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Dazzling Debutantes #1
Miss Ridley and the Duke
Annabel rides through the night to seek help from the duke. Can a marriage born from necessity become true love?In this sweet historical romance, a sheltered baron’s daughter and a distinguished duke enter into a marriage of convenience, but his hidden secret threatens to unravel everything.
She needs to escape …
When Miss Annabel Ridley finds out her fiancé has been unfaithful, she knows she has to call off the wedding. But with her father and everyone else against her, she’s running out of options. Desperate, she turns to the Duke of Halmesbury, hoping he’ll help her break free from the betrothal before it’s too late.
He’s ready to start over … Widower Philip Markham is finally ready to find a new wife, someone bold enough to avoid repeating the mistakes of his past. When a beautiful young woman unexpectedly shows up in his study, pleading for help to end her engagement to a man he loathes, he offers her a surprising proposal—a marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. But if she agrees, he’s determined to keep his past a secret, afraid it might shatter any chance they have at love.
Miss Ridley and the Duke is the delightful first book in the Dazzling Debutantes series of sweet Regency romance books. Can be read as a standalone book.
She needs to escape …
When Miss Annabel Ridley finds out her fiancé has been unfaithful, she knows she has to call off the wedding. But with her father and everyone else against her, she’s running out of options. Desperate, she turns to the Duke of Halmesbury, hoping he’ll help her break free from the betrothal before it’s too late.
He’s ready to start over … Widower Philip Markham is finally ready to find a new wife, someone bold enough to avoid repeating the mistakes of his past. When a beautiful young woman unexpectedly shows up in his study, pleading for help to end her engagement to a man he loathes, he offers her a surprising proposal—a marriage of convenience that could benefit them both. But if she agrees, he’s determined to keep his past a secret, afraid it might shatter any chance they have at love.
Miss Ridley and the Duke is the delightful first book in the Dazzling Debutantes series of sweet Regency romance books. Can be read as a standalone book.
254 pages, Kindle Edition
First published December 25, 2024
490 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 91 reviews
January 20, 2025
This was a charming story about a woman who dared to risk it all. Annabel Ridley fled her home because it was no longer safe. She was being forced to marry a man that had betrayed her with her own maid. She knew that her fiancée's cousin was an upstanding man. He was also a powerful duke, so Annabel traveled a great distance to reach him and make an appeal. As luck would have it, the widowed duke was thinking about marrying again. Marriage to his cousin's fiancée was especially appealing.
I originally read this story as "The Duke Finds a Bride." This version has turned down the heat and fleshed out the story a bit more. I must admit that I actually looked at both versions side by side at one point. This was a great story and I think that it will appeal to new readers as well as those that read the original long ago.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
I originally read this story as "The Duke Finds a Bride." This version has turned down the heat and fleshed out the story a bit more. I must admit that I actually looked at both versions side by side at one point. This was a great story and I think that it will appeal to new readers as well as those that read the original long ago.
I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.
January 1, 2025
I liked it
I am not a huge reader of romance, but this was a delightful story of a spirited woman and a duke who didn't know he truly needed her. The main characters are human, intelligent, respectful of each other, and stumbled their way to loving each other. I wish I could have deserved someone like her myself. I highly recommend this book.
I am not a huge reader of romance, but this was a delightful story of a spirited woman and a duke who didn't know he truly needed her. The main characters are human, intelligent, respectful of each other, and stumbled their way to loving each other. I wish I could have deserved someone like her myself. I highly recommend this book.
January 10, 2025
Didn't realize I'd read this book before under a different title, The Duke Wins a Bride and under a variation of the author's name, Nina Jarrett. Still liked it but had already reviewed once under the original title. I still would recommend it as Annabelle and Philip made for a wonderful couple and their getting to their HEA a terrific read. Although I received an ARC of this novel, my opinions are my own and I have left this review voluntarily.
July 12, 2025
Phillip and Annabel's story is filled with twists and turns and delightfully entertaining. It's amazing what misunderstandings the head and heart can fall into. There is a full cast of vibrant characters with more stories to tell.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 6, 2025
3.75 ⭐️’s rounded up
🌻historical romance
🌻marriage of convenience
🌻historical romance
🌻marriage of convenience
January 11, 2025
I learned from another reviewer that I have read this same book under a different title and pseudonym. No wonder it seemed so familiar!
May 16, 2025
This fun Regency romance centers around the character of Annabel Ridley, who is being forced into a marriage with a man she has discovered cheating on her with the kitchen maid. Annabel, hoping to keep from being forced into a loveless, disastrous marriage, goes to his brother, the Duke, in an effort to somehow stop the marriage.
So begins a fun, romantic, and tense story of the struggles between all three characters. Annabel is a force to be reckoned with; her former fiancé Richard is very sorry and doesn’t want to let her go, and the Duke has his own mysterious issues as well. It’s a fun read with some unexpected twists and turns.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
So begins a fun, romantic, and tense story of the struggles between all three characters. Annabel is a force to be reckoned with; her former fiancé Richard is very sorry and doesn’t want to let her go, and the Duke has his own mysterious issues as well. It’s a fun read with some unexpected twists and turns.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
June 1, 2025
This all felt very abrupt to me…and when you learn more about the MMC motivation, it is a little bit icky. A huge age and power differential that sometimes sounded really close to emotional abuse; despite being 30 years old the MMC made a lot of excuses for his behavior claiming immaturity.
Learning that the novel was at least partly based on the author’s own experience with a quick marriage makes me feel a little bad about my criticism, but here we are.
Learning that the novel was at least partly based on the author’s own experience with a quick marriage makes me feel a little bad about my criticism, but here we are.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 6, 2025
Ugh I hate the "misunderstanding/he loved his first wife so much trope." Plus he literally tells wife #2 that he and wife #1 were ill-suited, but somehow she ignores that part. DNF right there.
January 18, 2025
Annabel Ridley needs a way out of a loveless marriage to Richard Balfour, the Earl of Saunton, after finding him in a compromising way with her own house maid just months before their wedding. Richard says he’s still marrying her, her father will not allow her to break the marriage contract, her brother has been gone for years and her aunt won’t even consider hearing her, so she takes matters into her own hands and travels by night to the Duke of Halmesbury’s home. The Duke, Philip Markham, is the one man she thinks can talk Richard out of marrying her but the Duke has another plan. The Duke lost his first wife three years ago and they had no children. He is now thirty and needing to get on with securing a heir for himself so when Annabel shows up at his home, he has the perfect plan. But will secrets of his past come between the two?
Before I go any further I must add this disclaimer: I have read and reviewed a book very
similar to this one before, in fact, it’s the same book but written as a clean, closed door romance as compared to the more steamy version of The Duke Wins a Bride written by the same author better known as Nina Jarrett. With that said, I got just as much enjoyment out of reading this version as I did the original. Yes, I might have missed some of the steam but the characters are what make both books the delightful read they are. Annabel is brave, daring and fearless while Richard is caring and thoughtful. He even took in to consideration the clothes he was wearing to dinner so they would not make Annabel uncomfortable. Not only do the characters make both books a delight but the author’s ability to write in a realistic way fitting the time period and the setting make the books come alive. The use of proper time period words, names, descriptions, as well as words used by the gentry of England. This author, by which either name she’s using, has a brilliant way with description. I found myself totally emerged into every scene because of the marvelous descriptions. So if you enjoy your romances with a clean, less steam side to them, then this is a book I believe you would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Before I go any further I must add this disclaimer: I have read and reviewed a book very
similar to this one before, in fact, it’s the same book but written as a clean, closed door romance as compared to the more steamy version of The Duke Wins a Bride written by the same author better known as Nina Jarrett. With that said, I got just as much enjoyment out of reading this version as I did the original. Yes, I might have missed some of the steam but the characters are what make both books the delightful read they are. Annabel is brave, daring and fearless while Richard is caring and thoughtful. He even took in to consideration the clothes he was wearing to dinner so they would not make Annabel uncomfortable. Not only do the characters make both books a delight but the author’s ability to write in a realistic way fitting the time period and the setting make the books come alive. The use of proper time period words, names, descriptions, as well as words used by the gentry of England. This author, by which either name she’s using, has a brilliant way with description. I found myself totally emerged into every scene because of the marvelous descriptions. So if you enjoy your romances with a clean, less steam side to them, then this is a book I believe you would enjoy.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 3, 2025
Where do I start.
This was a great marriage of convenience books.
I was only a few chapters in, and the story had already captured me.
Philip, our MMC had me swooning the second he was introduced - A gentleman that would do everything to ensure that Annabel, our FMC, wouldn’t be married off to a man that had betrayed her.
Our FMC Annabel was strong and resilient, standing up for what she wanted - and I loved that.
Though, as the story continued to advance, I felt like the characters started changing.
Halfway into the book, Philip wasn’t the gentle, calm, levelheaded mad - and Annabel wasn’t the strong, resilient, no nonsense woman I had come to meet at the start of the book.
Personally, they both should have trusted each other, not kept secrets, and hashed out their relationship from the start.
It was painful to see them apart from each other, knowing that everything could have been better if they just talked.
Also, Philip irritated me a bit with the whole “I am not in love with my wife.” Keeping in mind the man I met at the start of the book, I did not think he would be as dense as he was.
All it took for him to finally admit that he was in love with his wife, was a talk with his cousin / best friend - we got the realization in the end, but I had really hoped to see him come to the conclusion without anyone needing to open his eyes for him.
But still, I quite enjoyed this book, and adored how Philip and Annabel’s relationship turned out.
C. N. Jarrett wrote a great book, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else she comes out with!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
This was a great marriage of convenience books.
I was only a few chapters in, and the story had already captured me.
Philip, our MMC had me swooning the second he was introduced - A gentleman that would do everything to ensure that Annabel, our FMC, wouldn’t be married off to a man that had betrayed her.
Our FMC Annabel was strong and resilient, standing up for what she wanted - and I loved that.
Though, as the story continued to advance, I felt like the characters started changing.
Halfway into the book, Philip wasn’t the gentle, calm, levelheaded mad - and Annabel wasn’t the strong, resilient, no nonsense woman I had come to meet at the start of the book.
Personally, they both should have trusted each other, not kept secrets, and hashed out their relationship from the start.
It was painful to see them apart from each other, knowing that everything could have been better if they just talked.
Also, Philip irritated me a bit with the whole “I am not in love with my wife.” Keeping in mind the man I met at the start of the book, I did not think he would be as dense as he was.
All it took for him to finally admit that he was in love with his wife, was a talk with his cousin / best friend - we got the realization in the end, but I had really hoped to see him come to the conclusion without anyone needing to open his eyes for him.
But still, I quite enjoyed this book, and adored how Philip and Annabel’s relationship turned out.
C. N. Jarrett wrote a great book, and I’m looking forward to seeing what else she comes out with!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
January 18, 2025
Miss ridley and the duke
Dit is het eerste deel van de serie Dazzling debutantes. Ik mocht dit boek lezen als Arc en ik vond het een erg vermakkelijk verhaal. Het speelt zich af rond 1800, wat ik altijd erg leuk vind. Het verhaal zit fijn inelkaar, het heeft romantiek, spanning, geheimen en familie.
Ik moest wel even wennen aan de schrijfstijl. Dit soort boeken zijn vaak iets ouderwetser geschreven voor mijn gevoel. Hierdoor moest ik soms even een paar keer lezen. Voor de rest vond ik het een leuk boek. De personages waren mysterieus, maar erg open tegelijk. Ik heb erg genoten van de verhaallijn, er zitten geheimen in het boek waardoor je blijft lezen.
This is the first part of the Dazzling debutantes series. I was allowed to read this book as Arc and I thought it was a very entertaining story. It takes place around 1800, which I always like very much. The story is nicely constructed, it has romance, suspense, secrets and family.
I did have to get used to the writing style. These types of books are often written a bit more old-fashioned in my opinion. Because of this I sometimes had to read it a few times. For the rest I thought it was a nice book. The characters were mysterious, but very open at the same time. I really enjoyed the storyline, there are secrets in the book that keep you reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsjanuary #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
Dit is het eerste deel van de serie Dazzling debutantes. Ik mocht dit boek lezen als Arc en ik vond het een erg vermakkelijk verhaal. Het speelt zich af rond 1800, wat ik altijd erg leuk vind. Het verhaal zit fijn inelkaar, het heeft romantiek, spanning, geheimen en familie.
Ik moest wel even wennen aan de schrijfstijl. Dit soort boeken zijn vaak iets ouderwetser geschreven voor mijn gevoel. Hierdoor moest ik soms even een paar keer lezen. Voor de rest vond ik het een leuk boek. De personages waren mysterieus, maar erg open tegelijk. Ik heb erg genoten van de verhaallijn, er zitten geheimen in het boek waardoor je blijft lezen.
This is the first part of the Dazzling debutantes series. I was allowed to read this book as Arc and I thought it was a very entertaining story. It takes place around 1800, which I always like very much. The story is nicely constructed, it has romance, suspense, secrets and family.
I did have to get used to the writing style. These types of books are often written a bit more old-fashioned in my opinion. Because of this I sometimes had to read it a few times. For the rest I thought it was a nice book. The characters were mysterious, but very open at the same time. I really enjoyed the storyline, there are secrets in the book that keep you reading.
⭐️⭐️⭐️,5 sterren
#lezenisontspanning #neverstopreading #spreadthebooklove #reading #bookstagramreadsjanuary #boekstagram #bookblogger #lekkerlezen #leesmaand #boekenmaand #boekentips #boekenplank #feelgood #readingisgoodforthesoul #booklover #booksbooksbooks #boekenwurm #spreadthebooklove #sharethebooklove
January 16, 2025
I read the steamy version of the story some time ago and was curious to see how the author would realise the sweet and clean version and I was impressed. I've been in love with the two main characters before and I think the g-rated realisation makes their love story almost more romantic. Annabel is a bold and vivacious heroine who goes her own way and Philip is a lovable cinnamon roll hero who is dutiful and compassionate, standing by and supporting other people. Both have had bad experiences with love and it was heartwarming to see them interact and grow together.
When Annabel Ridley surprises her fiancé Richard Balfour, the Earl of Saunton, in a compromising position with a housemaid, she refuses to marry him. But both her father and her fiancé continue to insist on the wedding. Desperate to escape the marriage, Annabel turns to Richard’s cousin Philip Markham, the Duke of Halmesbury, and asks him for his help. The widowed Philip, who is attracted to her and is himself looking for a bride who is the opposite of his former wife, offers her a marriage of convenience. Ideal for him, as it gives him a wife without having to take part in a London season, and at the same time allows him to get revenge on his cousin Richard, who he believes had an affair with his late wife...
I am happy to recommend the book to all who like sweet and heartwarming historical romance novels with great characters and am already looking forward to Richard’s story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
When Annabel Ridley surprises her fiancé Richard Balfour, the Earl of Saunton, in a compromising position with a housemaid, she refuses to marry him. But both her father and her fiancé continue to insist on the wedding. Desperate to escape the marriage, Annabel turns to Richard’s cousin Philip Markham, the Duke of Halmesbury, and asks him for his help. The widowed Philip, who is attracted to her and is himself looking for a bride who is the opposite of his former wife, offers her a marriage of convenience. Ideal for him, as it gives him a wife without having to take part in a London season, and at the same time allows him to get revenge on his cousin Richard, who he believes had an affair with his late wife...
I am happy to recommend the book to all who like sweet and heartwarming historical romance novels with great characters and am already looking forward to Richard’s story!
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
May 19, 2025
Delightfully fun read of a charming heroine who knows her mind and a handsome, chivalrous Duke. The story begins with Annabel discovering her betrothed being unfaithful. Finding it difficult to get out of the marriage, she turns to his cousin, the Duke, for help in persuading him to let her go. The Duke is instantly taken in with Annabel, but I found it difficult to believe that the Duke would immediately offer her marriage to himself as a solution when he admits that he regretted not taking the time to truly know his first wife before they wed. After that disaster, he’s now willing to jump in again without knowing Annabel? However, in spite of that, what I enjoyed the most about this book is the amount of time we see them as a happy couple. So many stories spend the entire book on them getting together and none, or very little, of their happily ever after. They, of course, have lots of moments of doubt and misunderstandings, but who wouldn’t with such a short amount of time before marriage? They are determined to make it a compatible marriage, and the more they get to know each other and realize how suited they are for each other, they happily work things through. Their blissful happiness is the stuff made of dreams, but I know it’s possible as I had a two week courtship before getting engaged and have now been happily married for 43 years. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
January 8, 2025
I really enjoyed this book from a new author for me. We meet Miss Annabel Ridley whose hopes are dashed when her betrothed is caught shagging the maid working in their home!
I loved how Annabel stood over the pair while they were going at it and asked them questions very calmly before "all hell broke loose". she begged her fiancé to release her from their betrothal, but he was adamant that he wanted to wed her.
What is a girl to do but don a man's outfit and ride under cover of dark to get to his much handsomer cousin who just happens to be a Duke! Said duke, Philip Markham who has been a widower for three years is looking to wed again although the thought of going to the necessary balls and soirées to meet said female is daunting. Imagine his surprise and delight when Annabel arrives at his doorstep asking for help to break her engagement to his cousin the earl.
Of course, these situations never run smoothly and there is a little frustration on Annabel's part when the truth is not revealed immediately but the proximity and them having to get to know each other and trust each other was nice.
I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.
I loved how Annabel stood over the pair while they were going at it and asked them questions very calmly before "all hell broke loose". she begged her fiancé to release her from their betrothal, but he was adamant that he wanted to wed her.
What is a girl to do but don a man's outfit and ride under cover of dark to get to his much handsomer cousin who just happens to be a Duke! Said duke, Philip Markham who has been a widower for three years is looking to wed again although the thought of going to the necessary balls and soirées to meet said female is daunting. Imagine his surprise and delight when Annabel arrives at his doorstep asking for help to break her engagement to his cousin the earl.
Of course, these situations never run smoothly and there is a little frustration on Annabel's part when the truth is not revealed immediately but the proximity and them having to get to know each other and trust each other was nice.
I received an ARC from the publishers and Booksprout and submit my honest review voluntarily.
January 16, 2025
Well written, fast paced read. Full of drama, love, misunderstanding, secrets, society, intrigue, family, action, adventure and revenge. Annabel is to be married to Richard soon but comes across him with another woman, one of the maids. After telling him that she will not marry him, he just tells her yes you will. She goes to her father The Baron only to be told by him that she will marry him . He wants to be have a title married into the family. Annabel decides she needs help so she rides to the home of Duke Philip. Arriving there, she asks for his help to break this engagement or any help he can give her. Philip is shocked to see a young lady standing in front of him dressed as a young man. And what he was looking for in a new wife. He offers a marriage of convenience to her and she agrees. A trade of a Duke for an Earl, her father accepts his offer. After the marriage, they both start to be aware of feelings for the other. They also have secrets that they need to share and work it out together. Happy to say they both get their happily ever after. Hopefully another book is in the works for the other characters so that we may follow them. Would strongly recommend this book to everyone.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.
July 24, 2025
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I enjoyed her fifth book so much thatI wanted to read her other ones in this series. It is quite accurate historically but the behaviour of Miss Ridley is somewhat scandalous for the era but also believable. Miss Ridley discovers her betrothed in a compromising position with the maid and wishes to break off her engagement but her Father will not let her as it is a marriage to faith wealth and status for the family. Miss Ridley is determined she will not marry him and sets out to ensure she does not marry him either by appealing to a protector, running away and finding a job or any other way possible. She is setting herself up for a terrible scandal which would make her an outcast in society but she has no family to turn to. What will she do, to appeal to somebody who might act on her behalf is fraught with problems as he does not know her but he has a kind reputation, will he help her if she throws herself at his mercy, if not, she will have been compromised and cast from from society? She does not care but she will NOT marry her betrothed.
I enjoyed her fifth book so much thatI wanted to read her other ones in this series. It is quite accurate historically but the behaviour of Miss Ridley is somewhat scandalous for the era but also believable. Miss Ridley discovers her betrothed in a compromising position with the maid and wishes to break off her engagement but her Father will not let her as it is a marriage to faith wealth and status for the family. Miss Ridley is determined she will not marry him and sets out to ensure she does not marry him either by appealing to a protector, running away and finding a job or any other way possible. She is setting herself up for a terrible scandal which would make her an outcast in society but she has no family to turn to. What will she do, to appeal to somebody who might act on her behalf is fraught with problems as he does not know her but he has a kind reputation, will he help her if she throws herself at his mercy, if not, she will have been compromised and cast from from society? She does not care but she will NOT marry her betrothed.
May 19, 2025
Another lovely book in the Dazzling Debutantes series. I've read it backwards, so I was excited to to get to Annabel's story. I love the main characters. Annabel is sweet and resilient and everything you could hope for in a heroine. Phillip is the perfect tortured hero trapped by misconceptions and lies he's told himself. I cheered on their path to reconciliation.
I couldn't give it five stars because of some plot elements with secondary characters. A side romance could have been fleshed out a little better, and I had some unresolved questions in the last couple of chapters. I did a keywords search to see if I'd missed something but came up with nothing. It was like a beautiful ball gown that had some unclipped threads and loose embellishments. Overall, a lovely, satisfying story, but my attention snagged on things I didn't quite understand.
I loved the redemptive arc of the main characters and the promise of renewed relationships, though. CN Jarrett is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
I couldn't give it five stars because of some plot elements with secondary characters. A side romance could have been fleshed out a little better, and I had some unresolved questions in the last couple of chapters. I did a keywords search to see if I'd missed something but came up with nothing. It was like a beautiful ball gown that had some unclipped threads and loose embellishments. Overall, a lovely, satisfying story, but my attention snagged on things I didn't quite understand.
I loved the redemptive arc of the main characters and the promise of renewed relationships, though. CN Jarrett is quickly becoming one of my favorite authors!
January 15, 2025
Oh my.. what a disappointment!
It started promising. Once again a heroine who is not whimpering/simpering..
I liked the beginning and the first meeting with "The Duke"... And their fast engagement..
From then it went downhill... A permanent repetition of her and his feelings toward the other and how good he/she is and no real "action" .
It was all so sunshine and lollipops. Even the author seemed to realize this somewhere in the middle of the novel and tried to bring some activeness into the plot.
But - sorry - these problems were so farfetched that I just skipped page for page.
The end was rose coloured again.. and there was even a part where I thought she got something mixed up. But this would be a spoiler (if you can spoil a novel like this one 🙄) and honestly, it isn't important anyway.
And some last rant: why always this "clean" label??? Readers afraid of something more than a chaste kiss?
It started promising. Once again a heroine who is not whimpering/simpering..
I liked the beginning and the first meeting with "The Duke"... And their fast engagement..
From then it went downhill... A permanent repetition of her and his feelings toward the other and how good he/she is and no real "action" .
It was all so sunshine and lollipops. Even the author seemed to realize this somewhere in the middle of the novel and tried to bring some activeness into the plot.
But - sorry - these problems were so farfetched that I just skipped page for page.
The end was rose coloured again.. and there was even a part where I thought she got something mixed up. But this would be a spoiler (if you can spoil a novel like this one 🙄) and honestly, it isn't important anyway.
And some last rant: why always this "clean" label??? Readers afraid of something more than a chaste kiss?
July 26, 2025
move too quickly; unbelievable
I like a sweet fairytale, but this did not provide me with any satisfaction. I skipped the middle so I could have some closure. The whole concept of the relationship between Annabelle and the Duke is, by far, much too silly to take seriously.
Perhaps I’m cynical; perhaps I read too many historical mysteries. But to marry someone after a week without any acquaintances to speak to,his character is just too far a stretch.
It is an easy read. There was not much historical context, but at the same time the author didn’t spend an inordinate amount of time on describing clothing and furniture… Something that I appreciate.
It just felt like two children on a seesaw: one of them was up when the other was down; and then it reversed. I guess I just need something more challenging, plot- wise, and deeper character development. It might be pleasant for many, but it was a disappointment for me.
I like a sweet fairytale, but this did not provide me with any satisfaction. I skipped the middle so I could have some closure. The whole concept of the relationship between Annabelle and the Duke is, by far, much too silly to take seriously.
Perhaps I’m cynical; perhaps I read too many historical mysteries. But to marry someone after a week without any acquaintances to speak to,his character is just too far a stretch.
It is an easy read. There was not much historical context, but at the same time the author didn’t spend an inordinate amount of time on describing clothing and furniture… Something that I appreciate.
It just felt like two children on a seesaw: one of them was up when the other was down; and then it reversed. I guess I just need something more challenging, plot- wise, and deeper character development. It might be pleasant for many, but it was a disappointment for me.
July 31, 2025
Miss Ridley and the Duke
C.N. Jarrett
Annabel and Philip need each other. Philip needs a wife who isn't delicate and quiet, and Annabel needs rescued from a cheating fiancé. Married after less than a week of knowing each other, these two must find their way to an amicable marriage...or maybe they can find love.
I received a free copy and am leavinf this review voluntarily.
Miss Ridley and the Duke is your typical marriage of convenience romance. While I enjoyed the story, because happily ever after is always satisfying, I also mostly enjoyed the MMC and the MFC. It was easy to see they were going to be a good match and that they would be equally matched in wits and character. However, some of the reactions by Annabel were...stupid. I was especially frustrated toward the end, but alls well that ends well, I suppose.
If you enjoy women with opinions, Dukes who aren't snobs, and an easy to find happily ever after, then this book should be on your TBR yesterday.
C.N. Jarrett
Annabel and Philip need each other. Philip needs a wife who isn't delicate and quiet, and Annabel needs rescued from a cheating fiancé. Married after less than a week of knowing each other, these two must find their way to an amicable marriage...or maybe they can find love.
I received a free copy and am leavinf this review voluntarily.
Miss Ridley and the Duke is your typical marriage of convenience romance. While I enjoyed the story, because happily ever after is always satisfying, I also mostly enjoyed the MMC and the MFC. It was easy to see they were going to be a good match and that they would be equally matched in wits and character. However, some of the reactions by Annabel were...stupid. I was especially frustrated toward the end, but alls well that ends well, I suppose.
If you enjoy women with opinions, Dukes who aren't snobs, and an easy to find happily ever after, then this book should be on your TBR yesterday.
October 2, 2025
A clean story. Whilst only published in Dec 2024 I am sure I have read this before. And I now see another reviewer has said it had been released under another title. This a light readable book. Bits I found odd were that Annabel was happy to accept the Duke’s proposal so quickly given issues she was having with Richard. She had literally just met him, which brings the adage ‘Marry in haste, repent at leisure’ to mind. However, having spent the night at his estate she was as good a ruined if gossips heard ( and there would be servant chatter) so marriage would be a necessity.
Given she is quite positive, why had she not taken further actions regarding contacting her brother as he’d been gone so long and she seemed to get on with him? Then we have Philip. Not sure on him as a character given his sudden angry outburst and just disappearing off without really letting Annabel know what is happening. As said a few odd bits but readable.
Given she is quite positive, why had she not taken further actions regarding contacting her brother as he’d been gone so long and she seemed to get on with him? Then we have Philip. Not sure on him as a character given his sudden angry outburst and just disappearing off without really letting Annabel know what is happening. As said a few odd bits but readable.
December 26, 2024
I so enjoyed this book! I loved both main characters, Philip and Annabel (despite their mistakes), and their relationship overall was so sweet. The story’s premise was interesting, and the plot was well-done with some surprises, nuances, and character development. I devoured this quick, easy, and delightful book. I wish it had been even longer.
It wasn’t a perfect-five star read for me - some of the writing felt a bit anachronistic, and there is a cliche subplot involving two servants that reinforces a really unhealthy view of relationships. Overall however, I really loved this story, and I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I warmly recommend Miss Ridley and the Duke to all fans of clean historical romance, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of C.N. Jarrett’s work in the future!
Thank you to BookSirens for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
It wasn’t a perfect-five star read for me - some of the writing felt a bit anachronistic, and there is a cliche subplot involving two servants that reinforces a really unhealthy view of relationships. Overall however, I really loved this story, and I give it 4.5 stars rounded up to 5.
I warmly recommend Miss Ridley and the Duke to all fans of clean historical romance, and I will definitely be on the lookout for more of C.N. Jarrett’s work in the future!
Thank you to BookSirens for the free eARC. I post this review with my honest opinions.
December 25, 2024
A Super Story!
Oh how I loved the two main characters, Annabel and Philip.
They found each other in a most unusual way and in so doing eventually built a strong relationship where they found a true love for each other and their happy ever after.
I could happily have hit Philip over the head a few times. but he was just being him and soon had all the necessary realisations upon which he acted in the right way.
Annabel was a bit of a reckless young Miss and she followed her impulses rather successfully.
I love both of them and they made the perfect couple in the end.
Their story was so easy to read and follow - I just loved that and I look forward to reading all additional future books in this series.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
Oh how I loved the two main characters, Annabel and Philip.
They found each other in a most unusual way and in so doing eventually built a strong relationship where they found a true love for each other and their happy ever after.
I could happily have hit Philip over the head a few times. but he was just being him and soon had all the necessary realisations upon which he acted in the right way.
Annabel was a bit of a reckless young Miss and she followed her impulses rather successfully.
I love both of them and they made the perfect couple in the end.
Their story was so easy to read and follow - I just loved that and I look forward to reading all additional future books in this series.
I have just finished reading an early copy of this book and am happy to leave my voluntary review.
December 27, 2024
I loved this book for its FMC, Annabel, she’s spirited, fierce and unafraid to take action to determine the course of her life. She refuses to be used, abused or crushed by the various male characters in her life whose character flaws generally leave something to be desired. Girl power at it’s best, she endures but retains her self worth and good heart in spite of them.
The MMC, the Duke of Halmesbury, is a kind, noble, handsome hero but comes along with a healthy dose of emotional baggage and is after all just a bloke. But you can’t help rooting for him
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story holds your interest, taking many twists and turns on the path to true love and I found it very enjoyable and easy to read. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical romances.
The MMC, the Duke of Halmesbury, is a kind, noble, handsome hero but comes along with a healthy dose of emotional baggage and is after all just a bloke. But you can’t help rooting for him
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The story holds your interest, taking many twists and turns on the path to true love and I found it very enjoyable and easy to read. I would certainly recommend this book to anyone that enjoys historical romances.
March 4, 2025
impressive first book
It sounds like this is the author's first book. Quite impressive. It is well written and the story developed well. I appreciated that three misunderstandings were not stupid, but pretty real, only exaggerated a bit.
My only complaint was at the end with the two housekeeper weddings, the last chapter starting with talking about wedding hanns seemed very unrelated to her brother visiting. I was confused at first of whose wedding banns, I thought it was her brothers but then it turned out to be Mrs Harris". Then it talked about another wedding with Mrs Thorne (previous housekeeper) it was thrown in randomly at the end. Who did she marry? What was the connection? I don't remember any relationship that was in the story earlier. Those bits just seemed out of place or mixed up.
Otherwise this was a great story.
It sounds like this is the author's first book. Quite impressive. It is well written and the story developed well. I appreciated that three misunderstandings were not stupid, but pretty real, only exaggerated a bit.
My only complaint was at the end with the two housekeeper weddings, the last chapter starting with talking about wedding hanns seemed very unrelated to her brother visiting. I was confused at first of whose wedding banns, I thought it was her brothers but then it turned out to be Mrs Harris". Then it talked about another wedding with Mrs Thorne (previous housekeeper) it was thrown in randomly at the end. Who did she marry? What was the connection? I don't remember any relationship that was in the story earlier. Those bits just seemed out of place or mixed up.
Otherwise this was a great story.
April 9, 2025
This is my first encounter with this author's work, and I am thrilled to have taken the chance, as this book was truly exceptional. I have developed a deep affection for Phillip, who embodies the archetype of a knight in shining armor, albeit with flaws. His insecurities have led to significant pain in his life. The narrative is replete with shocking revelations about certain characters, providing insight into their motivations. The relationship between Annabel and Philip is particularly endearing, and the author's dedication of this story to her husband is a poignant touch. Ideally, everyone should experience a relationship of this caliber. I eagerly anticipate the next installment to witness Richard's redemption.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
I was given an advanced copy of this book for free and I am leaving my review voluntarily.
July 10, 2025
A Brave, Bold Young Woman Seeks Help From A Duke!
"Miss Ridley and the Duke" is book 1 of the Dazzling Debutantes series written by C. N. Jarrett. This is a clean wonderful Regency romance series, with strong women who fall in love with great, though sometimes rakish men. This first book is about Annabel Ridley and her flight across two English counties on horseback, in order to beg the Duke of Halmesbury to help her get out of marrying a man who cheated on her. Her baron father insists she marry the Earl because of his position in society. However, Annabel rides all night on horseback to ask for the Duke's help. He does just that, by offering to marry her himself. This book deserves the 5 star rating I gave. I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
"Miss Ridley and the Duke" is book 1 of the Dazzling Debutantes series written by C. N. Jarrett. This is a clean wonderful Regency romance series, with strong women who fall in love with great, though sometimes rakish men. This first book is about Annabel Ridley and her flight across two English counties on horseback, in order to beg the Duke of Halmesbury to help her get out of marrying a man who cheated on her. Her baron father insists she marry the Earl because of his position in society. However, Annabel rides all night on horseback to ask for the Duke's help. He does just that, by offering to marry her himself. This book deserves the 5 star rating I gave. I received an ARC and this is my honest and voluntary review.
December 29, 2024
The heroine seems to think no one can live her after her brother deserts her and her fiancé is unfaithful. She rides to his cousin a duke for help to get out of her engagement. The hero is intrigued by her courage and proposes marriage. She accepts. There are some secrets to uncover which lead to some misunderstandings to be resolved. It was a clean read with HEA. There is a bit of a cliffhanger but not about the two major character but about the ex-fiance. I was a little curious about Mrs. Thorne, the former housekeeper. She mentioned fleetingly and then a marriage is talked about but no background. That was frustrating.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
January 9, 2025
Fascinating tribulations of a Regency bride
After discovering her betrothed inappropriate conduct with a servant in the stables, Annabel wants to stop the marriage. To her dismay, her father is adamant that the ceremony should happen as foreseen.
Totally disgusted at the idea, Annabel runs away and agrees to a marriage of convenience with Philip, Duke of Halmesbury. He is a widower without children and means to have children with his second wife.
Soon enough both begin to have feelings for each other…
This is the sweet version of a previously published book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
After discovering her betrothed inappropriate conduct with a servant in the stables, Annabel wants to stop the marriage. To her dismay, her father is adamant that the ceremony should happen as foreseen.
Totally disgusted at the idea, Annabel runs away and agrees to a marriage of convenience with Philip, Duke of Halmesbury. He is a widower without children and means to have children with his second wife.
Soon enough both begin to have feelings for each other…
This is the sweet version of a previously published book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
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