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Duke of Devonwood
The Duke of Devonwood - The first contemporary romance novel in the series: British Nobility Bachelors
An Outrage
Miranda's father has left her inheritance under the trusteeship of a Duke of England? Miranda can scarcely comprehend what happened. Did her father not realize this is the twenty-first century? She is certainly capable of managing her own money. More importantly, she needs that money to start the hat business she's always dreamed of, and to keep her family together.
Worst of all, the Duke of Devonwood is an imperious, modern-day tycoon who insists he can manage her money better than she can.
A Heartbreaker
If Miranda can't prove herself indispensable to her step-family, they will desert her when they complete their planned move to England. She can't let that happen, not only because she loves them, but also because they are the only family she has.
A Plan
She's not about to sit home in New York City and let some arrogant Duke tell her what she can do with her own money. Luckily, she's determined, hard-working, and maybe a touch devious. She vows to do whatever it takes to foil the Duke...
Which may include skinny-dipping, flirting with his half-brother, faking illness, and befriending his half-sisters.
Which can not include falling in love.
A Complication
The Duke of Devonwood doesn't want more dependents. With an entire dukedom to run, plus his father's second family to manage, he has more than enough people hanging on his coattails. But this headstrong American woman, Miranda, doesn't take 'no' for an answer. In fact, she soon has most of his other dependents conniving with her—and against him.
He could handle the problem...if only she weren't so enticing.
Additional Complications
The Duke's step-mother already has a bride picked out for him.
Someone may be stealing Miranda's inheritance.
The Duke has his own secrets.
And the biggest problem they each face...is battling their own desires.
An Outrage
Miranda's father has left her inheritance under the trusteeship of a Duke of England? Miranda can scarcely comprehend what happened. Did her father not realize this is the twenty-first century? She is certainly capable of managing her own money. More importantly, she needs that money to start the hat business she's always dreamed of, and to keep her family together.
Worst of all, the Duke of Devonwood is an imperious, modern-day tycoon who insists he can manage her money better than she can.
A Heartbreaker
If Miranda can't prove herself indispensable to her step-family, they will desert her when they complete their planned move to England. She can't let that happen, not only because she loves them, but also because they are the only family she has.
A Plan
She's not about to sit home in New York City and let some arrogant Duke tell her what she can do with her own money. Luckily, she's determined, hard-working, and maybe a touch devious. She vows to do whatever it takes to foil the Duke...
Which may include skinny-dipping, flirting with his half-brother, faking illness, and befriending his half-sisters.
Which can not include falling in love.
A Complication
The Duke of Devonwood doesn't want more dependents. With an entire dukedom to run, plus his father's second family to manage, he has more than enough people hanging on his coattails. But this headstrong American woman, Miranda, doesn't take 'no' for an answer. In fact, she soon has most of his other dependents conniving with her—and against him.
He could handle the problem...if only she weren't so enticing.
Additional Complications
The Duke's step-mother already has a bride picked out for him.
Someone may be stealing Miranda's inheritance.
The Duke has his own secrets.
And the biggest problem they each face...is battling their own desires.
Nook
First published April 6, 2014
3 people are currently reading
17 people want to read
About the author
Carly Carson
23 books44 followersCarly writes contemporary romance featuring alpha heroes, and the passionate women who love them.
In Carly’s Fantasy World: The men are tough, but the women are tougher, though usually in a different way. Happy endings are mandatory, though there may be a lot of trouble and heartache to get there.
In Carly's Real World: She is a wife to Traveling Man, who actually knows flight attendants because they are on his "commute". (That is his story, and we're buying it.) The upside is, Carly gets some sweet travel deals.
She is also the Jill-of-all-trades to three offspring, who often take her for granted, but are nonetheless wonderful. Just ask them.
In Carly’s Fantasy World: The men are tough, but the women are tougher, though usually in a different way. Happy endings are mandatory, though there may be a lot of trouble and heartache to get there.
In Carly's Real World: She is a wife to Traveling Man, who actually knows flight attendants because they are on his "commute". (That is his story, and we're buying it.) The upside is, Carly gets some sweet travel deals.
She is also the Jill-of-all-trades to three offspring, who often take her for granted, but are nonetheless wonderful. Just ask them.
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Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews
July 1, 2014
Carly Carson
Sexy dukes aplenty, in this charming contemporary (historical) romance. A strong-willed and stubborn American girl flies to England to DUKE it out with her old cheapskate trustee, who is actually a sexy and yummy Duke of Devonwood.
Miranda Foxglove has always felt like the add on of her family. Her stepmother, Sharmie, and her twin daughters are all family she has, after her Father's death. Her dad has Alzheimer's and it took 6 long years of expensive medical care, but Sharmie was always at his side or raising her daughters. Some folks think Mrs. Sharmie Foxglove was flighty and was only something pretty to look at, but she is a fierce mother cub, when she needed to be. After the idiot attorney, Daniel Hascombe, tells them that all their money is tied up in a trust, Miranda will do anything to get the money for Sharmie wedding to Pookie (yes, that is his name). If she and Sharmie have to do to England to do it and smooch up a old crusty duke to do it, she has her passport.
Devon Percy Arlington, the 9th Duke of Devonwood, has one word that rules is life, CONTROL! He has been in charge of the title, properties, a ditsy stepmother, Duchess Charlotte, a energizer bunny sister, Sarah, a lazy and bored brother, Jack, a terrible teenager brother, Godfrey, and last but not least, precocious, insightful and "to grown up for her age" Daisy. Devon uses absolutely control, so he can protect, shelter and raise everyone in his world. The only ones who want nothing from him are his loyal dogs. He is sick of having to be everything to everyone and wants NO more dependents in his life.
When Miranda storms (yes, she threw open the door and strutted in) into the old crusty Duke's office, she is greeted to a yummy godlike vision of "DO ME" man. When Devon looks up from his desk of responsibilities, he sees a sexy and gorgeous siren walking towards him and thinks, "Yeah, I want!" Miranda has to rethink her plans for wooing the money from an old Duke, but can she actually sex the money out of Mr. Hotness? One thing is for sure, it will be a lot of fun trying . Devon isn't surprised that he has gained more dependents and will get her out of his hair, very quickly or nail her up against the nearest wall.
Miranda, with help from Sharmie, is asked to stay until dinner in the Palace they call home and begins her plan of being in Devon's face until he releases the money. The whole clan likes having her around for fun and she uses them to stay longer. Sarah loves fashion and even has a old nursery/designer studio and Miranda shows her the hats she makes. They begin pairing them together and plan to show them off. Devon fights a good fight, but a naked Miranda in his pool tips his scales and clothes fly. Like any good historical novel, there is a gorgeous garden party to show off their dresses and hats, and also a upcoming ball with a silent action for their creations. Miranda keeps having "Thump & Dump" sex with Devon and when she meets his fiancée, it's time to GO! Will Devon ever loosen his control for her love? Can Miranda show him that she will share and carry all his responsibilities with him? Will the "fiancée" meet with a bad fashion accident? Can an gutsy, smart, witty and "took no crap" American become the next Duchess of Devonwood?
This was such a great book that seems like a great historical romance that grew up to adulthood. Ms. Carson blends such elements from a great historical romance and updates them to 2014 and it WORKS! Her cast of Devonwood clan was amazing. Each member of the family had a mini story of themselves inside this romance. I felt for Devon having to be EVERYTHING to EVERYONE! My daughter is like that and it's beautiful and sad thing to watch. He just need a perfect SOMEONE for himself. Miranda reminds me of a Jersey (without the accent) girl, who will slam you with all the things you are doing wrong. Miranda just wanted SOMEONE to love her, as herself. These 2 characters were screaming, "PICK ME" thru the whole rollercoaster ride love story. Ms. Carson had many "PULL THE FIRE ALARM" scenes and I had to steal her "Thump & Dump" saying in the review. She must have a quirky, kooky and slightly sleazy mind, because that is what she created in this hilarious, one of a kind, EVERYONE'S business is hanging out and steamy love story. I would recommend this book to readers who love historical with a twist. Ms. Carson gets my top score of 5 fingers up and 10 toes. I can't wait to read the next one.
NetGalley ARC given for my honest review.
April 9, 2014
Duke of Devonwood, Carly Carlson.
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I was in the mood for a fun, uncomplicated romance – and this book delivered. Its not one I’d re read, but was perfect for the mood I was in, being something easy, light-hearted and with enough content to lose myself in for a couple of hours.
Miranda, her dad's died leaving his widow – her step mother – with twins that need providing for. The inheritance is all tied up in probate, and the solicitor tells them the executor they need to see to release funds is the Duke of Devonshire. So Miranda's plan A comes into play – she needs money to get her hat making business off the ground, so she can afford to visit England frequently to see step mum Sharmie and her two sisters. Sharmie wants the money to pay for her wedding, though her fiancé, a wealthy English Duke, is happy to provide she wants the independence to pay for that herself.
Plan A, travel from New York to England with Sharmie, and get the duke to release money to them, then Sharmie can visit her fiancé. Simple, no? There the first hiccup appears in the form of the forbidding, controlling and imperious Devon, the Duke they need to see. He sees their requests as frivolous, and won't bend. So Miranda brings in Plan B – she's never one to step back from a challenge, and gets an overnight extension for them so she can work on him more. Somehow she manages to prolong their stay over many days trying out successive plans, and along the way an admiration for Devon grows, he seems to be the only responsible one in the family, and she begins to see exactly why he is as he is, he's got so many dependants with his step mother and half brothers and sisters, that he can't afford to loosen the reins. They'd spend everything in a trice, leaving the family impoverished and he won't allow that. He seems to have forgotten though that Jack and Sarah are older and could do more, and they resent him for his tight control over them. Miranda enlists their help, and when he sees what she's doing he can't help admiring her tenacity, even though it drives him mad at times...
Its a fun read, made me smile a lot, and there are some real sparks between Miranda and Devon, they are just the sort of person the other needs, someone strong and able to stand up and argue back. I did feel there was a lack of drama towards the end, when things went awry, and I’d liked to have seem more made of the jealousy and the would be fiancée cousin – Charlotte? - but overall its a perfect light read to lose yourself in.
Stars: four. A one off read but a good one.
ARC provided via Netgalley
Carly Carson
Review from Jeannie Zelos Book Reviews.
I was in the mood for a fun, uncomplicated romance – and this book delivered. Its not one I’d re read, but was perfect for the mood I was in, being something easy, light-hearted and with enough content to lose myself in for a couple of hours.
Miranda, her dad's died leaving his widow – her step mother – with twins that need providing for. The inheritance is all tied up in probate, and the solicitor tells them the executor they need to see to release funds is the Duke of Devonshire. So Miranda's plan A comes into play – she needs money to get her hat making business off the ground, so she can afford to visit England frequently to see step mum Sharmie and her two sisters. Sharmie wants the money to pay for her wedding, though her fiancé, a wealthy English Duke, is happy to provide she wants the independence to pay for that herself.
Plan A, travel from New York to England with Sharmie, and get the duke to release money to them, then Sharmie can visit her fiancé. Simple, no? There the first hiccup appears in the form of the forbidding, controlling and imperious Devon, the Duke they need to see. He sees their requests as frivolous, and won't bend. So Miranda brings in Plan B – she's never one to step back from a challenge, and gets an overnight extension for them so she can work on him more. Somehow she manages to prolong their stay over many days trying out successive plans, and along the way an admiration for Devon grows, he seems to be the only responsible one in the family, and she begins to see exactly why he is as he is, he's got so many dependants with his step mother and half brothers and sisters, that he can't afford to loosen the reins. They'd spend everything in a trice, leaving the family impoverished and he won't allow that. He seems to have forgotten though that Jack and Sarah are older and could do more, and they resent him for his tight control over them. Miranda enlists their help, and when he sees what she's doing he can't help admiring her tenacity, even though it drives him mad at times...
Its a fun read, made me smile a lot, and there are some real sparks between Miranda and Devon, they are just the sort of person the other needs, someone strong and able to stand up and argue back. I did feel there was a lack of drama towards the end, when things went awry, and I’d liked to have seem more made of the jealousy and the would be fiancée cousin – Charlotte? - but overall its a perfect light read to lose yourself in.
Stars: four. A one off read but a good one.
ARC provided via Netgalley
Carly Carson
April 8, 2014
I loved this book, it was sassy smart, and had some naughty bits to it! Devon was something else, "Devon watched his new ward's pert backside rush out of the library. What a damned coil. Miranda Foxglove was a conniving minx, no doubt about that. But she was also a hot little number." He's full of himself, "the once-over," he said smoothly, "is my only reward so far for being saddled with you two." His glance flicked over her lazily. "I like the miniskirt." Devon doesn't really have a lot of emotions but when it comes to Miranda and their naughty time the boy sure is enthusiastic, "one of his hands was on her butt, cupping her, kneading her, until he finally flattened his hand against her and simply pressed her against him." Devon sure is cocky, "she reached for him blindly, touching the front of his wet swim trunks briefly, before his hand grabbed hers. "A non-consenting woman," he said, his voice a rumble, "doesn't grab a man where he's....vulnerable." Devon shocked me at some points in the book, "I left him at the hospital," a deep voice murmured in her ear. "He regained consciousness, and is sleeping." He moved against her, and she realized, a little less drowsily, that he wasn't wearing anything but a condom." He can be cold-hearted, "I deal with reality, Miranda." His gray eyes captured her gaze. "Since my body demands sex as soon as I'm in your presence -" He shrugged. "It seemed best to be prepared." Miranda is the type of girl that gets Devon turned on all the time, "you're wearing the sexiest dress in creation," he said, "you're handling your own boobs, and you think I can keep my mind on your conversation?" I really loved this book, I don't know how many times I can say it, it kept me entertained all the way through.
April 10, 2014
A delightful romp mixing old and new for some sassy fun!
It was a fresh mix of old is new again, sex is hot again, and strong men grappling even stronger women. I'm a sucker for any good tale set in Merry Old England, especially of modern Aristocracy. I mean, come on. My upcoming novel touches on a similar setting in a different way. :)
What I especially liked was the unusual means that bring Devon and Miranda together, her unique talents, his unique maleness. So often today Men aren't really strong by virtue of doing - Devon definitely did something and didn't have to boast about it. I like that - we need more of that in real life.
Their heart pounding passion for each other can leave you breathless as you want to throttle each of them for missing the obvious... what was that about love being blind?
I enjoyed the supporting cast, the setting and elements that made what could have been a boring over the top story an enjoyable romp across the pond. For me anyway! Having toured a little bit of England, I was taken right there again with all the description and feeling evoked in the setting.
It was a wonderfully fun distraction - which is exactly what Romance should be.
It was a fresh mix of old is new again, sex is hot again, and strong men grappling even stronger women. I'm a sucker for any good tale set in Merry Old England, especially of modern Aristocracy. I mean, come on. My upcoming novel touches on a similar setting in a different way. :)
What I especially liked was the unusual means that bring Devon and Miranda together, her unique talents, his unique maleness. So often today Men aren't really strong by virtue of doing - Devon definitely did something and didn't have to boast about it. I like that - we need more of that in real life.
Their heart pounding passion for each other can leave you breathless as you want to throttle each of them for missing the obvious... what was that about love being blind?
I enjoyed the supporting cast, the setting and elements that made what could have been a boring over the top story an enjoyable romp across the pond. For me anyway! Having toured a little bit of England, I was taken right there again with all the description and feeling evoked in the setting.
It was a wonderfully fun distraction - which is exactly what Romance should be.
June 30, 2014
At first, I thought it was a regular historical romance. Sorry, I did not read the full blurb. It was a pleasant surprise that the story in the modern day times with the British nobility. Miranda Foxglove and Shermie Foxglove have their inheritance tied in a trust with the Duke of Devonwood as the trustee. They want an advance of money from the trust for different reasons, but Devon won't give them the money. Miranda is pretty immature and annoying at first, but you have to love her audacious spirit. I really like viewing both sides of their perception of each other. Through her brazen attitude, she got more than she expected. It was nice to see her softer side with all Devon's family and how she fit with them perfectly. Well, Devon is a wonderful seducer which he had plenty of practice. But on the other hand, Devon can be cold, obnoxious and very unapproachable. It was an enjoyable perspective to experience both side of the coin with a wonderful happy ending. I am very curious who will be next in line towards the matrimony alliance according to the bet mention in the beginning of the book. I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley for an honest review.
May 16, 2014
***ARC from NetGalley in Exchange for an honest review***
A cute tale about a man who takes on the world and a woman ready to take the reins in hers. Both Miranda and Devon are care-takers at heart, ready and willing to take on what they must in order to provide for those they love. They are not always respected/understood though and that’s where the issue arises. Devon does his duty (based on love and some – expectations) and no one in his family thinks he’s quite human. Miranda takes on what she can in an attempt to ensure people love her (though they already do and she can’t see it). Their journey of discovering who they are and what they are capable of through each other was very entertaining. Loved the interaction…though Miranda kind off shrewish in the beginning. Witty, fun, lighthearted – mostly. Good summer read.
A cute tale about a man who takes on the world and a woman ready to take the reins in hers. Both Miranda and Devon are care-takers at heart, ready and willing to take on what they must in order to provide for those they love. They are not always respected/understood though and that’s where the issue arises. Devon does his duty (based on love and some – expectations) and no one in his family thinks he’s quite human. Miranda takes on what she can in an attempt to ensure people love her (though they already do and she can’t see it). Their journey of discovering who they are and what they are capable of through each other was very entertaining. Loved the interaction…though Miranda kind off shrewish in the beginning. Witty, fun, lighthearted – mostly. Good summer read.
August 9, 2015
Miranda Foxglove's father has died and all her money is controlled in trust by the Duke of Devonwood, according to her father's lawyer. Miranda and her step-mother, Sharmie, head to England to see if they can get control of their money.
Devon Percy Arlington, the Duke of Devonwood, is used to women falling over him in order to get their hands on his money and title. He is very standoffish towards most people, including his family. Yet, can Miranda get to him?
This was a great story with excellent banter and attraction between Miranda and Devon. I was never quite sure which way the story would go, although I really hoped for a happy ending. I loved how Miranda seemed to bring out the best in Devon's siblings which really allowed Devon to see potential in them.
Devon Percy Arlington, the Duke of Devonwood, is used to women falling over him in order to get their hands on his money and title. He is very standoffish towards most people, including his family. Yet, can Miranda get to him?
This was a great story with excellent banter and attraction between Miranda and Devon. I was never quite sure which way the story would go, although I really hoped for a happy ending. I loved how Miranda seemed to bring out the best in Devon's siblings which really allowed Devon to see potential in them.
July 29, 2016
I downloaded this novel from Netgalley without having completely read the synopsis... which is why I was surprised when I realised that it was a modern historical novel. Not one to read modern romance, I was more than surprised at how much I loved it! The characters are feisty, and interesting, the chemistry practically sizzles off the page, but there's enough of the themes and all-round feeling of a historical romance, that lovers of the latter genre would be hard-pressed to find fault with it.
I can't wait to read something else by Carly Carson. She's expanded my reading tastes!
I can't wait to read something else by Carly Carson. She's expanded my reading tastes!
May 27, 2015
Duke of Devonwood by Carly Carson
This story, while an excellent romance between two characters, had such confusion between time periods. It could not decide whether to be a regency or contemporary romance. There were elements from the Regency period when hand sewing was the norm and servants did certain things. There were plot elements that were not fully developed such as the bet at the beginning of the story. In all, while the premise was good, the book needed further refining and editing.
This story, while an excellent romance between two characters, had such confusion between time periods. It could not decide whether to be a regency or contemporary romance. There were elements from the Regency period when hand sewing was the norm and servants did certain things. There were plot elements that were not fully developed such as the bet at the beginning of the story. In all, while the premise was good, the book needed further refining and editing.
April 10, 2014
I received this from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the first book I have read about a Duke in modern times and I must say I really enjoyed it. I usually have only read about nobility in Historicals so it was a nice twist to see how an alpha male noble acts in the world today. I loved the growing romance between the two main characters and all the crazy stuff the heroine does trying to annoy the duke. I am looking forward to reading more in this series.
May 24, 2015
At first, you may think that Duke of Devonwood is a historical romance. But it is not! It features a modern day tycoon who happens to be a duke and is responsible for his father's second family and now to his dismay, a headstrong American woman's inheritance. An arrogant duke versus an independent headstrong American. Sparks will definitely fly. I enjoyed this light-hearted romantic read and was amused by Miranda's audacious spirit.
May 23, 2015
I read this book as part of the Book Boyfriends Cafe Summer Lovin' Anthology. I really enjoyed it. I am a big fan of Dukes so I was all for reading about a modern day Duke. I liked how the relationship between Devonwood and Miranda developed. I also enjoyed his siblings Jack, Sarah, Godfrey and Daisy. There is something for all romance lovers in this book.
Displaying 1 - 13 of 13 reviews