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Victorian Outcasts #1
Taming the Savage Duke
Maddie doesn’t have dreams. She has plans.
Finally, after weeks of hard work, the painting she’s going to present to the Royal Women’s Academy of Art is finished. The next step? She’ll get a fellowship to study at the academy, become one of the few female artists in the British Empire, and live happily ever after.
Her mother abhors the idea of her daughter being an artist—how vulgar! But the fellowship will grant six thousand pounds per year to Maddie.
When eccentric Lord Hector ruins her precious painting and injures her hand—by accident, of course—she’s furious at first, distraught later. She lost the opportunity to receive the fellowship and maybe ever paint again because of Hector’s clumsiness.
Mortified, he promises to make amends after he returns from his trip to the Amazonian Forest. Botany is his passion, and as the brother of the Duke of Blackburn, he has the money and support to pursue his dream. Money he’ll share with Maddie to help her become a painter.
Not feeling particularly optimistic after being injured and witnessing her painting being destroyed, Maddie wishes to never see him again. Her wish is granted when his ship sinks in the middle of the ocean during a storm, and he’s pronounced dead.
Eight years later, an ocean liner rescues him. Hector spent those years on a secluded island alone, hunting, fishing, and fighting against wild primates. In the meantime, his brother died, and the dukedom passed to his cousin, who has no intention of yielding it to a demented, savage man with a baboon’s manners.
Maddie is the only person Hector trusts and confides in. Appalled by his cousin’s brutal treatment of the employees at the family’s factory, he’s determined to claim the title and help those workers, but first, he has to prove he’s in full possession of his mental capabilities. Maddie takes on the daunting chore of reintroducing the wild quasi-duke into society. If she succeeds, Hector, once he’s the Duke of Blackburn, will help her realise her dream.
Finally, after weeks of hard work, the painting she’s going to present to the Royal Women’s Academy of Art is finished. The next step? She’ll get a fellowship to study at the academy, become one of the few female artists in the British Empire, and live happily ever after.
Her mother abhors the idea of her daughter being an artist—how vulgar! But the fellowship will grant six thousand pounds per year to Maddie.
When eccentric Lord Hector ruins her precious painting and injures her hand—by accident, of course—she’s furious at first, distraught later. She lost the opportunity to receive the fellowship and maybe ever paint again because of Hector’s clumsiness.
Mortified, he promises to make amends after he returns from his trip to the Amazonian Forest. Botany is his passion, and as the brother of the Duke of Blackburn, he has the money and support to pursue his dream. Money he’ll share with Maddie to help her become a painter.
Not feeling particularly optimistic after being injured and witnessing her painting being destroyed, Maddie wishes to never see him again. Her wish is granted when his ship sinks in the middle of the ocean during a storm, and he’s pronounced dead.
Eight years later, an ocean liner rescues him. Hector spent those years on a secluded island alone, hunting, fishing, and fighting against wild primates. In the meantime, his brother died, and the dukedom passed to his cousin, who has no intention of yielding it to a demented, savage man with a baboon’s manners.
Maddie is the only person Hector trusts and confides in. Appalled by his cousin’s brutal treatment of the employees at the family’s factory, he’s determined to claim the title and help those workers, but first, he has to prove he’s in full possession of his mental capabilities. Maddie takes on the daunting chore of reintroducing the wild quasi-duke into society. If she succeeds, Hector, once he’s the Duke of Blackburn, will help her realise her dream.
285 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 12, 2023
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 63 reviews
December 9, 2023
Miracles and contrivances!
All Madeline Debenham dreamed of and worked towards was being accepted by the Royal Women’s Academy of the Arts. To be able to paint! An eminent painter Mrs Blanchard was willing to look at her work!
All Hector Wentworth (brother to the Duke of Blackburn), wanted was to become a member of the Royal Botanic Society and join a scientific expedition to South America.
When Maddie’s dream is shattered through an injury caused by Hector she’s left weak and hardly able to hold a brush. That’s a tall tale indeed. Plausible in a strangely earnest way.
By this time I was ropable. Maddie’s dream is dead in the water but she bravely deigns to forgive Hector and send him off to follow his dream! What!! Of course he fails to return. Meanwhile tragedy strikes the Wentworth family and a new heir is waiting in the wings.
Many years later on the way back from a trip to the Bahamas, Maddie sights a raft and sounds the alarm
That’s right, Hector is the raft’s occupant!
What are the odds? Well the situation is being revealed from the pen of the author so all bets are off!
However this is a stretch too far for me.
What with Hector being now shunned by society, and Maddie helping to try to reclaim Hector’s rightful place and inheritance, I found it way too contrived.
There’s so much going on I was dizzy.
And let’s not even talk about Maddie’s mother!!
Still, contrivances aside, suspend all cynicism and this is a pleasing read to while away a couple of hours.
An Oliver-Herber ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
All Madeline Debenham dreamed of and worked towards was being accepted by the Royal Women’s Academy of the Arts. To be able to paint! An eminent painter Mrs Blanchard was willing to look at her work!
All Hector Wentworth (brother to the Duke of Blackburn), wanted was to become a member of the Royal Botanic Society and join a scientific expedition to South America.
When Maddie’s dream is shattered through an injury caused by Hector she’s left weak and hardly able to hold a brush. That’s a tall tale indeed. Plausible in a strangely earnest way.
By this time I was ropable. Maddie’s dream is dead in the water but she bravely deigns to forgive Hector and send him off to follow his dream! What!! Of course he fails to return. Meanwhile tragedy strikes the Wentworth family and a new heir is waiting in the wings.
Many years later on the way back from a trip to the Bahamas, Maddie sights a raft and sounds the alarm
That’s right, Hector is the raft’s occupant!
What are the odds? Well the situation is being revealed from the pen of the author so all bets are off!
However this is a stretch too far for me.
What with Hector being now shunned by society, and Maddie helping to try to reclaim Hector’s rightful place and inheritance, I found it way too contrived.
There’s so much going on I was dizzy.
And let’s not even talk about Maddie’s mother!!
Still, contrivances aside, suspend all cynicism and this is a pleasing read to while away a couple of hours.
An Oliver-Herber ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)
December 6, 2023
Taming the Savage Duke by Barbara Russell doesn't shy away from difficult subjects. Maddie is injured when Hector falls into her room. His rash actions injure her hand and destroy her painting. This prevents her from attending the Royal Women's Art Academy via a fellowship. Hector and his brother, Robert, the Duke of Blackburn, vow to make amends.
Hector joins a botany expedition to the Amazon and is lost at sea. Eight years later, he is rescued and returns to England to resume his previous life. His brother and mother are both dead, and his evil cousin, Quentin, is the duke.
Hector was alone on a deserted island and no longer remembers how to behave in a civilized manner. He frightens everyone except Maddie. Maddie agrees to tame him so he can fulfill his role of Duke. His cousin is not willing to relinquish his position and accuses Hector of being savage and mentally unbalanced.
Maddie and Hector must work together to show his fitness.
The author provides accurate descriptions of flashbacks and the resulting behavior a survivor might display. Maddie and her sister, however, behave in anachronistic, unbelievable ways.
Without providing spoilers, the use of modern mores in Victorian society peers is jarring and unrealistic at best.
I would have given the book 4.5 stars, but the complete disregard for the era's repressive constraints prevented this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hector joins a botany expedition to the Amazon and is lost at sea. Eight years later, he is rescued and returns to England to resume his previous life. His brother and mother are both dead, and his evil cousin, Quentin, is the duke.
Hector was alone on a deserted island and no longer remembers how to behave in a civilized manner. He frightens everyone except Maddie. Maddie agrees to tame him so he can fulfill his role of Duke. His cousin is not willing to relinquish his position and accuses Hector of being savage and mentally unbalanced.
Maddie and Hector must work together to show his fitness.
The author provides accurate descriptions of flashbacks and the resulting behavior a survivor might display. Maddie and her sister, however, behave in anachronistic, unbelievable ways.
Without providing spoilers, the use of modern mores in Victorian society peers is jarring and unrealistic at best.
I would have given the book 4.5 stars, but the complete disregard for the era's repressive constraints prevented this.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
May 30, 2026
the premise is so unique!! i loved the pacing of this as it was easy to follow along with and the relationship forming between the two characters was so easy and natural. beautifully written!!
November 4, 2023
This is a book about two very different people who are quite alike. Maddie and Hector both dream big. Maddie wants to be an artist and paint beautiful paintings, despite her mother disapproving. She hopes to score a scholarship and earn a living by painting. Hector is a botanist and wants to join the horticulture society. So they are a bit alike in trying to pursue their goal. Unfortunately, time is of the essence in Hector’s case so when he spots a rare plant that will put him on the map with the horticultural society, he climbs a wall to get close to the plant but crashes through the window and permanently damages Maddie’s hand, and crushes her dream. Hector is devastated about this and wants to make amends, but while traveling for the horticultural society, his ship sinks and he is presumed dead. Eight years later, Maddie (of all people) is on a ship herself, when she spots a man on a raft: Hector. So their story together continues, with Maddie trying to take care of this man who seems estranged from society and who’s family has died. The plot evolves around Hector’s cousin, who inherited the title of duke, along with all the wealth and perks, and he wasn’t willing to give that all up without a fight.
Hector has a hard time connecting with people, sounds, even clothing, which seemed odd to me. I would understand that a man who lived on a deserted island for eight years would find the restrictions of society to be stifling, which might make him wearing a loose cravat or have his hair a bit more unkept, be a little more unpolished. But I wouldn’t expect such a man preferring to go without clothes, shoes and preferring to avoid people. He was also easily startled, jolted when somebody put his cup on the saucer. It felt a bit farfetched for a nobleman who grew up in society, to feel ‘constricted’ by wearing shoes and clothes, and be scared to be around groups of people and lots of noises. This made the main character seem a bit weak and over sensitive, where I would have preferred a stronger man, who because of what he went through had learned what mattered in life and what does not, and who had a clear view on what he wanted and what not. That would have been appealing and very sexy. Maddie was a sweet girl, trying to take care of him, but equally not a very strong character. But their flaws made it even more necessary to overcome road blocks like Maddie’s cruel mother, Hector’s selfish and greedy cousin, and fight for what is right and for each other.
I can definitely see how this book could be great, and I’m sure it is a book that many will enjoy.
Thank you Netgalley, Barbara Russell and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Hector has a hard time connecting with people, sounds, even clothing, which seemed odd to me. I would understand that a man who lived on a deserted island for eight years would find the restrictions of society to be stifling, which might make him wearing a loose cravat or have his hair a bit more unkept, be a little more unpolished. But I wouldn’t expect such a man preferring to go without clothes, shoes and preferring to avoid people. He was also easily startled, jolted when somebody put his cup on the saucer. It felt a bit farfetched for a nobleman who grew up in society, to feel ‘constricted’ by wearing shoes and clothes, and be scared to be around groups of people and lots of noises. This made the main character seem a bit weak and over sensitive, where I would have preferred a stronger man, who because of what he went through had learned what mattered in life and what does not, and who had a clear view on what he wanted and what not. That would have been appealing and very sexy. Maddie was a sweet girl, trying to take care of him, but equally not a very strong character. But their flaws made it even more necessary to overcome road blocks like Maddie’s cruel mother, Hector’s selfish and greedy cousin, and fight for what is right and for each other.
I can definitely see how this book could be great, and I’m sure it is a book that many will enjoy.
Thank you Netgalley, Barbara Russell and the publisher for providing an advanced copy of this book in exchange for my honest opinion. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 4, 2023
Taming the Savage Duke has a *chef's kiss* premise. Like, the first few chapters are SO GOOD and I was shaking my head at how perfectly Russell wove that set up. I liked Maddie's introduction and set up: her passion for painting, her horrible mother, and then the accident that changes everything. Hector's introduction was not as smooth, but he had more obvious growing to do as a character, so it worked. The setup chapters dragged on a little TOO long, but it they worked.
Maddie and Hector's reunion was also pitch-perfectly written. I loved their re-introduction.
I already downloaded one of Russell's older, paranormal fiction books to see how this one holds up against what is clearly her more prolific genre. If nothing else, I am intrigued!
Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.
Maddie and Hector's reunion was also pitch-perfectly written. I loved their re-introduction.
I already downloaded one of Russell's older, paranormal fiction books to see how this one holds up against what is clearly her more prolific genre. If nothing else, I am intrigued!
Thanks to NetGalley and Oliver Heber Books for the ebook ARC. All opinions are mine alone.
December 22, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this book and this is my freely given opinion.
This is my first time reading something from this author and I quite enjoyed this book. I liked the interesting characters, how they developed and their relationships with each other. This was a slow burn development of the romance, and there was a lot of development of the background story. But it made for a rich story, that I enjoyed.
The story starts in 1880, when Maddie Debenham, a young debutante, is close to realizing her dream of becoming an artist, through meeting her idol and hopefully future mentor, acclaimed female artist Bridget Blanchet, and showing her Maddie's own art. Her dreams are dashed when Lord Hector Wentworth literally crashes through her window, destroying her canvas and severely injuring her arm. Lord Hector is a socially awkward botanist and younger brother of the Duke of Blackburn. He was seeking to harvest a rare specimen of a plant growing wild against the home of Maddie, but too impatient to go through proper social channels as his brother encouraged him to do. This is a highly damaging and embarrassing meet cute for Hector and Maddie, and not the stuff of romance. Especially considering how severe the damage was to her arm, which subsequently became severely infected, endangering her life. Hector and his family, feeling guilt and responsibility for her injury and illness, become closer to her and her family, repairing what they could, arranging for her health care, and developing a friendship with her. Hector even considers marriage to Maddie, which Maddie refuses, not wanting a marriage based on guilt. Instead, she encourages Hector to pursue his dreams - especially as her own have been dashed. He finally decides to do as she asks, and goes on an adventure, joining a research expedition to the Amazon.
Unfortunately, the news returns to England that his ship is destroyed on the ocean and there were no survivors. Unfortunately the Wentworth family suffers greatly in the years afterwards, with Robert, the Duke, convinced that Hector was still alive, and in his attempts to find him, falling ill and dying, and then their mother dying shortly after both her sons.
Eight years after Hector's failed trip, Maddie and her family are cruising in the Caribbean when she spies a man adrift on a raft. She alerts the sailors to a man overboard and he is saved. After being seen by a doctor on board, the strange man identifies himself as Hector Wentworth and asks to meet the woman who saved him, when he finds out it was his friend, Maddie.
Hector was the only survivor, managing to be washed ashore on an island, and managing to survive for years, foraging for food, and fighting off the native primates. Over time, he sees ships in the distance and figured out their pattern of passage, finally developing a plan and the bravery to set off on a raft to try to intercept one of the ships to be saved. He is shocked to find out how much has changed in the mean time, including the loss of his beloved brother and mother. During those 8 years of being alone and focused solely on his survival, Hector has lost what social manners he had. When he returns and finds that his cousin Quentin has taken over the Dukedom, on the presumption of being the heir, Hector just tries to fit back in and gain back some of himself. However, it comes to light that Quentin is a corrupt, and unjust manager of the Duchy and Hector is encouraged to challenge him and take Hector's rightful place as the heir. But he faces as uphill battle, as he is labeled as being a savage and unfit to be Duke.
Maddie reestablishes her friendship with him, and helps him reacclimate to being in Society, encouraging him. They grow closer, and their friendship becomes attraction and love, as they work against Quentin and his plots to undermine Hector and keep the Dukedom.
This is a very slow burn romance that brews very slowly, but I really enjoyed the back story to Hector and Maddie, and then the reestablishment of their friendship and it's development to more. I felt this was a well told story for the most part with richly developed, interesting characters. I do feel that the ending may have been a bit too short in that it did not really resolve Maddie's dreams, though the HEA and her hopes of meeting her dreams are implied.
3.75 stars out of 5
This is my first time reading something from this author and I quite enjoyed this book. I liked the interesting characters, how they developed and their relationships with each other. This was a slow burn development of the romance, and there was a lot of development of the background story. But it made for a rich story, that I enjoyed.
The story starts in 1880, when Maddie Debenham, a young debutante, is close to realizing her dream of becoming an artist, through meeting her idol and hopefully future mentor, acclaimed female artist Bridget Blanchet, and showing her Maddie's own art. Her dreams are dashed when Lord Hector Wentworth literally crashes through her window, destroying her canvas and severely injuring her arm. Lord Hector is a socially awkward botanist and younger brother of the Duke of Blackburn. He was seeking to harvest a rare specimen of a plant growing wild against the home of Maddie, but too impatient to go through proper social channels as his brother encouraged him to do. This is a highly damaging and embarrassing meet cute for Hector and Maddie, and not the stuff of romance. Especially considering how severe the damage was to her arm, which subsequently became severely infected, endangering her life. Hector and his family, feeling guilt and responsibility for her injury and illness, become closer to her and her family, repairing what they could, arranging for her health care, and developing a friendship with her. Hector even considers marriage to Maddie, which Maddie refuses, not wanting a marriage based on guilt. Instead, she encourages Hector to pursue his dreams - especially as her own have been dashed. He finally decides to do as she asks, and goes on an adventure, joining a research expedition to the Amazon.
Unfortunately, the news returns to England that his ship is destroyed on the ocean and there were no survivors. Unfortunately the Wentworth family suffers greatly in the years afterwards, with Robert, the Duke, convinced that Hector was still alive, and in his attempts to find him, falling ill and dying, and then their mother dying shortly after both her sons.
Eight years after Hector's failed trip, Maddie and her family are cruising in the Caribbean when she spies a man adrift on a raft. She alerts the sailors to a man overboard and he is saved. After being seen by a doctor on board, the strange man identifies himself as Hector Wentworth and asks to meet the woman who saved him, when he finds out it was his friend, Maddie.
Hector was the only survivor, managing to be washed ashore on an island, and managing to survive for years, foraging for food, and fighting off the native primates. Over time, he sees ships in the distance and figured out their pattern of passage, finally developing a plan and the bravery to set off on a raft to try to intercept one of the ships to be saved. He is shocked to find out how much has changed in the mean time, including the loss of his beloved brother and mother. During those 8 years of being alone and focused solely on his survival, Hector has lost what social manners he had. When he returns and finds that his cousin Quentin has taken over the Dukedom, on the presumption of being the heir, Hector just tries to fit back in and gain back some of himself. However, it comes to light that Quentin is a corrupt, and unjust manager of the Duchy and Hector is encouraged to challenge him and take Hector's rightful place as the heir. But he faces as uphill battle, as he is labeled as being a savage and unfit to be Duke.
Maddie reestablishes her friendship with him, and helps him reacclimate to being in Society, encouraging him. They grow closer, and their friendship becomes attraction and love, as they work against Quentin and his plots to undermine Hector and keep the Dukedom.
This is a very slow burn romance that brews very slowly, but I really enjoyed the back story to Hector and Maddie, and then the reestablishment of their friendship and it's development to more. I felt this was a well told story for the most part with richly developed, interesting characters. I do feel that the ending may have been a bit too short in that it did not really resolve Maddie's dreams, though the HEA and her hopes of meeting her dreams are implied.
3.75 stars out of 5
December 10, 2023
Member Review

Taming the Savage Duke
by Barbara Russell
Pub Date: 12 Dec 2023
Review by
Brita C, Reviewer
Last updated on 17 Nov 2023
I loved, loved, loved this story. I haven't said that in a very long time.
Maddie, a burgeoning artist, is looking forward to meeting her mentor as well as meeting her mentor. She is also trying to attend an art academy. Her controlling mother is practically emotionally abusive, and tells her no when Maddie asks for the cost to attend. Her mother proceeds to mock her talent, and finds her mother has been reading the correspondence letters she has been sharing with her mentor, Mrs. Blanchet. Maddie goes back to her painting to make final changes to submit to the National Art Gallery.
Hector, the brother to a Duke and a botany enthusiast, spies a rare plant outside her window when he sees her painting. When he tries to get a sample, the Duke tells him he has to follow society's rules, and send a letter of introduction, request an audience, and ask for permission. Unfortunately, Hector is too impatient because he needs the sample to show the society, and leave on an expedition to the Amazon for studying native plants and the like. Unfortunately, he falls through Maddie's window, breaks the window, destroys her painting, and causes serious injury to her hand, her painting hand. After helping repair the window, he visits almost daily to check on her, and spend time with her as well. Out of guilt and feeling responsibility for her, he proposes. She declines, and urges him to go on the expedition.
Eight years later, Maddie, her mother, and her sister are on a ship going back to London from the Bahamas. Noticing a man on a raft, Maddie ensures his rescue. After eight years without seeing another human, he is terrified of anyone except Maddie because he trusted her from their past relationship.
While on the ship, he finds out his brother and mother are both dead. Maddie's mother told him in the most cruel way. Upon his arrival, he is greeted by his cousin, Quentin, who has taken the role of Duke, and refuses to give up the title by any means necessary to keep it. I can only describe him as sleazy in every single way.
Before he left, Hector was kind of cluleless about the rules of society. Having lived alone in the jungle for 8 years, Hector is finding it difficult to acclimate back into society, but is helped by Maddie, the only person he trusts, and with whom he falls deeply in love. (NOT a spoiler. It's quite obvious). He is also helped by his late brother's solicitor and fiancé, Verity, who happens to be Maddie's sister.
Many obstacles are in the way for Hector to become the Duke his brother wanted to be.
This was a very, very enjoyable story. I could feel a real connection between Maddie and Hector. They knew each other on a platonic level before he left on his expedition, and after their experiences over the last eight years they begin to really know each other. They bond because of both their experiences and changes. Their love story grows slowly, and each finds their way to each other's hearts.
I did get a little confused regarding some of the artisitc terms used in the story. As a mere peasant in the art workd, I had to look up the terms. Why wouldn't Maddie still meet Mrs. Blanchet? Was it because Maddie became very ill? She was so important to Maddie, I felt like she just completely dropped out of the book.
Her mother was just awful, and written beautifully to convey that. While she did do one right thing, it was more for herself. I would have to say the same of Quentin.
While I did like the solicitor/fiancé of Maddie's sister, and really liked that he was determined to make things right, he bothered me a little. While considered them friends of a sort, he wasn't very patient or considerate of Hector and what had happened the past eight years.
I was amused there was definitely a "hint" of something that would be very important to the story.
I will definitely, most definitely suggest my friends purchase this. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't stop.
Heat level was an Oooohhh my, and very descriptive. The scenes were well written, and well placed too. This is definitely written for a mature audience.
Have I mentioned how much I loved this story?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

Taming the Savage Duke
by Barbara Russell
Pub Date: 12 Dec 2023
Review by
Brita C, Reviewer
Last updated on 17 Nov 2023
I loved, loved, loved this story. I haven't said that in a very long time.
Maddie, a burgeoning artist, is looking forward to meeting her mentor as well as meeting her mentor. She is also trying to attend an art academy. Her controlling mother is practically emotionally abusive, and tells her no when Maddie asks for the cost to attend. Her mother proceeds to mock her talent, and finds her mother has been reading the correspondence letters she has been sharing with her mentor, Mrs. Blanchet. Maddie goes back to her painting to make final changes to submit to the National Art Gallery.
Hector, the brother to a Duke and a botany enthusiast, spies a rare plant outside her window when he sees her painting. When he tries to get a sample, the Duke tells him he has to follow society's rules, and send a letter of introduction, request an audience, and ask for permission. Unfortunately, Hector is too impatient because he needs the sample to show the society, and leave on an expedition to the Amazon for studying native plants and the like. Unfortunately, he falls through Maddie's window, breaks the window, destroys her painting, and causes serious injury to her hand, her painting hand. After helping repair the window, he visits almost daily to check on her, and spend time with her as well. Out of guilt and feeling responsibility for her, he proposes. She declines, and urges him to go on the expedition.
Eight years later, Maddie, her mother, and her sister are on a ship going back to London from the Bahamas. Noticing a man on a raft, Maddie ensures his rescue. After eight years without seeing another human, he is terrified of anyone except Maddie because he trusted her from their past relationship.
While on the ship, he finds out his brother and mother are both dead. Maddie's mother told him in the most cruel way. Upon his arrival, he is greeted by his cousin, Quentin, who has taken the role of Duke, and refuses to give up the title by any means necessary to keep it. I can only describe him as sleazy in every single way.
Before he left, Hector was kind of cluleless about the rules of society. Having lived alone in the jungle for 8 years, Hector is finding it difficult to acclimate back into society, but is helped by Maddie, the only person he trusts, and with whom he falls deeply in love. (NOT a spoiler. It's quite obvious). He is also helped by his late brother's solicitor and fiancé, Verity, who happens to be Maddie's sister.
Many obstacles are in the way for Hector to become the Duke his brother wanted to be.
This was a very, very enjoyable story. I could feel a real connection between Maddie and Hector. They knew each other on a platonic level before he left on his expedition, and after their experiences over the last eight years they begin to really know each other. They bond because of both their experiences and changes. Their love story grows slowly, and each finds their way to each other's hearts.
I did get a little confused regarding some of the artisitc terms used in the story. As a mere peasant in the art workd, I had to look up the terms. Why wouldn't Maddie still meet Mrs. Blanchet? Was it because Maddie became very ill? She was so important to Maddie, I felt like she just completely dropped out of the book.
Her mother was just awful, and written beautifully to convey that. While she did do one right thing, it was more for herself. I would have to say the same of Quentin.
While I did like the solicitor/fiancé of Maddie's sister, and really liked that he was determined to make things right, he bothered me a little. While considered them friends of a sort, he wasn't very patient or considerate of Hector and what had happened the past eight years.
I was amused there was definitely a "hint" of something that would be very important to the story.
I will definitely, most definitely suggest my friends purchase this. I read it in one sitting. I couldn't stop.
Heat level was an Oooohhh my, and very descriptive. The scenes were well written, and well placed too. This is definitely written for a mature audience.
Have I mentioned how much I loved this story?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 12, 2023
This story is about a couple that gets a second chance to get to know each other and fall in love. Maddie and Hector did not meet for the first time under the best of circumstances. As characters they are both super focused on their specific areas of interests. The plot is interesting and moves at a steady pace. There are no surprises that develop as the couple gets their happily ever after.
December 12, 2023
Madeline Debenham is just days away from realizing her dream of not only meeting her idol, artist Bridget Blanchet and if Bridget likes her work, she will help Maddie receive a full fellowship to the Royal Women’s Art Academy, which includes a stipend of six thousand pounds per year, which would give her freedom from her domineering mother. But when Lord Hector Wentworth, the younger brother of the Duke of Blackburn, crashes through her bedroom window and ruins her dreams. With her painting destroyed and her hand injured, Maddie is at first angry, but eventually comes to terms with it and even forgives Hector. Hector feels horrible about what happened and offers to help Maddie, he offers marriage, which Maddie declines, and then he promises to help her become independent. She agrees to accept his help and even encourages him to go on the expedition that started this mess. He agrees to go, telling her that when he returns in a year, he will make good on his promises. But sadly, his ship is lost in a storm, just days after leaving and Hector is declared lost. Eight years later, while returning from a visit to the Bahamas with her sister Verity and her mother, Maddie spies a man on a raft in the water and raises the alarm. To her utter shock, it is Hector, and has changed a lot from the sweet, young man she knew. But she can’t help but feel protective of him and promises to help him reacclimate to civilization.
Lord Hector Wentworth’s world has turned upside down, not only has he been shipwrecked on a deserted island for eight long years, where he had to struggle to live, having to find food, and shelter, battle loneliness, and survive against aggressive primates. But being rescued has its own struggles, primarily dealing with the death of his brother and mother, and learning how to function in society. Hector is no longer the starry-eyed young man who was consumed by his love of botany, now he is flinching at noise, feeling chafed by wearing shoes and clothes, and seems to have forgotten even the most basic of manners. So he clings to Maddie like a lifeline, needing her to help him find his way, especially when they return to London and he has to fight to regain his life, title, and sanity.
This was an interesting story with a strong “Castaway” vibe, but thankfully for Hector and Maddie, it has a happier ending. I wanted to love the book, but the first half of the story was so contrived and unbelievable that I almost quit reading, but once they returned to London the story changed and then there was so much going on that I almost lost sight of Maddie and Hector’s romance. The story has great characters, tears, mean mothers, nasty cousins, warmish love scenes, blackmail, racy photos, art thieves, a bit of heartache, and finally a HEA. Overall, the book held my attention and had the makings of a great story, but for me, it was just OK, not bad, but not a keeper. This is the first book in what appears to be a new series, and since this is a new to me author, I will definitely give the next book a try.
3 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
Lord Hector Wentworth’s world has turned upside down, not only has he been shipwrecked on a deserted island for eight long years, where he had to struggle to live, having to find food, and shelter, battle loneliness, and survive against aggressive primates. But being rescued has its own struggles, primarily dealing with the death of his brother and mother, and learning how to function in society. Hector is no longer the starry-eyed young man who was consumed by his love of botany, now he is flinching at noise, feeling chafed by wearing shoes and clothes, and seems to have forgotten even the most basic of manners. So he clings to Maddie like a lifeline, needing her to help him find his way, especially when they return to London and he has to fight to regain his life, title, and sanity.
This was an interesting story with a strong “Castaway” vibe, but thankfully for Hector and Maddie, it has a happier ending. I wanted to love the book, but the first half of the story was so contrived and unbelievable that I almost quit reading, but once they returned to London the story changed and then there was so much going on that I almost lost sight of Maddie and Hector’s romance. The story has great characters, tears, mean mothers, nasty cousins, warmish love scenes, blackmail, racy photos, art thieves, a bit of heartache, and finally a HEA. Overall, the book held my attention and had the makings of a great story, but for me, it was just OK, not bad, but not a keeper. This is the first book in what appears to be a new series, and since this is a new to me author, I will definitely give the next book a try.
3 stars
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by the publisher. All opinions in this review are my own.*
June 23, 2025
I enjoyed this one, regency romance is always a hit for me <3
What I liked:
- I loved how Hector is first described. He sounded like an overzealous golden retriever who needed to prove himself. A bit reckless but with a good heart.
- I was sad that we couldn't see more of Maddie's painting life before she was injured, but then, later, the way it is described, how her injury affected her muscles, and even then, she never gave up on her passion, was good!
- I loved seeing Hector eight years later. The author did a good job about him being half wild, climbing trees, walking with no shoes, feeling the snow while naked, how the sounds and busy London were overwhelming, and how the water made him feel like he was back at the sea, lost. It didn't feel rushed to be 'fixed,' and he was still considered a strong person, surviving such an ordeal and coming back home to find his life changed, his family gone, and his mother's home no longer with her items.
- I loved how Maddie would draw Hector, taking a bit of his 'soul'.
- I loved how Hector looked at Maddie's drawing and saw her being so talented.
- I loved how Hector loved his family, his brother Robert, who didn't give up on finding Hector and his mother, who lost both children and passed away, thinking Hector had also died.
- I liked Maddie and Verity's interaction. Both strong and smart.
What I hated or felt the author left out without tying up the end:
- Maddie's mom was such a nasty person to everyone, including her daughters. She was nasty and mean, and I wish that in the end, she would have been shunned and put in her place.
- I wish the author had thrown Quentin and Anabelle in jail because they both deserved it.
- I wish the author had included some type of justice for Frances for what Quentin did.
- I wish Maddie had published that book with Hector's findings (unless I missed this?)
- What happened with Hector's book of his memories at the end? He would take care of it with great care, but for what?
- I didn't like how Ernest was ready to throw Maddie's reputation under the bus for the protection of the factory workers, but needed time when it was revealed that it was Verity's pictures.
- Quentin should've gone to jail for not allowing Hector's mother to rest with her family.
The entire thing could've been resolved if they were smarter in some of their actions but oh well, it was a book not real life :D
Overall, it was a fun read. I think the romance should have been better developed, but it was still a fun read with great moments.
What I liked:
- I loved how Hector is first described. He sounded like an overzealous golden retriever who needed to prove himself. A bit reckless but with a good heart.
- I was sad that we couldn't see more of Maddie's painting life before she was injured, but then, later, the way it is described, how her injury affected her muscles, and even then, she never gave up on her passion, was good!
- I loved seeing Hector eight years later. The author did a good job about him being half wild, climbing trees, walking with no shoes, feeling the snow while naked, how the sounds and busy London were overwhelming, and how the water made him feel like he was back at the sea, lost. It didn't feel rushed to be 'fixed,' and he was still considered a strong person, surviving such an ordeal and coming back home to find his life changed, his family gone, and his mother's home no longer with her items.
- I loved how Maddie would draw Hector, taking a bit of his 'soul'.
- I loved how Hector looked at Maddie's drawing and saw her being so talented.
- I loved how Hector loved his family, his brother Robert, who didn't give up on finding Hector and his mother, who lost both children and passed away, thinking Hector had also died.
- I liked Maddie and Verity's interaction. Both strong and smart.
What I hated or felt the author left out without tying up the end:
- Maddie's mom was such a nasty person to everyone, including her daughters. She was nasty and mean, and I wish that in the end, she would have been shunned and put in her place.
- I wish the author had thrown Quentin and Anabelle in jail because they both deserved it.
- I wish the author had included some type of justice for Frances for what Quentin did.
- I wish Maddie had published that book with Hector's findings (unless I missed this?)
- What happened with Hector's book of his memories at the end? He would take care of it with great care, but for what?
- I didn't like how Ernest was ready to throw Maddie's reputation under the bus for the protection of the factory workers, but needed time when it was revealed that it was Verity's pictures.
- Quentin should've gone to jail for not allowing Hector's mother to rest with her family.
The entire thing could've been resolved if they were smarter in some of their actions but oh well, it was a book not real life :D
Overall, it was a fun read. I think the romance should have been better developed, but it was still a fun read with great moments.
December 13, 2023
This is a very tragic story of Maddie Debenham and Hector Wentworth, who are two idealistic people who have hopes of following their dreams. Maddie is an amateur painter and hopes to be invited to attend the Art Academy for women. She has become pen pals with a famous painter and hopes after she sees her work, she will refer to to the Art Academy for admission. Hector Wentworth is the brother to the current Duke of Blackburn and is interested in botany and wishes to become a member of the botany society and also be asked to join a safari to the Amazon to study the plants there. As Hector is attempting to obtain a sample of a rare plant from outside Maddie's window, he falls into her window and causes an injury to her painting hand while also destroying the painting she was working on. After he proposes marriage to Maddie out of the guilt he felt from destroying her painting and preventing her from being selected to the Art Academy, Hector leaves England on his safari to the Amazon. Fast forward 8 years, Hector is presumed dead via shipwreck and never got to his destination. His brother, Robert, the Duke of Blackburn dies of a tropical fever as he was looking into the disappearance of Hector. Their mother, the dowager duchess of Blackburn, dies under suspicious circumstances after losing both of her sons. Quentin, the brother's cousin assumes to the title of Duke of Blackburn. As Maddie, her sister, Verity and her mother are returning to England from a trip to the Bahamas, Maddie sights a man floating on a raft in the middle of the ocean. The staff aboard the ship rescue the man and bring him aboard and he is later identified as Hector Wentworth, who was presumed dead years ago. Hector returns to England and upon trying to claim the title of Duke of Blackburn, his cousin uses what he thinks is his mental illness against him to prove he is not fit for the title. Maddie is tasked with reacclimating Hector to society and its rules. As they are working together they fall in love and end up with their HEA. While I did enjoy the premise of the story, it was too tragic and fantastical to be believed. Mrs. Russell is a new author for me and I will continue to follow her works to see how well she develops her future characters/storylines.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
April 19, 2025
Maddie, short for Madeline doesn’t have dreams like most young ladies of the ton. Instead, she has worked, studied and took all the correct steps to be accepted to paint and learn at the Royal Academy of Art. Mrs. Bridget Blanchet is in charge and has been writing to her and helping her with her art. Her mother, Catherine is a real piece of work. She doesn’t understand or care what her daughters want. She wants them married to titled gentleman and she will do whatever she has to make it happen. She would be ok with Madeline playing the piano or writing poetry or even painting flowers or landscapes all of which would add value to her chances for marriage. Painting naked people like Mrs. Blanchet does is not art and she is will not have her daughter known as a promiscuous painter! Her mother is a snob, thinking only of what the ton will say or act. She is mean thoughtless person. Lord Hector is the brother of Robert, the Duke of Blackburn. He had dedicated his life to the study of plants. His is working on being able to go on a search of plants with the Botanical Society. He found the plant he needed but couldn’t find it again. When he does it is growing near a townhouse, Honeysuckle. His brother Robert promises to help him get a cutting. Hector is in a hurry to get the cutting he does not wait and changes the lives of all around him and not in a good way. Wow, this book really tugged on your heart strings. Maddie is badly injured by Hector, ruining her change to paint. Hector and Robert do all they can to help the family. When Hector leaves to go on this trip he promises to come back and help her enter the academy. He never does as he is lost at sea the thought dead. Eight years later he is found and then the story really gets interesting. Oh, my there is so much going on between all the characters. Loss, sadness and a ton of things you need to read to enjoy this wonderful story. So many twist and turns, misunderstanding, secrets and most of all love and compassion for our couple. Rush to get a copy and get started. I couldn’t put it down, read it in one sitting. I read the books out of order and had no trouble enjoying any in this wonderful series. Am on to the last one now.
December 10, 2023
A Rollercoaster Ride of Emotions
I really enjoyed the story of Hector and Maddie. It captivated me right from the start. The narrative was very good and I liked the characters. The author knows how to make the inner turmoil and emotional struggles of the main characters tangible. I suffered with both of them. Maddie is strong, selfless and compassionate, despite having to give up her biggest dream, and Hector, originally a clumsy sweetheart who has been changed by his experiences and trauma, now has his difficulties finding his way back to civilisation.
I kept wondering how I would react if I were Hector and why Maddie wasn‘t more bitter and resigned to her situation.
Hector, the spare to a duchy, is a botanist and his greatest wish is to take part in an expedition to the Amazon. But first he has to prove himself to the Botanical Society. Unfortunately, a lady is injured in the process.
Maddie has always wanted to study art and become a famous painter. But after the accident, in which her hand was hurt, she has to give up her dreams.
Hector feels guilty, but Maddie persuades him to follow his dream. So he sets off, but his ship sinks and he is the only one to survive the shipwreck. He spends eight years alone as a castaway on a tropical island.
When he is rescued, he has become a savage in the eyes of society. Traumatised by his experiences, he finds it difficult to adapt to a normal, civilised life and to follow societal conventions. He is overwhelmed by all sensory impressions and reacts out of a survival instinct.
Worse, Hector learns that his brother and mother have died in his absence. As he never wanted to be a duke, never expected to become one, he is not bothered by the fact that his cousin has inherited the duchy, until he learns that his cousin is cruel and Hector cannot allow him to destroy his family legacy.
Maddie is the only person who can reassure him, and help him settle in and reclaim his duchy...
If you like a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a historical romance, you should read this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I really enjoyed the story of Hector and Maddie. It captivated me right from the start. The narrative was very good and I liked the characters. The author knows how to make the inner turmoil and emotional struggles of the main characters tangible. I suffered with both of them. Maddie is strong, selfless and compassionate, despite having to give up her biggest dream, and Hector, originally a clumsy sweetheart who has been changed by his experiences and trauma, now has his difficulties finding his way back to civilisation.
I kept wondering how I would react if I were Hector and why Maddie wasn‘t more bitter and resigned to her situation.
Hector, the spare to a duchy, is a botanist and his greatest wish is to take part in an expedition to the Amazon. But first he has to prove himself to the Botanical Society. Unfortunately, a lady is injured in the process.
Maddie has always wanted to study art and become a famous painter. But after the accident, in which her hand was hurt, she has to give up her dreams.
Hector feels guilty, but Maddie persuades him to follow his dream. So he sets off, but his ship sinks and he is the only one to survive the shipwreck. He spends eight years alone as a castaway on a tropical island.
When he is rescued, he has become a savage in the eyes of society. Traumatised by his experiences, he finds it difficult to adapt to a normal, civilised life and to follow societal conventions. He is overwhelmed by all sensory impressions and reacts out of a survival instinct.
Worse, Hector learns that his brother and mother have died in his absence. As he never wanted to be a duke, never expected to become one, he is not bothered by the fact that his cousin has inherited the duchy, until he learns that his cousin is cruel and Hector cannot allow him to destroy his family legacy.
Maddie is the only person who can reassure him, and help him settle in and reclaim his duchy...
If you like a rollercoaster ride of emotions in a historical romance, you should read this book!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 9, 2023
Madeline Josephine Debenham, Maddie, has a passion for painting. Her sister Verity for music, piano in particular. Much to their mother's dismay, as she wants them to Mary wralthy, titled men. Mardi has been corresponding with Mrs. Bridget Blanchet, most acclaimed female artist on technique, shading, and the Royal Women’s Academy of Arts. This is her dream
Mr. Hector Wentworth, brother to Lord Robert Wentworth, the Duke of Blackburn, is interested in science, plants, and ignores society. So much that he sometimes says and does things that hurts his family. He spied a very rare, exotic plant in Hyde Park and told the Royal Botanical Society of his find, the golden pimpernel. Anagallis pratensis. There is an expedition to the Amazon under the guide of Mr. von Humboldt.
As Maddie is working on her painting, Hector and Robert walked by their house. Hector spotted the plant and wants to barge up, knock on the door, and demand the plant. Robert convinces him to go about it properly. Hector decides not to wait, goes over and climbs up to get the plant only to crash through the window, injures Maddie, ruins her painting, and humiliates Robert.
Hector ends up going on the expedition, Maddie gets an infection which causes her to not be able to paint or sketch as she use to. Hector and the entire expedition crew get caught in a storm, all believed to be dead. Robert goes in search of the wreckage but ends up catching a deadly feaver, his mother is inconsolable and dies of an overdose.
Eight years have passes, Maddie, Verity, and their mother are returning from a visit with an aunt who lives in the Bahamas, when Maddie sees a raft with a man on it. The ship's crew rescue the man only to find out it is Hector.
Now join the taming as Hector works to get the title back from his selfish cousin. Learning, with the help of Maddie, Verity, and the old family solicitor Ernest. Cousin Quentin puts up obstacles for them to overcome. Dancing, society, and CLOTHES, oh my! Which would you choose?
Mr. Hector Wentworth, brother to Lord Robert Wentworth, the Duke of Blackburn, is interested in science, plants, and ignores society. So much that he sometimes says and does things that hurts his family. He spied a very rare, exotic plant in Hyde Park and told the Royal Botanical Society of his find, the golden pimpernel. Anagallis pratensis. There is an expedition to the Amazon under the guide of Mr. von Humboldt.
As Maddie is working on her painting, Hector and Robert walked by their house. Hector spotted the plant and wants to barge up, knock on the door, and demand the plant. Robert convinces him to go about it properly. Hector decides not to wait, goes over and climbs up to get the plant only to crash through the window, injures Maddie, ruins her painting, and humiliates Robert.
Hector ends up going on the expedition, Maddie gets an infection which causes her to not be able to paint or sketch as she use to. Hector and the entire expedition crew get caught in a storm, all believed to be dead. Robert goes in search of the wreckage but ends up catching a deadly feaver, his mother is inconsolable and dies of an overdose.
Eight years have passes, Maddie, Verity, and their mother are returning from a visit with an aunt who lives in the Bahamas, when Maddie sees a raft with a man on it. The ship's crew rescue the man only to find out it is Hector.
Now join the taming as Hector works to get the title back from his selfish cousin. Learning, with the help of Maddie, Verity, and the old family solicitor Ernest. Cousin Quentin puts up obstacles for them to overcome. Dancing, society, and CLOTHES, oh my! Which would you choose?
December 26, 2023
This is the first of a new series, Victorian Outcasts, and it is off to a great start. Maddie has only one dream, and that is to become an artist and have her work presented to the Royal Academy of Women's Art so that she may have a chance to receive a fellowship to attend the academy. She is so close to realizing her dream, when Lord Hector literally crashed her dreams to pieces. You see, he is a dedicated botanist and was interested in a rare plant that was growing along her home. In an attempt to obtain the specimen, he crashed through her window and ruined her painting as well as injuring her arm. Hector and his family do their best to make it up to her and Hector even offers marriage, but Maddie doesn't want a union based on guilt. But she encourages Hector to pursue his dream and he joins a research expedition to the Amazon. Unfortunately, news of his ship's demise reaches England and he is presumed dead. Fast forward eight years, turns out Hector survived, and has been surviving all these years by hunting, fishing, and foraging for food, while fighting off native primates. Incidentally it is Maddie who saves him and helps him reacclimate himself back into civilization so he can claim back the dukedom that had passed to his cousin after his brother's death. As they spend more time together they become closer and their friendship develops into something so much more.
The character development was well done and the writing was interesting and flowed smoothly. I enjoyed watching the deep friendship strengthen and ultimate feelings of love grow between Maddie and Hector. A well-written story that kept my attention from start to finish. I look forward to continuing the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Oliver Heber books for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
The character development was well done and the writing was interesting and flowed smoothly. I enjoyed watching the deep friendship strengthen and ultimate feelings of love grow between Maddie and Hector. A well-written story that kept my attention from start to finish. I look forward to continuing the series.
My thanks to Netgalley and Oliver Heber books for providing a complimentary copy. This is my honest and voluntary review.
December 12, 2023
Taming the Savage Duke is a Victorian historical romance from a fantastic new voice in the genre destined to go far: Barbara Russell.
Maddie has one ambition in life - and much to her mother's chagrin, it's not to become a wife and mother, but to win a fellowship at the Royal Women's Academy of Art and become an artist - until her plan goes awry when eccentric Lord Hector cause a kerfuffle and ruins her painting and injures her hand!
Maddie is distraught, but Hector is determined to do whatever he can to make amends. Passionate about botany, Hector is about to go to the Amazonian rainforest and he plans to come back with enough money to ensure that Maddie can pursue her passion - even though she never wants to clap eyes on him again. It seems her dream has come true when Hector's ship sinks during a storm and he is declared dead...or is he?
Eight years later, Hector is rescued by an ocean liner having had to spend almost a decade fending for himself in the forest. Now the heir to a dukedom, Hector is far from the polished aristocrat society expects him to be and with his cousin challenging him, he's going to need help. Help which he insists only Maddie can provide him!
Will Maddie manage to tame the savage duke? Or is she about to lose her heart in the process?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Taming the Savage Duke. Maddie and Hector are two terrific characters - they are intelligent, determined, funny and sure to steal readers' hearts. Their chemistry sizzles and sparkles and their romance will delight and enchant.
Readers with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their life will not want to miss Barbara Russell's Taming the Savage Duke!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Maddie has one ambition in life - and much to her mother's chagrin, it's not to become a wife and mother, but to win a fellowship at the Royal Women's Academy of Art and become an artist - until her plan goes awry when eccentric Lord Hector cause a kerfuffle and ruins her painting and injures her hand!
Maddie is distraught, but Hector is determined to do whatever he can to make amends. Passionate about botany, Hector is about to go to the Amazonian rainforest and he plans to come back with enough money to ensure that Maddie can pursue her passion - even though she never wants to clap eyes on him again. It seems her dream has come true when Hector's ship sinks during a storm and he is declared dead...or is he?
Eight years later, Hector is rescued by an ocean liner having had to spend almost a decade fending for himself in the forest. Now the heir to a dukedom, Hector is far from the polished aristocrat society expects him to be and with his cousin challenging him, he's going to need help. Help which he insists only Maddie can provide him!
Will Maddie manage to tame the savage duke? Or is she about to lose her heart in the process?
I thoroughly enjoyed reading Taming the Savage Duke. Maddie and Hector are two terrific characters - they are intelligent, determined, funny and sure to steal readers' hearts. Their chemistry sizzles and sparkles and their romance will delight and enchant.
Readers with a Bridgerton-shaped hole in their life will not want to miss Barbara Russell's Taming the Savage Duke!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 1, 2023
[ESP/ENG]
ESP:
Al principio me costó meterme en la historia porque hay algunos saltos temporales que me rompieron bastante los esquemas. Por suerte, una vez nos asentamos ya en el timeline definitivo, todo fluye muy bien.
Sin duda, lo que destacaría es la química y la relación que tienen los protagonistas. Y es que me ha parecido muy fresca, muy natural y fluida. Y lo mismo aplicaba a las escenas de sexo. Me ha gustado mucho ver lo intuitivo que era todo y la curiosidad y ganas que tenía ella. Y lo cierto, es que este combo no suele verse demasiado en romántica histórica.
Luego ha habido cositas que no me han flipado demasiado. Hubo algunas escenas que me sacaban por completo del libro y cositas de la trama que no me han terminado de convencer.
Pero en general, me ha dejado con buen sabor de boca y no me importaría repetir con la autora.
ENG:
In the beginning, there are a few time jumps. And, not gonna lie, I needed some adjusting. But once the story started unfolding for real I was pretty into it.
My main highlight of this book was the chemistry they have. It felt so natural, so unprompted and carefree. Same goes for the sex scenes. I loved seeing how devoted they were to each other. How their main goal was to please the other. And how curious and bold our heroine was. Something we don't see that often in historicals.
And while I enjoyed the plot, I must say there were a few scenes that took me out of the book.
That being said, as a whole it was a pretty enjoyable read. And will try more books by Barbara Russell.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
ESP:
Al principio me costó meterme en la historia porque hay algunos saltos temporales que me rompieron bastante los esquemas. Por suerte, una vez nos asentamos ya en el timeline definitivo, todo fluye muy bien.
Sin duda, lo que destacaría es la química y la relación que tienen los protagonistas. Y es que me ha parecido muy fresca, muy natural y fluida. Y lo mismo aplicaba a las escenas de sexo. Me ha gustado mucho ver lo intuitivo que era todo y la curiosidad y ganas que tenía ella. Y lo cierto, es que este combo no suele verse demasiado en romántica histórica.
Luego ha habido cositas que no me han flipado demasiado. Hubo algunas escenas que me sacaban por completo del libro y cositas de la trama que no me han terminado de convencer.
Pero en general, me ha dejado con buen sabor de boca y no me importaría repetir con la autora.
ENG:
In the beginning, there are a few time jumps. And, not gonna lie, I needed some adjusting. But once the story started unfolding for real I was pretty into it.
My main highlight of this book was the chemistry they have. It felt so natural, so unprompted and carefree. Same goes for the sex scenes. I loved seeing how devoted they were to each other. How their main goal was to please the other. And how curious and bold our heroine was. Something we don't see that often in historicals.
And while I enjoyed the plot, I must say there were a few scenes that took me out of the book.
That being said, as a whole it was a pretty enjoyable read. And will try more books by Barbara Russell.
I received a free ARC from NetGalley and this is my honest opinion
December 13, 2023
Maddie is a banker’s daughter dreaming of becoming a painter. Hector is a duke’s brother and passionate botanist. In pursuit of his dream he accidentally ruins hers. Mortified he vows make amends and a friendship blooms. But on his way to an expedition in the Amazon his ship goes down in a storm and he’s declared dead.
Eight years go by and returning home from visiting family in Nassau, Maddie spots a raft in the ocean. To hers and everyone’s surprise the man on the raft turns out to be Hector. Surviving on a deserted island has turned him somewhat savage and she’s the only one who can sooth him.
As if returning to civilisation isn’t hard enough, he learns he’s now the new duke. That is, he will be once they succeed in dethroning his lecherous evil cousin.
⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 This book has all the elements to make a great story: layered MCs, interesting side characters, drama and redemption, social engagement, nice steam and a compelling plot. It’s fast-paced, well-written and deals beautifully with Hector’s trauma. The bond the MCs share is touching. Yet, somehow it’s missing something for me. It feels a little modern around the edges for a Victorian novel, and sometimes I struggled with some out of character reactions. Instead of all his failures I would have liked to see a little more of Hector’s navigation of the urban jungle. In the end, I think, I missed a final layer to make this story complete.
But hey, this is just me, and this book makes for a very entertaining read, so why don’t you find out for yourself?
Eight years go by and returning home from visiting family in Nassau, Maddie spots a raft in the ocean. To hers and everyone’s surprise the man on the raft turns out to be Hector. Surviving on a deserted island has turned him somewhat savage and she’s the only one who can sooth him.
As if returning to civilisation isn’t hard enough, he learns he’s now the new duke. That is, he will be once they succeed in dethroning his lecherous evil cousin.
⭐⭐⭐✨
📚 This book has all the elements to make a great story: layered MCs, interesting side characters, drama and redemption, social engagement, nice steam and a compelling plot. It’s fast-paced, well-written and deals beautifully with Hector’s trauma. The bond the MCs share is touching. Yet, somehow it’s missing something for me. It feels a little modern around the edges for a Victorian novel, and sometimes I struggled with some out of character reactions. Instead of all his failures I would have liked to see a little more of Hector’s navigation of the urban jungle. In the end, I think, I missed a final layer to make this story complete.
But hey, this is just me, and this book makes for a very entertaining read, so why don’t you find out for yourself?
February 27, 2024
4.5
I have never read from the author before so just Wow! Maddie is a gifted artist and is determined to follow her dreams to a full fellowship at an Art Academy! Her mother heartedly disapproves!
Well those dreams come to a screeching halt when a strange man literally falls through her window for the rare plant species on her window sill!
Mr Hector Wentworth second son to a Duke is so determined to prove that a rare plant not only existed but it’s in London!
His over exuberance literally shattered Maddie dream all so he can go to the Amazon and collect plants! He splattered glass on the painting and injured more than Maddie’s hand her dreams!
Hector tried to make amends but he is unable to not fully!
And Maddie mother is veritable shrew at times and somewhat less offensive mother at others!
These two Hector and Maddie are fire and gasoline! A tragic ship sinking separated the two for 8 years! They are not the people they were!
Both have suffered injuries and pain! Hector needs to step up and be the Duke that would have made his mother and brother proud! Not for their sake but for the hundreds of people dependent on the Duchy!
Can Hector prove that his literal years on the island have not turned him into a savage barbarian!? Hector is wounded in the mine and his heart!
Love does find away to thwart the evil cousin Quentin and restore Hector mental health! Bravo
PS Hector definitely has PTSD although of course that name is not known then!
I have never read from the author before so just Wow! Maddie is a gifted artist and is determined to follow her dreams to a full fellowship at an Art Academy! Her mother heartedly disapproves!
Well those dreams come to a screeching halt when a strange man literally falls through her window for the rare plant species on her window sill!
Mr Hector Wentworth second son to a Duke is so determined to prove that a rare plant not only existed but it’s in London!
His over exuberance literally shattered Maddie dream all so he can go to the Amazon and collect plants! He splattered glass on the painting and injured more than Maddie’s hand her dreams!
Hector tried to make amends but he is unable to not fully!
And Maddie mother is veritable shrew at times and somewhat less offensive mother at others!
These two Hector and Maddie are fire and gasoline! A tragic ship sinking separated the two for 8 years! They are not the people they were!
Both have suffered injuries and pain! Hector needs to step up and be the Duke that would have made his mother and brother proud! Not for their sake but for the hundreds of people dependent on the Duchy!
Can Hector prove that his literal years on the island have not turned him into a savage barbarian!? Hector is wounded in the mine and his heart!
Love does find away to thwart the evil cousin Quentin and restore Hector mental health! Bravo
PS Hector definitely has PTSD although of course that name is not known then!
October 29, 2023
Maddie wants to paint, to get a place in the Academy despite her mother's wishes of her being a proper lady. Hector want to prove himself as a proper botanist even if that goes against his brother's idea of being a gentleman.
Their worlds quite literally crash together in the worse way for poor Maddie. Hector trys to make amends to her before she encourages him on a trip to South America only to find out his ship sank with him on it. Years later she finds him as a castaway on a raft returning home from the Bahamas. Eight years has turned him 'savage' in the eyes of Victorian society. Now he must prove he is as civilised as any London gentleman to claim back his family's title from his dastardly cousin.
I absolutely ran through this book. It's well timed with a perfect amount of spice that you'd feel just as scandalised as the ladies in the book and the men who love them. A solid romance with a compelling plot.
My main criticism is how Maddie forgives Hector so soon along with a lack of what I was hoping for more art and botanic themes after the reunion, it's still there however the main focus on the plot is showing Hector isn't mad and to gain manners. While I've rated it four stars it is certainly more 4.5.
This arc was provided by Netgalley
Their worlds quite literally crash together in the worse way for poor Maddie. Hector trys to make amends to her before she encourages him on a trip to South America only to find out his ship sank with him on it. Years later she finds him as a castaway on a raft returning home from the Bahamas. Eight years has turned him 'savage' in the eyes of Victorian society. Now he must prove he is as civilised as any London gentleman to claim back his family's title from his dastardly cousin.
I absolutely ran through this book. It's well timed with a perfect amount of spice that you'd feel just as scandalised as the ladies in the book and the men who love them. A solid romance with a compelling plot.
My main criticism is how Maddie forgives Hector so soon along with a lack of what I was hoping for more art and botanic themes after the reunion, it's still there however the main focus on the plot is showing Hector isn't mad and to gain manners. While I've rated it four stars it is certainly more 4.5.
This arc was provided by Netgalley
November 28, 2023
This book had some elements of the Tarzan story. It reminded me a bit of the 1984 movie "Greystoke." In the beginning, Hector was an awkward scholar and Maddie was an aspiring artist. Due to Hector's overzealousness, Maddie injures her hand and is no longer able to paint. Hector is guilt-ridden and leaves the country on a scientific endeavor shortly thereafter. His ship sinks and Hector is presumed dead. Years later, with Maddie still suffering from the aftereffects of her injury, Hector is found alive. Unfortunately, the world that Hector left no longer exists for him. Everything has changed and it is devastating. The only constant that he has is his friendship with Maddie. Together, the two of them fight to get back a semblance of the lives that they were intended to have. Happily, they also find love on the way.
Hector was a sweet hero. He went from being an annoying young man to being a very compassionate individual. Maddie could not possibly help falling in love with him. She went from resenting him to becoming his greatest champion. Their love story was emotional and steamy. There was also a bit of danger and mystery. All in all, it was a great read.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
Hector was a sweet hero. He went from being an annoying young man to being a very compassionate individual. Maddie could not possibly help falling in love with him. She went from resenting him to becoming his greatest champion. Their love story was emotional and steamy. There was also a bit of danger and mystery. All in all, it was a great read.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
November 30, 2023
The book deals with quite tragic scenarios and highly emotional themes such as mental illness. I really felt for both the heroine and hero, who had to overcome quite a bit. In fact I found it hard to put down.
I give a lot of credit to the author for dealing with PTSD and trauma in the way they did, as a long term condition that isn't just solved by falling in love. As something that is difficult for loved ones and the person suffering to understand. I thought they handled it better than many other romance books do.
The book was easy to read and narrative flowed nicely, the characterisation was well done as well. I really enjoyed the sisterly bond it portrayed and the harsh, toxic mother who was portrayed as ambitious and complex. I think she was probably quite representative of many mothers who ambitions for her daughter's marriage took precedence other everything.
I think the plot was nicely figured out with a little mystery sprinkled into the main plot and clues peppered in the narrative to allow the reader to come to their own conclusions if they desire too. I look forward to reading more from the author.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I give a lot of credit to the author for dealing with PTSD and trauma in the way they did, as a long term condition that isn't just solved by falling in love. As something that is difficult for loved ones and the person suffering to understand. I thought they handled it better than many other romance books do.
The book was easy to read and narrative flowed nicely, the characterisation was well done as well. I really enjoyed the sisterly bond it portrayed and the harsh, toxic mother who was portrayed as ambitious and complex. I think she was probably quite representative of many mothers who ambitions for her daughter's marriage took precedence other everything.
I think the plot was nicely figured out with a little mystery sprinkled into the main plot and clues peppered in the narrative to allow the reader to come to their own conclusions if they desire too. I look forward to reading more from the author.
Disclaimer: I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
November 24, 2023
I enjoyed the beginning of the story, which developed the characters and dreams of Hector and Madeline, the hero and heroine. Hector dreams of being a great botanist and exploring other lands for plant varieties. Maddie wants to be a great artist. When Hector's bad judgement leads to Maddie's being permanantly injured and destroying her dream, I was completely involved and read on to see what developed between them. Unfortunately, once Maddie said she forgave him and told him to go on his trip, the main focus of the book completely changed to Hector's rescue from a desert island and his attempt to regain his place in society. The two plots didn't have much to do with each other. I was disappointed at the lack of development of the initial plot and felt the subsequent one was an inferior substitute. Hector's behavior after being rescued seemed over-the-top and not believable. There was plenty of sex, but it seemed to be there more for the steam factor it gave the book than because it made sense for the characters.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 6, 2024
If possibly would give this book more than 5 stars. Absolutely fabulous, a real page turner. Well written, full of drama, intrigue, love, romance, mystery, society and bullies. Maddie wants to be a painter, writing letters to a woman artist for support. Trying to get into this program so that she can learn more from better artists. Hector is the younger brother of a Duke. He wants to go on an expedition as a botanist but has a problem when the plant he needs to prove exist dies. Where in the world can he get another. He sees one at Maddie's house and does a lot of damage getting it. He does get a sample and is able to leave on the expedition but bad luck follows him as the ship sinks. He is washed up on a island by himself till he makes a raft and is rescued. On return to society, he has a hard time with everything that happens to him. Maddie and her family are a big help and they discover feelings for each other. He has lost his family and his title and will need to fight to get it all back. Super finish, great story. Would strongly recommend to everyone.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.
December 13, 2023
Maddie has a dream which is becoming a reality. She is hoping to gain a fellowship to study art which will grant her six thousand pounds. However, her dreams are shattered when Lord Hector accidentally causes her to injure her hand. Mortified, he promises to make amends when he returns from his studies in the Amazonian forests. Yet his ship sinks and he is believed dead until he is found by an ocean liner that Maddie is sailing on, eight years later. With his brother’s death, Hector is now the Duke of Blackburn except that his cousin who assumed the title in his absence, has no plans for him to be the duke.
This was a fast paced novel with Maddie maturing as a consequence of her injury. It is thus maturity that she brings to assisting Hector. I enjoyed Hector’s free spirit and the dramas that ensured from his behaviour as well as Maddie’s ability to bring about subtle changes in him. They are a great pair who have great chemistry. A good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
This was a fast paced novel with Maddie maturing as a consequence of her injury. It is thus maturity that she brings to assisting Hector. I enjoyed Hector’s free spirit and the dramas that ensured from his behaviour as well as Maddie’s ability to bring about subtle changes in him. They are a great pair who have great chemistry. A good read.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own
November 25, 2023
I honestly loved this book. It's a historical romance - and yes, it has some steamy moments in it. That said, the characters are well developed and you get to see some of the good things of the Victorian era and some of the bad things.
Hector ruins Madeline's dreams in the beginning only to go on a trip to fulfil his. When he returns after years, he has to depend on Madeline to help him reclaim his position. I find it interesting how opposite the characters are in regard to others of their own gender. Hector isn't as much the proper gentleman as others, and Madeline isn't much of a proper lady but that makes it such a fascinating read!
The ups and downs of the story and the ins and outs of society are truly fascinating to watch unfold. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Hector ruins Madeline's dreams in the beginning only to go on a trip to fulfil his. When he returns after years, he has to depend on Madeline to help him reclaim his position. I find it interesting how opposite the characters are in regard to others of their own gender. Hector isn't as much the proper gentleman as others, and Madeline isn't much of a proper lady but that makes it such a fascinating read!
The ups and downs of the story and the ins and outs of society are truly fascinating to watch unfold. I highly recommend it!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
December 8, 2023
A surprisingly good book, full of plot twists, with two gorgeous main characters and very intriguing side characters. I really ADORED Hector, who’s a breath of fresh air in the stuffy London Society (and he was the same also before his misadventure!). He’s a kind, strong man who doesn’t hide his feelings and has become stronger and more emphatic due to his predicament. I always liked the idea of a castaway who had to survive in dire circumstances and I felt for him when the other people didn’t understand his issues. I also liked Maddie and her strength. This was my first book by Russell and I really enjoyed her writing, her steamy scenes and her character building. I’ll certainly make sure to read more of her books!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 12, 2023
The hero is science mad and the heroine is mad for her art. They have a surprising meeting in which he unintentionally injures her so painting is now difficult for her. He goes away on a biological expedition, only for his ship to sink and he is the only survivor. Fast forward several years and he is rescued only to learn his mother and brother are dead and the dukedom is in the hands of his horrid cousin who only wants the money. The heroine helps the hero reestablish his reputation among the ton as he has acquired some “wild” behaviors do to his isolation. I felt that maybe the author had too many peculiar tendencies for him to have, but it made for some humorous episodes. The cousin and her mother were the non likeable characters in this story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 10, 2025
So many lack understanding and compassion……
This was a second chance, friends to lovers trope. I liked the main characters. They always had an unspoken connection. After a long time apart, they still had a strong connection built on friendship, understanding, and support. I have read a book with a similar plot so it was somewhat predictable. Although I didn’t like the way some things were handled. It just didn’t make sense in the story and was frustrating. I was annoyed at the turn of events toward the end. The FMC seemed a bit selfish after all the MMC had endured. In the end, they conquered the villain and got their HEA. This book had parts that I really loved and parts that I didn’t like and agree with at all. That is why I only gave 4 stars. I’m hoping other books in the series don’t disappoint at all.
This was a second chance, friends to lovers trope. I liked the main characters. They always had an unspoken connection. After a long time apart, they still had a strong connection built on friendship, understanding, and support. I have read a book with a similar plot so it was somewhat predictable. Although I didn’t like the way some things were handled. It just didn’t make sense in the story and was frustrating. I was annoyed at the turn of events toward the end. The FMC seemed a bit selfish after all the MMC had endured. In the end, they conquered the villain and got their HEA. This book had parts that I really loved and parts that I didn’t like and agree with at all. That is why I only gave 4 stars. I’m hoping other books in the series don’t disappoint at all.
December 1, 2023
Maddie and Hector meet in a most unusual way. He crashes through her bedroom window trying to get a cutting of a rare plant to introduce to the botanical society. All Maddie wanted to do was get into a famous painting academy and now not only is her painting ruined but also her hand.
Years later, while returning home from a trip the ship encounters a castaway. It turns out to be Hector, who had gone on an expedition years before.
The author did a wonderful job with the mental problems that they both had. Maddie is the only one Hector trusts as she leads him back to a normal life.
The book had a lot of interesting secondary characters, a bit of a mystery, and some very steamy scenes.
It was a very interesting, hard to put down read.
Years later, while returning home from a trip the ship encounters a castaway. It turns out to be Hector, who had gone on an expedition years before.
The author did a wonderful job with the mental problems that they both had. Maddie is the only one Hector trusts as she leads him back to a normal life.
The book had a lot of interesting secondary characters, a bit of a mystery, and some very steamy scenes.
It was a very interesting, hard to put down read.
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