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The Whitmorelands #1
O Acordo Do Duque (Os Whitmoreland Livro 1)
A lua de mel acabou...
Quando Veronica disse “Sim” para Sebastian Sinclair, o Duque de Edgefield, ela pensou que todos os seus sonhos tinham se realizado. Ele era bonito e devotado, e ela o adorava - até que ele traiu a sua confiança, acabando com seu casamento e quebrando seu coração em mil pedaços. Nos últimos dois anos, ela não o vira mais, e por ela, poderia continuar assim pelos próximos vinte anos. Mas quando ela fica sabendo que o último desejo do seu querido avô éque ela e Sebastian participem das festas de Natal juntos com a família, ela deixa seu orgulho de lado e pede a ele um fingir ser o casal feliz de outros tempos.
Mas a paixão ainda está latente.
Sebastian se revolta quando vê sua linda duquesa em sua casa, mas ele está disposto a assumir o papel de marido devotado para o Natal... se Veronica fizer um favor para ele também. Tudo que ele está pedindo é compartilhar a cama com ela todas as noites. A noite toda. E talvez até lhe dar o herdeiro que ele precisa.
Será que o amor dos dois é real?
Veronica deve ser louca, pois aceita, principalmente porque Sebastian parece decidido a usar todas as armas no seu arsenal para encantar e seduzi-la. Ela sabe que estão apenas fingindo, mas não consegue parar de pensar que talvez, com a neve e o espírito de Natal, aconteça um pouco de magia. Talvez ela e Sebastian acabarão com mais que ambos esperavam...
Quando Veronica disse “Sim” para Sebastian Sinclair, o Duque de Edgefield, ela pensou que todos os seus sonhos tinham se realizado. Ele era bonito e devotado, e ela o adorava - até que ele traiu a sua confiança, acabando com seu casamento e quebrando seu coração em mil pedaços. Nos últimos dois anos, ela não o vira mais, e por ela, poderia continuar assim pelos próximos vinte anos. Mas quando ela fica sabendo que o último desejo do seu querido avô éque ela e Sebastian participem das festas de Natal juntos com a família, ela deixa seu orgulho de lado e pede a ele um fingir ser o casal feliz de outros tempos.
Mas a paixão ainda está latente.
Sebastian se revolta quando vê sua linda duquesa em sua casa, mas ele está disposto a assumir o papel de marido devotado para o Natal... se Veronica fizer um favor para ele também. Tudo que ele está pedindo é compartilhar a cama com ela todas as noites. A noite toda. E talvez até lhe dar o herdeiro que ele precisa.
Será que o amor dos dois é real?
Veronica deve ser louca, pois aceita, principalmente porque Sebastian parece decidido a usar todas as armas no seu arsenal para encantar e seduzi-la. Ela sabe que estão apenas fingindo, mas não consegue parar de pensar que talvez, com a neve e o espírito de Natal, aconteça um pouco de magia. Talvez ela e Sebastian acabarão com mais que ambos esperavam...
179 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 1, 2022
341 people are currently reading
1813 people want to read
About the author
Valerie Bowman
57 books1,573 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 161 reviews
August 12, 2023
Read: 8/7/23
This was an okay book. The couple's problems seemed ridiculous 🙄. One conversation would have fixed the marriage. I was just glad the story wasn't longer!
I will say the ending was sweet 😋
I dont usually read novellas bc they are rarely done well. I think I'll stick to VB's novels
This was an okay book. The couple's problems seemed ridiculous 🙄. One conversation would have fixed the marriage. I was just glad the story wasn't longer!
I will say the ending was sweet 😋
I dont usually read novellas bc they are rarely done well. I think I'll stick to VB's novels
October 31, 2022
Veronica and Sebastian Sinclair, Duke and Duchess of Edgefield, have been estranged for two years. After a happy courtship and marriage, a misunderstanding drove the two apart. But when she learns that her beloved grandfather’s dying wish is for her and Sebastian to attend the family’s Christmastide celebration, Veronica swallows her pride and asks Sebastian for a favor: to appear as a happy couple for the holidays. He agrees, with a few conditions.
This is the introductory novellas to the Whitmorelands series. It is available in the Duke in a Box anthology (limited time) and stand alone (January 2023).
Misunderstanding tropes can be frustrating because the reader often wants to slap one or both main characters and tell them to truly listen and stop being an idiot! While there is a little bit of that here, I feel like this story was well developed. I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold, and I'm already excited for Veronica's brother Justin's story!
Tropes: Estranged Couple/Second Chance, Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's Sister
Steam: 2
This is the introductory novellas to the Whitmorelands series. It is available in the Duke in a Box anthology (limited time) and stand alone (January 2023).
Misunderstanding tropes can be frustrating because the reader often wants to slap one or both main characters and tell them to truly listen and stop being an idiot! While there is a little bit of that here, I feel like this story was well developed. I enjoyed seeing their relationship unfold, and I'm already excited for Veronica's brother Justin's story!
Tropes: Estranged Couple/Second Chance, Brother's Best Friend/Best Friend's Sister
Steam: 2
April 20, 2023
4-Fake-Rake-Stars
I read this as a part of the anthology Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas.
- I was surprised by how much I liked it. Because my previous experience with this author was not that great, second chancers can be a chore, and infidelity is a sore point. Here the story had depth, the characters felt real, the resolution was handled well, and overall it made to be an enjoyable read. *The hero was named Sebastian, so obviously, I loved him.
I read this as a part of the anthology Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas.
- I was surprised by how much I liked it. Because my previous experience with this author was not that great, second chancers can be a chore, and infidelity is a sore point. Here the story had depth, the characters felt real, the resolution was handled well, and overall it made to be an enjoyable read. *The hero was named Sebastian, so obviously, I loved him.
May 26, 2025
⭐⭐⭐
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Second chance romance.
Not a willfully ignorant debutante/heroine.
Some parts of the story were somewhat interesting.
The hero was faithful during the couples separation/estrangement.
A married couple.
➖ What I disliked:
Anachronistic.
Repetitive.
Both main characters were annoying but the hero was especially annoying.
A bit disjointed in some parts.
Both main characters were way too stubborn.
Both main characters were rather immature … especially the hero.
The OTT misunderstandings and miscommunication.
( Especially since they had known each other and been acquainted and friends for a long time because the hero was friends with the heroines brother and also a friend of the family that spent very much time with the heroines family.. before anything romantic happened between the main characters.)
The romance/romantic build-up and chemistry felt forced and very often rather unconvincing … and their love was based almost entirely on the physical and with very little emotional connection.
Believability/plausibility issues etc.
( That the main characters did not know each other better or really at all before or after the wedding …… even though the main characters had known each other for a long time before they got married or anything romantic happened …. because the hero was friends first with the heroines brother and then with the heroine and the hero was also a friend to/of the heroines family and he spent a lot of time with them.
That the main characters would not in some ways be aware of the issues with each others parents and families etc. …. And the hopes and fears etc. they both had about love and marriage etc. because of the issues in their families and with their parents and their parents marriage.
The meddling from the heroines family was a little OTT and anachronistic etc. .… and it was also very obvious that they were meddling … it was meant to be well-meaning but just came off as OTT and kind of like they only blamed the heroine.
And the heroines family waited 2 years before meddling instead of nudging or meddling in the beginning of the main characters estrangement that they were fully aware of.)
The way the heroines brother more or less dismissed the heroines feelings and blamed the heroine for the problems she had in her marriage and just brushed of what the hero did.
Too much focus on their looks and not enough focus on what else they liked/loved about each other.
Issues and problems were resolved too easily/quickly.
(After being estranged for 2 years and not talking to each other or even trying to mend things everything is resolved too easily… the trust was not there in the relationship and they had really bad miscommunication/communication problems and both of them had underlying issues that effected their relationship and would continue effecting their relationship.
And in some places in story it felt like the hero was gaslighting the heroine for what he did to their relationship etc.
And the heroine apologized first when the hero was the one that lied and broke his promise to her… even if both were at fault for the miscommunication… the hero was the one that set the ball rolling to their marriage falling apart and never really apologized until the end of the story after the heroine apologized to him.
So the ending was kind of sweet … but it felt more like a HFN ...than a HEA.
Both of them had way too many issues that needed to be worked on… but especially the hero with him not really taking any/no responsibility/accountability for his lying among other things.)
The OTT/heavy handed use of platitudes and clichés.
The heroes mother and her manipulation and there was no comeuppance for her for what she did and said or even that the hero did not do anything to keep her away from the couples marriage and their lives since she had always been a toxic and cold mother and person.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of both the main characters.
(Hero= tall, muscular/chiseled, handsome And Heroine= petite, slender, beautiful.)🙄
3 stars.
➕ What I liked :
Second chance romance.
Not a willfully ignorant debutante/heroine.
Some parts of the story were somewhat interesting.
The hero was faithful during the couples separation/estrangement.
A married couple.
➖ What I disliked:
Anachronistic.
Repetitive.
Both main characters were annoying but the hero was especially annoying.
A bit disjointed in some parts.
Both main characters were way too stubborn.
Both main characters were rather immature … especially the hero.
The OTT misunderstandings and miscommunication.
( Especially since they had known each other and been acquainted and friends for a long time because the hero was friends with the heroines brother and also a friend of the family that spent very much time with the heroines family.. before anything romantic happened between the main characters.)
The romance/romantic build-up and chemistry felt forced and very often rather unconvincing … and their love was based almost entirely on the physical and with very little emotional connection.
Believability/plausibility issues etc.
( That the main characters did not know each other better or really at all before or after the wedding …… even though the main characters had known each other for a long time before they got married or anything romantic happened …. because the hero was friends first with the heroines brother and then with the heroine and the hero was also a friend to/of the heroines family and he spent a lot of time with them.
That the main characters would not in some ways be aware of the issues with each others parents and families etc. …. And the hopes and fears etc. they both had about love and marriage etc. because of the issues in their families and with their parents and their parents marriage.
The meddling from the heroines family was a little OTT and anachronistic etc. .… and it was also very obvious that they were meddling … it was meant to be well-meaning but just came off as OTT and kind of like they only blamed the heroine.
And the heroines family waited 2 years before meddling instead of nudging or meddling in the beginning of the main characters estrangement that they were fully aware of.)
The way the heroines brother more or less dismissed the heroines feelings and blamed the heroine for the problems she had in her marriage and just brushed of what the hero did.
Too much focus on their looks and not enough focus on what else they liked/loved about each other.
Issues and problems were resolved too easily/quickly.
(After being estranged for 2 years and not talking to each other or even trying to mend things everything is resolved too easily… the trust was not there in the relationship and they had really bad miscommunication/communication problems and both of them had underlying issues that effected their relationship and would continue effecting their relationship.
And in some places in story it felt like the hero was gaslighting the heroine for what he did to their relationship etc.
And the heroine apologized first when the hero was the one that lied and broke his promise to her… even if both were at fault for the miscommunication… the hero was the one that set the ball rolling to their marriage falling apart and never really apologized until the end of the story after the heroine apologized to him.
So the ending was kind of sweet … but it felt more like a HFN ...than a HEA.
Both of them had way too many issues that needed to be worked on… but especially the hero with him not really taking any/no responsibility/accountability for his lying among other things.)
The OTT/heavy handed use of platitudes and clichés.
The heroes mother and her manipulation and there was no comeuppance for her for what she did and said or even that the hero did not do anything to keep her away from the couples marriage and their lives since she had always been a toxic and cold mother and person.
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice of both the main characters.
(Hero= tall, muscular/chiseled, handsome And Heroine= petite, slender, beautiful.)🙄
December 31, 2023
Super fun and good. Read this in almost one sitting. 4.5 stars
December 17, 2022
I couldn't stand the heroine and her stubbornness.
"She’d been selfish and unbending, quick to judge and arrogant. Instead of pushing her husband away, she could have sought to understand what happened. She’d jumped to the worst conclusion about him and refused to either understand or forgive.”
Her husband (the hero) should have at least told her the truth. Ugh, these two.
I am looking forward to the next book though. It's about Justin, the heroine's brother. His romance has a touch of Cinderella themes in it.
"She’d been selfish and unbending, quick to judge and arrogant. Instead of pushing her husband away, she could have sought to understand what happened. She’d jumped to the worst conclusion about him and refused to either understand or forgive.”
Her husband (the hero) should have at least told her the truth. Ugh, these two.
I am looking forward to the next book though. It's about Justin, the heroine's brother. His romance has a touch of Cinderella themes in it.
December 28, 2022
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 Stars
Series: The Whitmorelands #1
Publication Date: 11/1/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 161
This is a nice, short introduction to a new series. I enjoyed the read and liked the characters quite well – especially Sebastian. One of the themes throughout the book that resonated with me is that life is all about choices – our choices – and how they affect our lives and the lives of others. Another thing I really liked about the book is that Veronica actually admitted she was wrong and apologized for it – you often see that with the male characters in books, but not the female, and in this case, she really was the one in the wrong.
Veronica and Sebastian have only lived together for two months during their two-year-long marriage. Both were blissfully happy until a major misunderstanding occurred and Veronica left Sebastian and went to the country estate. They haven’t seen, spoken to, or corresponded with, each other in all of that time. Now, Veronica must ask Sebastian to spend Christmas with her family at her grandfather’s estate and pretend they are still happily wed. Will he agree to her request? Hmm – he might – but with stipulations of his own.
I really liked Sebastian who was solid and steady and still ready to love Veronica even though she’d left him. I liked Veronica as well but kept thinking she was holding on to her ‘issue’ much too long – until I actually looked at the timeline of the story. While the conflict lasts through most of the story, the entire story lasts only a few days, so I came to realize it wasn’t an unreasonable amount of time. Both Veronica and Sebastian had issues with which they had to deal before they could find true happiness, and they had to come to terms with the choices they’d made and the reasons behind those choices. Once that was done, they had a chance at a real future with true happiness.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I perceived a historical inaccuracy in this book, but I’m not sure it was actually spelled out, so I will be interested in seeing Justin’s book to learn more about that. Sorry – I’m just weird that way. Anyway, the story was nicely written and I did enjoy the read. I hope you will enjoy it as well should you choose to read it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Series: The Whitmorelands #1
Publication Date: 11/1/22
Period: Regency
Number of Pages: 161
This is a nice, short introduction to a new series. I enjoyed the read and liked the characters quite well – especially Sebastian. One of the themes throughout the book that resonated with me is that life is all about choices – our choices – and how they affect our lives and the lives of others. Another thing I really liked about the book is that Veronica actually admitted she was wrong and apologized for it – you often see that with the male characters in books, but not the female, and in this case, she really was the one in the wrong.
Veronica and Sebastian have only lived together for two months during their two-year-long marriage. Both were blissfully happy until a major misunderstanding occurred and Veronica left Sebastian and went to the country estate. They haven’t seen, spoken to, or corresponded with, each other in all of that time. Now, Veronica must ask Sebastian to spend Christmas with her family at her grandfather’s estate and pretend they are still happily wed. Will he agree to her request? Hmm – he might – but with stipulations of his own.
I really liked Sebastian who was solid and steady and still ready to love Veronica even though she’d left him. I liked Veronica as well but kept thinking she was holding on to her ‘issue’ much too long – until I actually looked at the timeline of the story. While the conflict lasts through most of the story, the entire story lasts only a few days, so I came to realize it wasn’t an unreasonable amount of time. Both Veronica and Sebastian had issues with which they had to deal before they could find true happiness, and they had to come to terms with the choices they’d made and the reasons behind those choices. Once that was done, they had a chance at a real future with true happiness.
I enjoyed the story and am looking forward to the next book in the series. I perceived a historical inaccuracy in this book, but I’m not sure it was actually spelled out, so I will be interested in seeing Justin’s book to learn more about that. Sorry – I’m just weird that way. Anyway, the story was nicely written and I did enjoy the read. I hope you will enjoy it as well should you choose to read it.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy (ARC) of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 28, 2025
“The only thing obvious is that you two are the most stubborn fools I’ve ever met.”
2.5✨Anachronisms, sprinkled throughout the story like glittery ornaments on a Christmas tree🎄, paled in comparison to the most colossal miscommunication trope ever.
2.5✨Anachronisms, sprinkled throughout the story like glittery ornaments on a Christmas tree🎄, paled in comparison to the most colossal miscommunication trope ever.
February 28, 2023
The story was engaging and I am a sucker for a misunderstanding. The MC didn't much seem to even like each other and it felt like a happy ever after for now situation. This was a fun but forgettable novella.
October 11, 2022
4 Stars!! ‘The Duke Deal’ is a cute and quick read by Valerie Bowman and it’s the first in the new series ‘The Whitmorelands’. I liked this book but kept getting so frustrated by the stupidity and stubbornness of the two main characters, Veronica and Sebastian. I must have anger issues since I’ve been writing in my reviews a lot lately about wanting to slap FICTIONAL characters! I’ll work on that... later. That being said, I still really want to slap Veronica and Sebastian. Or at least shake them a bit. I’ve said it more than once in my reviews but I’ll say it again for the people in the back - communication is key to a healthy and functional relationship. I blame both main characters for a failing relationship in this book but it kind of came off as being more one’s fault than the other. I still was entertained and enjoyed this book a lot with it’s anger stirring, idiotic main characters, slow to meddle family members, possible death, steamy ‘sexy times’, mistresses, love, groveling, and an HEA! Can’t wait for the next book in this series!!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
July 11, 2024
unfortunately boring. main characters didn’t feel fleshed out at all & had no personality except for being stubborn, which is not actually a compelling personality trait, especially if it’s your only personality trait. also, i like reading MIScommunication—not an absence of any communication entirely due to straightforward refusals to listen/speak to the other person for, frankly, ridiculous and stupid reasons. like, if you refuse to hear your partner out for OVER TWO YEARS, like literally refusing to engage in any conversation or hear their perspective or side of the situation at all because you’ve already categorically worked out what happened and you’re not interested in hearing anything from them, what kind of a relationship is that? not a compelling one to read about, that’s for sure.
December 1, 2022
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for an honest review. All opinions are my own.
Valerie Bowman might not be for everyone, but she is definitely for me. If you like fun historical romps full of humor, wit, and light-hearted fun then she is probably for you too. Super short and cute read. I love estranged couples finding their way back to each other. So, this one really did it for me. I "kind of" wish that maybe they had gotten their heads out of their butts a little bit earlier. But hey, being prideful and having difficulty admitting your wrong can really cause the downfall of a relationship so it's pretty believable. I loved Veronica's meddling family, and that they knew what was better for the main characters than they did. Can't wait for the next one!
Valerie Bowman might not be for everyone, but she is definitely for me. If you like fun historical romps full of humor, wit, and light-hearted fun then she is probably for you too. Super short and cute read. I love estranged couples finding their way back to each other. So, this one really did it for me. I "kind of" wish that maybe they had gotten their heads out of their butts a little bit earlier. But hey, being prideful and having difficulty admitting your wrong can really cause the downfall of a relationship so it's pretty believable. I loved Veronica's meddling family, and that they knew what was better for the main characters than they did. Can't wait for the next one!
November 12, 2023
A painfully simple story of miscommunication between two unlikeable characters that doesn’t stay true to the 1814 setting.
dnf
March 7, 2024DNF at 28%
Bored. Repetitive.
3.7.24
Bored. Repetitive.
3.7.24
January 5, 2024
Audiobook
Veronica and Sebastian
He lied and then blames her for it.
Only 2 months into their marriage he lies about seeing his ex Mistress in her house.
He's trash.
He gas lights her to make her think it's her fault for holding him accountable for his lies.
This isn't a Romance, this is a Narcissistic manipulative Abuser grooming his victim with the assistance of her own Brother and her own family. He plays the victim throughout the book.
Liars always lie.
Cheaters always cheat.
And birds of a feather .....
The author would have you believe they need to meet in the middle. But essentially, the wife takes all the blame and guilt for her husband's lies.
They were married and he had never once told her he loved her.
He actually threw her out 3/4 through the book. Sebastian is not a good man.
He never apologized for lying. He made no effort in the marriage. Of course, he's a Duke.
Money and power corrupt.
Sebastian should have spent this book groveling for forgiveness. He's 5 years her senior and accepts no responsibility for his lying. He's old enough to know the consequences of a lie like that. He untrustworthiness is well earned.
SHE apologizes and HE'S the liar. She'll have to carry his emotionally broken arse through out the rest of their lives.
The liar promises never to lie again and the fool believes him.
Her whole family blames her and takes the Lying Duke's side.
I like Valerie Bowman but this, is by far, the worst male lead she's ever written.
Veronica and Sebastian
He lied and then blames her for it.
Only 2 months into their marriage he lies about seeing his ex Mistress in her house.
He's trash.
He gas lights her to make her think it's her fault for holding him accountable for his lies.
This isn't a Romance, this is a Narcissistic manipulative Abuser grooming his victim with the assistance of her own Brother and her own family. He plays the victim throughout the book.
Liars always lie.
Cheaters always cheat.
And birds of a feather .....
The author would have you believe they need to meet in the middle. But essentially, the wife takes all the blame and guilt for her husband's lies.
They were married and he had never once told her he loved her.
He actually threw her out 3/4 through the book. Sebastian is not a good man.
He never apologized for lying. He made no effort in the marriage. Of course, he's a Duke.
Money and power corrupt.
Sebastian should have spent this book groveling for forgiveness. He's 5 years her senior and accepts no responsibility for his lying. He's old enough to know the consequences of a lie like that. He untrustworthiness is well earned.
SHE apologizes and HE'S the liar. She'll have to carry his emotionally broken arse through out the rest of their lives.
The liar promises never to lie again and the fool believes him.
Her whole family blames her and takes the Lying Duke's side.
I like Valerie Bowman but this, is by far, the worst male lead she's ever written.
October 13, 2022
I usually don't mind second-chance novels, but Veronica and Sebastian are stupidly stubborn and made me very nervous. For that reason, I can't say I particularly enjoyed this novella, but it certainly introduced a cast of rather interesting characters that will prompt me to continue reading this series.
Di solito i romanzi sulle seconde possibilitá non mi dispiacciono, ma Veronica e Sebastian sono stupidamente cocciuti e mi hanno innervosito parecchio. Per questo non posso dire di aver particolarmente apprezzato questa novella, ma sicuramente ha introdotto un cast di personaggi piuttosto interessanti che mi spingeranno a continuare a leggere questa serie.
I received from the Author a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
Di solito i romanzi sulle seconde possibilitá non mi dispiacciono, ma Veronica e Sebastian sono stupidamente cocciuti e mi hanno innervosito parecchio. Per questo non posso dire di aver particolarmente apprezzato questa novella, ma sicuramente ha introdotto un cast di personaggi piuttosto interessanti che mi spingeranno a continuare a leggere questa serie.
I received from the Author a complimentary digital advanced review copy of the book in exchange for a honest review.
December 31, 2022
When Veronica said “I do” to Sebastian Sinclair, Duke of Edgefield, she thought all her dreams had come true until he betrayed her trust, shattering their marriage, and her heart, into a million tiny bits. She hasn’t seen her husband in the two years since but when she learns that her beloved grandfather’s dying wish is for her and Sebastian to attend the family’s Christmastide celebration, she swallows her pride and asks him a favour: to pretend they’re the happy couple they once were.
The start of a new series & we get to know the Whitmoreland siblings in this fairly quick read. A well written story of second chances as well as assumptions & misunderstandings. I really liked Sebastian & liked Veronica, it was very much a case of if only they’d talked but she jumped to the wrong conclusions when he told a lie but instead of listening she jumped in upto her neck, packed her bags & left. Then he did nothing to appease the situation – boy I really wanted to shake these two. I did enjoy their troubled journey to a HEA.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The start of a new series & we get to know the Whitmoreland siblings in this fairly quick read. A well written story of second chances as well as assumptions & misunderstandings. I really liked Sebastian & liked Veronica, it was very much a case of if only they’d talked but she jumped to the wrong conclusions when he told a lie but instead of listening she jumped in upto her neck, packed her bags & left. Then he did nothing to appease the situation – boy I really wanted to shake these two. I did enjoy their troubled journey to a HEA.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 23, 2023
(Read as a part of Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Holiday Novellas)
An ok story; there was defiantly chemistry between the estranged couple, and I really enjoyed their banter.
I’m a sucker for any type of bet or wager plots, so this story was really entreating for me. I was intrigued by what could possible made Veronica to leave her husband after only few moths of marriage, and I gotta say – the miscommunication in this story was A LOT .
There were moments where the hero and heroine infuriated me to no end. Honestly, this novella could’ve been so much shorter if the main couple just talked with each other.
But, fortunately, the lack of communication fueled some pretty intense tension, and (like I said) the banter was nice.
Curiously enough, the descriptive parts of the prose felt really awkward at times. Dialogs were great, longer parts not so much.
3,5/5 stars
An ok story; there was defiantly chemistry between the estranged couple, and I really enjoyed their banter.
I’m a sucker for any type of bet or wager plots, so this story was really entreating for me. I was intrigued by what could possible made Veronica to leave her husband after only few moths of marriage, and I gotta say – the miscommunication in this story was A LOT .
There were moments where the hero and heroine infuriated me to no end. Honestly, this novella could’ve been so much shorter if the main couple just talked with each other.
But, fortunately, the lack of communication fueled some pretty intense tension, and (like I said) the banter was nice.
Curiously enough, the descriptive parts of the prose felt really awkward at times. Dialogs were great, longer parts not so much.
3,5/5 stars
September 1, 2023
Have never been a big fan of the misunderstanding/miscommunication trope, and this book hasn’t changed my mind. Was one of those books where you felt one conversation could’ve prevented all of the conflict in the novel. Both characters weren’t particularly likeable to me, and I found that I didn’t get enough of a chance to know them - which is fair given the length of the book.
I chose to read this book as it was a nice cozy evening, I had a hot cup of tea, and I wanted to read something enjoyable and easy. In terms of that criteria, this book was relatively successful. It was a short, quick read, and I felt I was able to blitz through it quickly without getting bored. I will definitely consider reading more of this author, should this same mood ever strike me.
I chose to read this book as it was a nice cozy evening, I had a hot cup of tea, and I wanted to read something enjoyable and easy. In terms of that criteria, this book was relatively successful. It was a short, quick read, and I felt I was able to blitz through it quickly without getting bored. I will definitely consider reading more of this author, should this same mood ever strike me.
February 16, 2023
first five star read of the year!
I couldn't put it down && when I did, I couldn't stop thinking about picking it back up again.
I love how they both stuck to their beliefs && kept the story from being boring. love all of them.
can't wait for the next one!
I couldn't put it down && when I did, I couldn't stop thinking about picking it back up again.
I love how they both stuck to their beliefs && kept the story from being boring. love all of them.
can't wait for the next one!
October 19, 2023
Communication. That's all I'm asking for from romance books. Is it that difficult?
I'm sorry, these characters were difficult to read.
I'm sorry, these characters were difficult to read.
January 1, 2023
4.5 stars, rounded up.
Just over two years ago, Lady Veronica Whitmoreland and Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Edgefield married and thought their HEA was a given. Yet less than two months after their wedding, one lie shattered their happiness and lead to an estrangement that showed no signs of ending. But when Veronica’s mother comes to her in tears with the news that her beloved father is near death and is requesting the family spend one last Christmas with him – including Sebastian, Veronica will have to ask her husband to join her at her brother’s estate and pretend to be happily married for the duration of their stay.
Sebastian has never stopped loving Veronica and hoped that she would forgive him for the lie he told to spare her feelings, but so much time has passed that it doesn’t seem possible, that is until she shows up at his townhouse, demanding that he see her immediately and requesting a favor. Sebastian has missed his time with her family, including her grandfather, so he will of course go with her – but he has some demands of his own – she will have to share a bed with him for the duration of their stay. He hopes the forced closeness with heal the rift between them and at the very least, result in an heir. But Veronica is stubborn and is still clinging to her anger, she has no intention of forgiving him and won’t even listen to the reason he lied. It seems like a lost cause, but luckily for these two – there are a lot of people rooting for their HEA, and who aren’t above a little interfering to see them reconcile.
This was a well-written, in-depth story for a novella and I was honestly a little nervous that they might not get a HEA. Veronica was one of the most stubborn characters I have ever read, she does have a legitimate reason for her reaction, but she takes it too far – usually, when a couple is estranged, it is the husband in the wrong and who grovels, but in this story, while Sebastian does lie, it is Veronica who goes off the deep end and refuses to listen to him, then leaves him and has zero communication with him while they are apart. Even after two years, she refuses to listen or even consider forgiving him – so when she learns the truth behind the lie – she will have to do some serious groveling to prove to her husband that not only does she forgive him, but that she is sorry for the way she acted. It is a nail-biter for sure! This is the first book in a new series and if this story was anything to go by – it is going to be a “must-read” series.
*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.*
Just over two years ago, Lady Veronica Whitmoreland and Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Edgefield married and thought their HEA was a given. Yet less than two months after their wedding, one lie shattered their happiness and lead to an estrangement that showed no signs of ending. But when Veronica’s mother comes to her in tears with the news that her beloved father is near death and is requesting the family spend one last Christmas with him – including Sebastian, Veronica will have to ask her husband to join her at her brother’s estate and pretend to be happily married for the duration of their stay.
Sebastian has never stopped loving Veronica and hoped that she would forgive him for the lie he told to spare her feelings, but so much time has passed that it doesn’t seem possible, that is until she shows up at his townhouse, demanding that he see her immediately and requesting a favor. Sebastian has missed his time with her family, including her grandfather, so he will of course go with her – but he has some demands of his own – she will have to share a bed with him for the duration of their stay. He hopes the forced closeness with heal the rift between them and at the very least, result in an heir. But Veronica is stubborn and is still clinging to her anger, she has no intention of forgiving him and won’t even listen to the reason he lied. It seems like a lost cause, but luckily for these two – there are a lot of people rooting for their HEA, and who aren’t above a little interfering to see them reconcile.
This was a well-written, in-depth story for a novella and I was honestly a little nervous that they might not get a HEA. Veronica was one of the most stubborn characters I have ever read, she does have a legitimate reason for her reaction, but she takes it too far – usually, when a couple is estranged, it is the husband in the wrong and who grovels, but in this story, while Sebastian does lie, it is Veronica who goes off the deep end and refuses to listen to him, then leaves him and has zero communication with him while they are apart. Even after two years, she refuses to listen or even consider forgiving him – so when she learns the truth behind the lie – she will have to do some serious groveling to prove to her husband that not only does she forgive him, but that she is sorry for the way she acted. It is a nail-biter for sure! This is the first book in a new series and if this story was anything to go by – it is going to be a “must-read” series.
*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.*
February 17, 2024
3.5 Stars
The Duke Deal was an enjoyable read featuring a marriage in trouble romance.
Veronica Sinclair thought all of her dreams had come true when she married Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Edgefield. But then he betrayed her only two months into their marriage and she hasn't seen or spoken to him since. Two years later, her beloved grandfather is dying and wants one last Christmas with the family. The whole family. Now Veronica has to convince Sebastian to accompany her to the family estate and pretend nothing is amiss in their marriage. Sebastian is shocked to see Veronica again but he's willing to play along so long as she spends every night in his bed to give him the heir he needs.
Marriage in trouble is a trope I've come to enjoy and I was looking forward to learning what caused Veronica and Sebastian to separate. After learning what the betrayal was, I was skeptical that the situation was exactly as Veronica saw it but I also could understand why Veronica wasn't willing to forgive Sebastian for it. Sebastian certainly felt guilty for his part in things but he was also stubborn enough that he didn't fully explain the situation to Veronica. It actually took the majority of the book for the situation to be resolved which did drag on a bit longer than I wanted but I was happy with how everything was worked out.
Veronica and Sebastian have great chemistry right from the start even when they're hating each other. After the two make their deal about trying for an heir, it's clear their separation hasn't affected their physical relationship. It was fun watching their relationship develop as they spent such little time together before separating that there's still a lot they don't know about each other. I liked how the author handled the grand gesture at the end of the book between them, it was very sweet and unexpected.
Overall The Duke Deal was an entertaining read and I will definitely be continuing the series in the future.
The Duke Deal was an enjoyable read featuring a marriage in trouble romance.
Veronica Sinclair thought all of her dreams had come true when she married Sebastian Sinclair, the Duke of Edgefield. But then he betrayed her only two months into their marriage and she hasn't seen or spoken to him since. Two years later, her beloved grandfather is dying and wants one last Christmas with the family. The whole family. Now Veronica has to convince Sebastian to accompany her to the family estate and pretend nothing is amiss in their marriage. Sebastian is shocked to see Veronica again but he's willing to play along so long as she spends every night in his bed to give him the heir he needs.
Marriage in trouble is a trope I've come to enjoy and I was looking forward to learning what caused Veronica and Sebastian to separate. After learning what the betrayal was, I was skeptical that the situation was exactly as Veronica saw it but I also could understand why Veronica wasn't willing to forgive Sebastian for it. Sebastian certainly felt guilty for his part in things but he was also stubborn enough that he didn't fully explain the situation to Veronica. It actually took the majority of the book for the situation to be resolved which did drag on a bit longer than I wanted but I was happy with how everything was worked out.
Veronica and Sebastian have great chemistry right from the start even when they're hating each other. After the two make their deal about trying for an heir, it's clear their separation hasn't affected their physical relationship. It was fun watching their relationship develop as they spent such little time together before separating that there's still a lot they don't know about each other. I liked how the author handled the grand gesture at the end of the book between them, it was very sweet and unexpected.
Overall The Duke Deal was an entertaining read and I will definitely be continuing the series in the future.
January 6, 2023
Valerie Bowman's books always leave me with the expectation that a great story is about to be told, and this one did not disappoint.
A couple who had their period of perfect courtship ends up breaking up (due to misunderstandings). Two years they remain apart, until an unusual request makes her look for her husband to pretend they are still a couple. Great opportunity to resolve any issue, plus an heir to the dukedom is needed.
4 stars
A couple who had their period of perfect courtship ends up breaking up (due to misunderstandings). Two years they remain apart, until an unusual request makes her look for her husband to pretend they are still a couple. Great opportunity to resolve any issue, plus an heir to the dukedom is needed.
4 stars
May 8, 2024
This was a cute little holiday themed novella.
Normally I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance, but this was pretty decent. It was short and sweet and took place over a Christmas holiday.
I'm happy to have picked this up as I have some full length novels written by this author so I was excited to see if I would enjoy them. I think, after reading this novella, I'm happy to give it a go.
Reading Challenge 2024
Month: May Letters: C/D
Normally I'm not a huge fan of second chance romance, but this was pretty decent. It was short and sweet and took place over a Christmas holiday.
I'm happy to have picked this up as I have some full length novels written by this author so I was excited to see if I would enjoy them. I think, after reading this novella, I'm happy to give it a go.
Reading Challenge 2024
Month: May Letters: C/D
January 21, 2023
Trying to get a handle on romances, and this came highly recommended. I don’t know if it is a genre thing but it felt quite repetitive - which was especially obvious given that the set-up situation was a little flimsy and the characters are annoying. I’m also not sure where this falls on the steam level continuum - or how that level is communicated to people… sigh.
February 27, 2023
I read this in the Anthology "Duke in a Box". It was a cute story. Looking forward to this series.
May 16, 2023
This is the 1st book I read by Valerie Bowman. I loved ❤️ this book's storyline. I loved ❤️ the hot 🔥 & steamy scenes. Veronica's character was okay. Some parts of the story 📖 Veronica got on my nerves. I loved ❤️ Sebastian's character. I felt sorry for Sebastian. I loved ❤️ the ending. Awesome job Ms. Bowman.
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