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The Whitmorelands #3
Das Debütantinnen-Dilemma [The Debutante Dilemma]: Whitmoreland 3
Wenn eine Debütantin mit einem Plan…
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland hatte schon immer einen klaren Plan für ihre erste einen passenden Ehemann finden und ihren Platz in der Gesellschaft sichern. Sie hat es auf den Fang der Saison abgesehen, den Duke of Thornbury, Aiden Thornton. Doch als er Jessica bei ihrer ersten Begegnung beleidigt, tut sie ihn als unhöflich und arrogant ab.
… auf einen Duke mit Haltung trifft …
Aiden ist ein Lebemann, den der Gedanke, sesshaft zu werden, abschreckt. Er ist stolz darauf, die Träume von hoffnungsvollen Debütantinnen zu zerstören. Doch als er merkt, dass er eine Lady aus dem Hause Whitmoreland beleidigt hat, bleibt ihm nichts anderes übrig, als es wiedergutzumachen, und zwar schnell. Doch Lady Jessica ist an seiner Entschuldigung nicht interessiert. Sie will nichts mehr mit ihm zu tun haben, was Aiden frustriert – und mehr als nur ein wenig fasziniert – zurücklässt.
… werden die Funken nur so sprühen.
Aiden kann jedoch äußerst charmant und hartnäckig sein, und trotz Jessicas anfänglichem Widerwillen, ihm zu verzeihen, werden sie trotz aller Umstände Freunde. Doch als sie ihre Suche nach dem idealen Ehemann wieder aufnimmt, merkt Aiden, dass er mehr als nur Freundschaft für die schlagfertige Schönheit empfindet. Ihre sinnlichen Küsse verraten ihm, dass auch sie mehr für ihn fühlt. An Leidenschaft mangelt es nie, wenn sie zusammen sind, aber dies ist nicht das perfekte Liebeswerben, das Jessica sich vorgestellt hat. Wird es ihnen gelingen, den ersten Eindruck hinter sich lassen, um eine Chance auf eine dauerhafte Liebe zu bekommen?
Please This audiobook is in German.
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland hatte schon immer einen klaren Plan für ihre erste einen passenden Ehemann finden und ihren Platz in der Gesellschaft sichern. Sie hat es auf den Fang der Saison abgesehen, den Duke of Thornbury, Aiden Thornton. Doch als er Jessica bei ihrer ersten Begegnung beleidigt, tut sie ihn als unhöflich und arrogant ab.
… auf einen Duke mit Haltung trifft …
Aiden ist ein Lebemann, den der Gedanke, sesshaft zu werden, abschreckt. Er ist stolz darauf, die Träume von hoffnungsvollen Debütantinnen zu zerstören. Doch als er merkt, dass er eine Lady aus dem Hause Whitmoreland beleidigt hat, bleibt ihm nichts anderes übrig, als es wiedergutzumachen, und zwar schnell. Doch Lady Jessica ist an seiner Entschuldigung nicht interessiert. Sie will nichts mehr mit ihm zu tun haben, was Aiden frustriert – und mehr als nur ein wenig fasziniert – zurücklässt.
… werden die Funken nur so sprühen.
Aiden kann jedoch äußerst charmant und hartnäckig sein, und trotz Jessicas anfänglichem Widerwillen, ihm zu verzeihen, werden sie trotz aller Umstände Freunde. Doch als sie ihre Suche nach dem idealen Ehemann wieder aufnimmt, merkt Aiden, dass er mehr als nur Freundschaft für die schlagfertige Schönheit empfindet. Ihre sinnlichen Küsse verraten ihm, dass auch sie mehr für ihn fühlt. An Leidenschaft mangelt es nie, wenn sie zusammen sind, aber dies ist nicht das perfekte Liebeswerben, das Jessica sich vorgestellt hat. Wird es ihnen gelingen, den ersten Eindruck hinter sich lassen, um eine Chance auf eine dauerhafte Liebe zu bekommen?
Please This audiobook is in German.
Audible Audio
First published July 25, 2023
83 people are currently reading
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About the author
Valerie Bowman
57 books1,574 followersValerie Bowman is an award-winning author who writes historical and contemporary romance.
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
Valerie’s debut novel was published in 2012. Since then, her books have received starred reviews from Publisher’s Weekly, Booklist, and Kirkus. She’s been an RT Reviewers’ Choice nominee for Best First Historical Romance and Best Historical Romance Love and Laughter. Two of her books have been nominated for the Kirkus Prize for fiction.
Valerie grew up in Illinois with six sisters (she’s number seven) and a huge supply of romance novels. After a cold and snowy stint earning a degree in English Language and Literature with a minor in history at Smith College, she moved to Florida the first chance she got. Valerie now lives in Jacksonville with her family including her rascally dogs. When she’s not writing, she keeps busy reading, traveling, or vacillating between watching crazy reality TV and PBS.
Visit Valerie on the web at www.ValerieBowmanBooks.com and sign-up for her newsletter at: https://valeriebowmanbooks.com/newsle...
Be sure to follow Valerie Bookbub for the latest on sales https://www.bookbub.com/authors/valer...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 72 reviews
December 31, 2023
An enemies to friends to lovers romance. It was good but i loved the first two books more.
March 16, 2024
It was an ok read. It felt a little too modern for me though, more like a Contemporary Romance than a Historical one. Also didn’t fully like the MC’s.
July 3, 2023
The Debutante Dilemma (The Whitmorelands #3) by Valerie Bowman
I love the Whitmorelands series, and this was another great read. Valerie knows how to pull you into the story and keep you there. Lady Jessica Whitmoreland and Aiden Thornton the Duke of Thornbury are a perfect match even if their first meeting is a disaster. There is angst, dislike, self-doubt, expectations, wonderful friends and family, laughter, tears, lots of steam and a very HEA, I am looking forward to THE WILDFLOWER WIN Eliza and ST. Clare's story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happy Ever After Page turner Easy to-read Great world building Wonderful characters Entertaining Steamy Witty Informative Tear-jerker.
I love the Whitmorelands series, and this was another great read. Valerie knows how to pull you into the story and keep you there. Lady Jessica Whitmoreland and Aiden Thornton the Duke of Thornbury are a perfect match even if their first meeting is a disaster. There is angst, dislike, self-doubt, expectations, wonderful friends and family, laughter, tears, lots of steam and a very HEA, I am looking forward to THE WILDFLOWER WIN Eliza and ST. Clare's story.
Reasons I enjoyed this book:
Happy Ever After Page turner Easy to-read Great world building Wonderful characters Entertaining Steamy Witty Informative Tear-jerker.
July 4, 2023
Men make plans. God laughs. What mayhem unfolds when a marriage-minded Miss seeks an introduction to a man determined never to wed? In this case, plenty. It all begins with a slap so hard that her reputation is enhanced and all becomes fodder for the gossip pages. From antagonists to friends to being outed most publicly to a rushed marriage as the two fall hard and pledge to give up their former plans for how life should proceed and embrace their imperfections together.
July 4, 2023
5 Stars! I loved this book so much, I read it in one day with a smile on my face for most of it, looking like a crazy book lady. (Which, admittedly, I AM!) Valerie Bowman is one of my all time favorite historical romance authors, she’s fantastic! This is the 3rd book in ‘The Whitmorelands’ series and can be read as a standalone, but this is an awesome series and I recommend reading them all. The main characters are Aiden/Duke of Thornbury & Lady Jessica Whitmoreland. I didn’t like Aiden at first but not so much that I couldn’t like him when he changed for the better. Some authors make the jerk into TOO much of a jerk and then I can’t like him, even if he turns into Prince Charming himself. I loved Lady Jessica from the beginning, really from the slap heard around the ballroom! Strong female main characters are a MUST in a great romance and Jessica didn’t let the Duke get away with anything. I loved it! Enemies to friends to lovers, like this book, tend to always have the best ‘sexy times’ and Valerie Bowman did NOT disappoint on that score. It was detailed and just long enough and didn’t bore me into skimming through. I hate when the ‘sexy times’ go on and on and on. Makes me think - “Okay, we get it! Let’s move on already!”
Highly recommend this book, and the rest in the series. I really can’t wait for Lady Eliza & St.Clair’s story next! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
Highly recommend this book, and the rest in the series. I really can’t wait for Lady Eliza & St.Clair’s story next! My mouth is watering just thinking about it!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
August 4, 2023
Love this series. Enemies to friends to lovers trope. I loved that Jessica stood up to Adrian when he was an ass. Those were my favorite scenes. I personally can’t wait for the next book.
July 29, 2023
I received an advanced reader’s copy of The Debutante Dilemma by Valerie Bowman.
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland had set her cap on Aiden, the Duke of Thornbury but her first interaction didn’t go as she’d envisioned.
This book starts with conflict and engages you right away. The tension between Aiden and Jessica is maintained throughout.
This is one of my favorite reads this year. If you love a good enemies to lovers story you’ll enjoy this novel.
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland had set her cap on Aiden, the Duke of Thornbury but her first interaction didn’t go as she’d envisioned.
This book starts with conflict and engages you right away. The tension between Aiden and Jessica is maintained throughout.
This is one of my favorite reads this year. If you love a good enemies to lovers story you’ll enjoy this novel.
July 29, 2023
This is my 28th book by Valerie Bowman. I've been reading her since 2017. I love her writing. Her books are quick reads for me but are always well written and always a good read.
I loved Jessica and Aiden. I loved their story and personalities. I loved their interactions. Such a fun read. I just felt good reading it. Sex only once but it was hot.
I loved Jessica and Aiden. I loved their story and personalities. I loved their interactions. Such a fun read. I just felt good reading it. Sex only once but it was hot.
August 2, 2023
The Debutante Dilemma is the third book in the Whitmorelands series. It was such a sweet and charming historical romance between a rake duke and the diamond of the season. Jessica and Aiden have so much chemistry and they are perfect for each other, despite their disastrous first meeting. I can't wait to read Elisa and St Clare's story.
July 24, 2023
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland has always had a clear plan for her debut Season: find a suitable husband and secure her place in Society. Her sights are set on the catch of the Season, the Duke of Thornbury, Aiden Thornton. But when he offends Jessica during their first encounter, she slaps him & writes him off as rude and arrogant. Aiden is a rake who shudders at the thought of settling down. He prides himself on crushing the dreams of hopeful debutantes. But when he realizes he’s offended a Whitmoreland, he has no choice but to make amends, and quickly. Only Lady Jessica isn’t interested in his apology. She wants nothing more to do with him, leaving Aiden feeling frustrated and more than a little intrigued. Aiden can be exceedingly charming and persistent, however, and despite Jessica’s initial reluctance to forgive him, they become unlikely friends.
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but the Westmorelands are an absolute delight & I highly recommend all the books. This was a fun, charming, delicious romance. Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope & this book delivered the reason why. I loved the haughty, arrogant but handsome Aiden & the feisty, beautiful Jessica both had been given expectations on how to behave by their fathers & only when they both cast these expectations away did they truly realise their feelings. Poor Aiden couldn’t do right for doing wrong but he kept trying & Jessica tried desperately to favour her chosen suitors but her heart wasn’t in it. I loved their journey to a HEA, which often had me giggling & left me with a smile on my face at 3 am when I finally finished it
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
The third book in the series & it’s easily read on its own but the Westmorelands are an absolute delight & I highly recommend all the books. This was a fun, charming, delicious romance. Enemies to lovers is my favourite trope & this book delivered the reason why. I loved the haughty, arrogant but handsome Aiden & the feisty, beautiful Jessica both had been given expectations on how to behave by their fathers & only when they both cast these expectations away did they truly realise their feelings. Poor Aiden couldn’t do right for doing wrong but he kept trying & Jessica tried desperately to favour her chosen suitors but her heart wasn’t in it. I loved their journey to a HEA, which often had me giggling & left me with a smile on my face at 3 am when I finally finished it
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
July 26, 2023
This is a great read for the beach or pool. I found the character Lady Jessica Moreland a refreshing and self assured character. She has the person she wants to wed, the catch of the season, all picked out as her future husband-the Duke of Thornbury-what a surprise when she discovers at her first introduction to him, that she dislikes him-all because the Duke,a consummate bachelor, and one who is determined to avoid the marriage mart, at all costs, makes some assumptions as to her character. . When the Duke is being introduced to Jessica, he makes some rather rude and loud comments about her- insulting her and then making a very inappropriate pass at her- she is so affronted and angered-she calls him out in front of the ton at the ball, telling him he is arrogant and rude. Then… unfolds a very charming and fun love story as we follow the Dukes many failed attempts to get Jessica to accept his apology. I enjoyed the strength of Jessica not caring she was in the middle of a ball-and then as Jessica continues to rebuke all of the Dukes apologies The Duke is determined to get his apology, so he sets out to charm her. Such a light hearted and fun adventure as the Duke sets out to get Jessica to accept his apology and ends up winning a bride. Great summer read!i
July 26, 2023
I have been a fan of Valerie for many books now:) I especially love her series! I really enjoy the way she drops characters in her series and then we cannot wait to see how their story unfolds. Page 1 had me hooked on Jessica and Adrien's story. I really liked both characters. I loved the way their friendship unfolded. I also loved her twin sister, Eliza's subplot. I personally think that Bowman is a master at subplots. I was hooked on Jessica and Adrien when I read "Marques Moves". Now I am anticipating Eliza's story, but that does not mean that I was not rooting for Jessica and Adrien. I really loved their banter. I loved their enemy to friends storyline. This is a perfect summer read! thank you to the author for allowing me to dive in and read this delightful and sweet story!
July 30, 2023
Excellent
What a wonderful series. Each book has its own adventure and feisty heroine. I highly recommend this author. Love the characters and cannot wait for the next book.
What a wonderful series. Each book has its own adventure and feisty heroine. I highly recommend this author. Love the characters and cannot wait for the next book.
May 11, 2025
I love an obsessed hero who doesn’t know he is obsessed
July 25, 2023
I love the Whitmoreland family! This is the 3rd book in the series and I loved it! Jessica and Aiden are fabulous. One of the things I love about Ms. Bowman’s books is the way the hero and heroine have a true connection, conversations and friendships. They have conflict, drama, laughter and sex (medium heat). The characters are soooo likable. I want more time with them and absolutely can’t wait for the next book in the series!
July 25, 2023
The Debutante Dilemma by Valerie Bowman is book Three in The Whitmorelands Series. This is the story of Aiden Thornton, Duke of Thornbury and Jessica Whitmoreland. Jessica wants a successful Season and thought Aiden would be that but he ended up being a disaster. This has put a spot on her Season. Aiden has not been trying to fix what he has done but Jessica isn't having it. Ms. Bowman always draws me into her stories. Love and recommend this author.
July 10, 2023
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland, granddaughter of the Duke of Holden, sister to Justin the Marquess of Whitmore, her twin, Elizabeth or Eliza to family, may look alike but are as different as night and day.
Aiden Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury, A rake to the core with a the hauter, arrogance, and pompusness. His friend who will tell him the truth no matter what, Christopher Claremont, the Marquess of St. Clare.
Lady Jessica is the good one of the sister's who plans everything, perfection is her motto. She is the belle of the season and as such feels she has to get engaged by the end of the season. Therefore, she set her sites on the Uncatchable Catch of the season, the Duke of Thornton. However, when she finally gets an introduction, it is not what she imagined, far from it. So much so she slaps him and storms away. Now she has decided she will go after someone more to her image. She finds three such gentleman:
Baron Hartford, Viscount Berbrook, and the Earl of Seaton.
When his mother informs him who he insulted with his rude behavior, he agrees to apologize to both her and her brother, his friend Whitmore.
What follows is a battle of wills, witts, and temper. Who has the worse temper, you might ask, you will have to read this fabulous story to find out. Does Aiden get Jessica to accept his apology? Will she chose one of her new suitors? What lengths does Aiden take to gain her acceptance of his apology?
From one ballroom to drawing room to other ballrooms, this will have you engrossed to the end. With great characters, wonderful plotting, and witty repartee you will have a laugh out loud good read
Aiden Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury, A rake to the core with a the hauter, arrogance, and pompusness. His friend who will tell him the truth no matter what, Christopher Claremont, the Marquess of St. Clare.
Lady Jessica is the good one of the sister's who plans everything, perfection is her motto. She is the belle of the season and as such feels she has to get engaged by the end of the season. Therefore, she set her sites on the Uncatchable Catch of the season, the Duke of Thornton. However, when she finally gets an introduction, it is not what she imagined, far from it. So much so she slaps him and storms away. Now she has decided she will go after someone more to her image. She finds three such gentleman:
Baron Hartford, Viscount Berbrook, and the Earl of Seaton.
When his mother informs him who he insulted with his rude behavior, he agrees to apologize to both her and her brother, his friend Whitmore.
What follows is a battle of wills, witts, and temper. Who has the worse temper, you might ask, you will have to read this fabulous story to find out. Does Aiden get Jessica to accept his apology? Will she chose one of her new suitors? What lengths does Aiden take to gain her acceptance of his apology?
From one ballroom to drawing room to other ballrooms, this will have you engrossed to the end. With great characters, wonderful plotting, and witty repartee you will have a laugh out loud good read
July 7, 2023
This is a fabulous, entertaining read.
When at a ball Lady Jessica asks to be introduced to Aiden Thornton, The Duke of Thornbury. He hates balls and thinks that all debutantes are just out to trap him into marriage. When he insults Lady Jessica, she slaps him across the face and walks away. The next day his mother tells him that he must apologize to Jessica and her brother. When he goes to see Jessica, she is still very angry at the arrogant duke, and he bungles the apology again. He doesn't give up trying and when he finally does something that is very special to her, she forgives him and the agree to become friends.
Jessica is navigating the marriage mart with the hopes of becoming engaged by the end of the season.
Once they became friends, I loved the interaction between them. She thought she had to be perfect, and he was used to getting whatever he wanted. There was humor and angst as they got to know each other.
This is the third book in the series and is a fabulous read. Ms. Bowman doesn't disappoint. I can't wait for the next in the series!
I received this book as an ARC and these are my opinions.
When at a ball Lady Jessica asks to be introduced to Aiden Thornton, The Duke of Thornbury. He hates balls and thinks that all debutantes are just out to trap him into marriage. When he insults Lady Jessica, she slaps him across the face and walks away. The next day his mother tells him that he must apologize to Jessica and her brother. When he goes to see Jessica, she is still very angry at the arrogant duke, and he bungles the apology again. He doesn't give up trying and when he finally does something that is very special to her, she forgives him and the agree to become friends.
Jessica is navigating the marriage mart with the hopes of becoming engaged by the end of the season.
Once they became friends, I loved the interaction between them. She thought she had to be perfect, and he was used to getting whatever he wanted. There was humor and angst as they got to know each other.
This is the third book in the series and is a fabulous read. Ms. Bowman doesn't disappoint. I can't wait for the next in the series!
I received this book as an ARC and these are my opinions.
July 17, 2023
Another delightful romance in the Whitmoreland family. Jessica and Aiden are utterly perfect together even if Jessica is trying to stop using that word.
July 25, 2023
This is a really fun quick read. Aiden is the uncatchable Duke who is unwilling to marry. Jessica is the diamond of the season and is always striving for perfection. The story plot is an enemies to friends romance. It is a lighthearted and fun read with wonderful characters. Readers will be delighted and entertained as they read this story.
July 15, 2023
Cute romance story. I even chuckled a bit during the telling of this quick read tale. Try it out.
January 21, 2024
3rd person — audiobook
Features: historical romance, age gap (10 years), dislike to friends to lovers, courting, insult
Synopsis: Jessica was the belle of the season who wanted to catch the uncatchable duke, Aiden. She finally got to meet him, only issue was he was the most rude and disrespectful man she encountered. After showing him up, he wass convinced it would be easy to get back into her good graces. She didn’t make it easy. She made him work for her forgiveness.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this most of the series so far! Jessica knew how to follow the rules but when her buttons were finally pushed by Aiden, she broke them in the best way to stand up for herself. Aiden had to earn her forgiveness and their dislike changed into friendship then love in a beautiful way. Her love of flowers was endearing and in a niche way comedic when he made a big gesture.
Favorite Moments
- Duke of Thornbury rumored to come to ball
- London spring 1814, Jessica at ball
- After unwanted comment and touch, she spoke up for herself
- Love that the mother doesn't blame the girl for responding how she did
- Hehe just realized the woman he insulted is a sister of Justin
- Yes, she's calling him out on his weak apology. She's highly connected
- Going to Eliza to learn more about Jessica
- 😂 he brought her flowers. She likes pink roses living
- Smh Aiden has rumor spread that Jessica was elsewhere 😂
- She's talking to flowers, they are alive 🥺😊
- Awww he had a field prepped for 3x as flowers he had cut for her
- Jessica smiled for real, admitting she used to be interested in him
- Hehe he's jealous of her top bachelor picks
- Brought her to prince's secret garden
- Why she likes to talk to flowers
- "friends were allowed to sniff each other, weren't they?" 😂♥️ Her attraction to him
- He prepped a picnic for her by the roses 🥺♥️
- Hehe St.Claire knows Aiden wants to be more than friends
- He brought her to a conservatory
- He likes the smell of orchids, her perfume 🤭♥️
- She said yes with the wrong name 😭
- Breaking rules, first time together
- I'm yours and yours alone 💕
- Night after wedding
- Justin and Madeline not married yet
- Hehe trying to get Elizabeth to dance with St. Claire
Features: historical romance, age gap (10 years), dislike to friends to lovers, courting, insult
Synopsis: Jessica was the belle of the season who wanted to catch the uncatchable duke, Aiden. She finally got to meet him, only issue was he was the most rude and disrespectful man she encountered. After showing him up, he wass convinced it would be easy to get back into her good graces. She didn’t make it easy. She made him work for her forgiveness.
Thoughts: I enjoyed this most of the series so far! Jessica knew how to follow the rules but when her buttons were finally pushed by Aiden, she broke them in the best way to stand up for herself. Aiden had to earn her forgiveness and their dislike changed into friendship then love in a beautiful way. Her love of flowers was endearing and in a niche way comedic when he made a big gesture.
Favorite Moments
- Duke of Thornbury rumored to come to ball
- London spring 1814, Jessica at ball
- After unwanted comment and touch, she spoke up for herself
- Love that the mother doesn't blame the girl for responding how she did
- Hehe just realized the woman he insulted is a sister of Justin
- Yes, she's calling him out on his weak apology. She's highly connected
- Going to Eliza to learn more about Jessica
- 😂 he brought her flowers. She likes pink roses living
- Smh Aiden has rumor spread that Jessica was elsewhere 😂
- She's talking to flowers, they are alive 🥺😊
- Awww he had a field prepped for 3x as flowers he had cut for her
- Jessica smiled for real, admitting she used to be interested in him
- Hehe he's jealous of her top bachelor picks
- Brought her to prince's secret garden
- Why she likes to talk to flowers
- "friends were allowed to sniff each other, weren't they?" 😂♥️ Her attraction to him
- He prepped a picnic for her by the roses 🥺♥️
- Hehe St.Claire knows Aiden wants to be more than friends
- He brought her to a conservatory
- He likes the smell of orchids, her perfume 🤭♥️
- She said yes with the wrong name 😭
- Breaking rules, first time together
- I'm yours and yours alone 💕
- Night after wedding
- Justin and Madeline not married yet
- Hehe trying to get Elizabeth to dance with St. Claire
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 6, 2023
This is a great read. I have been hooked to it since I started it! Two people with the help of family and a special friend, find out you don’t have to be perfect to be loved the right way. Great series.
August 20, 2023
This is a delightful story about first impressions don't have to define a relationship. Watching Lady Jessica Whitmoreland figure out how to live without having to stick to her plan was fun. Lord Aiden Thornton, Duke of Thornbury had lessons to learn as well. I love when the two main characters become more because of their relationship. Each one had a profound influence on the other. Each one had a confidant who helped them to see clearly as to what was happening. The world she created with the families and friends around them is interesting and I can't wait for Jessica's twin story! It's a wonderful adventure into recovering from a bad first impression. They both realize they've been a version of who other people wanted or thought them to be, rather than becoming who they want to be.
Lady Jessica Whitmore is the daughter of a marquis and granddaughter of a duke. She has been planning her debut for years. She's been named belle of the season and has determined she must marry this first season being the belle or she'll be a failure. Given her lineage she sets her hat on the "Uncatchable Catch" the Duke of Thornbury. She has a plan and now she just has to be introduced. When that opportunity comes, it doesn't go as planned.
Aiden Thornton is a duke who is in no hurry to marry. He's so tired of debutante's throwing themselves at him at every society event. For that reason he frequents the gambling establishments and easy women. He feels obligated to his mother and makes an appearance at a ball but he's roaring drunk. When he's introduced to Jessica he insults her without knowing who she is. Jessica the proceeds to slap his face and tell him off, stomping away making a scene. The next day he realizes he's really stepped in it and apologizes to her brother so he won't call him out. Her brother tells Thorn he has to apologize to Jessica before he'll forgive him. Jessica by this time decides she has to move on. When Thornton appears to apologize she turns him away. She makes him grovel a while before things turn around. He learns some humility along the way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thought and opinions are my own
Lady Jessica Whitmore is the daughter of a marquis and granddaughter of a duke. She has been planning her debut for years. She's been named belle of the season and has determined she must marry this first season being the belle or she'll be a failure. Given her lineage she sets her hat on the "Uncatchable Catch" the Duke of Thornbury. She has a plan and now she just has to be introduced. When that opportunity comes, it doesn't go as planned.
Aiden Thornton is a duke who is in no hurry to marry. He's so tired of debutante's throwing themselves at him at every society event. For that reason he frequents the gambling establishments and easy women. He feels obligated to his mother and makes an appearance at a ball but he's roaring drunk. When he's introduced to Jessica he insults her without knowing who she is. Jessica the proceeds to slap his face and tell him off, stomping away making a scene. The next day he realizes he's really stepped in it and apologizes to her brother so he won't call him out. Her brother tells Thorn he has to apologize to Jessica before he'll forgive him. Jessica by this time decides she has to move on. When Thornton appears to apologize she turns him away. She makes him grovel a while before things turn around. He learns some humility along the way.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thought and opinions are my own
September 30, 2023
This book is adorable!!!!
I super love it when the demure, well-mannered heroine joins the dark side by being petty and vindictive toward the man who has wronged her. They fought a battle of wills that is both entertaining and hilarious. I've never read a satisfying enemies to lovers trope (except my fave book of all time). And, can I mention how the MMC managed to earn the FMC's forgiveness? Oh my god, let me clutch my pearls for a while.
He planted a field full of roses!!! for her!!! Because she likes plants!!!! She loves plants and treats them like friends and... *swoons*
Where did my underwear go?
Anyway, five stars because I'm a sucker for tropes like this.
P.S. I like the little cliffhanger at the end. It made me want to drag the days so that I can read Elizabeth's story. I've already set an alarm for the release date.
Ngl, Valerie Bowman's "The Whitmorelands" gradually improved from Book 1 to 3. Book 3 is, by far, my fave among the three books. I'm hoping that Elizabeth's book will not disappoint. *crossfingers*
Steam: 🌶️🌶️.5 out of 5 (If you like super steamy books, then skip this one. It only has one explicit, open door love scene)
Plot: 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼/5!!!!
Conflict: ☁️/5. There was little to no conflict in the story.
Romance: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I love it so much. These babies took their time falling in love and I love it when the romance is not rushed.
Elizabeth!!!!! I want to read your book!!! Noww!!!!!
I super love it when the demure, well-mannered heroine joins the dark side by being petty and vindictive toward the man who has wronged her. They fought a battle of wills that is both entertaining and hilarious. I've never read a satisfying enemies to lovers trope (except my fave book of all time). And, can I mention how the MMC managed to earn the FMC's forgiveness? Oh my god, let me clutch my pearls for a while.
He planted a field full of roses!!! for her!!! Because she likes plants!!!! She loves plants and treats them like friends and... *swoons*
Where did my underwear go?
Anyway, five stars because I'm a sucker for tropes like this.
P.S. I like the little cliffhanger at the end. It made me want to drag the days so that I can read Elizabeth's story. I've already set an alarm for the release date.
Ngl, Valerie Bowman's "The Whitmorelands" gradually improved from Book 1 to 3. Book 3 is, by far, my fave among the three books. I'm hoping that Elizabeth's book will not disappoint. *crossfingers*
Steam: 🌶️🌶️.5 out of 5 (If you like super steamy books, then skip this one. It only has one explicit, open door love scene)
Plot: 🌼🌼🌼🌼🌼/5!!!!
Conflict: ☁️/5. There was little to no conflict in the story.
Romance: ♥️♥️♥️♥️♥️ I love it so much. These babies took their time falling in love and I love it when the romance is not rushed.
Elizabeth!!!!! I want to read your book!!! Noww!!!!!
July 27, 2023
This will have a spoiler (it is showed early on, but still) so beware and keep in mind that this is a pet peeve of mine, it may not be such a big deal for many people.
Every once in a while i fall for historicals thinking i may find something different than the same stories i keep seeing, with characters who behave like contemporary teens in historical set ups, with higly inappropriate language and manners for their context, and it really bugs me.
Because you see, that's what contemporary is for. Historicals used to have this subtleness about them, where charactrs who disliked each other, yet had to edure one another, would engage in civil conversation, who would show that dislike regardless of doing so respecting the boundaries the social norms would set. It requires talent and finesse to be able to write relationships like that. And its no easy task, i am aware, but i really find no point in reading two people openly and balantly calling each other names and throwing insults like that would fly in any social setting at that time.
This julia quinn like stories really put me off of reading historicals at all because of how often i seem to find this dynamic in them, and if you like that kind of books then go for it! I am all for reading what makes you happy and bring you real joy, but its the worst kind of historical for me, i have tried it several times and it only makes me cringe harder and harder the more i force it.
So, since i suck at getting to the point im trying to make, ill go to the spoiler. The first thing that happens at all is the meet between the characters, in which the male main character, in hopes of putting the female main character off, behaves like a contemporary douche (not historical) and, not happy with that, goes as far as commenting on the size of her breasts, to her face, in a social setting.
I get the point of building an enemies to lovers dynamic, but that could have been done a hundred different ways that didn't involve out of context vulgarity. It's exactly the opposite of what i look for in historicals, it seem like cheap device and feels like lazy writing. It only makes the guy look like a disrespectful gross douche that would say that to a young impressionable debutante, to make her feel bad. Would her dignity not been put to the test, i could have forgiven him, but that was just low, crass, and just truly out of place for people at that time, so this devices annoy me to no end.
I couldn't shake it off as i advanced with the book so i dnf it, im just not the target for this. But since i would have liked a heads up for this kind of thing, then here is yours.
Every once in a while i fall for historicals thinking i may find something different than the same stories i keep seeing, with characters who behave like contemporary teens in historical set ups, with higly inappropriate language and manners for their context, and it really bugs me.
Because you see, that's what contemporary is for. Historicals used to have this subtleness about them, where charactrs who disliked each other, yet had to edure one another, would engage in civil conversation, who would show that dislike regardless of doing so respecting the boundaries the social norms would set. It requires talent and finesse to be able to write relationships like that. And its no easy task, i am aware, but i really find no point in reading two people openly and balantly calling each other names and throwing insults like that would fly in any social setting at that time.
This julia quinn like stories really put me off of reading historicals at all because of how often i seem to find this dynamic in them, and if you like that kind of books then go for it! I am all for reading what makes you happy and bring you real joy, but its the worst kind of historical for me, i have tried it several times and it only makes me cringe harder and harder the more i force it.
So, since i suck at getting to the point im trying to make, ill go to the spoiler. The first thing that happens at all is the meet between the characters, in which the male main character, in hopes of putting the female main character off, behaves like a contemporary douche (not historical) and, not happy with that, goes as far as commenting on the size of her breasts, to her face, in a social setting.
I get the point of building an enemies to lovers dynamic, but that could have been done a hundred different ways that didn't involve out of context vulgarity. It's exactly the opposite of what i look for in historicals, it seem like cheap device and feels like lazy writing. It only makes the guy look like a disrespectful gross douche that would say that to a young impressionable debutante, to make her feel bad. Would her dignity not been put to the test, i could have forgiven him, but that was just low, crass, and just truly out of place for people at that time, so this devices annoy me to no end.
I couldn't shake it off as i advanced with the book so i dnf it, im just not the target for this. But since i would have liked a heads up for this kind of thing, then here is yours.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 24, 2024
Heroine: Jessica Whitmoreland, 18. Nickname: Jessa. Sister of the Marquess of Whitmore.
Hero: Aiden Thornton, 28. Nickname: Thorn. Duke of Thornbury.
Date: 1814
How they meet: Jessica and Aiden are introduced at a ball. She had been wanting to meet him, but was disappointed by his rudeness. She ends up slapping him and walking away.
What happens: Aiden’s mother hears about what happened and fills her son in on Jessica’s family connections (her grandfather is a duke). She makes it clear that he must apologize to Jessica for his behavior. Jessica’s brother also believes Jessica is due an apology and lets Aiden know. Meanwhile Jessica has set her sights on other eligible bachelors.
Verdict: Enemies to lovers generally isn’t a favorite trope of mine, but this one worked for me. The arrogant hero got put in his place in what made for some humorous scenes. Both the hero and heroine experienced some personal growth. The heroine, who was intent on being perfect, learned that the course of love for her was anything but perfect. Another cute story from a great author. It reads fine as a standalone. I read the series out of order and knowing what happens in the next book, it was fun to see the groundwork laid for the relationship in the series.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
Hero: Aiden Thornton, 28. Nickname: Thorn. Duke of Thornbury.
Date: 1814
How they meet: Jessica and Aiden are introduced at a ball. She had been wanting to meet him, but was disappointed by his rudeness. She ends up slapping him and walking away.
What happens: Aiden’s mother hears about what happened and fills her son in on Jessica’s family connections (her grandfather is a duke). She makes it clear that he must apologize to Jessica for his behavior. Jessica’s brother also believes Jessica is due an apology and lets Aiden know. Meanwhile Jessica has set her sights on other eligible bachelors.
Verdict: Enemies to lovers generally isn’t a favorite trope of mine, but this one worked for me. The arrogant hero got put in his place in what made for some humorous scenes. Both the hero and heroine experienced some personal growth. The heroine, who was intent on being perfect, learned that the course of love for her was anything but perfect. Another cute story from a great author. It reads fine as a standalone. I read the series out of order and knowing what happens in the next book, it was fun to see the groundwork laid for the relationship in the series.
Steam level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 4 stars
July 13, 2023
The best laid plans.....
This was such a fun story to read. Enemies to friends to lovers. Oh, the wonderful possibilities!! The "Perfect" one in the family, Lady Jessica Whitmoreland, has her whole season planned up to and including her wedding. She has picked her husband without having even met him. The meeting goes totally off script and ends very badly!
Aiden Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury, is struggling against all of the sycophants, matchmaking mamas and starry eyed debutantes. He wants desparately to be wanted, and liked, for himself, not his title. When he causes the scandal of the season during his short and disasterous conversation with Lady Jessica, he finds himself in uncharted waters.
The bulk of the story is each of them protesting a bit too much about the other. Ms. Bowman injects her humor and cheekiness into each incounter leaving you smiling and shaking your head goodnaturedly about these protests. The moments of jealousy and frustration they each experience just add to the charm of the story.
It is fun to see the secondary characters realize they are "perfect" for each other way before they are all but clubbed over their respective heads with the truth. Their mothers are beside themselves. Lady Eliza, Jessica's twin sister observes from behind her books and interjects her opinions even when not wanted. Lord St. Clare, Aiden's best friend is cheeky and has just the right amount of lack of interest in the whole process.
I look forward to seeing Lady Eliza find her hero. ::grinning and wagging my eyebrows::
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
This was such a fun story to read. Enemies to friends to lovers. Oh, the wonderful possibilities!! The "Perfect" one in the family, Lady Jessica Whitmoreland, has her whole season planned up to and including her wedding. She has picked her husband without having even met him. The meeting goes totally off script and ends very badly!
Aiden Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury, is struggling against all of the sycophants, matchmaking mamas and starry eyed debutantes. He wants desparately to be wanted, and liked, for himself, not his title. When he causes the scandal of the season during his short and disasterous conversation with Lady Jessica, he finds himself in uncharted waters.
The bulk of the story is each of them protesting a bit too much about the other. Ms. Bowman injects her humor and cheekiness into each incounter leaving you smiling and shaking your head goodnaturedly about these protests. The moments of jealousy and frustration they each experience just add to the charm of the story.
It is fun to see the secondary characters realize they are "perfect" for each other way before they are all but clubbed over their respective heads with the truth. Their mothers are beside themselves. Lady Eliza, Jessica's twin sister observes from behind her books and interjects her opinions even when not wanted. Lord St. Clare, Aiden's best friend is cheeky and has just the right amount of lack of interest in the whole process.
I look forward to seeing Lady Eliza find her hero. ::grinning and wagging my eyebrows::
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
July 22, 2023
I loved the whole book!
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland, sister of Justin Whitmoreland, the Marquess of Whitmore, has always dreamed of the perfect wedding.
She was in her first Season, and as the Belle of the Season, she had high expectations of finding her perfect match. And in her plans, Adrien Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury was the perfect person.
But everything collapses when the first time the two meet at a ball, he treats her despicably, even going so far as to touch her décolletage.
Jessica couldn't help herself, and gave him a good slap across the face.
Of course, all this would be announced in the gossip pages, and serious trouble could ensue between the families of the marquess and the duke. So the Duke made it a commitment to seek Jessica's forgiveness.
And no, she didn't make his life easier.
However, after a considerable amount of time, Jessa decided it was time to leave that problem behind, and focus on the other candidates to find out which one was the perfect one.
However, Adrien doesn't like being ignored and begins to invest in the possibility of him also being one of her candidates, first as a friend, and then as the one she couldn't stop thinking about.
Okay, it might seem like Jessica turned into a spoiled brat by refusing to accept the duke's apology, but looking through the eyes of behavior at the time, what Adrien did, touching her like that in the presence of other people, was abominable.
And, there are still all the emotional-psychological facts in which Jessica feels distressed by the self-imposed charge.
A story with so many nuances, but which manages to be sweet and romantic, without being annoying.
5 stars
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland, sister of Justin Whitmoreland, the Marquess of Whitmore, has always dreamed of the perfect wedding.
She was in her first Season, and as the Belle of the Season, she had high expectations of finding her perfect match. And in her plans, Adrien Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury was the perfect person.
But everything collapses when the first time the two meet at a ball, he treats her despicably, even going so far as to touch her décolletage.
Jessica couldn't help herself, and gave him a good slap across the face.
Of course, all this would be announced in the gossip pages, and serious trouble could ensue between the families of the marquess and the duke. So the Duke made it a commitment to seek Jessica's forgiveness.
And no, she didn't make his life easier.
However, after a considerable amount of time, Jessa decided it was time to leave that problem behind, and focus on the other candidates to find out which one was the perfect one.
However, Adrien doesn't like being ignored and begins to invest in the possibility of him also being one of her candidates, first as a friend, and then as the one she couldn't stop thinking about.
Okay, it might seem like Jessica turned into a spoiled brat by refusing to accept the duke's apology, but looking through the eyes of behavior at the time, what Adrien did, touching her like that in the presence of other people, was abominable.
And, there are still all the emotional-psychological facts in which Jessica feels distressed by the self-imposed charge.
A story with so many nuances, but which manages to be sweet and romantic, without being annoying.
5 stars
July 31, 2023
The Debutante Dilemma by Valerie Bowman is the third book in The Whitmorelands series and a must read if you love historical romances with independent heroines and heroes that learn to not take themselves so seriously.
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland had a clear plan for her Season. It included finding a suitable husband and securing her place in society. Her sights were set on Aiden Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury, but their first encounter was a disaster. He offended Jessica, so much so that she wrote him off.
Aiden Thornton is a notorious rake and wants nothing to do with settling down and getting married so when he meets Jessica Whitmoreland he thinks nothing of his rude and arrogant behavior until he realizes who he has offended and has no choice, but to make amends. However Jessica wants nothing to do with him and pushes him away every chance she can which causes Aiden to not only become increasingly frustrated, but intrigued as well.
Aiden is persistent in his endeavor and Jessica finds him extremely charming and the most unlikely of friends, but when she continues looking for a husband he finds himself jealous and does everything possible to get her to see him as more than just a friend.
I really enjoyed this story! Jessica and Aiden are perfect for each other. It just took them a little time to figure it out too. I loved their banter and laughed out loud a few times. I can't wait to read the next story in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
Lady Jessica Whitmoreland had a clear plan for her Season. It included finding a suitable husband and securing her place in society. Her sights were set on Aiden Thornton, the Duke of Thornbury, but their first encounter was a disaster. He offended Jessica, so much so that she wrote him off.
Aiden Thornton is a notorious rake and wants nothing to do with settling down and getting married so when he meets Jessica Whitmoreland he thinks nothing of his rude and arrogant behavior until he realizes who he has offended and has no choice, but to make amends. However Jessica wants nothing to do with him and pushes him away every chance she can which causes Aiden to not only become increasingly frustrated, but intrigued as well.
Aiden is persistent in his endeavor and Jessica finds him extremely charming and the most unlikely of friends, but when she continues looking for a husband he finds himself jealous and does everything possible to get her to see him as more than just a friend.
I really enjoyed this story! Jessica and Aiden are perfect for each other. It just took them a little time to figure it out too. I loved their banter and laughed out loud a few times. I can't wait to read the next story in this wonderful series!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
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