The Derbyshire Dance

Kendall House #3

by Rosanne E. Lortz

An aimless life. An unsettled conscience. Can the gentlewoman next door bring a new sense of purpose to this duke run aground in Derbyshire?

Nigel Lymington, the new Duke of Warrenton, always played second fiddle to his elder brother’s wild exploits. After rising to the title himself, he tries to live up to his family’s rakish reputation, only to discover that he has neither the temperament nor the money to indulge in the wastrel Warrenton way of life.

While rusticating in Derbyshire, he encounters a gentlewoman named Miss Belinda Morrison who cares more about tenants and crop rotation than tittle-tattle and court connections. Can Nigel learn to plough a straight enough furrow to attract an honest woman of intelligence and industry? And will Bel Morrison set down her ledgers long enough to let him dance his way into her heart?

An homage to the beloved Georgette Heyer, this clean and wholesome Regency romance follows the adventures of a droll duke, a competent heroine, an inexperienced valet, an interfering vicar, and a mischievous feline.

304 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 26, 2025

About the author

Rosanne E. Lortz (“Rose”) is a writer, editor, teacher, history-lover, and mom to four boys. She loves to read, sing, draw, compose, write, and create. Education is one of her passions, particularly a classical, liberal arts education. She has taught English composition and grammar, Latin, history, music, and various other subjects for eighteen years at both the elementary and secondary level and is currently an administrator at a classical Christian school.

Rose writes historical novels full of adventure, mystery, and romance. Her Pevensey Mysteries transpose tales from the Middle Ages into Regency Era romance/murder mysteries. Her Allen Abbey Romances are three linked novellas set in Regency England. And her latest series are the Kendall House Romances and the Comfort Quartet, Regency romances full of humour and heart that pay tribute to the inimitable Georgette Heyer.

Rose served on the board of the Historical Novel Society North America for four years and works to promote interest in historical novels. She enjoys reading and reviewing historical fiction, historical romance, historical mysteries, high fantasy, and some young adult and middle grade books.

Reviews

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

A lovely redemption story with lots of chuckles. Trying-to-reform rake, Nigel Lymington, became the Duke of Warrenton two years before, upon the death of his brother. For some reason, he thought it his duty to act as much the profligate as his deceased brother, father, and grandfather. "Punting down the River Tick" because of a debt he couldn't pay, he fled to the Derbyshire countryside. Removed from his habitual London haunts, he has no idea what to do with himself.

Bel Morrison has been efficiently running her missing brother's farm for seven years, hoping that he will return one day and find it prosperous. The two meet, thanks to her cat, Magpie. They are like oil and water, those two, but an attraction develops in spite of it. She inspires him to grow a pair and do something about his financial woes. A well-written, fun read. Nice cover.

[Jennifer · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Derbyshire Dance, a clean Regency Romance, is a charming story set in the countryside rather than London. It boasts well-written characters and great character development. A stranger with a past arrives and wins over everyone, even the noisy neighbors. A curious and lovable cat plays a significant role in the narrative. This is a slow-burn romance, and I thoroughly enjoyed it.

I want to express my gratitude to BookSirens for providing this eArc. All opinions expressed are my own. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Pauline Ross · Rating 5 out of 5]

Review to follow.

[LemontreeLime · Rating 5 out of 5]

this was fabulous: character developin humourous romancin and happy ending satisfyin. AND. cats.

[Elizabeth S · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am so impressed when an author can take the bad guy from one book and make him the hero in another. Well done, Lortz.

[Melissa · Rating 4 out of 5]

What a lovely book. It took me a little bit to get into the story, but I couldn’t put int down once I did. Bel is my kind of lady. I love that she took hold of her life and lived the way she thought to be the best for her and her family. The Duke is such a fun character. I truly liked his sense of humor. The couple together is so good. There story isn’t rushed. It’s not all happily ever after in two weeks time. I appreciate this author’s ability to develop her characters over time. This is a great read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series as they have all been so different from each other. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Southern Belle · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love stories of redemption and love and this one was so fun! Nigel realized he has been on the wrong road to happiness when Bel Morrison lands in his path and steers him in the right direction. I really enjoyed Bel’s frankness, so unusual for her time, and Nigel’s charming roguishness and determination to be a better man and “fix things” to win over Bel. Together they make a perfect match! I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Jane Porter · Rating 5 out of 5]

So romantic!

I loved this story. Beautifully written, wonderful characters and a believable —and entertaining—plot. My favorite Roseanne Lortz regency yet. Definitely recommend.

[Cathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

The character development is so beautiful I'm crying!!!!

I have read 4 books by this author so far and this is by far my favorite of her works. There was something always seemingly missing but this time she brought out that something in healthy heaping proportions and I just must celebrate it. The writing is witty and colorful in a such a delightful brain scratching way! Not to mention the characters are a fun mix of personalities and the regency culture is richly represented. So much so that I kept having a hard time putting the book down when need called for it!!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

The English is beautiful, the culture feels like we are actually in 1800s England, the story is rich and keeps you turning the page, the main love interests actually spend time together! (my goodness how grateful I am for this!) and their slow burn burns along in a natural and lovely to follow along way… sigh it really is a good read.

The character development is also handled very organically. I like how the author approached it in a realistic way. It was also eye watering in the very best ways to read. Loved loved loved it.

Secondary characters are fully a part of the world of the story and not just dry plot devices. Aunt Lucy along with other secondary characters are just such a lovable treat. There are some unsavory characters but even they are handled very realistically as well. It feels like one is truly reading about the life of a real community and I just love when writers do this. Makes me feel a deep warmth to their story. Plus it was also a sweet treat to see characters from the previous books in the series and hear about how their lives were going on. Augh, put a nice big smile on my face.

I however have a few notes though which explains the missing star.

I wish the chapters didn't have titles. It doesn't allow for the reader to be satisfyingly surprised by the events in the chapter. That stole away a piece of my enjoyment. I believe just chapters numbers would be best.

I also didn't appreciate the seeming dislike for certain body types and how the language of appearance was used in parts of this story. It was like 10% of the story but still sends a very worrying message. For example the ugly words used for the villain's physical attributes. It's okay to talk about the ugliness of someone's heart but not to associate that with physical attributes. Such writing will always put me off. Adds fuel to the ugly fire of society worshipping "beautiful" people and looking down on the rest.

The story got a little too sensual in some parts (about 5% of the whole story) and this knocked off several points for me for this book that is marketed as clean romance. It would have been a 6 out of 5 stars read for me hands down because it was near perfect. But the body issues and bits of sensuality brought it down to 4 stars.

Lastly, I believe reading the 1st book in the series will add immensely to enjoyment as we meet the main male character in this story there. His redemption is sweeter to read after experiencing his prior life.

[Cathy R Morgan · Rating 5 out of 5]

On succeeding to the dukedom on the death of his brother, Nigel filled the role the way he's always seen it filled: through a life of general debauchery, including going through his income faster than it came in. But when his plan to get rich by marrying off his niece falls through, he's forced to hide away from the scorned suitor in the country. His boredom is extreme until he meets a most surprising young woman who could not be more opposite to him: a hard worker and with no time for dalliance. He enjoys riling her up, but somehow, the more time they spend together the more he respects her and begins to despise his former mentor. But can two such polar opposites ever truly meet, or is he doomed to disappointment?

I love a good redemption story, as long as it's done well, and this is a great example. Nigel's character arc from rake to respectability (and more) is both believable and deeply satisfying. And while Belinda doesn't do so much developing, I really enjoyed getting to know her, with her strong focus on stewarding her brother's property and her thoughtful care for Nigel. I love that she supports him in fixing himself when he shows a desire to, but without trying to fix him herself. I also enjoyed the banter between them. Readers of previous books in the series will enjoy seeing more of some previous characters, but this book is a complete standalone story. All in all, this book left me feeling happy and with a smile on my face - what more could one wish? Recommended!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Gail · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Derbyshire Dance tells of the story of Belinda Morrison, a woman who faithfully takes great care of her family's land and tenants for her brother, even though he's been gone for many years. and was presumed dead.
Nigel Lymington, the new Duke of Warrenton, is bored of high society and leaves London due to a debt he cannot pay. He's temporarily living in Derbyshire in the house of a neighbor of Miss Morrison. The 2 meet when Bel's cat Magpie visits Nigel, and he enjoys its company. When Bel sees that Magpie is freeloading next door, she takes him home. Nigel, who doesn't let on that he's a duke, enjoys the thought of irritating Bel with his presence while Bel's aunt is busy matchmaking the 2 of them.
Bel is kind and caring of her tenants, despite their temperaments and the vicar's opinions. She even changes into men's clothing to work with the sheep and make repairs. Nigel could learn a lot from her. As the 2 become friendlier, Bel realizes that if she were to ever find happiness with Nigel, he would have to find happiness first on his own.
Can Nigel find true happiness? Will he return to Derbyshire? What of the vicar's plans regarding Miss Morrison?
I thoroughly enjoyed this clean historical romance by Ms. Lortz. It was heartwarming with a HEA ending. The characters were warm and caring. And, of course, who wouldn't love Magpie the cat? 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.

[Auriette · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved “The Derbyshire Dance.” I had read a couple of Rosanne E. Lortz’s books before, and I’ve never been disappointed.

In “The Derbyshire Dance”, Bel (short for Belinda) is a gentlewoman farmer. She’s keeping her parents’ farm thriving, in trust for her missing brother. She’s good at what she does, if a little unorthodox. She’s not looking for a husband. I enjoyed her quiet self-confidence, and it's heartbreaking when a local squire shatters her hopes of finding her brother.

Nigel is a rascally lord, hiding out in the country after a disastrous attempt to marry off his niece. He’s not looking for love, just trying to keep a low profile and stave off boredom until he can return to London. He has the most growing to do, and it's fascinating to watch him reassess his choices and find himself again.

Bel and Nigel rub each other the wrong way, but as is the way of things in a Regency romance, they grow on each other. Even Bel’s cat approves. Finding their happily ever after, however, will require some serious work.

This is a clean and sweet romance, suitable for all ages and sensibilities. The story has a bit of mystery along with an engaging cast of characters. This is the third book in Lortz’s Kendall House series, and I enjoyed it despite not having read the first two; it truly does stand on its own. Charming!

I received an advance review copy for free; all opinions expressed here are my own.

[Patti Wolff · Rating 5 out of 5]

The thoroughly unlikeable Nigel Lymington, Duke of Warrenton is featured in this third installment of Rosanne E. Lortz's Kendall House series. Some action in "The Derbyshire Dance" takes place concurrently with the happenings of the previous book, "The Paris Footman", but the locale differs. The decidedly unimpressed Bel Morrison inspires the Duke to be a better man, and he has a lot of work to do.

This novel is a joy to read. The characters leap off the page. A duke and a gentlewoman farmer are an unlikely match, yet it works here. Solomon Digby appears, and while it's known that Harold Brownlee covets the Morrison holdings, his motives are surprising. And who can take a sanctimonious vicar seriously? So often there's an additional comedic element in the form of a perceptive child or amusing dog. Here, Lortz includes a cat, who proves to be a fine judge of character. There's an unexpected revelation later, as well.

The author's writing style is entertaining, and her works are clean. I try to read series in order and I did so here. In this case, the Duke's backstory is rather important. Ginny's tale is next, and I look forward to it. However, I do want to see what Lortz has in store the melodramatic Penny. This is truly a diverting series.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Whitney · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my second read from Roseanne Lortz, I fell in love with the first book I read of hers (The Discarded Companion) and was eager to read another.

I did not end up loving this book in the same way. The personalities of the main characters are not ones I usually enjoy reading -- MMC was a reformed rake and FMC is one of those "determined" ladies who doesn't think she needs love in her life and denies that she's in love for a good while. It took me about half the book to get into it -- I was slogging through for the first part just trying to hang in there. One of the choices of the FMC was confusing and off-putting to me (I didn't understand why she was choosing to basically get engaged to someone when she loved someone else and still hoped for their relationship to work out)… it seemed like a manipulative move which didn't jive with her character up to that point.

Fortunately, I did eventually get more invested in the story and started to enjoy it.
The love story is redemptive which was great and the ending is satisfying. Lortz's writing is very very good. Her research on the time period is very solid and I appreciate all the details she includes about life during that time. Reading this book did make me interested in reading the other previous stories in this series. All in all, I will read more from this author!

I received an ARC for free, and am leaving this review voluntarily. All reviews are my own honest opinion.

[Margaret P Medberry · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a delightfully funny enemies-to-lovers story. Belinda Morrison lives with her mother and is very competently taking care of the estate left to them by her father. Her brother is the rightful heir, but he has been missing for seven years after he went abroad to India. Bel believes he will come back, but the local mayor wants to declare him dead so she can inherit the land and marry the new vicar, who is very dull. In the meantime, Nigel Lymington is hiding out at a neighboring estate. He has been a rake, owes money, and is now bored with sitting around the little Derbyshire community. When he and Bel meet, she dislikes him instantly. She is a tough, no-nonsense person who dons trousers to get sheep out of ditches and cares deeply about the estate and tenants under her care.

More out of amusement than attraction, Nigel decides to annoy her as much as possible, but soon discovers what a hidden gem she is. Ms. Lortz deftly writes the story with many laugh-out-loud moments. The characters are fun and endearing, and the dialogue is crisp and biting. Super fun to read and watch the love unfold between these two unlikely souls. \

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Carolyn Jacobs · Rating 5 out of 5]

The third installment of the Kendall House series could be subtitled the Rake's Redemption, and Rosanna Lortz had her work cut out for her. After Nigel's behavior in book 1, he seemed irredeemable. But he's on the run, and a no-nonsense neighbor challenges him to be a better man.

There were so many laugh out loud moments - from Bel's left eyebrow to her wayward cat with the uninspired name. So much snark!
"The thought of irritating the younger Miss Morrison with his presence was all the encouragement Nigel needed."

The vicar was an irritant. It's always a breath of fresh air when the vicar actually acts as the hands and feet of Jesus-that's not how he is in this book. But he's not. Believable, though.


One thing I appreciate most about the Kendall House series is the depiction of ordinary life. Cravats are rumpled, boots are muddied, the duke is lonely and helpless, forced to suffer bad cooking and untrained valets.

Bel is no simpering miss. She knows the value of hard work, and her hands show it. She forges her way in a man's world.


I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[English · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved this book. I haven't actually read the others in the series bit even as a standalone it worked well. The slow-burn romance worked well and the reformed rake trope was very well done. Which as saying a lot as its overused and can become very tired and cliched.

I loved Bel. She was "on the shelf" by Regency standards at 29 going on 30. Has she become a cat lady? Well, she does have a cat: a very vocal kitty who plays a major role in events. I will say no more.
The banter between her and Nigel was also great: its one of the things I love about this author. She writes banter incredibly well, and quirky heroines.

Whilst the book is meant to be a homage to Georgette Heyer, it kind of reminded me of Cranford with the missing brother and the impact of his absence.

Now I will read the previous 2 books and I understand there's another one to come.

I requeseted an ARC of this title from Booksirens. This didn't influence my opinions which are freely given and entirely my own.

[Luci Jamison · Rating 5 out of 5]

The author creates compelling characters within a strong plot line. Some of these characters are found again within this story can be found within the prior books from the Kendall series.

The hero does not start out as a likable character and the heroine does not like him at all. But the author takes the reader on the journey of self discovery of the characters and allows us to see the changes and growth.

I enjoyed the storyline very much. I enjoyed the various characters and was glad that the author made them believable and likable ( well some characters not so likable wink wink).

I recommend this book, series and author as she does a magnificent job of drawing the reader into her character’s world.

I received an ARC copy of the book and all opinions are my own.

[Robin Smith · Rating 4 out of 5]

Belinda Morrison, is a gentlewoman farmer, sensible and pragmatic, and not afraid to get her hands dirty. Nigel Lymington, Duke of Warrenton, who has tried to live up to the wastrel ways of the previous Warrentons, is hiding out in the country. Sparks fly at their first meeting, but will time soften their feelings toward each other? Lovely and emotional tale of how perceptions can change, and how people can change when they learn to value others and strive to become their true selves. Not as humorous as the previous books in the series, there are some darker themes here. Wonderful secondary characters, including the cat. Good addition to the series.
I received a free copy via Booksirens, and this is my honest and voluntary review.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

well written, full of drama, society, witty, intrigue, villains, twists and turns. Nigel is the new Duke, but try as he may, he can not be like the past Dukes. He heads to the Derbyshire community to hide until he feels it's safe to return to London. Once there he meets Belinda, who runs her brother's farm. She cares for the tenants and the farms that they work on. Nigel and Belinda bump into each other , neither liking the other but as time goes on their feelings change. Belinda has a pet cat that is really a good judge of characters and Nigel will need to impress the cat to become closer to her. Nigel and Belinda are able to get to their happily ever after. Would recommend to others.

I received this story and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Helen]

Twenty-nine year old Belinda (Bel) Morrison is running the estate for her older brother, Charlie, who left for India nearly seven years ago.

Nigel Lymington, Duke of Warrenton, is running from his past life and most notably a particular creditor and is living at Audeley House as Mr. Lymington.

The meeting between Bel and Nigel is inauspicious, but they are reluctantly attracted to each other. The relationship between them develops in believable progression, even to the anonymous service each does for the other.

This is the third in the Kendall House series, but reading the prior books is not essential to appreciate this novel.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Liz · Rating 5 out of 5]

I anticipated this third book of the Kendall House series so eagerly that there was almost no way it could meet my expectations…BUT IT DID! Nigel and Bel are such a perfect example of “opposites attract.” Their histories, their reputations, and their hearts are so jarringly different until a kiss puts them on the same path. I love the unhurried time that the author gives this special couple to form an awkward friendship that eventually deepens over months and miles into sacrificial love. The side stories of secondary characters are wonderful, too. If you like cats, weddings, and surprises, this Regency romance is for you.

[CORINNE · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received an advanced reader copy of this book and am reviewing it voluntarily

Throughly enjoyed this regency romp

Difficult times indeed

Loved Bel donning men’s clothes and getting stuck into farming and so forthright quite refreshing

And a Duke reformed to his former self lovely

Meanwhile behind the scenes wheeling and dealing everything seemed to revolve around money

Loved the “ secret” things Bel and Nigel did for each other

Did not like the brother Charles how could he not let anyone at home know he was alive for seven years!seemed more interested in his position

A great read

Noted that some names of places and people related to Pride and Prejudice

[Rabia · Rating 4 out of 5]

When I read the previous book in this series, I quite disliked Nigel Lymington's character. I was quite surprised to learn that he is the hero of this book! But Lortz is a skillful author, and she brings about Nigel's redemption in a very convincing manner.

This is a story of two very different people falling in love in a very straight forward and honest manner. I loved Bel's honest speaking, both with Nigel, and herself. A good romance with solid characters and brilliant writing. I have added 'circumbendibus' to my vocabulary!!

I was given an ARC of the book, and all opinions expressed are my own.

[Kathy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bel is running her family's estate while waiting for her brother's return. Her aunt is her chaperone and is constantly trying to get her to meet eligible men. She cannot tolerate men who don't respect her opinion on running an estate or willingness to discuss how sheep should be raised. The fancy men who just waste money are the worst in her opinion.

Then a dandy comes to hide out at her neighbor's home while she is away. Soon each of them is changing their prespective on the other. It is a delightful tale.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ami Jacobs · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book made me laugh a lot and sometimes cringe, too. There was such fun teasing and banter, and the characters were very well written, but the way the men thought about the women in the story made me uncomfortable at times. The romance was clean, but there was a hint of impropriety every once in a while that threw me off. If this had not been repeated so often, then I would have given the book four stars, but I had to give it three because of that. The character growth was very good, and I loved how the “rake” decided to mend his ways, and listen to his heart instead of the society that he lived in!

[MEF · Rating 4 out of 5]

I loved the interplay between Belinda and Nigel (such an unfortunate name for a Duke).He is louche and witty, but secretly insecure, she is intelligent and loyal, but secretly lonesome. Neither knew what they were missing until they found each other….

But reality intrudes for both of them and very dull it proves to be - for them and me! It was a long separation however necessary.

The conclusion was inevitable but a tiny bit rushed in the end. I was so glad to see their relationship restored that I buried my niggles and enjoyed it unreservedly.

[Leander · Rating 5 out of 5]

Clever, witty and so very Heyeresque.

What a delight it is to read Rosanne E Lortz’s books.

The characters are cleverly given layers that emerge either throughout the book or in some cases through a series of this author’s books.
The witticisms and fast banter of the characters are so very Heyeresque.
In this story Lortz manages to take a ‘dastardly duke’ and a ‘dull neighbourhood spinster’ and make them both loveable.

A brilliant author with a wonderful repertoire of wordplay.

[Delphia Von Heeder · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Derbyshire Dance is Book 3 in the Regency Romance by Rosanne E Lortz. Nigel is a new Duke hiding in Derbyshire. Belinda is not interested in marriage but tenants and crop rotation. The road to love is tricky and improbable so of course it will be interesting. I enjoyed the characters and thought this Regency romance was a wonderful escape to England. I received an arc for free and am leaving my review voluntarily.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

Bel and Nigel start out as complete opposite. She is a hardworking gentleman farmer’s daughter who has kept the farm going while her brother is gone. Nigel, a second son, has inherited and felt he had to keep up the rakish ways of his brother, but really doesn’t have the character or money to do it so he retires to the country. He has no idea how to manage his estate so Bel starts to aid him. Thus the beginning of a HEA. It was a good clean read.