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The Determined Debutante
A brand new series from USA Today Best Selling Author Meredith Bond!
Clarissa Ellison is your typical everything is a competition. So, when she makes her debut into Regency London Society, she determines that in order to "win" the Season, she must get a proposal from the Duke of Drayton. The only problem is that his closest friend, the handsome and thoughtful Lord Uxbridge, is quickly becoming someone she can't live without.
Jonathan, Lord Uxbridge, has always been called "Ox" for the obvious reason—he's big. But, as a true Gemini, there are two sides to this man. To the world, he's outgoing, but in private, he relaxes by painting beautiful miniatures. Because his size generally puts fear into the eyes of young ladies, Ox had planned on never marrying. But a large bequest to be given on his wedding day makes him decide otherwise. He sets his mind to winning Miss Buttery-Clements, who can match him for size, but his heart has decided on another—the fascinating and delicate Miss Ellison.
The two decide to be just friends, setting aside the advice of their friend and astrological scholar Lady Preston, but the stars—or is it destiny? —will ensure this is a match made in the heavens.
Clarissa Ellison is your typical everything is a competition. So, when she makes her debut into Regency London Society, she determines that in order to "win" the Season, she must get a proposal from the Duke of Drayton. The only problem is that his closest friend, the handsome and thoughtful Lord Uxbridge, is quickly becoming someone she can't live without.
Jonathan, Lord Uxbridge, has always been called "Ox" for the obvious reason—he's big. But, as a true Gemini, there are two sides to this man. To the world, he's outgoing, but in private, he relaxes by painting beautiful miniatures. Because his size generally puts fear into the eyes of young ladies, Ox had planned on never marrying. But a large bequest to be given on his wedding day makes him decide otherwise. He sets his mind to winning Miss Buttery-Clements, who can match him for size, but his heart has decided on another—the fascinating and delicate Miss Ellison.
The two decide to be just friends, setting aside the advice of their friend and astrological scholar Lady Preston, but the stars—or is it destiny? —will ensure this is a match made in the heavens.
351 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 23, 2024
55 people are currently reading
1183 people want to read
About the author
Meredith Bond
69 books204 followersMeredith Bond's books straddle that beautiful line between historical romance and fantasy. An award-winning author, she writes fun traditional Regency romances, medieval Arthurian romances, and Regency romances with a touch of magic. Known for her characters “who slip readily into one’s heart,” Meredith loves to take her readers on a journey they won't soon forget. She is currently living in Europe enjoying the Bohemian life. I write a blog on writing and self-publishing that is published every Sunday at www.meredithbond.com/blog/posts
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Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews
September 15, 2025
I am surprisingly grateful for receiving a copy of this ebook in a Goodreads Giveaway. I wasn't sure if I was going to enjoy it as I'm not the biggest fan of Zodiac-based books, but since it was a Regency Historical Fiction, I was curious. I don't hate Zodiac signs or the lore surrounding them, but I do believe that there is more to a person than just their Zodiac signs. Which is exactly how I feel about this book.
It is a no-spice romance with Zodiac signs being a very small part of it. It is written in the third person and rotates between 2 main characters, with the third character popping in with Zodiac knowledge occasionally. She does help the two love birds as a third-party "matchmaker," but it's not overwhelming. The rest of the book was very well written, and I enjoyed reading it. I might actually come back to the series at a later date and read the rest. There is a very small part of the book towards the end where there is some violence with a Rake, but otherwise it was a fun read.
It is a no-spice romance with Zodiac signs being a very small part of it. It is written in the third person and rotates between 2 main characters, with the third character popping in with Zodiac knowledge occasionally. She does help the two love birds as a third-party "matchmaker," but it's not overwhelming. The rest of the book was very well written, and I enjoyed reading it. I might actually come back to the series at a later date and read the rest. There is a very small part of the book towards the end where there is some violence with a Rake, but otherwise it was a fun read.
March 26, 2024
I didn’t agree with the definition of the signs personalities but I was interested in the plot anyway.
New to the author, I like her writing style and I was enjoying the book until the sneaking and gambling were too much for me. I didn’t like one bit how Drayton didn’t talk to Ox, that’s not friendship, he should have done it at the very beginning. That kind of betrayal from such a close friend is something I don’t want to read about in my free time, even less to a character as sweet as Ox. And Aston’s behaviour when he was informing Ox? That was simply awful, and disrespectful too.
Before this I was enjoying the book quite a lot, I didn’t event mind the were stubborn about wanting to marry others, the sneaking and gambling totally spoiled the book for me, sorry. Besides, there’s an attempted assault that I’d have liked to know prior starting the book.
«She ignores you, just like any good friend would».
New to the author, I like her writing style and I was enjoying the book until the sneaking and gambling were too much for me. I didn’t like one bit how Drayton didn’t talk to Ox, that’s not friendship, he should have done it at the very beginning. That kind of betrayal from such a close friend is something I don’t want to read about in my free time, even less to a character as sweet as Ox. And Aston’s behaviour when he was informing Ox? That was simply awful, and disrespectful too.
Before this I was enjoying the book quite a lot, I didn’t event mind the were stubborn about wanting to marry others, the sneaking and gambling totally spoiled the book for me, sorry. Besides, there’s an attempted assault that I’d have liked to know prior starting the book.
«She ignores you, just like any good friend would».
December 27, 2024
Well written, full of love, society, romance, villains, hopes, dreams, fears, intrigue and twists. Ox is an Earl whose nickname was earned by how big and strong he is. Due to his great Aunt's will, he will need to marry after saying he would not marry. His friend, Dray, is a Duke and also needs to marry. Both have the idea of what they want. Clarissa is a young lady, having her first season thanks to her Uncle and Aunt. She meets both Ox and Dray and sets her cap on the top prize of the season. As the season goes on she learns who to like and trust. She befriends another young lady that both Ox and Dray think is right for them. Dray seems to be the winner. Neither Ox or Clarissa are upset about losing their prize as they learn that the feelings they truly have are for each other. Add in some villains and action and you have a great read. would strongly recommend to everyone.
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.
June 13, 2024
This is the first book of a new series. It is well-written story with a good mix of humor along with romance and I became engaged from start to finish. Clarissa is quite the competitor and sees the marriage mart as a game she must win and sets out in hope of scoring a proposal from the Duke of Drayton. But instead, she is completely taken with his friend Jonathan, Lord Uxbridge. Given the nickname of Ox because of his big size, Jonathan doesn't believe he will ever marry because ladies tend to run from his large frame. As taken as Clarissa is by him, he is also fascinated by her. Although the two decide to only be friends, fate has other ideas for them.
An entertaining and enjoyable read with lovely characters. Glad to have had the opportunity to read this. I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
An entertaining and enjoyable read with lovely characters. Glad to have had the opportunity to read this. I received a complimentary copy from StoryOrigin and am voluntarily leaving my review.
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July 9, 2024Lady Preston is the most impressive character in this story. All of the male characters are just a little over done. Who does what the Duke did to his best friend? Earl of Oxbridge thinks he is too big for any woman. Our heroine, Clarissa thinks she has to win the season, while Miss Buttery-Clements makes off with the prize. To be honest, who needs a villain in this story with the main characters and the supporting characters doing the dirty against each other. As I said, Lady Preston our Zodiac Matchmaker keeps the story going through all the chaos.
November 5, 2025
I have read this book twice and I loved it both times. Clarissa Ellison is a debutant stuck with an extremely unhelpful aunt. She’s convinced marriage is a game to be won and she plans to win.
Lord Uxbridge is a gentle giant who is rather afraid of how delicate young ladies seem to be. He’s amused however by Miss Ellison’s point of view. So, he decides to befriend her as she learns the rules of the game.
Lady Preston thinks these two might have a future together. All she has to do is convince them.
It’s a thoroughly entertaining book.
Grace Eileen Smith
Lord Uxbridge is a gentle giant who is rather afraid of how delicate young ladies seem to be. He’s amused however by Miss Ellison’s point of view. So, he decides to befriend her as she learns the rules of the game.
Lady Preston thinks these two might have a future together. All she has to do is convince them.
It’s a thoroughly entertaining book.
Grace Eileen Smith
February 20, 2024
I really liked this story and read it straight through. I found myself laughing at the thoughts of the main characters. Ox is a big man and thought he would damage a woman. Clarissa is a competitor and thinks of the marriage mart as a game to win. The four sided love triangle was well written and fun to read. It would have been nice to see the aunt get some sort of comeuppance. Since this book is first in a new series, I am now eagerly waiting to see what happens next.
November 3, 2024
Assertive
Refreshing
Independent
Energetic
Sexy
Clarissa Ellison is all this plus more. As your typical Aries: everything is a competition. Entertaining and enjoyable. As Clarissa makes her season debut, she has her eye on the prize. Or who she thought was the prize. That is until she meets Jonathan, Lord Uxbridge aka Ox. But they have agreed to just be friends. Lady Preston will help her see the way. Excited to see what Bond comes up with for the other signs.
Refreshing
Independent
Energetic
Sexy
Clarissa Ellison is all this plus more. As your typical Aries: everything is a competition. Entertaining and enjoyable. As Clarissa makes her season debut, she has her eye on the prize. Or who she thought was the prize. That is until she meets Jonathan, Lord Uxbridge aka Ox. But they have agreed to just be friends. Lady Preston will help her see the way. Excited to see what Bond comes up with for the other signs.
February 20, 2024
The Determined Debutant by Meridith Bond.
I was looking forward to reading this book, it's the first in the series. Well I was not disappointed the story lines were interesting and the characters kept me entertained.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you for letting me read this in advance.
I was looking forward to reading this book, it's the first in the series. Well I was not disappointed the story lines were interesting and the characters kept me entertained.
I can't wait to read the next book.
Thank you for letting me read this in advance.
January 3, 2025
An unusual story that takes four people with different horoscopes mixes them into a competition, shakes them all up and dumps them out to see what happens. Well defined characters, joyously portrayed and full of adventure. Add into the story is a villain, the ton, dreams, with twists and turns. I loved this story and am looking forward to reading more from this author.
January 4, 2025
Clarissa found out winning isn’t everything when love is on the line. What an enchanting story, filled with characters who have flaws, strengths, pride, and humility. Entertaining plot that kept me riveted to the end.
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.
May 1, 2025
4.75⭐ I read this book because I won it in a giveaway. I really enjoyed it. I love the wholesomeness of historical romance stories and this one didn't disappoint. Super cute and would recommend if it is your kind of thing too.
May 8, 2025
What a fun read! A blend of historical romance with astrology thrown in to make the perfect match. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series! A great book for a summer read.
#goodreadsgiveaway
#goodreadsgiveaway
February 27, 2024
excellent
I really enjoyed this book, plenty detail to the story and some great characters. Loved Clarissa and Ox and Lady Preston with her determination. An excellent read
I really enjoyed this book, plenty detail to the story and some great characters. Loved Clarissa and Ox and Lady Preston with her determination. An excellent read
Displaying 1 - 14 of 14 reviews