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The Good Dukes #1
Good Duke Gone Cold
Alternate cover edition can be found here
She’s a passionate playwright. He’s a grumpy, cold duke. And she just needs to resist her desire for him this one summer…
All Mary wants is to follow her passion for playwriting. She does NOT want to follow the burning passion she has for her best friend’s brother, the devilishly handsome duke, who has just returned home.
Gregory has spent the last few reckless years on the continent, mourning his father and best friend. He cannot lose anyone else and is determined to keep everyone at arm’s length while he works to improve his estate.
Can one slip of a girl breach the front lines and cause more than just a small amount of chaos in his breeches?
If you like fun characters, witty banter, and easy reads, then you’ll adore Eliana Piers’ lighthearted story.
She’s a passionate playwright. He’s a grumpy, cold duke. And she just needs to resist her desire for him this one summer…
All Mary wants is to follow her passion for playwriting. She does NOT want to follow the burning passion she has for her best friend’s brother, the devilishly handsome duke, who has just returned home.
Gregory has spent the last few reckless years on the continent, mourning his father and best friend. He cannot lose anyone else and is determined to keep everyone at arm’s length while he works to improve his estate.
Can one slip of a girl breach the front lines and cause more than just a small amount of chaos in his breeches?
If you like fun characters, witty banter, and easy reads, then you’ll adore Eliana Piers’ lighthearted story.
262 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2024
529 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Eliana Piers
274 books182 followersWhat makes people fall in love? Why do two people end up together? Every love story is unique and that's what I love to write.
Eliana Piers has been writing and singing stories since she was five years old. After feeling inspired by authors like Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, and Minerva Spencer, Eliana decided to test her quill on the page.
Writing about love and how two people come to connect and share parts of their souls with each other is now an obsession.
Eliana lives in Canada where she drinks ice caps every day.
Eliana Piers has been writing and singing stories since she was five years old. After feeling inspired by authors like Julia Quinn, Tessa Dare, and Minerva Spencer, Eliana decided to test her quill on the page.
Writing about love and how two people come to connect and share parts of their souls with each other is now an obsession.
Eliana lives in Canada where she drinks ice caps every day.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 60 reviews
July 8, 2023
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (I actually did find parts of this a bit confusing because of the jumping, but I was having so much fun and didn’t want to put it down so I kept it at a 4)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (the beginning scenes were maybe a bit more powerful on the scale for me but the later one was light)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Some of these are short and it might not feel quite this hot to others/notes at the end of my review)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and the heroine
Percentage which mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Not officially, but the last chapter wraps things up (not far in the future)
Format: Bought e-book
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first in the series and Piers' debut!
Basic plot:
Mary is taking this summer to focus on her plays, seeing as her parents have decided should marry come next season. Unfortunately she is having trouble focusing on them with Gregory back...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1815)
- heroine’s dream is to become a playwright
- flowers as a love language
- best friends brother
- childhood friends to lovers
- Duke hero
- touch of jerk hero – he has been hurt in the past and wants to keep Mary at arms length and does some unlikable things at times to do it
- medium steam - 4-ish scenes though some might feel a bit light to others
Ages:
- I believe the hero is around 28 and the heroine 20
First line:
A girl never knows where her husband might come from.
My thoughts:
I am so happy I gave Eliana Piers a try! I believe this is her debut and it was such a fun ride.
I found Piers’ writing style so different and FUN. At first, it took me a bit to get into it. And part of that was because of some time jumps were a bit confusing. I could have used better dividers between past and present day, or a different thought style with the flash backs. But after I got used to it, I just fell in love with her writing. It was funny, and sweet and I found myself anxious to get back to this story when I put it down.
Mary was fun. I don’t think I’ve read a playwright heroine before – I have read a few actresses. I liked her a lot – she’s a bit sweet and innocent but refuses to compromise on what she wants in life.
Gregory could definitely act like a petulant child and has some growing up to do, emotionally. He was cruel to Mary a few times but we know he has issues voicing his feelings and he has a huge fear of rejection. So hurt them before they hurt me mantra. But I just loved how he couldn’t stop himself with Mary. I loved their scenes together. So I was able to forgive him. But I do think his turn around was pretty abrupt after everything they went through.
The beginning steamy scenes were so, so good to me. So emotional and fairly well detailed. I was a bit disappointed in the first penetration scene between them because it felt so light and short. I wanted all of that delicious explicitness in that scene as well.
I adored that the focus of the book was Gregory and Mary’s relationship. I live for that push and pull dynamic of wanting each other. There was something really tugging on my heart in this one and I want to try alllll the books Eliana Piers writes!
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Find me:
Instagram || The Storygraph || Bookbub
Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖📖 (I actually did find parts of this a bit confusing because of the jumping, but I was having so much fun and didn’t want to put it down so I kept it at a 4)
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋 (the beginning scenes were maybe a bit more powerful on the scale for me but the later one was light)
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 (Some of these are short and it might not feel quite this hot to others/notes at the end of my review)
Humor: Yes
Perspective: Third person from both the hero and the heroine
Percentage which mains are first on page together:
Cliffhanger: No
Epilogue: Not officially, but the last chapter wraps things up (not far in the future)
Format: Bought e-book
(These are all personal preference on a scale of 1-5 (yours ratings may vary depending what gives you feels and how you prefer you sex scenes written, etc) except the Steam Scale which follows our chart from The Ton and Tartans Book Club )
Should I read in order?
This is the first in the series and Piers' debut!
Basic plot:
Mary is taking this summer to focus on her plays, seeing as her parents have decided should marry come next season. Unfortunately she is having trouble focusing on them with Gregory back...
Give this a try if you want:
- Regency (1815)
- heroine’s dream is to become a playwright
- flowers as a love language
- best friends brother
- childhood friends to lovers
- Duke hero
- touch of jerk hero – he has been hurt in the past and wants to keep Mary at arms length and does some unlikable things at times to do it
- medium steam - 4-ish scenes though some might feel a bit light to others
Ages:
- I believe the hero is around 28 and the heroine 20
First line:
A girl never knows where her husband might come from.
My thoughts:
I am so happy I gave Eliana Piers a try! I believe this is her debut and it was such a fun ride.
I found Piers’ writing style so different and FUN. At first, it took me a bit to get into it. And part of that was because of some time jumps were a bit confusing. I could have used better dividers between past and present day, or a different thought style with the flash backs. But after I got used to it, I just fell in love with her writing. It was funny, and sweet and I found myself anxious to get back to this story when I put it down.
Mary was fun. I don’t think I’ve read a playwright heroine before – I have read a few actresses. I liked her a lot – she’s a bit sweet and innocent but refuses to compromise on what she wants in life.
Gregory could definitely act like a petulant child and has some growing up to do, emotionally. He was cruel to Mary a few times but we know he has issues voicing his feelings and he has a huge fear of rejection. So hurt them before they hurt me mantra. But I just loved how he couldn’t stop himself with Mary. I loved their scenes together. So I was able to forgive him. But I do think his turn around was pretty abrupt after everything they went through.
The beginning steamy scenes were so, so good to me. So emotional and fairly well detailed. I was a bit disappointed in the first penetration scene between them because it felt so light and short. I wanted all of that delicious explicitness in that scene as well.
I adored that the focus of the book was Gregory and Mary’s relationship. I live for that push and pull dynamic of wanting each other. There was something really tugging on my heart in this one and I want to try alllll the books Eliana Piers writes!
Quotes/spoiler-y thoughts:
Content warnings:
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes:
Full break down on what my ratings above mean here:
Find me:
Instagram || The Storygraph || Bookbub
Book Clubs
The Ton and the Tartans (Historical Romance)
Upturned Petticoats and Undone Cravats (Historical Romance with Steam Requirements)
A Love Less Ordinary (Science Fiction, Paranormal, Monster, Fantasy)
Modern Manuscripts (Contemporary Romance)
Words for the Wicked (Contemporary Romance with Steam Requirements)
Vintage Romance (Old School Romance – published 2000 and prior)
Read
June 1, 2023I’m sorry, I didn’t get past 1%. The writing was rambling and unfocused, and it clearly hadn’t been within spitting distance of an editor.
dnf
July 29, 2023DNF after chapter 11.
I do not like the writing. It was difficult to grasp so I did a lot of skimming. I had no idea what was happening in the first chapter or who the characters are. It didn’t help that the heroine and her friend’s names both begin with an M, Mary and Margaret, respectively. I thought Margaret was the heroine since Mary sounded more like a maid’s name. I didn’t realize Margaret was the hero’s sister till chapter 3 or 4 (probably because I was skimming a lot).
The story feels way too modern for me. I noticed this when I tried harder to comprehend the story in chapter 2. The way Margaret was speaking to her brother and Mary, I remember thinking, “This feels just like a conversation in a contemporary romance.”
The hero’s coldness and reason for it doesn’t feel organic; more like a plot device. Probably not a lot of character depth either but I can’t say for certain since I was skimming.
There’s a lot of head-hopping within the same chapter so that took some getting used to.
Pro: I do like the intimate scenes (up to chapter 11). I’ll go back and read the others later.
I do not like the writing. It was difficult to grasp so I did a lot of skimming. I had no idea what was happening in the first chapter or who the characters are. It didn’t help that the heroine and her friend’s names both begin with an M, Mary and Margaret, respectively. I thought Margaret was the heroine since Mary sounded more like a maid’s name. I didn’t realize Margaret was the hero’s sister till chapter 3 or 4 (probably because I was skimming a lot).
The story feels way too modern for me. I noticed this when I tried harder to comprehend the story in chapter 2. The way Margaret was speaking to her brother and Mary, I remember thinking, “This feels just like a conversation in a contemporary romance.”
The hero’s coldness and reason for it doesn’t feel organic; more like a plot device. Probably not a lot of character depth either but I can’t say for certain since I was skimming.
There’s a lot of head-hopping within the same chapter so that took some getting used to.
Pro: I do like the intimate scenes (up to chapter 11). I’ll go back and read the others later.
May 29, 2023
Great characters with a shared history, nice amount and spice and a feel-good romance! Very quick read, looking forward to the next in this series!
August 7, 2023
Loved it
This author is new to me and from what I've seen she's new to the author scene altogether and I have been hesitant to try new authors because so many just not having a good mixture of romance, humor, a good storyline and just the things I love about historical romances however this book has it ALL.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
This author is new to me and from what I've seen she's new to the author scene altogether and I have been hesitant to try new authors because so many just not having a good mixture of romance, humor, a good storyline and just the things I love about historical romances however this book has it ALL.
I can't wait to read the rest of this series.
July 25, 2023
Charming Historical
This is a charming Historical Romance. It has interesting characters that I liked quite a lot, I did get a bit impatient with the H though. There was a nice HEA at the end and a bit of set up for the next story near the end.
This is a charming Historical Romance. It has interesting characters that I liked quite a lot, I did get a bit impatient with the H though. There was a nice HEA at the end and a bit of set up for the next story near the end.
July 29, 2023
Was it horrible? No. Could the author benefit from some writing lessons? Yes. Unfocused, choppy, and lack of development are my biggest issues.
The MC was so surface, so shallow. He had some cockamamie idea as to why he couldn’t be with the FC. FC is smarter, braver, and much more interesting.
I thought the steamy bits were good but the wedding night action fell flat.
I bought the second book so I will read it but I won’t seek this author out.
The MC was so surface, so shallow. He had some cockamamie idea as to why he couldn’t be with the FC. FC is smarter, braver, and much more interesting.
I thought the steamy bits were good but the wedding night action fell flat.
I bought the second book so I will read it but I won’t seek this author out.
July 12, 2023
The only reason why this isn’t two stars is because it’s a debut book, so I applaud the effort. But wowza, I got whiplash from all the POV changes-sometimes I didn’t even know which POV I was in. I also kept confusing the heroine, Mary, with her best friend, Margaret. Tip - if there are two female lead characters, please give them names that start with different letters. There was also one scene with fat phobia which I did not appreciate at all!
I think, over time, this author could improve.
I think, over time, this author could improve.
June 4, 2023
I enjoyed the story. Mary’s character is strong though at first she may seem simple, she quickly grows into her strength. Watching this growth is what truly made the story. Gregory comes across as cold, distant and aloof and yet she does not allow him to walk over her. She is constantly standing up for herself and putting him in his place, which he needs. Through his point of view we understand why he is this way, but it is difficult to watch Mary endure it as she does not. Despite this, I still found myself rooting for his character. There was a sweetness that could be seen beneath the surface, it was just that he needed to overcome his own fears. The family friendships are the greatest pull of the story for me, as the siblings and Mary have such a bond. Mary & Margaret were great together, their all-knowing best friends relationship exactly what you expect to bloom from two girls at that age. At times it was difficult to notice the point of view change which made some scenes a little less impactful. But I am eager to read more of this family and see how that evolves. A lovely and enjoyable story all in all, and a charming debut from this author.
June 24, 2023
Captivating
I read the second book in this series and had to go back to see how it all started. I enjoyed watching Margaret and Mary's friendship grow. The girls were thick as thieves. Gregory did all he could to avoid his heart's desire until he couldn't. Sweet couple. I recommend this series. I am becoming addicted to these amazing characters.
I read the second book in this series and had to go back to see how it all started. I enjoyed watching Margaret and Mary's friendship grow. The girls were thick as thieves. Gregory did all he could to avoid his heart's desire until he couldn't. Sweet couple. I recommend this series. I am becoming addicted to these amazing characters.
July 4, 2023
This was a new to me author and decided to give it a try. The book was well written with great characters. I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. I did wish that Gregory would stop trying to keep everyone at arms length much sooner. That didn't stop me from going to bed two hours later than I planned since I couldn't put this book down. Will be starting the next in series immediately.
January 21, 2024
Growing up with many friends around is interesting as one never knows where those friendships will lead. Both Gregory and Mary seems very insecure as they both were trying to understand who they are. I really enjoyed watching all of the characters in this story grow, reflect, and change. In the end, it was satisfying to see recognition and acceptance of feelings, as well as truths revealed.
June 17, 2023
Fantastic Book!!
Ms. Pierces first book to me was a success. I have read almost 3000 HR books and as a new and upcoming autthor. She ranks with the top historical romance authors presently writing HR's. I can't wait for next book about Margaret and Jonathan.
Ms. Pierces first book to me was a success. I have read almost 3000 HR books and as a new and upcoming autthor. She ranks with the top historical romance authors presently writing HR's. I can't wait for next book about Margaret and Jonathan.
December 9, 2023
This story was awesome. Very well written. I love the time period, the characters, and the best friend's brother trope
May 26, 2024
There's no two ways about it: this is a terrible book.
Plotwise, it was incredibly lazy, using the painfully overdone “tortured, brooding, can’t-love duke brought to his knees by a bland, boring inexperienced miss” setup. There’s zero character work; the tropey hero and the heroine have been done to death. One thing that might possibly have set the heroine apart was the fact that she was an aspiring playwright, but that was barely explored. We never found out how she started writing or really what her actual ambitions regarding writing were, it was all fairly nebulous. She just kept reminding herself she needs to finish her play; it seems she was struggling with it as much as I was struggling with this book.
So, while the plot was derivative and boring, I know whiny dukes are quite popular in the historical romance genre, so I guess it made sense to jump on that bandwagon. What sets this book apart, however, was just how poorly it was written. I’m not trying to be a bitch here, but this really needed a beta reader, an editor, and about ten more pairs of eyes before it was published. The writing was choppy, jerky, with whiplash-inducing changes of perspective, and it was painfully repetitive. The whiny duke has convinced himself that everyone he becomes close to dies and is constantly reminding himself that he has to keep everyone at arm’s length; that phrase was used 21 times (yes, I counted) in a book that wasn’t even 200 pages long. There were countless grammatical and punctuation errors and, most unforgivably, many, many instances of anachronisms (this guy, okay, seeing red flags, hang out…) and incorrect words and phrases. My favourite (aka most glaringly wrong) examples:
“In lieu of” does not mean “in view of”. It means “instead of”.
A minutiae of strength does not mean a small amount of strength. Minutiae means details, specifics.
I don’t even think mercurious is a word. I suppose the author meant mercurial?
And finally, the whiny duke couldn’t answer his mother’s question “in due diligence”. I admit I wasn’t able to reverse-engineer this one.
Plotwise, it was incredibly lazy, using the painfully overdone “tortured, brooding, can’t-love duke brought to his knees by a bland, boring inexperienced miss” setup. There’s zero character work; the tropey hero and the heroine have been done to death. One thing that might possibly have set the heroine apart was the fact that she was an aspiring playwright, but that was barely explored. We never found out how she started writing or really what her actual ambitions regarding writing were, it was all fairly nebulous. She just kept reminding herself she needs to finish her play; it seems she was struggling with it as much as I was struggling with this book.
So, while the plot was derivative and boring, I know whiny dukes are quite popular in the historical romance genre, so I guess it made sense to jump on that bandwagon. What sets this book apart, however, was just how poorly it was written. I’m not trying to be a bitch here, but this really needed a beta reader, an editor, and about ten more pairs of eyes before it was published. The writing was choppy, jerky, with whiplash-inducing changes of perspective, and it was painfully repetitive. The whiny duke has convinced himself that everyone he becomes close to dies and is constantly reminding himself that he has to keep everyone at arm’s length; that phrase was used 21 times (yes, I counted) in a book that wasn’t even 200 pages long. There were countless grammatical and punctuation errors and, most unforgivably, many, many instances of anachronisms (this guy, okay, seeing red flags, hang out…) and incorrect words and phrases. My favourite (aka most glaringly wrong) examples:
“In lieu of” does not mean “in view of”. It means “instead of”.
A minutiae of strength does not mean a small amount of strength. Minutiae means details, specifics.
I don’t even think mercurious is a word. I suppose the author meant mercurial?
And finally, the whiny duke couldn’t answer his mother’s question “in due diligence”. I admit I wasn’t able to reverse-engineer this one.
August 19, 2023
With her parents often out of the country, Lady Mary Edwards had done most of her growing up on their neighbour’s estate with her best friends Margaret, Gregory and Jonathan. And now, a good decade later, it was the summer she was going to write her breakthrough play. She had written many over the years, and the foursome had often performed them together. But this one was different. She knew it!
And then Gregory came home… memories flooded her heart and mind. New desires awakened. He was no longer the carefree boy she fell in love with. She really shouldn’t let him distract her from the play… She should stay away, shouldn’t she?
After three years abroad, it was finally time for Gregory Campbell, Duke of Wellingford, to return home and tend to his duties. The years had changed him. His father’s death, Jonathan disappearing. His heart had turned cold. He’d start with getting his estates in order, then a nice biddable wife and finally an heir and a spare.
He barely made it to the drawing room before he and all his plans collided with her, the girl he had grown up with. She’d grown into an enticing young woman. No, this wouldn’t do! She could not distract him; he wouldn’t allow it. Yet her warmth was already melting the rock in his chest… he really shouldn’t, but how could he resist?
📚 There’s something about this tale… a small cast of carefully crafted characters in a simple setting and beautifully written for a first novel. It has that certain something that draws me in. Honest and direct, witty and slowly revealing its layers with a touch of drama and some rather delicious steam. No scandal, no simpering misses, no rakish rogues. Just a wonderful childhood-friends-to-lovers, slow burn, romantic story. I really liked it in all its simplicity! A lovely debut by this author and I will freely admit to being extremely curious how this series continues!
And then Gregory came home… memories flooded her heart and mind. New desires awakened. He was no longer the carefree boy she fell in love with. She really shouldn’t let him distract her from the play… She should stay away, shouldn’t she?
After three years abroad, it was finally time for Gregory Campbell, Duke of Wellingford, to return home and tend to his duties. The years had changed him. His father’s death, Jonathan disappearing. His heart had turned cold. He’d start with getting his estates in order, then a nice biddable wife and finally an heir and a spare.
He barely made it to the drawing room before he and all his plans collided with her, the girl he had grown up with. She’d grown into an enticing young woman. No, this wouldn’t do! She could not distract him; he wouldn’t allow it. Yet her warmth was already melting the rock in his chest… he really shouldn’t, but how could he resist?
📚 There’s something about this tale… a small cast of carefully crafted characters in a simple setting and beautifully written for a first novel. It has that certain something that draws me in. Honest and direct, witty and slowly revealing its layers with a touch of drama and some rather delicious steam. No scandal, no simpering misses, no rakish rogues. Just a wonderful childhood-friends-to-lovers, slow burn, romantic story. I really liked it in all its simplicity! A lovely debut by this author and I will freely admit to being extremely curious how this series continues!
September 10, 2023
There are four books in this series so far, Good Dukes gone Cold, Hard, Bad and Low. It is best to read them in order. The stories follow each other with the same characters in all the books. The main characters are all friends, some who grew up together and got into all kinds of trouble. The cast of the characters all have secrets, and some have been best friends since childhood. Through the books you will learn how each see and interacts with the others now that they are grown up. It is an amusing read and each book has its own wonderful story and just the right amount of passion, second chances, love and understanding. I would recommend this series to anyone who likes a great story, with mystery, wit, steamy along with twist and turns our couples need to unravel and overcome to find what they all want the most. Somethings your biggest dreams and desires are not what you really love. I received Arc’s for all the books and wish to thank the author. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it. I have read some of the other reviews and wonder if we read the same books. I can’t wait to see if there is more to this series. I’ve had my favorite but enjoyed them all. Don’t miss this series, you will miss out on some great reading if you do.
July 18, 2023
This was my first book by this author, and I am pleased. This was a great, straightforward romance (no secondary plot or mystery.) It is a story of childhood/adolescent friendships that are rediscovered as adults with more. Gregory is a man who lost his father and his best friend and he now feels lost. He is afraid of getting too close to anyone else because he doesn’t want to hurt more. When he becomes reacquainted with his childhood friend Mary again, he starts to feel for her. The majority of the story is of Gregory desiring more from Mary, but fighting his fear. Their chemistry is real and the story is captivating. I couldn’t wait to see what happens next, page after page. The pacing was great for me.
Mary was a good character and a strong woman. I like how she changes and grows throughout the story. I like how the author encourages the growth of the characters without destroying who they are at heart.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
Mary was a good character and a strong woman. I like how she changes and grows throughout the story. I like how the author encourages the growth of the characters without destroying who they are at heart.
I can’t wait to read the next one!
May 31, 2023
So I absolutely love reading Regency era romances. And reading about women who don't just want to wait around for a man to save them??? Even better!!! Lady Mary Edwards fits the bill, as she aspires to be a playwright, but her parents insist she must be married this year.
Gregory is a duke and must be married… He doesn't want to allow anyone close to him, because he has dealt with such loss… Mary keeps getting around his defenses, no matter what he does. ♥️♥️♥️ Mary is such a strong, resilient woman and she doesn't know it. I love that about her and that played against Gregory's cranky, sometimes rude, demeanor is perfect.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I'm excited to read more about the characters in this world in future books. ♥️♥️♥️
If you like Regency romance, I recommend this book!
Gregory is a duke and must be married… He doesn't want to allow anyone close to him, because he has dealt with such loss… Mary keeps getting around his defenses, no matter what he does. ♥️♥️♥️ Mary is such a strong, resilient woman and she doesn't know it. I love that about her and that played against Gregory's cranky, sometimes rude, demeanor is perfect.
I really enjoyed this book and the characters. I'm excited to read more about the characters in this world in future books. ♥️♥️♥️
If you like Regency romance, I recommend this book!
May 30, 2023
What to expect: historical romance, friends to lovers, spice (2.5/5), found family
At the center of this romance are Lady Mary and her neighbor and childhood friend Gregory, the Duke of Wellingford. Mary is passionate about writing plays but her upbringing prevents her from fulfilling her ambitions and deepest desires. Gregory, suffering emotional trauma over the loss of his father and his best friend, fully intends to keep Mary at arm’s length but finds himself unable to stay away. Of course the two find their way into each other’s arms and their HEA is in keeping with traditional historical romances. There are a few spicy scenes which were a bit detailed. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance and who are looking for a quick and entertaining story.
At the center of this romance are Lady Mary and her neighbor and childhood friend Gregory, the Duke of Wellingford. Mary is passionate about writing plays but her upbringing prevents her from fulfilling her ambitions and deepest desires. Gregory, suffering emotional trauma over the loss of his father and his best friend, fully intends to keep Mary at arm’s length but finds himself unable to stay away. Of course the two find their way into each other’s arms and their HEA is in keeping with traditional historical romances. There are a few spicy scenes which were a bit detailed. I recommend this book to those who enjoy historical romance and who are looking for a quick and entertaining story.
August 8, 2023
Sweet Romance
Lady Mary Edwards along with her friend Lady Margaret Campbell grew up hanging with Margaret brother Gregory and friend Jonathan. The boys taught them how to fish and swim. They also acted in the plays that Mary wrote in front of family and friends.
Gregory Campbell the Duke of Wellingford lost his father and best friend, he wasn't the same. Mary wanted to write plays and have them acted on. Gregory was doing business deal with Lyle Fairfax for the Vauxhall. While there he also helped out with the reading of the play.
Gregory is torn and he sends Mary back to her own home. She is hurt but does as he asked.
Watching Gregory comes to his senses and realize his feelings for her. Sweet Romance friends to lovers.
Lady Mary Edwards along with her friend Lady Margaret Campbell grew up hanging with Margaret brother Gregory and friend Jonathan. The boys taught them how to fish and swim. They also acted in the plays that Mary wrote in front of family and friends.
Gregory Campbell the Duke of Wellingford lost his father and best friend, he wasn't the same. Mary wanted to write plays and have them acted on. Gregory was doing business deal with Lyle Fairfax for the Vauxhall. While there he also helped out with the reading of the play.
Gregory is torn and he sends Mary back to her own home. She is hurt but does as he asked.
Watching Gregory comes to his senses and realize his feelings for her. Sweet Romance friends to lovers.
February 26, 2025
Duke returns home to find lust in his loins for his sister's friend that he and his wing-man grew up with. However, due to a past event, he can't form a relationship bond.
The trope is: Friends to Lovers.
He just didn't resonate with me. I couldn't like him, and I couldn't identify with her.
I would have given it a 1, but the author wasn't a bad writer. Trying to get the tone and reasoning of a character can make or break a book. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't finish it (those are the ones I give a 1). I will try the author again, just to see. Even my favorite authors have books where I just don't care for the characters.
This was a free book on BookBub, which I read on Kindle. Nobody asked me to review it. Obviously, it is an honest review.
The trope is: Friends to Lovers.
He just didn't resonate with me. I couldn't like him, and I couldn't identify with her.
I would have given it a 1, but the author wasn't a bad writer. Trying to get the tone and reasoning of a character can make or break a book. It wasn't so bad that I couldn't finish it (those are the ones I give a 1). I will try the author again, just to see. Even my favorite authors have books where I just don't care for the characters.
This was a free book on BookBub, which I read on Kindle. Nobody asked me to review it. Obviously, it is an honest review.
May 31, 2023
Good Duke Gone Cold is a beautiful debut novel that combines the heartache of closing yourself off to love and wanting to be loved for who you are. Lady Mary is stubborn, not to be difficult, but because she wants more than to be swallowed up in the role of wife. She wants to still use her brain while finding a match for her heart. Her future husband doesn't want to love anymore. He's discovered through the deaths of his family members that love equals pain. But when they can't deny their feelings anymore, a wonderful love story blooms. Well-written in the period while relatable to modern audiences. Well done!
October 13, 2025
Pretty good
I love when dude realizes he's messed up and then has to live with the consequences of his actions. He was a giant jerk to everyone. And they let it go for a long time but, when he went too far everyone shut him down. Did I like her giving him repeated chances? No. I personally would have chosen pride over "love". Because how can someone say stuff to deliberately hurt you actually love you. But she had too much history to walk away which is fair. But you want someone to understand that they would be utterly devastated without you. To know that you are irreplaceable.
I love when dude realizes he's messed up and then has to live with the consequences of his actions. He was a giant jerk to everyone. And they let it go for a long time but, when he went too far everyone shut him down. Did I like her giving him repeated chances? No. I personally would have chosen pride over "love". Because how can someone say stuff to deliberately hurt you actually love you. But she had too much history to walk away which is fair. But you want someone to understand that they would be utterly devastated without you. To know that you are irreplaceable.
June 3, 2023
I really enjoyed this romance.
I was entertained and annoyed as if watching a regency based reality TV show haha
Gregory and Mary are adorable and innocent in different ways in my opinion.
Gregory is of course the typical wild oats sown ton gentleman but so hurt and defensive
Mary being a wannabe playwright was also unique, and seeing her writing be affected by her life was quite funny 😁
I felt like the readers were all Margaret to a degree. Hoping n plotting for the happily ever after lol
Well worth the read!
I was entertained and annoyed as if watching a regency based reality TV show haha
Gregory and Mary are adorable and innocent in different ways in my opinion.
Gregory is of course the typical wild oats sown ton gentleman but so hurt and defensive
Mary being a wannabe playwright was also unique, and seeing her writing be affected by her life was quite funny 😁
I felt like the readers were all Margaret to a degree. Hoping n plotting for the happily ever after lol
Well worth the read!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 25, 2024
I enjoyed this story. It is a little steamy in parts but is well-written. Duke Gregory and Lady Mary had been childhood friends, despite the six year difference in their ages. They had got on well as children but their ideas and dreams had changed. Gregory was focused on the Dukedom and Mary wanted to continue writing plays. I liked the way they gradually grew comfortable with each other. I did feel more that a little more could have been written about what happened to Jonathan so that more information was revealed before the wedding. This is an enjoyable story.
June 22, 2023
Good Duke Gone Cold is a heart warming historical romance by a debut author. I enjoyed Mary and Margarett's friendship, and their shared history with Gregory and lost-to-them Jonathan. Magarett was the carefree, spirited young woman while Mary took the part of timid, proper young woman. Gregory ran hot and cold because of his fear of losing more loved ones. The POV does switch frequently but it was nice to see where all the characters were coming from. A fun, fast read.
July 19, 2025
Eliana Piers has a lovely way with language, and Good Duke Gone Cold is a thoroughly enjoyable read. The narrative and dialog are both clever and witty and the relationship between the two main characters is steamy. Consider passages like: “Upon taking the papers from the desk, he turned away, in part to regain control of the thoughts in his head as well as the thoughtless thoughts in his other head.” I’ll definitely read more of this series!
September 8, 2023
The Duke & Lady Mary, this was such a great book, I loved the story & building of the characters. These 2 never had a chance, it wasn't as spicy as I'm used to (there are some scenes) but it was still such a great book. The way Gregory was doing everything he could to help her with the new play she was writing. They grew up together practically, & I'm so happy they got their HEA.
October 6, 2023
3.5 stars.
It was an interesting read. I was not ready to receive so much heat and spice hahaha
The book is ok. And if I’m not wrong this was a debut novel, so I would say that it is a pretty good start.
I just wish that the story was a bit longer and the plot and character tiny bit more elevated. With that being said, I still enjoyed and the heat…! OMG!
It was an interesting read. I was not ready to receive so much heat and spice hahaha
The book is ok. And if I’m not wrong this was a debut novel, so I would say that it is a pretty good start.
I just wish that the story was a bit longer and the plot and character tiny bit more elevated. With that being said, I still enjoyed and the heat…! OMG!
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