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All's Fair in Love #3
Deceived by a Duke
As the niece of an earl, Elizabeth Abbington knows all about the stifling expectations and responsibilities placed upon peers of the realm. She has no desire to marry into that kind of life. Instead, she dreams of traveling abroad where she can put her talent for languages to good use. When her dear friend invites her on a trip to Spain, Libby jumps at the chance to begin her adventure.
After his younger brother loses a small fortune on the turn of a card, Philip Dain, Duke of Gillingham decides an intervention is in order. Determined to keep Nigel from falling into the lifestyle that ultimately destroyed their father, Philip offers a deal: if his brother can live in anonymity for a month with him in Spain, Philip will pay his debts outright. By stripping them of the privileged status they’ve always known and the negative influence of Nigel’s friends, Philip hopes the trip will help turn his brother around.
What Philip didn’t expect is how much he would relish the freedom of shedding his title, if only for a while. When his lack of understanding of the language becomes an issue, Libby comes to his aid. As she falls into the role of their informal interpreter, Libby sees the real him, which makes the growing attraction between them all the more heady. But as love blossoms under the Spanish sun, so too does his uncertainty of what will happen when she discovers she’s been . . . Deceived by a Duke.
***This is a novella of approximately 26,000 words***
After his younger brother loses a small fortune on the turn of a card, Philip Dain, Duke of Gillingham decides an intervention is in order. Determined to keep Nigel from falling into the lifestyle that ultimately destroyed their father, Philip offers a deal: if his brother can live in anonymity for a month with him in Spain, Philip will pay his debts outright. By stripping them of the privileged status they’ve always known and the negative influence of Nigel’s friends, Philip hopes the trip will help turn his brother around.
What Philip didn’t expect is how much he would relish the freedom of shedding his title, if only for a while. When his lack of understanding of the language becomes an issue, Libby comes to his aid. As she falls into the role of their informal interpreter, Libby sees the real him, which makes the growing attraction between them all the more heady. But as love blossoms under the Spanish sun, so too does his uncertainty of what will happen when she discovers she’s been . . . Deceived by a Duke.
***This is a novella of approximately 26,000 words***
119 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 2, 2014
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews
December 2, 2015
Like all the other Novelas by @ErinKnightley it was a light and nice read :) Enjoyed it and I recommend it for beginners in historical romance or lovers of that genre looking for a light, quick but still nice read !
January 31, 2021
This book wasn't on my TBR until I saw it available on Audible and saw that it could fit a task perfectly for one of the challenge I'm participating in. And since I enjoy historical romances I knew I had to dive into this one. This was a pretty quick audio which helped but unfortunately, my mind wasn't really into it and I kept drifting off to concentrate on something else I was doing. I had a hard time being hooked by this story where the Duke pretends not to be who he is and the FMC teaches him Spanish.
July 4, 2017
Kind of boring and too short. The misunderstanding between the brothers didn't really make sense to me and I didn't fully understand the uncle backstory either.
One of those "the bones of the story are good, but . . ." stories.
One of those "the bones of the story are good, but . . ." stories.
May 15, 2014
Erin Knightley is a go-to author for me for light, sweet stories. I have enjoyed the novellas she writes because they are a nice, quick escape.
While typically when I open a novella, I am not bothered by more limited character development and less angst, this story suffered greatly because it was short.
Knightley sets up a lot of backstory at the beginning and then it is never resolved or was all patched up in a single scene. I like when there is less angst in a story, but in this case, it was highly unrealistic and dimmed my enjoyment significantly enough that the star rating was affected.
Now, despite the lack of wrap-up of backstory in the secondary characters, I thought the romance between Libby and Philip was lovely and complete. I could tell why they wanted to be together, see how they complemented one other, and would ultimately build a nice life together. It was fun seeing them explore Spain's culture as well as learn more about each other. Just go in expecting to have some loose ends and just read it to enjoy the sweet romance that develops.
This was not my favorite of the trilogy because I was left with too many questions, but Knightley does have some beautiful turns of phrase and sweet romantic pairings that keep me coming back for more. This was not her best, and there were even a few typos, but I can still tell that she is an up and coming author and I will be reading more of her books.
While typically when I open a novella, I am not bothered by more limited character development and less angst, this story suffered greatly because it was short.
Knightley sets up a lot of backstory at the beginning and then it is never resolved or was all patched up in a single scene. I like when there is less angst in a story, but in this case, it was highly unrealistic and dimmed my enjoyment significantly enough that the star rating was affected.
Now, despite the lack of wrap-up of backstory in the secondary characters, I thought the romance between Libby and Philip was lovely and complete. I could tell why they wanted to be together, see how they complemented one other, and would ultimately build a nice life together. It was fun seeing them explore Spain's culture as well as learn more about each other. Just go in expecting to have some loose ends and just read it to enjoy the sweet romance that develops.
This was not my favorite of the trilogy because I was left with too many questions, but Knightley does have some beautiful turns of phrase and sweet romantic pairings that keep me coming back for more. This was not her best, and there were even a few typos, but I can still tell that she is an up and coming author and I will be reading more of her books.
April 2, 2015
The story of Philip, a duke concerned about his younger brother, and Libby, a young lady on holidays away from her overbearing uncle.
The romance is sweet, with the couple's feelings becoming engaged and growing gradually, free from the stifling rules of society that they usually have to abide by.
There's a bit of back-story, which I felt wasn't exactly resolved, as .
Apart from that part, which didn't sit right with me, I enjoyed the story and will probably check out more of the author's work.
The romance is sweet, with the couple's feelings becoming engaged and growing gradually, free from the stifling rules of society that they usually have to abide by.
There's a bit of back-story, which I felt wasn't exactly resolved, as .
Apart from that part, which didn't sit right with me, I enjoyed the story and will probably check out more of the author's work.
October 15, 2022
Not bad. Short, nice story. A bit dull at times. Clean read.
December 8, 2014
I thought this was the best one of this trilogy. It's a novella so it's a quick read but I really enjoyed it!
January 27, 2022
I listened to the audiobook.
Philip didn't mean to deceive the young lady with the sparkling personality he met while trying to rein in his younger brother's bad habits. It just kind of happened. After all, it was wonderful not having young ladies thrown in his path constantly because he's a duke.
Libby didn't think she would fall in love while accompanying her friend on her friend's honeymoon (still wondering why the new hubby allowed that). How hurt she was to discover she had been fooled. Their HEA was achieved in the end, with minimal pomp and circumstance.
The narrator gave a crisp performance. Very well done.
Philip didn't mean to deceive the young lady with the sparkling personality he met while trying to rein in his younger brother's bad habits. It just kind of happened. After all, it was wonderful not having young ladies thrown in his path constantly because he's a duke.
Libby didn't think she would fall in love while accompanying her friend on her friend's honeymoon (still wondering why the new hubby allowed that). How hurt she was to discover she had been fooled. Their HEA was achieved in the end, with minimal pomp and circumstance.
The narrator gave a crisp performance. Very well done.
June 1, 2022
Solid 3 stars. If I had read with my eyes vs myears, I think it’d have been 4. I just didn’t care for the narrator. Why was she American?!? Two British main characters and an American narrator is hired? Her British accent isn’t terrible (to my less discerning American ear) but it sounded so flat when she read the non speaking parts in her American accent.
Also. For the love. A Brit is not a Marquis (mar-kee). He’s a marquess (mar-kwus).
Overall, the story was good though—especially for a novella. Often novellas feel way to underdeveloped (for obvi reasons). This one didn’t feel that way. I liked the hero and heroine. Though the name of the story is a bit of a stretch. But whatevs.
Also. For the love. A Brit is not a Marquis (mar-kee). He’s a marquess (mar-kwus).
Overall, the story was good though—especially for a novella. Often novellas feel way to underdeveloped (for obvi reasons). This one didn’t feel that way. I liked the hero and heroine. Though the name of the story is a bit of a stretch. But whatevs.
January 16, 2023
For some reason, I am completely in love with this book.
But then there are things that I really hate about this book.
Maybe I am stoned…
This is what is bugging me about this book… This girl just finished with the season. The man she is interacting with is a duke. There are what eight Dukes in England? She just finished the season and doesn’t hear about one of the Dukes mysteriously dying in a duel. And then this dude, whose English from some mister whatever has the same story and she doesn’t put two and two together. This novella started out so strong I was going to commit myself to read every book you’ve ever written. I will probably still read them.
But then there are things that I really hate about this book.
Maybe I am stoned…
This is what is bugging me about this book… This girl just finished with the season. The man she is interacting with is a duke. There are what eight Dukes in England? She just finished the season and doesn’t hear about one of the Dukes mysteriously dying in a duel. And then this dude, whose English from some mister whatever has the same story and she doesn’t put two and two together. This novella started out so strong I was going to commit myself to read every book you’ve ever written. I will probably still read them.
March 6, 2023
This is a short read that carries quite the punch. The characters and story are well developed. Libby and Philip are interesting characters and their romance is fun to watch. These characters have something special from the start. The secondary characters added to the fabric of the story. I very much love the ending and in particular the grand gesture.
August 29, 2020
I quite enjoy Erin Knightley's books. This one was okay, I liked Libby and Phillip but I felt Phillip's Backstory and the conflict between him and Nigel wasn't developed much. Overall it was nice.
That 2nd epilogue was so cute
That 2nd epilogue was so cute
January 6, 2023
Enjoyable short novella. Needed something light hearted and quick for the evening and it totally did the trick. Even though it was short it left me feeling like it hit all the necessary marks. Liked it enough to consider looking into other titles by this author
April 15, 2021
Better than I thought
January 2, 2022
It was a novella so the author never really developed the characters involved.
September 27, 2026
This was very enjoyable. I felt like I was touring Spain with the couple.
August 24, 2015
Deceived by a Duke, #3 in Erin Knightley's All's Fair in Love series of clean novellas was a fun read. I read it as the first novella in the Sweet Summer Kisses collection of sweet Regencies.
Philip Dain, Duke of Gillingham, is in Seville, Spain with his younger brother Nigel in the hopes that a holiday together will set Nigel straight from the wild path he's been traversing since Nigel witnessed their father's death. They're travelling incognito as the Westbrook brothers. Philip's goal is that Nigel, temporarily partly stripped of the privileges of a duke's brother, will become more sober, in more ways than one.
Elizabeth Abbington, otherwise known as Libby, is travelling with her friend Lady Winters (Amelia) on Amelia's belated honeymoon with Lord Winters. (Until very recently, I would have thought this odd. But I learned in another Regency recently that it was common for a bride to bring a companion with her on her honeymoon.) Libby is in her element abroad, as she loves languages, and knows several.
Though Libby had never previously met the "Westbrook brothers," she steps in when she sees that Philip and Nigel are having difficulty communicating with a Spanish merchant.
What I liked:
*I liked that Libby doesn't know Philip is a duke. I always think that's a good story line.
*Philip is a very caring person, which makes for a strong hero.
What I didn't like:
*While I'd still call this clean (for me), I think the use of language was unnecessary. (bollocks, Jesus, hell, etc.) (I usually see "deuce" rather than "hell" used in the Regency books I read.)
*I did find a few errors, but I never am confident whether that's the fault of Kindle formatting.
I'd recommend this book for fans of Erin Knightley, clean Regency, and clean historical romance. I've read several of Knightley's books, my favorite so far being The Baron Next Door . I have put All's Fair in Love #4 on my to-read list.
Philip Dain, Duke of Gillingham, is in Seville, Spain with his younger brother Nigel in the hopes that a holiday together will set Nigel straight from the wild path he's been traversing since Nigel witnessed their father's death. They're travelling incognito as the Westbrook brothers. Philip's goal is that Nigel, temporarily partly stripped of the privileges of a duke's brother, will become more sober, in more ways than one.
Elizabeth Abbington, otherwise known as Libby, is travelling with her friend Lady Winters (Amelia) on Amelia's belated honeymoon with Lord Winters. (Until very recently, I would have thought this odd. But I learned in another Regency recently that it was common for a bride to bring a companion with her on her honeymoon.) Libby is in her element abroad, as she loves languages, and knows several.
Though Libby had never previously met the "Westbrook brothers," she steps in when she sees that Philip and Nigel are having difficulty communicating with a Spanish merchant.
What I liked:
*I liked that Libby doesn't know Philip is a duke. I always think that's a good story line.
*Philip is a very caring person, which makes for a strong hero.
What I didn't like:
*While I'd still call this clean (for me), I think the use of language was unnecessary. (bollocks, Jesus, hell, etc.) (I usually see "deuce" rather than "hell" used in the Regency books I read.)
*I did find a few errors, but I never am confident whether that's the fault of Kindle formatting.
I'd recommend this book for fans of Erin Knightley, clean Regency, and clean historical romance. I've read several of Knightley's books, my favorite so far being The Baron Next Door . I have put All's Fair in Love #4 on my to-read list.
May 6, 2014
This was a very cute romance; however I think the novella format was too small for the emotions to shine through. Phillip and Libby were cute characters and I enjoyed watching them interact outside of all the pressures of London society or their family responsibilities. Unfortunately their courtship was relegated to a meeting scene, a few chapters of a chaperoned excursion into the city, then a couple of sentences mentioning they had been spending a few hours together for the next two weeks. Considering the set-up for the story is the aloof duke finding the one woman he could be himself around I really wanted more of that time with them together.
The side story of Phillip rebuilding a relationship with his brother also suffered since we only see them at odds and then everything is fixed in one tender heart-to-heart. We also didn’t get to hear too much about all the disappointments Libby experienced during her season or why she felt such an outsider within her own family. There was so much great material given in the initial scenes of the story that when the end came so quickly I was disappointed.
I did like how this ties into the other novellas in the series and it was nice to see or hear about the previous couples. I love Erin Knightley’s books and I feel this story could have been better served as a full length so we could see the love blossoming rather than just knowing it was there.
The side story of Phillip rebuilding a relationship with his brother also suffered since we only see them at odds and then everything is fixed in one tender heart-to-heart. We also didn’t get to hear too much about all the disappointments Libby experienced during her season or why she felt such an outsider within her own family. There was so much great material given in the initial scenes of the story that when the end came so quickly I was disappointed.
I did like how this ties into the other novellas in the series and it was nice to see or hear about the previous couples. I love Erin Knightley’s books and I feel this story could have been better served as a full length so we could see the love blossoming rather than just knowing it was there.
August 17, 2015
The couple in the book were just good people. The Duke is trying to get some peace from normal chaotic life and so he takes a break of sorts with his brother who is his exact opposite. Philip is responsible and kind while his brother is reckless and wild. When Philip meets Elizabeth Abbington it is all over for him. The feelings and emotions that spread through him are solid and unfamiliar and for her is the same. Then comes the problem and it creates a riff between our couple. You just want to cry for poor Elizabeth as she watches him walk away. Not that it easy for him but as a duke in a position such as his he was better equipped to deal with his emotions. Although one may argue with matters of the heart there is no preparation that can help you deal with a broken heart.
At any rate it is short lived as the two find their way through some excitement only for Elizabeth to be shocked by Philips true identity. The two do find their HEA as if you didn't already suspect and there are glimpses of their new found shared love after marriage. This is a clean short read so kick back in enjoy. I actually got this in a boxed set called Sweet Summer Kisses.
At any rate it is short lived as the two find their way through some excitement only for Elizabeth to be shocked by Philips true identity. The two do find their HEA as if you didn't already suspect and there are glimpses of their new found shared love after marriage. This is a clean short read so kick back in enjoy. I actually got this in a boxed set called Sweet Summer Kisses.
January 19, 2016
Phillip and Nigel are in Spain vacationing when they encounter Libby. She is also a fellow Briton and can speak the language. She helps them and intrigued with Phillip.
Phillip is there in hopes to set his younger brother Nigel on the right path after he lost a ton of money and on the path of self-destruction. It isn't going as planned but when Libby comes to his rescue he finds her definitely intriguing as well but a distraction to his real purpose. However the more he is with her he finds that she is definitely wiser beyond her years and shows him that no matter what he may do, he can't make someone change their ways. He's got to be there for Nigel and love him regardless. He showed her the real him even though he never told her his true title, and when she inadvertently finds out, she isn't too pleased. time heals thank goodness and he comes back to her to show her that he is earnest in his feelings and wants her for the long run.
Phillip is there in hopes to set his younger brother Nigel on the right path after he lost a ton of money and on the path of self-destruction. It isn't going as planned but when Libby comes to his rescue he finds her definitely intriguing as well but a distraction to his real purpose. However the more he is with her he finds that she is definitely wiser beyond her years and shows him that no matter what he may do, he can't make someone change their ways. He's got to be there for Nigel and love him regardless. He showed her the real him even though he never told her his true title, and when she inadvertently finds out, she isn't too pleased. time heals thank goodness and he comes back to her to show her that he is earnest in his feelings and wants her for the long run.
May 8, 2014
Another adorable short story from Erin Knightley. We are taken to somewhere a little more exotic... SPAIN!!
Libby is a very fun and happy person who mostly just seems to enjoy life. She does have some sad points in her life, but I love how it doesn't take her personality away. She is also multilingual.
Phillip is a Duke on a mission to help his younger brother escape the bad life he is leading. So he decides to take his brother to Spain, away from all of the bad influences. While there, he plans to hide his status to get a breather from it.
Libby helps interpret for the brothers, and then the two traveling parties site-see together. It's very cute.
I think this would have been a little better as a full length novel. It just seemed slightly rushed. All in all though, it was nothing surprising from Erin Knightley, who seems to continually put out hits.
Libby is a very fun and happy person who mostly just seems to enjoy life. She does have some sad points in her life, but I love how it doesn't take her personality away. She is also multilingual.
Phillip is a Duke on a mission to help his younger brother escape the bad life he is leading. So he decides to take his brother to Spain, away from all of the bad influences. While there, he plans to hide his status to get a breather from it.
Libby helps interpret for the brothers, and then the two traveling parties site-see together. It's very cute.
I think this would have been a little better as a full length novel. It just seemed slightly rushed. All in all though, it was nothing surprising from Erin Knightley, who seems to continually put out hits.
May 10, 2014
Very cute story, but I just wanted more of it. I wanted to know more about Libby's failed seasons, and more about her hanging out with Phillip in Spain. I thought the brothers finally coming to terms with each other was beautifully done, and made me a wee bit teary. I thought the conflict resolution seemed to happen sooo fast and everything seemed all neatly tied up but, given the novella format, I suppose that's understandable.
Ultimately a cute novella, albeit not as good as her other ones.
Ultimately a cute novella, albeit not as good as her other ones.
June 28, 2014
Sweet and easy
This is a quick read. I enjoy these novellas when only having little time to read. Knightley keeps her romance stories clean. Though I'm not opposed to reading scandalously adult scenes. I definitely appreciate a story with a sweet tone as well. This is certainly that. It is very light, and airy, no action, or terrible evil to overcome, just nice and easy eventual romance.
This is a quick read. I enjoy these novellas when only having little time to read. Knightley keeps her romance stories clean. Though I'm not opposed to reading scandalously adult scenes. I definitely appreciate a story with a sweet tone as well. This is certainly that. It is very light, and airy, no action, or terrible evil to overcome, just nice and easy eventual romance.
August 14, 2015
The third book in the All's Fair In Love series was good. I liked that Phillip and Libby got to know each other without all the title pretense. I wish this book was longer as it left me with some unanswered questions. I think, had it been a full length story they would have been answered and only added to the depth of the book. For a quick read, this novella is an enjoyable addition to the series.
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May 4, 2021
Deceived by a Duke
I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in series it was very entertaining and I loved Philip and Libby and there love story.
I have all three books of this series but it seems if I’d bought them together in a box set of 3 i would have got an extended epilogue but I did not see it.
I thoroughly enjoyed this third book in series it was very entertaining and I loved Philip and Libby and there love story.
I have all three books of this series but it seems if I’d bought them together in a box set of 3 i would have got an extended epilogue but I did not see it.
August 16, 2014
Another author whose writings I have only recently discovered and I am happy to have the rest to look forward to. Exactly the kind of romance I can thoroughly enjoy, being a thoroughly well-written Regency without over-the-top sex scenes.
May 6, 2014
Not as good as her others but cute read all the same.
May 9, 2014
Absolutely charming! A quick, and heart warming read. I found the setting particularly refreshing. Who doesn't love a duke in disguise?
May 15, 2014
Review to come...
Displaying 1 - 30 of 45 reviews