pseudonym of M. C. Beaton. On a trip from the States to Sutherland on holiday, a course at a fishing school inspired the first Constable Hamish Macbeth story. They returned to Britain and bought a croft house and croft in Sutherland where Harry reared a flock of black sheep. But Charles was at school, in London so when he finished and both tired of the long commute to the north of Scotland, they moved to the Cotswolds where Agatha Raisin was created.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
July 10, 2018
Charming, whimsical and comedy of manners Regency with an adorable heroine, a stinky dog, stuck-up hero and a plethora of rotten relatives including an amoral evil woman that all actually get a comeuppance from the heroine.
Emily, born on the wrong side of the blanket, has been taken from the orphanage to take care of the less than attractive Duke the dog. The heroine is despised by her employer's family hanger-ons who are just waiting for him to die. However, Duke the dog ends up inheriting diamonds that put his life in jeopardy, and Emily inherits the estate. The rotten relatives will get the diamonds once Duke dies.
The hero, Storm, is pretty stuck up in regard to his affection for Emily. He could never marry a bastard, but respects her too much to ask her to be his mistress. Or I should say ask her again to be his mistress.
Emily leaves the estate to go to Bath where she is feted until the evil OW lets out the secret of her birth, and the H comes to the rescue. All the while random attempts are made on Duke the dog.
Long story short, Emily goes back to the estate and respectfully but firmly dispatches the rotten relatives and more manipulations from beyond the dead occur.
For those that like Barbara Metzger.
Emily, born on the wrong side of the blanket, has been taken from the orphanage to take care of the less than attractive Duke the dog. The heroine is despised by her employer's family hanger-ons who are just waiting for him to die. However, Duke the dog ends up inheriting diamonds that put his life in jeopardy, and Emily inherits the estate. The rotten relatives will get the diamonds once Duke dies.
The hero, Storm, is pretty stuck up in regard to his affection for Emily. He could never marry a bastard, but respects her too much to ask her to be his mistress. Or I should say ask her again to be his mistress.
Emily leaves the estate to go to Bath where she is feted until the evil OW lets out the secret of her birth, and the H comes to the rescue. All the while random attempts are made on Duke the dog.
Long story short, Emily goes back to the estate and respectfully but firmly dispatches the rotten relatives and more manipulations from beyond the dead occur.
For those that like Barbara Metzger.
June 27, 2018
Emily walked forward and fastened the collar of diamonds around the dog’s neck and then stood with her hand on his head. She gave a harsh, ugly laugh.
“Look well on us,” she said. “The mongrels have the diamonds!”
Duke lifted his black lips in a long slow grin while the diamonds blazed and flashed among the shaggy gold-and-black fur at his neck.
Beaton, M. C.. Duke's Diamonds (Endearing Young Charms Book 1) (Kindle Locations 861-864). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
There's a romantic storyline in this novel between the illegitimate heroine Emily and Lord Storm ( heir to an Earl ), but my attention was always primarily focused on Duke. This is Duke:
Duke is a funny looking, adorable, obnoxious, spoilt rotten, lazy, opinionated ( yes, dogs are capable of letting us know how they feel about certain stuff ) and vain mongrel dog. His owner is Sir Peregrine Manley who also happens to be the biological father of the heroine Emily. At the start of the story, Emily has been brought over from the orphanage, where she'd spent her entire life, to act as a servant and primary care provider for Duke ! That was hilarious ! The dog has his own servant ! Sir Peregrine is a sour old man who is dying and his dying wish is to have a lot of fun at the expense of his hateful and equally nasty relatives. Emily didn't know that she was his biological daughter until the reading of the will; he ended up leaving all his properties, his money and custody of Duke to Emily. He also included a rather mean legacy that's guaranteed to make poor Duke the victim of a lot of criminal murder attempts on his poor doggy life:
“‘My fortune in diamonds, with the exception of the Manley diamond collar, which goes to Emily Winters, I leave to—’”
“Yes. Yes!” said Harriet, her face thrust forward like a gargoyle.
“‘I leave to my dog Duke.’”
“What?” cried everyone in the room.
“‘On Duke’s death,’” continued Mr. Summers, “‘the diamonds will be divided equally among the following: my sister, Harriet; my brother, James; my cousin, Mrs. Clarissa Singleton; and my nieces, Fanny and Betty Kipling.’
Beaton, M. C.. Duke's Diamonds (Endearing Young Charms Book 1) (Kindle Locations 851-856). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
The pesky but lovable dog finds himself entangled in a lot of mischief because all of these other beneficiaries make numerous attempts to kill him, because they're so greedy for the diamonds. I honestly hated Sir P for putting such a clause in his will. If he had really loved his dog then he wouldn't have put the animal's life in such jeopardy. Emily finds herself in a quandary because she has to protect the dog and deal with her emotional feelings for the H, Lord Storm. The heroine eventually leaves with Duke to go stay with the lawyer's widowed sister in Bath and then the H decides to pursue her. They end up getting engaged but Emily calls off the engagement after she hears Lord Storm telling his friend John that the only reason he's marrying her is because they were found in a compromising situation.
There's much drama, chaos, conflict, comedy and bittersweet romance in this story. Lord Storm and Emily were both so proud that they ended up sabotaging their relationship because they're reluctant to communicate with each other. The heroine did stand up for herself against the evil relatives but the plot on Duke's life is further complicated after the H's friend John gets romantically involved with one of the villains, Mrs. Singleton. John had appeared to be a nice guy but he was also swayed by the greed for the diamonds; Mrs. Singleton got him involved in a murder scheme when she asked him to shoot the dog for her. Emily was able to befriend an orphan young boy called Jimmy and the latter soon became Duke's new best friend and protector.
Eventually, the heroine is forced to ask the executor of the will ( the H, Lord Storm ) to break the terms of the will and just divide the diamonds among the parasitic relatives. This actually became a necessity after the attempts to murder the dog became too numerous. But Sir P was smarter than I thought because
The MC's get their HEA after Emily confronts Lord Storm about the conversation she'd heard between him and the vile John. The H apologizes and confirms his love for her in the sweetest, most emphatic manner:
“You could not…? Dammit, woman, I love you with my mind, my hands, my body, my very soul. And you put me through months of hell because you were too proud to ask for an explanation?” Emily looked at him wonderingly.
“I did not think I had it in my power to put you through any kind of misery. Oh, my love, if you only knew how ashamed I am of my birth, how you seemed too good for me. I felt you were ashamed of my birth.”
The hard lines of his face softened. He drew her gently into his arms and caressed the back of her neck, feeling the long shiver that ran down her body.
“I do not care anymore about your birth. I want you, Emily.”
Beaton, M. C.. Duke's Diamonds (Endearing Young Charms Book 1) (Kindle Locations 2169-2174). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
This is the hero, Lord Storm:
This is the heroine, Emily:
“Look well on us,” she said. “The mongrels have the diamonds!”
Duke lifted his black lips in a long slow grin while the diamonds blazed and flashed among the shaggy gold-and-black fur at his neck.
Beaton, M. C.. Duke's Diamonds (Endearing Young Charms Book 1) (Kindle Locations 861-864). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
There's a romantic storyline in this novel between the illegitimate heroine Emily and Lord Storm ( heir to an Earl ), but my attention was always primarily focused on Duke. This is Duke:
Duke is a funny looking, adorable, obnoxious, spoilt rotten, lazy, opinionated ( yes, dogs are capable of letting us know how they feel about certain stuff ) and vain mongrel dog. His owner is Sir Peregrine Manley who also happens to be the biological father of the heroine Emily. At the start of the story, Emily has been brought over from the orphanage, where she'd spent her entire life, to act as a servant and primary care provider for Duke ! That was hilarious ! The dog has his own servant ! Sir Peregrine is a sour old man who is dying and his dying wish is to have a lot of fun at the expense of his hateful and equally nasty relatives. Emily didn't know that she was his biological daughter until the reading of the will; he ended up leaving all his properties, his money and custody of Duke to Emily. He also included a rather mean legacy that's guaranteed to make poor Duke the victim of a lot of criminal murder attempts on his poor doggy life:
“‘My fortune in diamonds, with the exception of the Manley diamond collar, which goes to Emily Winters, I leave to—’”
“Yes. Yes!” said Harriet, her face thrust forward like a gargoyle.
“‘I leave to my dog Duke.’”
“What?” cried everyone in the room.
“‘On Duke’s death,’” continued Mr. Summers, “‘the diamonds will be divided equally among the following: my sister, Harriet; my brother, James; my cousin, Mrs. Clarissa Singleton; and my nieces, Fanny and Betty Kipling.’
Beaton, M. C.. Duke's Diamonds (Endearing Young Charms Book 1) (Kindle Locations 851-856). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
The pesky but lovable dog finds himself entangled in a lot of mischief because all of these other beneficiaries make numerous attempts to kill him, because they're so greedy for the diamonds. I honestly hated Sir P for putting such a clause in his will. If he had really loved his dog then he wouldn't have put the animal's life in such jeopardy. Emily finds herself in a quandary because she has to protect the dog and deal with her emotional feelings for the H, Lord Storm. The heroine eventually leaves with Duke to go stay with the lawyer's widowed sister in Bath and then the H decides to pursue her. They end up getting engaged but Emily calls off the engagement after she hears Lord Storm telling his friend John that the only reason he's marrying her is because they were found in a compromising situation.
There's much drama, chaos, conflict, comedy and bittersweet romance in this story. Lord Storm and Emily were both so proud that they ended up sabotaging their relationship because they're reluctant to communicate with each other. The heroine did stand up for herself against the evil relatives but the plot on Duke's life is further complicated after the H's friend John gets romantically involved with one of the villains, Mrs. Singleton. John had appeared to be a nice guy but he was also swayed by the greed for the diamonds; Mrs. Singleton got him involved in a murder scheme when she asked him to shoot the dog for her. Emily was able to befriend an orphan young boy called Jimmy and the latter soon became Duke's new best friend and protector.
Eventually, the heroine is forced to ask the executor of the will ( the H, Lord Storm ) to break the terms of the will and just divide the diamonds among the parasitic relatives. This actually became a necessity after the attempts to murder the dog became too numerous. But Sir P was smarter than I thought because
The MC's get their HEA after Emily confronts Lord Storm about the conversation she'd heard between him and the vile John. The H apologizes and confirms his love for her in the sweetest, most emphatic manner:
“You could not…? Dammit, woman, I love you with my mind, my hands, my body, my very soul. And you put me through months of hell because you were too proud to ask for an explanation?” Emily looked at him wonderingly.
“I did not think I had it in my power to put you through any kind of misery. Oh, my love, if you only knew how ashamed I am of my birth, how you seemed too good for me. I felt you were ashamed of my birth.”
The hard lines of his face softened. He drew her gently into his arms and caressed the back of her neck, feeling the long shiver that ran down her body.
“I do not care anymore about your birth. I want you, Emily.”
Beaton, M. C.. Duke's Diamonds (Endearing Young Charms Book 1) (Kindle Locations 2169-2174). RosettaBooks. Kindle Edition.
This is the hero, Lord Storm:
This is the heroine, Emily:
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 11, 2017
Another Charming read from Marion Chesney aka M. C. Beaton. This one featuring a large silly dog.
Just the kind of thing you need to unwind in the evening,
Just the kind of thing you need to unwind in the evening,
October 19, 2018
.
I normally find this author's work intriguing, but this series has not been compelling to me. This one just never piqued much of my interest.
I listened to the audio version of this book through Hoopla. The narrator, Lindy Nettleton, did a good job.
I liked some of the characters, but others were intolerable.
I found it difficult to identify with the characters in this book. The plot was odd, the characters never grew in depth, and the romance was not believable in the least.
It was clean, able to stand on its own and delivered a 'PG' rated H.E.A. at the conclusion.
I will be reading book #2, since I downloaded the first 3 books in anticipation of liking this series as much as this author's other works.
I normally find this author's work intriguing, but this series has not been compelling to me. This one just never piqued much of my interest.
I listened to the audio version of this book through Hoopla. The narrator, Lindy Nettleton, did a good job.
I liked some of the characters, but others were intolerable.
I found it difficult to identify with the characters in this book. The plot was odd, the characters never grew in depth, and the romance was not believable in the least.
It was clean, able to stand on its own and delivered a 'PG' rated H.E.A. at the conclusion.
I will be reading book #2, since I downloaded the first 3 books in anticipation of liking this series as much as this author's other works.
November 30, 2022
Quite amusing if a bit over the top.
The heroine is a poor orphan, rescued by Sir Peregrine to look after his beloved dog, Duke. It turns out she is his illegitimate daughter.
His relatives are very greedy and are mean to her. They cant wait for sir Peregrine to die so they can divide his estate amongst themselves.
The heroine meets the Hero, a neighbor of Sir P when he is invited to dinner. Since the heroine is very pretty, the Hero is immediately besotted. He feels bad that she is constantly humiliated by her relatives and tries to defend her. He knows she is concerned for her future and tries to set her up as his mistress. He knows she is illegitimate so, being an aristocrat, he cant offer marriage.
She is offended and refuses. The Hero is proud and not used to rejection, so he tries to forget her, but its a futile effort.
When Sir P dies, there is a reading of the will and his estate and most of his money is left to the heroine. He does have a notable collection of diamonds that he leaves to his dog duke. His other relatives can only inherit the diamonds upon the death of the dog. So now the heroine fears for the life of her pet since she knows how grasping and greedy the relatives are.
She is convinced to go to Bath and try to find a husband there. There are many cute scenes when she finds a young boy to look after Duke, and the boy and dog become best friends. Some of her nasty relatives find her in Bath and make trouble for her, but the Hero saves her from scandal.
He really is quite smitten even if he has be fighting against it. The young boy and rhe dog run away and the Hero helps the heroine try to find them. When they have to seek shelter from the rain the Hero suddenly cannot help himself anymore and proposes marriage. The heroine is happy to accept and they happily go back to Bath with the little boy and Duke.
However the heroine overhears something that convinces her that the Hero is marrying her under duress and breaks the engagement. Several months pass and other events happen before the misunderstanding is cleared up and they have their HEA.
A light and amusing read.
The heroine is a poor orphan, rescued by Sir Peregrine to look after his beloved dog, Duke. It turns out she is his illegitimate daughter.
His relatives are very greedy and are mean to her. They cant wait for sir Peregrine to die so they can divide his estate amongst themselves.
The heroine meets the Hero, a neighbor of Sir P when he is invited to dinner. Since the heroine is very pretty, the Hero is immediately besotted. He feels bad that she is constantly humiliated by her relatives and tries to defend her. He knows she is concerned for her future and tries to set her up as his mistress. He knows she is illegitimate so, being an aristocrat, he cant offer marriage.
She is offended and refuses. The Hero is proud and not used to rejection, so he tries to forget her, but its a futile effort.
When Sir P dies, there is a reading of the will and his estate and most of his money is left to the heroine. He does have a notable collection of diamonds that he leaves to his dog duke. His other relatives can only inherit the diamonds upon the death of the dog. So now the heroine fears for the life of her pet since she knows how grasping and greedy the relatives are.
She is convinced to go to Bath and try to find a husband there. There are many cute scenes when she finds a young boy to look after Duke, and the boy and dog become best friends. Some of her nasty relatives find her in Bath and make trouble for her, but the Hero saves her from scandal.
He really is quite smitten even if he has be fighting against it. The young boy and rhe dog run away and the Hero helps the heroine try to find them. When they have to seek shelter from the rain the Hero suddenly cannot help himself anymore and proposes marriage. The heroine is happy to accept and they happily go back to Bath with the little boy and Duke.
However the heroine overhears something that convinces her that the Hero is marrying her under duress and breaks the engagement. Several months pass and other events happen before the misunderstanding is cleared up and they have their HEA.
A light and amusing read.
Read
May 1, 2017DNF- This one didn't work for me.
August 14, 2024
Not crazy about the hero. First he forces himself on the heroine because in his little mind he thought she wanted him since everyone does. Then he doesn't want anything to do with her because she's illegitimate.
March 24, 2024
This book has a heroine that you really can "feel for her"! You become involved and enraged at her treatment immediately! She is plucked from an orphanage by a very rich man who has a fortune in diamonds and a very ugly (to strangers) DOG! He tells Emily that he picked her at "random" to come and live with him in his huge, rich house just by chance (not so) but it's only to take care of and guard his dog!
I have read many of this author's books and I love her inventiveness in various plots that are loaded with twists and turns! I have to admit that I think it could have been paced a bit faster--it seemed to take a lot of time and events for Emily to find her backbone. BUT you can understand with her upbringing WHY it takes her so long.
The hero and Emily both need to grow and become more adult and the "trip" they take to adult-hood and independence, is much fun. You even get to see the "nasty" people get their justice!
What a trip! ENJOY--I would recommend it.
I have read many of this author's books and I love her inventiveness in various plots that are loaded with twists and turns! I have to admit that I think it could have been paced a bit faster--it seemed to take a lot of time and events for Emily to find her backbone. BUT you can understand with her upbringing WHY it takes her so long.
The hero and Emily both need to grow and become more adult and the "trip" they take to adult-hood and independence, is much fun. You even get to see the "nasty" people get their justice!
What a trip! ENJOY--I would recommend it.
January 22, 2019
Nearly Heyer
Although no one can ever surpass the superb Georgette, this book comes closest to her wit, vivid description, and humor. Heyer's dogs are among the most charming of her characters. Duke and his central part in this wonderful story have made this my favorite of the many Beacons I have read.
Although no one can ever surpass the superb Georgette, this book comes closest to her wit, vivid description, and humor. Heyer's dogs are among the most charming of her characters. Duke and his central part in this wonderful story have made this my favorite of the many Beacons I have read.
July 29, 2022
NOTE: I did not listen to the Blackstone Audio CD—I listened to it in mp3 format on my smartphone. There is just no separate record for that format on GoodReads.
I was able to check out the audiobook via OverDrive, a company that licenses ebooks to local government public library systems in the U.S. Library card holders can then access thousands of audio- and ebooks free of charge via OverDrive’s “Libby” app for smartphone or tablet. Libby also supports Kindle, so you can read Kindle ebooks on Libby or on the free Kindle app.
If you live in the U.S., you probably have access to free audiobooks and ebooks—all you need is a library card, which is free to residents. You just need to go in person to your nearest public library and bring 1-2 pieces of cancelled US mail showing your name and address (e.g., utility bill), plus your official driver’s license (or other official ID) showing photo, name and address. That’s the only time you need to go in person if you’re only interested in reading ebooks or listening to mp3 audiobooks on your smartphone or e-reader device. After that, you can borrow and return digital books from your device, at least in metropolitan areas with a public library system large enough to offer digital materials. In states with vast rural areas, procedures will likely be different, but your state may still offer statewide remote access. Who knows. It’s definitely worth a phone call to your local government (city, county, or state) to ask.
Now to a review of the book itself. It is quite strange. After studying GoodReads records for this series, all I learned was that the GR database is an absolute mess. At least for this author who is, admittedly, more prolific than most. You’ll have to do some sleuthing yourself if you want to verify series details, because GoodReads is NO authority. Series names are truncated so severely that they’re meaningless (“Love”, “Royal”, etc.) This book is supposedly part of the “Royal” series, whatever that is. Despite having no royal characters. Beaton/Chesney doesn’t even tell us Bartholomew Storm’s title, just calls him “Lord Storm”. Judging from the sheer number of books Chesney has dashed off, I’d say she really didn’t care too much about such pesky details. Or assumed her readers didn’t.
There is definitely a comic element here—kind of a no-brainer given the star status assigned to the hound. But the humor is sporadic; more often than not, the story’s focus is on the challenges faced by our heroine, Miss Emily Winter—mainly from her hateful half-siblings. There is romance, but the 2 main characters do not express their true feelings until the very end. Typical, I suppose, for the entire romance genre as a whole.
My final criticism is that whoever created this and other GR records for Blackstone Audiobooks failed to include the narrator’s name. That’s awfully important, because quality varies widely. Especially in these older audio recordings. Fortunately, the narrator of this book—Lindy Nettleton —isn’t bad. That is sadly not the case for two other books in this Blackstone Audio series, where the narrator’s voice is so grating it’s painful to listen.
I was able to check out the audiobook via OverDrive, a company that licenses ebooks to local government public library systems in the U.S. Library card holders can then access thousands of audio- and ebooks free of charge via OverDrive’s “Libby” app for smartphone or tablet. Libby also supports Kindle, so you can read Kindle ebooks on Libby or on the free Kindle app.
If you live in the U.S., you probably have access to free audiobooks and ebooks—all you need is a library card, which is free to residents. You just need to go in person to your nearest public library and bring 1-2 pieces of cancelled US mail showing your name and address (e.g., utility bill), plus your official driver’s license (or other official ID) showing photo, name and address. That’s the only time you need to go in person if you’re only interested in reading ebooks or listening to mp3 audiobooks on your smartphone or e-reader device. After that, you can borrow and return digital books from your device, at least in metropolitan areas with a public library system large enough to offer digital materials. In states with vast rural areas, procedures will likely be different, but your state may still offer statewide remote access. Who knows. It’s definitely worth a phone call to your local government (city, county, or state) to ask.
Now to a review of the book itself. It is quite strange. After studying GoodReads records for this series, all I learned was that the GR database is an absolute mess. At least for this author who is, admittedly, more prolific than most. You’ll have to do some sleuthing yourself if you want to verify series details, because GoodReads is NO authority. Series names are truncated so severely that they’re meaningless (“Love”, “Royal”, etc.) This book is supposedly part of the “Royal” series, whatever that is. Despite having no royal characters. Beaton/Chesney doesn’t even tell us Bartholomew Storm’s title, just calls him “Lord Storm”. Judging from the sheer number of books Chesney has dashed off, I’d say she really didn’t care too much about such pesky details. Or assumed her readers didn’t.
There is definitely a comic element here—kind of a no-brainer given the star status assigned to the hound. But the humor is sporadic; more often than not, the story’s focus is on the challenges faced by our heroine, Miss Emily Winter—mainly from her hateful half-siblings. There is romance, but the 2 main characters do not express their true feelings until the very end. Typical, I suppose, for the entire romance genre as a whole.
My final criticism is that whoever created this and other GR records for Blackstone Audiobooks failed to include the narrator’s name. That’s awfully important, because quality varies widely. Especially in these older audio recordings. Fortunately, the narrator of this book—Lindy Nettleton —isn’t bad. That is sadly not the case for two other books in this Blackstone Audio series, where the narrator’s voice is so grating it’s painful to listen.
August 8, 2021
I actually listened to this as an audiobook from Chirp. I didn't add the edition, because there are currently too many editions listed. I always enjoy Chesney's romances, which stop short of being bodice-rippers and thus too fantastical to be believed. They tend to be short, so when I can find one at a good price, I snap it up. Chesney reminds me a lot of Georgette Heyer and even Jane Austen, if she were writing today. This story didn't disappoint.
June 25, 2024
While it was slower and less adventurous than her other books, I really enjoyed the dynamic and bickering between the couples. Loved the lightning fast dialogue and banter. Most of the background characters were not that fun though. And the twists and turns weren't as surprising as I'd hoped. Still, I liked Bart and Emily and their pining and since it's why I decided to read it in the first place I'm happy.
January 20, 2025
A 3.25 for this fun Regency romp with engaging characters and conversations. Seemed accurate to the time period and nice details of the gowns and accessories as well as a good handle of the speech patterns of the Regency era. Perhaps a bit more background of the main characters would have engaged the reader more.
October 21, 2020
The leading male was too overbearing and forceful. I did not care for the abuse of the dog or Jimmy, nor did I care for the lack of consent in some interactions. Overall, though, I liked the plot and the heroine. There was a perfect blend of humor, mystery, and romance as well.
December 5, 2021
Not crazy about the hero. First, he forces himself on the heroin because in his little mind he thought she wanted him since everyone does. Then he doesn't want anything to do with her because she's illegitimate.
April 10, 2023
Il tipico romanzo leggero di Marion Chesney, con i suoi personaggi bizzarri (a tratti grotteschi) e un intreccio che si annoda e snoda tra capricci e piccoli imprevisti.
Non uno dei più divertenti, ma accettabile.
Non uno dei più divertenti, ma accettabile.
January 6, 2026
Who dunnit Mystery and love story
Well. You know what's going to happen but the journey is well worth it. It's a bit intriguing to see the ins and outs of aristocracy and the poor, and devious minds. Plus, I LOVE dogs.
Well. You know what's going to happen but the journey is well worth it. It's a bit intriguing to see the ins and outs of aristocracy and the poor, and devious minds. Plus, I LOVE dogs.
December 2, 2018
Hilarious
July 31, 2021
Haven't read one of Marion Chesney's Regency novels for a while now and loved this one. As usual, lust and love, misunderstanding, back and forth, in love and out of love - just wonderful!
March 30, 2025
Amazing as always.
March 8, 2017
All that glitters is not gold
This is a wonderful story full of surprises. A rags to riches story about a girl who doesn't know her parents and is hired to care for a wealthy man's dog.
This is a wonderful story full of surprises. A rags to riches story about a girl who doesn't know her parents and is hired to care for a wealthy man's dog.
July 19, 2020
This is a hilarious tale of the orphanage brought up Emily who comes into Manley Court to take care of the mongrel Duke. Sir Peregrine's will however leaves all his property to Emily who is his natural daughter and his diamonds to Duke. As everyone who is supposed to inherit the diamonds will do so after Duke's death, Emily has a tough time trying to keep the dog safe. Meanwhile, the executer of Sir Peregrine's will, Lord Storm struggles with coming to grips with his attraction for an illegitimate woman, even as as he sees the folly in the conventions that put her beyond his reach.
second reading -
I gave this three stars the first time 'round but have changed my mind and now think the humour and wit are worth four stars. The trick that Sir Manley plays on his grasping family is marvellous. I love that not only does do something wonderful for his natural daughter but also for other fallen women like the woman who bore him his Emily. I think the greed of the family is reminiscent of my own. I am not rich at the moment, but if something happened and I suddenly became wealthy, I'd have family coming out of my ears, all the silence of these many years completely forgotten.
second reading -
I gave this three stars the first time 'round but have changed my mind and now think the humour and wit are worth four stars. The trick that Sir Manley plays on his grasping family is marvellous. I love that not only does do something wonderful for his natural daughter but also for other fallen women like the woman who bore him his Emily. I think the greed of the family is reminiscent of my own. I am not rich at the moment, but if something happened and I suddenly became wealthy, I'd have family coming out of my ears, all the silence of these many years completely forgotten.
October 27, 2013
Duke is an unattractive mongrel dog. Emily Winters has been taken in by the obnoxious Sir Peregrine to look after the disreputable hound. When Duke is left a fortune in diamonds on his master’s death he soon runs the risk of an untimely death and Emily must protect him.
There are some singularly unpleasant characters in this entertaining light Regency romance. Sir Peregrine’s relatives are as unpleasant and malicious as he is himself. But there are lovable characters too including Emily herself, the dog Duke and the small boy, Jimmy who soon becomes attached to the dog.
An enjoyable read if you like Regency romances which are not too taxing and give you the feel good factor.
There are some singularly unpleasant characters in this entertaining light Regency romance. Sir Peregrine’s relatives are as unpleasant and malicious as he is himself. But there are lovable characters too including Emily herself, the dog Duke and the small boy, Jimmy who soon becomes attached to the dog.
An enjoyable read if you like Regency romances which are not too taxing and give you the feel good factor.
December 30, 2013
There were parts that were cute, and considering this was written in the 80s, I'm exceedingly impressed with how much I liked Emily's character.
My main problem was the abrupt turnaround of the H's feelings. It was all too quick.
It was OK, a super-quick read, but I don't know that the style works for me.
My main problem was the abrupt turnaround of the H's feelings. It was all too quick.
It was OK, a super-quick read, but I don't know that the style works for me.
February 2, 2014
I love these Regency novels and devour them. Just like a lovely box of chocolates they are delicious and satisfying, making you feel good all over. The characters are all different and well-drawn and the story, although following the Regency Romance formula, is so full of surprises and unique story scenarios that they are all different, delectable morsels you can't resist.
December 13, 2015
A very cute read with an extremely frustrating H. A couple of times I wanted someone to yell at him to pull his head out of his ass. Also, the time frame didn't work for me. It seemed like to much time passed between the H & h seeing each other.
January 13, 2009
Duke's a dog. Very funny.
August 17, 2013
Chesney's writing style doesn't appeal to me at all.
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