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Misfits of the Ton #3.5
The Taming of the Duke
Who will be tamed—the shrew, or the rake?
Lord Baptiste Parville longed for a male heir, but instead, his late wives burdened him with two daughters—Catherine and Blanche. Catherine, known as the Spinster Shrew, is of such a sour disposition, that Lord Parville, desperate to rid himself of her, declares that no man may court Blanche until Catherine is off his hands.
Lord Lucian Horton, Blanche’s would-be suitor, is in despair. Until a wager is made. Enter Daxton Hawke, Duke of Petrush, committed bachelor and rake, who agrees to pretend to woo the waspish Catherine so Lucian can court the delightful Blanche.
Having had her heart broken, Catherine Parville resolves never to marry. But, out of loyalty to her younger sister, who has fallen in love with Lord Horton, she accepts the advances of the rakish duke. Catherine has no intention of making life easy for her suitor, but despite her increasingly acerbic comments, Daxton thrives on her shrewish nature, indulging in a few barbs of his own.
With the tenacity of a seasoned warrior, and a skilful touch that sends Catherine’s senses ablaze, Daxton may yet emerge victorious.
But Daxton soon learns that he’s met his match—and it is the duke, not the shrew, who might perhaps be tamed.
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( This story was first published as part of the Anthology set titled A Duke in Winter in December 2022.)
Lord Baptiste Parville longed for a male heir, but instead, his late wives burdened him with two daughters—Catherine and Blanche. Catherine, known as the Spinster Shrew, is of such a sour disposition, that Lord Parville, desperate to rid himself of her, declares that no man may court Blanche until Catherine is off his hands.
Lord Lucian Horton, Blanche’s would-be suitor, is in despair. Until a wager is made. Enter Daxton Hawke, Duke of Petrush, committed bachelor and rake, who agrees to pretend to woo the waspish Catherine so Lucian can court the delightful Blanche.
Having had her heart broken, Catherine Parville resolves never to marry. But, out of loyalty to her younger sister, who has fallen in love with Lord Horton, she accepts the advances of the rakish duke. Catherine has no intention of making life easy for her suitor, but despite her increasingly acerbic comments, Daxton thrives on her shrewish nature, indulging in a few barbs of his own.
With the tenacity of a seasoned warrior, and a skilful touch that sends Catherine’s senses ablaze, Daxton may yet emerge victorious.
But Daxton soon learns that he’s met his match—and it is the duke, not the shrew, who might perhaps be tamed.
Read Free in Kindle Unlimited!
( This story was first published as part of the Anthology set titled A Duke in Winter in December 2022.)
- GenresHistorical Romance
97 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 16, 2023
36 people are currently reading
36 people want to read
About the author
Emily Royal
52 books192 followersUSA TODAY Bestselling Author Emily Royal is a mathematics geek who grew up in Sussex, England and has always had a passion for romance and bad boy heroes in need of redemption. Emily graduated from Oxford University with a Chemistry degree, but returned to her mathematical roots to work in financial services, while indulging in her dream of becoming a pilot, and enjoying a brief international sporting career.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
She now lives near the Highlands, with her Scottish husband, two daughters and menagerie of rescue pets including Twinkle, an attention-seeking boa constrictor. When not working on algebra, dreaming about her heroes, or keeping Twinkle from slithering over her keyboard, Emily enjoys painting, playing the piano and keeping her family well stocked with cake.
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Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews
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October 21, 2024Can’t remember much, but I didn’t luv it, I didn’t hate it
April 29, 2024
Catherine has been let down by a man before, and in protecting her younger sister from having to go through the same turmoil has got the reputation of being a shrew.
On a bet Daxton has agreed to appear to court Catherine so an acquaintance, who he doesn't particularly like can approach Catherine's sister.
Overly short, the Duke isn't really the one who's tamed, and why accept a bet from someone you have no respect for, when you don't need the money? Whilst Catherine is quite well drawn, we know nothing about Daxton other than he's tall with blue eyes. All far too quick.
A little disappointing.
On a bet Daxton has agreed to appear to court Catherine so an acquaintance, who he doesn't particularly like can approach Catherine's sister.
Overly short, the Duke isn't really the one who's tamed, and why accept a bet from someone you have no respect for, when you don't need the money? Whilst Catherine is quite well drawn, we know nothing about Daxton other than he's tall with blue eyes. All far too quick.
A little disappointing.
December 15, 2024
The first time Dax and Cat saw each other was really good. The silent exchange between them was fun and seductive. But I thought Dax fell in love and Cat was "tamed" too quickly. There needed to be more clashes between them. After all, that's fundamental to the story of The Taming of the Shrew. And Blanche's suitor was an idiot. I really didn't believe in his love for her. It seemed like he saw her as a prize. Lord Parville didn't even show any remorse. Apart from that, it was a good story.
May 11, 2024
Excellent.
I found this a well written novel with an interesting romantic storyline and at a length shorter than my preferred read length.
A good quick read between longer more intense novels.
I found this a well written novel with an interesting romantic storyline and at a length shorter than my preferred read length.
A good quick read between longer more intense novels.
August 30, 2024
Awesome!
This book proved out the saying that there is a key to fit every lock! Wacky, witty and thoughtful. I was touched that Daxton looked beyond the surface and saw the heart of the shrew.
This book proved out the saying that there is a key to fit every lock! Wacky, witty and thoughtful. I was touched that Daxton looked beyond the surface and saw the heart of the shrew.
October 18, 2024
The h is disliked with reason, she's trying to protect her sister from brutal men. Somehow the H becomes smitten and she eventually surrenders to him. I dislike this trope, so read it to complete the series.
December 20, 2023
Wish it were more of a long story. Cute with good characters strong women , .and interesting men .Finished in an afternoon .Don't pass it by. Thanks Ms Royal
January 10, 2024
Happy
I laughed and cried from beginning to the end . What a great book . Thank you so much Emily
I laughed and cried from beginning to the end . What a great book . Thank you so much Emily
January 13, 2024
An enjoyable short romance. I liked the 'taming of the shrew' theme and liked Daxton and Catherine.
Displaying 1 - 9 of 9 reviews