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Dukes All Summer Long
Welcome to Dukes All Summer Long…
One of the most epic Historical Romance collections yet!
Enemies to Lovers – grumpy sunshine – wallflowers vs. rakes – and more!
Over a thousand pages of Regency Romance adventure with never-before published stories.
What are dukes good for? Romance all summer long. Be a fly on the wall for a romantic adventure, or peer into a ballroom as the dancers choose their partners. Enjoy this delectably romantic summer collection with your favorite Historical Romance authors because summer lovin’ has never been so passionate!
Authors in this collection
Kathleen Ayers
Bronwen Evans
Mary Lancaster
Deb Marlowe
Emily E K Murdoch
Tracy Sumner
Ruth A. Casie
Sherry Ewing
Elizabeth Heights
Marie Higgins
Matilda Madison
Amanda Mariel
Cara Maxwell
Paula Quinn
Fil Reid
Wren St. Claire
Tanya Wilde
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
One of the most epic Historical Romance collections yet!
Enemies to Lovers – grumpy sunshine – wallflowers vs. rakes – and more!
Over a thousand pages of Regency Romance adventure with never-before published stories.
What are dukes good for? Romance all summer long. Be a fly on the wall for a romantic adventure, or peer into a ballroom as the dancers choose their partners. Enjoy this delectably romantic summer collection with your favorite Historical Romance authors because summer lovin’ has never been so passionate!
Authors in this collection
Kathleen Ayers
Bronwen Evans
Mary Lancaster
Deb Marlowe
Emily E K Murdoch
Tracy Sumner
Ruth A. Casie
Sherry Ewing
Elizabeth Heights
Marie Higgins
Matilda Madison
Amanda Mariel
Cara Maxwell
Paula Quinn
Fil Reid
Wren St. Claire
Tanya Wilde
Read in Kindle Unlimited!
977 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 20, 2025
284 people are currently reading
65 people want to read
About the author
Kathleen Ayers
42 books611 followersKathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college aged son and two very spoiled dogs.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
June 19, 2025
A rowboat to ruin- Kathleen Ayers
A new sub story for our Five Deadly Sins Series. Easy, quick read, and sweet. I like that both were 30, its so nice to not read about an 18 year. I like that both wanted to ensure that the other had a passion that they could be proud of. 4/5
Duke's Like This - Bronwen Evans
This is part of her most recent series that has been released by DragonBlade, the season of secrets. I liked this short story. 4/5 it was a quick read and because the past attraction had been there, for me it avoided insta love vibes. Both characters were interesting. I wonder if Lucien has a book out, I need to go find it.
The dukes last love Mary Lancaster
I have only read her mystery series so this is my first true romance by the author. This is part of the one night in Blackhaven series. Enjoyable again. There was a kiss so it was clean. I liked the story about the newphew and Jenny also, they seem to be matchmakers without knowing it. 3.5
The Duke’s deepest depths Deb Marlowe
I love the mystery series by this author this will be the second romance series I read by them. Liked it and was open door. But it had virgin widow is not a fav trope of mine. Also, is this the start to a new series? 3.5/5
The lake side suitor by Emily Murdoch
Love Emily. This was a nice second chance love story. The step up and communication to work out the misunderstanding was good. Both characters enjoyable. 4/5
Lessons in taming a rake Tracy Sumner
Second chance romance. Heroine is older than male lead (love that) he is a rake though ( real one don’t love that) but Tracy does angsty second chance so well. 4.5/5
A tidal affair Ruth a Casie
I’m skipping, this author isn’t for me
The dukes secret wager sherry Ewing
I liked it. Falling in love at a house party , which is one of my fav tropes. But I felt like the ending was a little weak, I really didn’t care for his friend.
A wild rose for the unrepentant duke Elizabeth Heights
Liked this one a lot sweet and kind characters. Childhood friends to lovers. 4/5
The midnight waltz Marie Higgins
Second chance but slightly longer than the other stories which was nice cause she is a new to me author. I liked it. It was a clean romance but enjoyable. 4/5
Her coastal crush Matilda Madison
I loved this one. Romantic and sweet. Childhood friends to lovers. He is fearful of being honest about his feelings for her so he hides behind a persona so he can tell his truth. I liked it so much.
5/5
A season to Surrender Amanda Mariel
This author is not for me
Charmed by Lord Love by Cara Maxwell
Very Excited to read this story! 4.5 they meet at a house party. She is shy and introverted. He is extroverted and seems to understand her in ways others do not. Her sister is the lead in the second Lady's knight series (my fav). So happy to read this author again! I forgot how much I enjoy her writing.
A duke for all time by Paula Quinn
New to me author. This was a time travel and I did like that the ML was the person that traveled in time not the FL. But I just didn't really care for the story. This wasn't for me
2/5
The The valkryrie and the Lost Treasure by Fil Reid
This author is not for me I am not reading it.
The duke's Mid Summer Madness by Wren St Claire
New to me Author. I enjoyed this but I didn't love the tropes in it so 3/5 for me. I don't like when the age gap is repeated over and over as though she is so young (he was even doubting her age towards the end). I also prefer the sex scences to be from the female perspective (it wasn't bad from the MMC view but not my fav). The last thing, is when the MMC has a previous love and he "realizes" it was never true love. Why can't both be true strong love? I know this author has a new book coming out with dragonblade soon and I want to read it first.
Be my duke Tanya Wilde
What a great high note to end on. I am smiling. Oohh OM drama which I love. Two childhood friends becoming lovers. They are older and a big dramatic declaration of love what more could I want honest. 5/5
A new sub story for our Five Deadly Sins Series. Easy, quick read, and sweet. I like that both were 30, its so nice to not read about an 18 year. I like that both wanted to ensure that the other had a passion that they could be proud of. 4/5
Duke's Like This - Bronwen Evans
This is part of her most recent series that has been released by DragonBlade, the season of secrets. I liked this short story. 4/5 it was a quick read and because the past attraction had been there, for me it avoided insta love vibes. Both characters were interesting. I wonder if Lucien has a book out, I need to go find it.
The dukes last love Mary Lancaster
I have only read her mystery series so this is my first true romance by the author. This is part of the one night in Blackhaven series. Enjoyable again. There was a kiss so it was clean. I liked the story about the newphew and Jenny also, they seem to be matchmakers without knowing it. 3.5
The Duke’s deepest depths Deb Marlowe
I love the mystery series by this author this will be the second romance series I read by them. Liked it and was open door. But it had virgin widow is not a fav trope of mine. Also, is this the start to a new series? 3.5/5
The lake side suitor by Emily Murdoch
Love Emily. This was a nice second chance love story. The step up and communication to work out the misunderstanding was good. Both characters enjoyable. 4/5
Lessons in taming a rake Tracy Sumner
Second chance romance. Heroine is older than male lead (love that) he is a rake though ( real one don’t love that) but Tracy does angsty second chance so well. 4.5/5
A tidal affair Ruth a Casie
I’m skipping, this author isn’t for me
The dukes secret wager sherry Ewing
I liked it. Falling in love at a house party , which is one of my fav tropes. But I felt like the ending was a little weak, I really didn’t care for his friend.
A wild rose for the unrepentant duke Elizabeth Heights
Liked this one a lot sweet and kind characters. Childhood friends to lovers. 4/5
The midnight waltz Marie Higgins
Second chance but slightly longer than the other stories which was nice cause she is a new to me author. I liked it. It was a clean romance but enjoyable. 4/5
Her coastal crush Matilda Madison
I loved this one. Romantic and sweet. Childhood friends to lovers. He is fearful of being honest about his feelings for her so he hides behind a persona so he can tell his truth. I liked it so much.
5/5
A season to Surrender Amanda Mariel
This author is not for me
Charmed by Lord Love by Cara Maxwell
Very Excited to read this story! 4.5 they meet at a house party. She is shy and introverted. He is extroverted and seems to understand her in ways others do not. Her sister is the lead in the second Lady's knight series (my fav). So happy to read this author again! I forgot how much I enjoy her writing.
A duke for all time by Paula Quinn
New to me author. This was a time travel and I did like that the ML was the person that traveled in time not the FL. But I just didn't really care for the story. This wasn't for me
2/5
The The valkryrie and the Lost Treasure by Fil Reid
This author is not for me I am not reading it.
The duke's Mid Summer Madness by Wren St Claire
New to me Author. I enjoyed this but I didn't love the tropes in it so 3/5 for me. I don't like when the age gap is repeated over and over as though she is so young (he was even doubting her age towards the end). I also prefer the sex scences to be from the female perspective (it wasn't bad from the MMC view but not my fav). The last thing, is when the MMC has a previous love and he "realizes" it was never true love. Why can't both be true strong love? I know this author has a new book coming out with dragonblade soon and I want to read it first.
Be my duke Tanya Wilde
What a great high note to end on. I am smiling. Oohh OM drama which I love. Two childhood friends becoming lovers. They are older and a big dramatic declaration of love what more could I want honest. 5/5
July 24, 2025
Dukes All Summer Long anthology
A Rowboat to Ruin by Kathleen Ayers
Analise is writing a paper on ladybugs and find romance instead. What’s a spinster to do when a half dressed man builds a fire and proceeds to seduce her?
Sexy and cozy, he has secrets to share that will change her life.
A quick seduction, both willing and ready for a change in their lives.
Duke’s Like This by Bronwen Evans
Caitria O’Donnell has traveled from Ireland with Lord Foroe to care for her sister’s child. Lord Foroe and his wife have welcomed Caitria into their home though her background is a much different class. A chance meeting with the Duke of Summerton has her intrigued and he admits he wants more than a dalliance with her.
The Duke falls for the farmers daughter. But it’s never that simple.
The Duke’s Last Love by Mary Lancaster
Miss Elaine Talbot, on the way to Blackhaven, rescues two young people from a broken carriage, a rushed marriage, and from the Duke that’s followed them to stop the marriage. Elaine manages the young people, kisses the Duke and everyone takes her advice as authority.
A smart woman who is able to assess the situation and turn the situation to success. Falling in love with a Duke is unexpected.
The Duke’s Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe
Carter Abbott, the newly minted Duke of Belmont, has given up his legal career and traveled to Weyland House to do his duty as landowner. His former assistant asks him to hide a key witness, famous playwright Linwood, and what better place than the theater on the cliff, at the edge of his estate. Lady Merritt Bering has already purchased the home and theater but that doesn’t stop Cart from asking for her help.
Short mystery and romance for Cart and Merritt as they flirt and grow close. She really needs to learn to swim.
The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E K Murdoch
Miss Amethyst de Petras is a cousin to the large family she lives with, not a sibling. Two years ago she fell in love with Robert Peterson at the estate lake. But when the family left the country, she had to travel with them. And she never heard from Robert again. Returning to the lake, she never expected to see him. But he’s there.
Aww. Short, sweet and forgiving.
Lessons in Taming a Rakeby Tracy Sumner
Dorian Montrose and Juliet were once neighbors in Derbyshire. And more. But she was older than he of a higher class. So she sent him away.
They are both back in Derbyshire. He’s a self made and independent man. She’s still unmarried, having refused five proposals. They can’t resist falling back into each other’s arms.
11 additional stories of Dukes and their falling in love, follow the ones above.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased a copy to keep.
A Rowboat to Ruin by Kathleen Ayers
Analise is writing a paper on ladybugs and find romance instead. What’s a spinster to do when a half dressed man builds a fire and proceeds to seduce her?
Sexy and cozy, he has secrets to share that will change her life.
A quick seduction, both willing and ready for a change in their lives.
Duke’s Like This by Bronwen Evans
Caitria O’Donnell has traveled from Ireland with Lord Foroe to care for her sister’s child. Lord Foroe and his wife have welcomed Caitria into their home though her background is a much different class. A chance meeting with the Duke of Summerton has her intrigued and he admits he wants more than a dalliance with her.
The Duke falls for the farmers daughter. But it’s never that simple.
The Duke’s Last Love by Mary Lancaster
Miss Elaine Talbot, on the way to Blackhaven, rescues two young people from a broken carriage, a rushed marriage, and from the Duke that’s followed them to stop the marriage. Elaine manages the young people, kisses the Duke and everyone takes her advice as authority.
A smart woman who is able to assess the situation and turn the situation to success. Falling in love with a Duke is unexpected.
The Duke’s Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe
Carter Abbott, the newly minted Duke of Belmont, has given up his legal career and traveled to Weyland House to do his duty as landowner. His former assistant asks him to hide a key witness, famous playwright Linwood, and what better place than the theater on the cliff, at the edge of his estate. Lady Merritt Bering has already purchased the home and theater but that doesn’t stop Cart from asking for her help.
Short mystery and romance for Cart and Merritt as they flirt and grow close. She really needs to learn to swim.
The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E K Murdoch
Miss Amethyst de Petras is a cousin to the large family she lives with, not a sibling. Two years ago she fell in love with Robert Peterson at the estate lake. But when the family left the country, she had to travel with them. And she never heard from Robert again. Returning to the lake, she never expected to see him. But he’s there.
Aww. Short, sweet and forgiving.
Lessons in Taming a Rakeby Tracy Sumner
Dorian Montrose and Juliet were once neighbors in Derbyshire. And more. But she was older than he of a higher class. So she sent him away.
They are both back in Derbyshire. He’s a self made and independent man. She’s still unmarried, having refused five proposals. They can’t resist falling back into each other’s arms.
11 additional stories of Dukes and their falling in love, follow the ones above.
I received a copy of this from NetGalley. I purchased a copy to keep.
June 20, 2025
A wonderful collection of naughty bedtime stories!
If you’re taking just one book on vacation with you for a nice, romantic, swoonworthy distraction, this would be it!
These 17 novellas offer a nice variety of tropes, some are steamy, some are not, and they’re all set at the seaside or in the country in and around water. But, best of all, I discovered quite a few new-to-me authors such as Bronwen Evans, Tanya Wilde, Mary Lancaster, Deb Marlowe, Ruth A. Casie, Marie Higgins, Sherry Ewing and Fil Reid – and that’s what I love most about anthologies!
You dive in for the true and trusted, and come out with a whole new extension to your never-ending tbr 🤗 💕📚
A Rowboat to Ruin by Kathleen Ayers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Analise & Finley
Entomologist x 2nd son marquess, strangers-to-lovers, hidden identity, 24 hours on a lake island, steamy
Brilliant cameo by the Duke of Ware !!!
Duke's Like This by Bronwen Evans
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Caitria & Alexander
Irish farmer's daughter x duke, strangers-to-lovers, country neighbours, sea cove swimming, puppies, he assumes wrong, beautiful grovel, steamy
The Duke's Last Love by Mary Lancaster
⭐⭐⭐✨ Elaine & Drimmen
Happy spinster x widowed duke, later in life (36/42), stranded eloping youngsters, seaside romance, kisses only - wonderful story, excellent banter, too bad of the sudden ending
The Duke's Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Meritt & Carter
Virgin widow x solicitor turned duke, new neighbours, seaside theatre, past trauma, pending murder case, school for girls, heated grotto fade to black
The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E.K. Murdoch
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amethyst & Robert
Poor relation x baron's son turned duke, country neighbours, 2-year separation, unexpected reunion, second chance, letters gone missing, steamy
Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Juliet & Dorian
Bookish lady x self-made nerdy rake2nd son, she's older, he has asthma, neighbours-to-lovers, lifetime friends, self-sacrifice, oranges, second chance, steamy
A Tidal Affair by Ruth A. Casie
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Honoria & Reese
Widow x captain - or are they?, hidden identity, seaside escape, culinary seduction, small tokens, beach walks, slow burn, kisses only
The Duke's Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Georgina & Laurence
Earl's daughter x duke, house party, instant attraction, silly bet, pond splashing, MCs preferring country life, kisses only
A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights
⭐⭐⭐✨ Rose & Sebastian
Vicar's ward x celibate duke, his sister's BFF, longtime secret mutual pining, pending forced marriage, escape to the country, kisses only
The Midnight Waltz by Marie Higgins
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eleanor & Graham
Lady x Lord, childhood lovers, her brother's BFF, 5-year separation, second chance, shame & scandal, vengeful suitor, heated kisses only
Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily & Gregory
Viscount's daughter & 2nd son, childhood friends, epistolary romance, 2 brothers on tour, swapped identity, heated kisses only
A Season to Surrender by Amanda Mariel
⭐⭐⭐ Lilian & Griffith
Lonely Lady x recluse duke, shared grief, house party
Too sticky sweet and slow for my liking
Charmed by Lord Love by Cara Maxwell
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Amelia & Matthew
Heiress spinster x jolly solicitor, opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, stranded at a house party, lake monster, kisses only
A Duke For All Time by Paula Quinn
DNR - time-travel is not my thing
The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure by Fil Reid
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Cassandra & Daniel
Duke's by-blow x unexpected heir, nerdy MMC, spitfire FMC, instant click, treasure hunt, heated kisses only
The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness by Wren St. Claire
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fenella & Beroald 'Bear'
Sea-loving viscount's daughter x Navy Captain Duke, age-gap (20/38), instant soulmates, lakeside shenanigans, steamy
Be My Duke by Tanya Wilde
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cecelia & Barnaby
Lady x starchy duke, longtime friend-to-lovers, it's always been you, masquerade mix-up, rendezvous, steamy
If you’re taking just one book on vacation with you for a nice, romantic, swoonworthy distraction, this would be it!
These 17 novellas offer a nice variety of tropes, some are steamy, some are not, and they’re all set at the seaside or in the country in and around water. But, best of all, I discovered quite a few new-to-me authors such as Bronwen Evans, Tanya Wilde, Mary Lancaster, Deb Marlowe, Ruth A. Casie, Marie Higgins, Sherry Ewing and Fil Reid – and that’s what I love most about anthologies!
You dive in for the true and trusted, and come out with a whole new extension to your never-ending tbr 🤗 💕📚
A Rowboat to Ruin by Kathleen Ayers
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Analise & Finley
Entomologist x 2nd son marquess, strangers-to-lovers, hidden identity, 24 hours on a lake island, steamy
Brilliant cameo by the Duke of Ware !!!
Duke's Like This by Bronwen Evans
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Caitria & Alexander
Irish farmer's daughter x duke, strangers-to-lovers, country neighbours, sea cove swimming, puppies, he assumes wrong, beautiful grovel, steamy
The Duke's Last Love by Mary Lancaster
⭐⭐⭐✨ Elaine & Drimmen
Happy spinster x widowed duke, later in life (36/42), stranded eloping youngsters, seaside romance, kisses only - wonderful story, excellent banter, too bad of the sudden ending
The Duke's Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Meritt & Carter
Virgin widow x solicitor turned duke, new neighbours, seaside theatre, past trauma, pending murder case, school for girls, heated grotto fade to black
The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E.K. Murdoch
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Amethyst & Robert
Poor relation x baron's son turned duke, country neighbours, 2-year separation, unexpected reunion, second chance, letters gone missing, steamy
Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Juliet & Dorian
Bookish lady x self-made nerdy rake2nd son, she's older, he has asthma, neighbours-to-lovers, lifetime friends, self-sacrifice, oranges, second chance, steamy
A Tidal Affair by Ruth A. Casie
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Honoria & Reese
Widow x captain - or are they?, hidden identity, seaside escape, culinary seduction, small tokens, beach walks, slow burn, kisses only
The Duke's Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Georgina & Laurence
Earl's daughter x duke, house party, instant attraction, silly bet, pond splashing, MCs preferring country life, kisses only
A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights
⭐⭐⭐✨ Rose & Sebastian
Vicar's ward x celibate duke, his sister's BFF, longtime secret mutual pining, pending forced marriage, escape to the country, kisses only
The Midnight Waltz by Marie Higgins
⭐⭐⭐⭐ Eleanor & Graham
Lady x Lord, childhood lovers, her brother's BFF, 5-year separation, second chance, shame & scandal, vengeful suitor, heated kisses only
Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Emily & Gregory
Viscount's daughter & 2nd son, childhood friends, epistolary romance, 2 brothers on tour, swapped identity, heated kisses only
A Season to Surrender by Amanda Mariel
⭐⭐⭐ Lilian & Griffith
Lonely Lady x recluse duke, shared grief, house party
Too sticky sweet and slow for my liking
Charmed by Lord Love by Cara Maxwell
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Amelia & Matthew
Heiress spinster x jolly solicitor, opposites attract, grumpy x sunshine, stranded at a house party, lake monster, kisses only
A Duke For All Time by Paula Quinn
DNR - time-travel is not my thing
The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure by Fil Reid
⭐⭐⭐⭐✨ Cassandra & Daniel
Duke's by-blow x unexpected heir, nerdy MMC, spitfire FMC, instant click, treasure hunt, heated kisses only
The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness by Wren St. Claire
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Fenella & Beroald 'Bear'
Sea-loving viscount's daughter x Navy Captain Duke, age-gap (20/38), instant soulmates, lakeside shenanigans, steamy
Be My Duke by Tanya Wilde
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Cecelia & Barnaby
Lady x starchy duke, longtime friend-to-lovers, it's always been you, masquerade mix-up, rendezvous, steamy
June 16, 2025
Duke’s Like this - Bronwen Evans
A young woman indulges in her love of swimming in the sea when she’s interrupted by a man, there’s misunderstandings, class differences & a couple who fall hard & fast for each other.
The Duke’s Last Love - Mary Lancaster
A broken carriage wheel leaves a young couple stranded until they are rescued by Elaine who’s on her way to Blackhaven. An early morning swim has Elaine encountering a man who happens to be the young man’s uncle. An utterly charming novella with two love stories & a murder attempt
The Duke’s Deepest Depths - Deb Marlowe
Carter Abbott a former barrister is the newly minted Duke of Belmont. Whilst visiting his country estate he meets Lady Merritt. Another delightful novella with danger, hiding a witness, & a touching romance
Lessons in Taming a Rake - Tracy Sumner
Dorian & Juliet parted several years ago & meet again. Wonderful second chance romance, sizzling chemistry & witty banter. I was routing for them from the start
Almost a thousand pages of short stories. I love the Dragonblade anthologies they not only introduce new authors but also feature must read authors. The novellas are often linked to an author’s series & a loved secondary character finds their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
A young woman indulges in her love of swimming in the sea when she’s interrupted by a man, there’s misunderstandings, class differences & a couple who fall hard & fast for each other.
The Duke’s Last Love - Mary Lancaster
A broken carriage wheel leaves a young couple stranded until they are rescued by Elaine who’s on her way to Blackhaven. An early morning swim has Elaine encountering a man who happens to be the young man’s uncle. An utterly charming novella with two love stories & a murder attempt
The Duke’s Deepest Depths - Deb Marlowe
Carter Abbott a former barrister is the newly minted Duke of Belmont. Whilst visiting his country estate he meets Lady Merritt. Another delightful novella with danger, hiding a witness, & a touching romance
Lessons in Taming a Rake - Tracy Sumner
Dorian & Juliet parted several years ago & meet again. Wonderful second chance romance, sizzling chemistry & witty banter. I was routing for them from the start
Almost a thousand pages of short stories. I love the Dragonblade anthologies they not only introduce new authors but also feature must read authors. The novellas are often linked to an author’s series & a loved secondary character finds their HEA.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a special copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own
July 1, 2025
Super Selection!
I read the story 'Lessons in Taming a Rake' by Tracy Sumner as a sample of the type of stories in this Anthology and this is my voluntary review of it:
Wonderful Second Chance!
I loved, loved, loved this story about Dorian and Juliet's second chance to find their happy ever after. These are two characters, who knew what they wanted, did everything they could to make sure they found it.
This well written story, which I've enjoyed very much, was so easy to read.
There are so many more great looking stories in this Anthology and I intend to read them all.
Update - 01/07/2025
I have now read all of the stories in this Anthology, some short, others longer but each one was a joy to read.
Most of the authors are new to me and it was a pleasure to be introduced to their work in this way.
Bravo, ladies, for a job well done!
I read the story 'Lessons in Taming a Rake' by Tracy Sumner as a sample of the type of stories in this Anthology and this is my voluntary review of it:
Wonderful Second Chance!
I loved, loved, loved this story about Dorian and Juliet's second chance to find their happy ever after. These are two characters, who knew what they wanted, did everything they could to make sure they found it.
This well written story, which I've enjoyed very much, was so easy to read.
There are so many more great looking stories in this Anthology and I intend to read them all.
Update - 01/07/2025
I have now read all of the stories in this Anthology, some short, others longer but each one was a joy to read.
Most of the authors are new to me and it was a pleasure to be introduced to their work in this way.
Bravo, ladies, for a job well done!
June 16, 2025
Seventeen Novellas 4.5*
A Rowboat to Ruin 5* by Kathleen Ayers - A spinster entomologist and a jaded Marquess collide on a lake. Finley enjoys being mistaken for a common man but Analise is not amused when she discovers his deception.
Duke’s Like This 5* by Bronwen Evans - A Duke falls in love with an Irish peasant farmer’s daughter. He wants her and is used to getting his way.
The Duke’s Last Love 5* by Mary Lancaster - An eloping couple, an enraged guardian and a managing spinster - delightful!
The Duke’s Deepest Depths 5* by Deb Marlowe - An attractive widow, a newly minted Duke, a school and a villain….
The Lakeside Suitor 4.5* by Emily E K Murdoch - Having heard nothing from Robert for two years, Amethyst is not in the mood to hear her one-time suitor out. Whilst he is unsure of her affections as his numerous letters having gone unanswered….
Lessons in Taming a Rake 4* by Tracy Sumner - Juliet allowed herself to be torn from Dorian, a Duke’s brother. Five years later they meet again. Will Dorian allow his heart to trust again and can Juliet get past his rakish behaviour whilst they were apart?
A Tidal Affair 4* by Ruth A. Casie - Two people travelling incognito and staying in a coastal town fall for each other. I was just so sad that it takes them 15 years to be together.
The Duke’s Secret Wager 5* by Sherry Ewing - A Duke and his friend attend a matchmaking houseparty for the sole purpose of winning an unscrupulous wager.
A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke 4* by Elizabeth Heights - Lady Rose, to avoid an unwanted marriage, flees London with her best friend, not knowing that Elin has a plan that will see her ruined…
The Midnight Waltz 5* by Marie Higgins - A second chance romance after a villain is vanquished.
Her Coastal Crush 4* by Matilda Madison - Deceived into thinking she is corresponding with two brothers, Emily falls in love with the Duke with whom she has never been close in the past. When she finds out that both sets of correspondence was from her friend Gregory, the younger brother, she feels humiliated. Can Gregory mend the trust and heart of the woman he loves?
A Season to Surrender 3* by Amanda Mariel - This was my least favourite. At a houseparty Lady Lilian meets Griffith, the Duke of Exitor, a man struggling under the weight of grief and responsibility. I was surprised that a Duke would hold a houseparty with no hostess and invite people he had never met before and the reader never does find out the reason for it. Unfortunately I couldn’t feel any chemistry between Lilian and Griffith.
Charmed by Lord Love 4* by Cara Maxwell - A series of mishaps sees Amelia stranded in a little village but her loquacious companion gets them invited to a Ducal houseparty. Is it love at first sight for Amelia and Matthew, or will other factors come into play?
A Duke for All Time 4* by Paula Quinn - A time travelling novel. I do wonder whether this was originally a little longer in length (or perhaps my ARC copy hadn’t been updated) as about three-quarters of the way through matters seemed to jump and be confusing. However the love story between Conn and Sarah was very sweet.
The Duke, The Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure 5* by Fil Reid - Newly minted Duke, Daniel Drewe and his distant cousin, Cassandra search for pirate treasure to save the estate.
The Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness 5* by Wren St. Claire - It is love at first sight for the 20 year old sailing mad Fenella Eden and the 38 year old Captain turned Duke. However her father is not amused!
Be My Duke 5* by Tanya Wilde - A masquerade ball and a kiss changes things forever for Barnaby and Celia.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
A Rowboat to Ruin 5* by Kathleen Ayers - A spinster entomologist and a jaded Marquess collide on a lake. Finley enjoys being mistaken for a common man but Analise is not amused when she discovers his deception.
Duke’s Like This 5* by Bronwen Evans - A Duke falls in love with an Irish peasant farmer’s daughter. He wants her and is used to getting his way.
The Duke’s Last Love 5* by Mary Lancaster - An eloping couple, an enraged guardian and a managing spinster - delightful!
The Duke’s Deepest Depths 5* by Deb Marlowe - An attractive widow, a newly minted Duke, a school and a villain….
The Lakeside Suitor 4.5* by Emily E K Murdoch - Having heard nothing from Robert for two years, Amethyst is not in the mood to hear her one-time suitor out. Whilst he is unsure of her affections as his numerous letters having gone unanswered….
Lessons in Taming a Rake 4* by Tracy Sumner - Juliet allowed herself to be torn from Dorian, a Duke’s brother. Five years later they meet again. Will Dorian allow his heart to trust again and can Juliet get past his rakish behaviour whilst they were apart?
A Tidal Affair 4* by Ruth A. Casie - Two people travelling incognito and staying in a coastal town fall for each other. I was just so sad that it takes them 15 years to be together.
The Duke’s Secret Wager 5* by Sherry Ewing - A Duke and his friend attend a matchmaking houseparty for the sole purpose of winning an unscrupulous wager.
A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke 4* by Elizabeth Heights - Lady Rose, to avoid an unwanted marriage, flees London with her best friend, not knowing that Elin has a plan that will see her ruined…
The Midnight Waltz 5* by Marie Higgins - A second chance romance after a villain is vanquished.
Her Coastal Crush 4* by Matilda Madison - Deceived into thinking she is corresponding with two brothers, Emily falls in love with the Duke with whom she has never been close in the past. When she finds out that both sets of correspondence was from her friend Gregory, the younger brother, she feels humiliated. Can Gregory mend the trust and heart of the woman he loves?
A Season to Surrender 3* by Amanda Mariel - This was my least favourite. At a houseparty Lady Lilian meets Griffith, the Duke of Exitor, a man struggling under the weight of grief and responsibility. I was surprised that a Duke would hold a houseparty with no hostess and invite people he had never met before and the reader never does find out the reason for it. Unfortunately I couldn’t feel any chemistry between Lilian and Griffith.
Charmed by Lord Love 4* by Cara Maxwell - A series of mishaps sees Amelia stranded in a little village but her loquacious companion gets them invited to a Ducal houseparty. Is it love at first sight for Amelia and Matthew, or will other factors come into play?
A Duke for All Time 4* by Paula Quinn - A time travelling novel. I do wonder whether this was originally a little longer in length (or perhaps my ARC copy hadn’t been updated) as about three-quarters of the way through matters seemed to jump and be confusing. However the love story between Conn and Sarah was very sweet.
The Duke, The Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure 5* by Fil Reid - Newly minted Duke, Daniel Drewe and his distant cousin, Cassandra search for pirate treasure to save the estate.
The Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness 5* by Wren St. Claire - It is love at first sight for the 20 year old sailing mad Fenella Eden and the 38 year old Captain turned Duke. However her father is not amused!
Be My Duke 5* by Tanya Wilde - A masquerade ball and a kiss changes things forever for Barnaby and Celia.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 20, 2025
There are 17 authors in this Anthology but I only read 7 authors on the list so those were the only stories I read. I’m not really a fan of these anthologies because obviously the stories are super short but I do love the 7 authors I read so I couldn’t not read it. Since they are so short it’s hard to say much about the stories. They are usually cute and good reads. If they happen to get a little depth in the story, great. 😊
Kathleen Ayers - A Rowboat to Ruin: I love Kathleen's writing. This is my 30th book by her. I read one of her books in 2016 but didn't picked her up again faithfully in 2019 and now she is one of my top favorite authors. - This story was cute. Super quick read but overall a cute story.
Bronwen Evans - Duke's Like This: This is also my 30th book by Bronwen. I started reading her Disgraced Lords Series in 2016 and loved them all. Not sure why I didn’t continue reading her and didn't pick her up again until 2018. - I enjoyed this story. It was a super cute read😊.
Tracy Sumner - Lessons in Taming a Rake: This is my 16th book by her. - I really liked this story. I felt she really got good depth for such a short read.
Matilda Madison - Her Coastal Crush: She is a pretty new author to me. This is only my 11th book by her. She’s only been around since 2022. I have really liked all her books so far. - Really short but a cute read.
Amanda Mariel - A Season to Surrender: This is my 32nd book by her. I have been reading her since 2020. Her books are usually short reads and she writes a lot of anthologies. - Another short read but really good and felt like she got good depth.
Cara Maxwell - Charmed by Lord Love: This is my 13th book by her and I just started reading her in Aug, 2022. I enjoy her writing and her stories. – cute story
Tanya Wilde - Be my Duke: This is my 20th book by her. I think she has good stories. - super cute read; my favorite of all the ones I read.
Kathleen Ayers - A Rowboat to Ruin: I love Kathleen's writing. This is my 30th book by her. I read one of her books in 2016 but didn't picked her up again faithfully in 2019 and now she is one of my top favorite authors. - This story was cute. Super quick read but overall a cute story.
Bronwen Evans - Duke's Like This: This is also my 30th book by Bronwen. I started reading her Disgraced Lords Series in 2016 and loved them all. Not sure why I didn’t continue reading her and didn't pick her up again until 2018. - I enjoyed this story. It was a super cute read😊.
Tracy Sumner - Lessons in Taming a Rake: This is my 16th book by her. - I really liked this story. I felt she really got good depth for such a short read.
Matilda Madison - Her Coastal Crush: She is a pretty new author to me. This is only my 11th book by her. She’s only been around since 2022. I have really liked all her books so far. - Really short but a cute read.
Amanda Mariel - A Season to Surrender: This is my 32nd book by her. I have been reading her since 2020. Her books are usually short reads and she writes a lot of anthologies. - Another short read but really good and felt like she got good depth.
Cara Maxwell - Charmed by Lord Love: This is my 13th book by her and I just started reading her in Aug, 2022. I enjoy her writing and her stories. – cute story
Tanya Wilde - Be my Duke: This is my 20th book by her. I think she has good stories. - super cute read; my favorite of all the ones I read.
June 16, 2025
This anthology was great to read in short spurts. A variety of characters, writing styles, and settings makes each story unique. as with every collection, some favorites.
#netgalley #DukesAllSummerLong
#netgalley #DukesAllSummerLong
June 25, 2025
I thoroughly enjoyed Dukes All Summer Long! This anthology of 17 short stories was a delightful read from start to finish. My absolute favorite was the very first story featuring an entomologist and a duke—it was charming, quirky, and utterly endearing. I have a soft spot for nerdy characters, and this one hit all the right notes.
The collection as a whole is a great way to discover new voices in historical romance. None of the stories rated under 3 stars for me, which is impressive for such a large group of authors. My TBR pile has definitely grown, and I’ve already signed up for Dragonblade Publishing's email updates to stay on top of their new releases.
If you're looking for a breezy, feel-good anthology that introduces you to a variety of talented romance authors, I highly recommend this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
The collection as a whole is a great way to discover new voices in historical romance. None of the stories rated under 3 stars for me, which is impressive for such a large group of authors. My TBR pile has definitely grown, and I’ve already signed up for Dragonblade Publishing's email updates to stay on top of their new releases.
If you're looking for a breezy, feel-good anthology that introduces you to a variety of talented romance authors, I highly recommend this one.
Thank you Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for sending me an eARC in exchange for an honest review.
June 16, 2025
This anthology from Dragonblade is perfect for summer reading. Each entry is short enough to be read in one sitting, and it’s a great way to discover new-to-you authors. I particularly liked the stories by Tracy Sumner, Kathleen Ayers, and Emily EK Murdoch. Don’t miss this collection!
I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
I received an ARC from NetGalley. This is my honest review.
June 17, 2025
I was excited when I first saw this book and it doesn’t disappoint. Providing several days of reading lovely tales with different tropes from excellent authors who will become any reader’s favorites. What a great summer treat!
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
I received an ARC of this book and leaving my review voluntarily.
June 17, 2025
I would like to thank Netgalley and Dragonblade Publishing for a free copy of the book in exchange for an honest review.
This was of better quality than these anthologies normally are. I particularly enjoyed the stories by Kathleen Ayers, Emily Murdoch, Tracy Sumner, Ruth Casie, Matilda Madison, and Cara Maxwell.
This was of better quality than these anthologies normally are. I particularly enjoyed the stories by Kathleen Ayers, Emily Murdoch, Tracy Sumner, Ruth Casie, Matilda Madison, and Cara Maxwell.
August 3, 2025
Delightful, Historical Romance Boxed Set
This massive collection of Regency novellas is packed with charm, surprises, and a whole lot of dukes. I decided to review each story individually—there’s something special in each one, and fans of historical romance are sure to find favorites.
________________________________________
“A Rowboat to Ruin” by Kathleen Ayers
This is a charming story of a marquess and a bluestocking who cross paths in the most unexpected way. Analise is an entomologist in search of a rare beetle, and the land she needs to explore just happens to be owned by a marquess who isn’t supposed to be there. But Finley has escaped London for some peace and quiet—far from the reach of eager debutantes. When Analise spots something large in the lake as she rows toward his property, her plans take a sudden turn. Finley thought he’d be safe from romantic entanglements, but he never expected a bluestocking to steal his heart. Love wasn’t on either of their agendas—and Analise is a spinster, far beneath him in rank. But does that really matter?
________________________________________
“Dukes Like This” by Bronwen Evans
Can a simple Irish lass truly capture a duke’s heart? When Alexander sees Caitria swimming, he’s instantly enchanted. But he assumes she’s his friend’s mistress—and that mistake doesn’t sit well with her. Caitria is drawn to Alexander despite her better judgment, but she doesn’t believe she’s duchess material. Can he convince her otherwise? I loved this sweet, class-crossing romance and the duke who didn’t care about titles.
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Last Love” by Mary Lancaster
This later-in-life romance comes with a bonus: two love stories in one. When Elaine takes in a pair of young lovers whose carriage has broken down, she doesn’t expect to bump into the vexing—yet intriguing—Duke of Drimmen. He catches her swimming almost naked and insists on walking her back to her hotel. What happens when they arrive is quite a surprise. A delightful mix of romance, maturity, and just a hint of suspense.
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Deepest Depths” by Deb Marlowe
Carter never expected to become a duke—but now that he has, danger follows. He’s protecting a witness from someone who wants her dead, and his path collides with Meritt’s over a charming little cottage they both want. What starts as a property squabble becomes something more… but can romance bloom while someone lurks in the shadows, ready to strike?
________________________________________
“Lakeside Suitor” by Emily Murdoch
Amethyst thought she’d been abandoned by the man she loved. But a chance meeting by the lake brings everything back. Robert is now a duke, but that doesn’t change what they once had—or does it? Why did he disappear for two years? Was it all a misunderstanding? This short second-chance romance tugged at my heart.
________________________________________
“Lessons in Taming a Rake” by Tracy Sumner
Juliet and Dorian once loved one another deeply. An accident brings them face-to-face again. Can their love survive what separated them—and is it just as strong as before? This steamy second-chance romance was both emotional and satisfying.
________________________________________
“Tidal Affair” by Ruth A. Casie
A widow and a duke, both hiding away at the coast, find themselves drawn together despite every reason not to be. Honoria runs a school for young ladies; Reese is keeping secrets. What happens when identities are revealed, and hiding is no longer an option? Can two people running from life learn to embrace love instead?
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Secret Wager” by Sherry Ewing
A wager and a house party bring Georgina and Laurence, the Duke of Stonehaven, into each other’s path. Neither wants marriage—she’s wary of fortune hunters, and he’s had enough of title-chasers. But love has other ideas. What happens when Georgina finds out about the wager? Could love overcome the betrayal?
________________________________________
“A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke” by Elizabeth Heights
Rose has secretly loved Sebastian for years, but she thought he only saw her as his sister’s friend. He, on the other hand, believed she didn’t care for him at all. When Rose’s scheming stepfather tries to marry her off to an old man to settle a debt, Sebastian’s sister intervenes with a scandalous plan. Will a rake’s reputation be enough to save Rose—and finally bring their hidden feelings into the light?
________________________________________
“The Midnight Rendezvous” by Marie Higgins
Five years ago, Graham left without a word, breaking Eleanor’s heart. Now he’s back—and a duke. But why did he abandon her despite loving her? Eleanor has her own secrets, and a man determined to possess her may force her hand. Can Graham win back her heart before it’s too late? I loved this second-chance romance and the tension it carried.
________________________________________
“Her Coastal Crush” by Matilda Madison
Emily thinks she’s falling for one brother—but it’s the more serious one who’s been writing to her all along. The letters, the feelings, the confusion… Who is she truly in love with? A delightfully tangled story of mistaken identity and heartfelt choices.
________________________________________
“A Season to Surrender” by Amanda Mariel
At a house party, two wounded souls cross paths. Lilian and Griffith have both lost loved ones and carry the weight of that grief. But in one another, they begin to see the possibility of joy again. Can they surrender the past and open themselves to a future filled with love?
________________________________________
“Charmed by Lord Love” by Cara Maxwell
Misunderstandings, attraction, and… a lake monster? Amelia thinks Matthew is a rake—but things aren’t quite what they seem. A mysterious creature in the water brings them together, pulls them apart, and has a hand in what might be their happily-ever-after. This one made me smile—and giggle more than once.
________________________________________
“A Duke for All Time” by Paula Quinn
Connall is suddenly thrown from his modern-day living room into 1795 England—and right into danger. There, he meets Sarah, and the two are drawn to each other. But Connall is destined to return to his time. Can love survive across centuries? This story continues the time-travel arc from A Touch of Time, and while it can be read on its own, you’ll likely enjoy it more if you read that one first. Time travel can be dizzying, but in the best way.
________________________________________
“The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure” by Fil Reid
Dan inherits a dukedom—and mountains of debt. Then he meets Cassandra, the illegitimate daughter of the late duke, who believes a centuries-old treasure may be hidden somewhere on the estate. Can they find it? And what happens when love becomes the real treasure? I’m a sucker for stories involving hidden riches, and this one did not disappoint.
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness” by Wren St. Claire
Fenella is a bold debutante; Beroald is a military captain turned duke—and eighteen years her senior. He rescues her from drowning, and she promptly tells him she has things under control. Their age difference raises eyebrows, but their attraction is undeniable. Can they convince her father that their love is real?
________________________________________
“Be My Duke” by Tanya Wilde
Celia and Barnaby have been best friends for fifteen years. Now she’s encouraging him to find a wife—but maybe love has been right in front of them all along. One kiss threatens everything… or maybe it finally makes things clear. I loved this friends-to-lovers story. It’s sweet, fun, and utterly satisfying.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts:
This boxed set is a treat for historical romance lovers—full of second chances, charming dukes, determined heroines, and heartwarming endings. Whether you enjoy suspense, humor, class-crossing romances, or even a little time travel, there’s something here for every mood. Best of all, each story is short enough to enjoy in a single sitting. Highly recommended for your summer reading list!
This massive collection of Regency novellas is packed with charm, surprises, and a whole lot of dukes. I decided to review each story individually—there’s something special in each one, and fans of historical romance are sure to find favorites.
________________________________________
“A Rowboat to Ruin” by Kathleen Ayers
This is a charming story of a marquess and a bluestocking who cross paths in the most unexpected way. Analise is an entomologist in search of a rare beetle, and the land she needs to explore just happens to be owned by a marquess who isn’t supposed to be there. But Finley has escaped London for some peace and quiet—far from the reach of eager debutantes. When Analise spots something large in the lake as she rows toward his property, her plans take a sudden turn. Finley thought he’d be safe from romantic entanglements, but he never expected a bluestocking to steal his heart. Love wasn’t on either of their agendas—and Analise is a spinster, far beneath him in rank. But does that really matter?
________________________________________
“Dukes Like This” by Bronwen Evans
Can a simple Irish lass truly capture a duke’s heart? When Alexander sees Caitria swimming, he’s instantly enchanted. But he assumes she’s his friend’s mistress—and that mistake doesn’t sit well with her. Caitria is drawn to Alexander despite her better judgment, but she doesn’t believe she’s duchess material. Can he convince her otherwise? I loved this sweet, class-crossing romance and the duke who didn’t care about titles.
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Last Love” by Mary Lancaster
This later-in-life romance comes with a bonus: two love stories in one. When Elaine takes in a pair of young lovers whose carriage has broken down, she doesn’t expect to bump into the vexing—yet intriguing—Duke of Drimmen. He catches her swimming almost naked and insists on walking her back to her hotel. What happens when they arrive is quite a surprise. A delightful mix of romance, maturity, and just a hint of suspense.
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Deepest Depths” by Deb Marlowe
Carter never expected to become a duke—but now that he has, danger follows. He’s protecting a witness from someone who wants her dead, and his path collides with Meritt’s over a charming little cottage they both want. What starts as a property squabble becomes something more… but can romance bloom while someone lurks in the shadows, ready to strike?
________________________________________
“Lakeside Suitor” by Emily Murdoch
Amethyst thought she’d been abandoned by the man she loved. But a chance meeting by the lake brings everything back. Robert is now a duke, but that doesn’t change what they once had—or does it? Why did he disappear for two years? Was it all a misunderstanding? This short second-chance romance tugged at my heart.
________________________________________
“Lessons in Taming a Rake” by Tracy Sumner
Juliet and Dorian once loved one another deeply. An accident brings them face-to-face again. Can their love survive what separated them—and is it just as strong as before? This steamy second-chance romance was both emotional and satisfying.
________________________________________
“Tidal Affair” by Ruth A. Casie
A widow and a duke, both hiding away at the coast, find themselves drawn together despite every reason not to be. Honoria runs a school for young ladies; Reese is keeping secrets. What happens when identities are revealed, and hiding is no longer an option? Can two people running from life learn to embrace love instead?
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Secret Wager” by Sherry Ewing
A wager and a house party bring Georgina and Laurence, the Duke of Stonehaven, into each other’s path. Neither wants marriage—she’s wary of fortune hunters, and he’s had enough of title-chasers. But love has other ideas. What happens when Georgina finds out about the wager? Could love overcome the betrayal?
________________________________________
“A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke” by Elizabeth Heights
Rose has secretly loved Sebastian for years, but she thought he only saw her as his sister’s friend. He, on the other hand, believed she didn’t care for him at all. When Rose’s scheming stepfather tries to marry her off to an old man to settle a debt, Sebastian’s sister intervenes with a scandalous plan. Will a rake’s reputation be enough to save Rose—and finally bring their hidden feelings into the light?
________________________________________
“The Midnight Rendezvous” by Marie Higgins
Five years ago, Graham left without a word, breaking Eleanor’s heart. Now he’s back—and a duke. But why did he abandon her despite loving her? Eleanor has her own secrets, and a man determined to possess her may force her hand. Can Graham win back her heart before it’s too late? I loved this second-chance romance and the tension it carried.
________________________________________
“Her Coastal Crush” by Matilda Madison
Emily thinks she’s falling for one brother—but it’s the more serious one who’s been writing to her all along. The letters, the feelings, the confusion… Who is she truly in love with? A delightfully tangled story of mistaken identity and heartfelt choices.
________________________________________
“A Season to Surrender” by Amanda Mariel
At a house party, two wounded souls cross paths. Lilian and Griffith have both lost loved ones and carry the weight of that grief. But in one another, they begin to see the possibility of joy again. Can they surrender the past and open themselves to a future filled with love?
________________________________________
“Charmed by Lord Love” by Cara Maxwell
Misunderstandings, attraction, and… a lake monster? Amelia thinks Matthew is a rake—but things aren’t quite what they seem. A mysterious creature in the water brings them together, pulls them apart, and has a hand in what might be their happily-ever-after. This one made me smile—and giggle more than once.
________________________________________
“A Duke for All Time” by Paula Quinn
Connall is suddenly thrown from his modern-day living room into 1795 England—and right into danger. There, he meets Sarah, and the two are drawn to each other. But Connall is destined to return to his time. Can love survive across centuries? This story continues the time-travel arc from A Touch of Time, and while it can be read on its own, you’ll likely enjoy it more if you read that one first. Time travel can be dizzying, but in the best way.
________________________________________
“The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure” by Fil Reid
Dan inherits a dukedom—and mountains of debt. Then he meets Cassandra, the illegitimate daughter of the late duke, who believes a centuries-old treasure may be hidden somewhere on the estate. Can they find it? And what happens when love becomes the real treasure? I’m a sucker for stories involving hidden riches, and this one did not disappoint.
________________________________________
“The Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness” by Wren St. Claire
Fenella is a bold debutante; Beroald is a military captain turned duke—and eighteen years her senior. He rescues her from drowning, and she promptly tells him she has things under control. Their age difference raises eyebrows, but their attraction is undeniable. Can they convince her father that their love is real?
________________________________________
“Be My Duke” by Tanya Wilde
Celia and Barnaby have been best friends for fifteen years. Now she’s encouraging him to find a wife—but maybe love has been right in front of them all along. One kiss threatens everything… or maybe it finally makes things clear. I loved this friends-to-lovers story. It’s sweet, fun, and utterly satisfying.
________________________________________
Final Thoughts:
This boxed set is a treat for historical romance lovers—full of second chances, charming dukes, determined heroines, and heartwarming endings. Whether you enjoy suspense, humor, class-crossing romances, or even a little time travel, there’s something here for every mood. Best of all, each story is short enough to enjoy in a single sitting. Highly recommended for your summer reading list!
July 4, 2025
So far, I've only read the one story from Tracy Sumner, which she provided as an ARC, but I have the rest of the book waiting as an ARC from Netgalley. I'll update this later...
Lessons in Resisting a Rake is so brief, I felt like I only got a taste before it was gone. It’s a complete story, and it’s my favorite genre—second-chance love—but I wanted more. Juliet and Dorian were once young and in love, but were pushed apart by Dorian’s ducal family because Juliet’s father was only a baron. A misunderstanding caused them to split without fighting to stay together. When Dorian is tossed into Juliet’s life again, it becomes clear that the love between them never waned. And Dorian is no longer beholden to his family. It’s an HEA, of course, and it’s very enjoyable.
Lessons in Resisting a Rake is so brief, I felt like I only got a taste before it was gone. It’s a complete story, and it’s my favorite genre—second-chance love—but I wanted more. Juliet and Dorian were once young and in love, but were pushed apart by Dorian’s ducal family because Juliet’s father was only a baron. A misunderstanding caused them to split without fighting to stay together. When Dorian is tossed into Juliet’s life again, it becomes clear that the love between them never waned. And Dorian is no longer beholden to his family. It’s an HEA, of course, and it’s very enjoyable.
July 14, 2025
A delightful mix of stories!
This was a wonderful collaboration and mix of stories from some of my favorite authors. While I definitely loved some stories more than others, it was a great collection to kick off that Summer heat.
This was a wonderful collaboration and mix of stories from some of my favorite authors. While I definitely loved some stories more than others, it was a great collection to kick off that Summer heat.
July 22, 2025
This collection of stories was thoroughly something I didn't expect.. I can say that every single one of them delivered something special in their own right and then some.. this collection also introduced me to authors I haven't read anything by yet as well..
July 20, 2025
Dukes All Summer Long
Most of the stories are nice reads and short. There were a couple that were not so good but overall the stories were cute.
Most of the stories are nice reads and short. There were a couple that were not so good but overall the stories were cute.
June 19, 2025
A Rowboat to Ruin by Kathleen Ayers...
Thoroughly engaging romance with witty banter. Analise and Finley have beautiful chemistry.
Duke's Like This by Bronwen Evans...
When love is meant to be and feels so right and difference in class doesn't matter. This is Alexander and Caitria's love story.
The Duke's Last Love by Mary Lancaster...
Two couples and love, one of saving love and one of keeping love. A little diplomacy goes a long way.
The Duke's Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe...
A wonderful romance of new beginnings for Cart and Merritt. The stage is set for many happy endings.
The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E K Murdoch...
A second chance at love by the lake, a reconnection and misunderstandings forgiven for Robert and Amethyst.
Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner...
A second chance at love with no regrets this time. A glorious and passionate romance, an undeniable love that reignites again where it left off for Dorian and Juliet.
A Tidal Affair by Ruth A. Casie...
An engaging romance, two strangers meet and finally when fear no longer matters or has been overcome can celebrate and take their love forward.
The Duke's Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing...
A lovely romance set at a house party. A wager that sets the story and a wonderful journey to finding love for Georgina and Laurence.
A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights...
Sweet romance, a rescue and undeniable connection and discovery of love for Sebastian and Rose.
The Midnight Waltz by Marie Higgins...
The beginning of a waltz brings a second chance at love for Eleanor and Graham. A little danger lurks before they can gain their happy ending.
Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison...
Sweet romance, letters written and mistaken identity but Gregory and Emily end up being the perfect match.
A Season of Surrender by Amanda Mariel...
An engaging story filled with hope. Griffith and Lilian find each other at the perfect time, two people and two hearts in need of healing and love.
Charmed by Lord Love by Cara Maxwell...
A charming romance where misadventures make for a perfect love story for Amelia and Matthew.
A Duke for all Time by Paula Quinn...
A time travel romance where time has no meaning but only love matters for Conn and Sarah.
The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure by Fil Reid...
A lovely story, finding treasure and so much more with new beginnings for Daniel the new Duke and Cassandra his Valkyrie.
The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness by Wren St Claire...
A passionate romance, Fenella and her Captain come Duke are soul mates destined for each other. A story filled with desire and tenderness.
Be My Duke by Tanya Wilde...
A lovely best friends to lovers romance, everything changes for Barnaby and Celia at a masquerade house party and the masks come off for a wonderful happily ever after.
Thoroughly engaging romance with witty banter. Analise and Finley have beautiful chemistry.
Duke's Like This by Bronwen Evans...
When love is meant to be and feels so right and difference in class doesn't matter. This is Alexander and Caitria's love story.
The Duke's Last Love by Mary Lancaster...
Two couples and love, one of saving love and one of keeping love. A little diplomacy goes a long way.
The Duke's Deepest Depths by Deb Marlowe...
A wonderful romance of new beginnings for Cart and Merritt. The stage is set for many happy endings.
The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E K Murdoch...
A second chance at love by the lake, a reconnection and misunderstandings forgiven for Robert and Amethyst.
Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner...
A second chance at love with no regrets this time. A glorious and passionate romance, an undeniable love that reignites again where it left off for Dorian and Juliet.
A Tidal Affair by Ruth A. Casie...
An engaging romance, two strangers meet and finally when fear no longer matters or has been overcome can celebrate and take their love forward.
The Duke's Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing...
A lovely romance set at a house party. A wager that sets the story and a wonderful journey to finding love for Georgina and Laurence.
A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights...
Sweet romance, a rescue and undeniable connection and discovery of love for Sebastian and Rose.
The Midnight Waltz by Marie Higgins...
The beginning of a waltz brings a second chance at love for Eleanor and Graham. A little danger lurks before they can gain their happy ending.
Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison...
Sweet romance, letters written and mistaken identity but Gregory and Emily end up being the perfect match.
A Season of Surrender by Amanda Mariel...
An engaging story filled with hope. Griffith and Lilian find each other at the perfect time, two people and two hearts in need of healing and love.
Charmed by Lord Love by Cara Maxwell...
A charming romance where misadventures make for a perfect love story for Amelia and Matthew.
A Duke for all Time by Paula Quinn...
A time travel romance where time has no meaning but only love matters for Conn and Sarah.
The Duke, the Valkyrie, and the Lost Treasure by Fil Reid...
A lovely story, finding treasure and so much more with new beginnings for Daniel the new Duke and Cassandra his Valkyrie.
The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness by Wren St Claire...
A passionate romance, Fenella and her Captain come Duke are soul mates destined for each other. A story filled with desire and tenderness.
Be My Duke by Tanya Wilde...
A lovely best friends to lovers romance, everything changes for Barnaby and Celia at a masquerade house party and the masks come off for a wonderful happily ever after.
August 4, 2025
Dukes All Summer Long
Various Authors
What better way is there to read the work of seventeen authors than through a collection of romance novellas written by authors you may have previously read or might never have read before. Romance through the eyes of seventeen couples, or more, that you get live vicariously with them as they meet and fall in love. I love finding collections like this one and immediately read the authors I know and love then branched out and read one or two more.
A ROWBOAT TO RUIN by Kathleen Ayers
What could Lady Analise Peregrine, entomologist quoting Latin bug names and Luke, a Marquess who hates Latin, find to draw them together after his appearance sees her fall from a rowboat? Smiled a lot reading this story
LESSONS IN TAMING A RAKE by Tracy Sumner
Another boating accident provides a second chance at happiness for Juliet and Dare after their parting five years before they meet once again. Liked this couple a lot.
THE DUKE’S LAST LOVE by Mary Lancaster
Miss Elaine Talbot is firmly on the Spinster Shelf when she runs across a young couple in trouble on their way to Gretna Green. When she the young man’s guardian…sparks fly. Her level head sets a plan in play that benefits all four of them. Contentment at the end of this tale.
DUKE’S LIKE THIS by Bronwen Evans
A passion for swimming in the nearby cove leads to a different type of passionate true love for Caitria and Lucien with only the wide class divide to be overcome by one who doesn’t feel good enough for the other. Another wonderful story.
BE MY DUKE by Tanya Wilde
Barnaby and Cecelia have been friends for years when a masquerade party kiss changes things forever…well…once their eyes are opened and they manage to realize what they mean to one another.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
Various Authors
What better way is there to read the work of seventeen authors than through a collection of romance novellas written by authors you may have previously read or might never have read before. Romance through the eyes of seventeen couples, or more, that you get live vicariously with them as they meet and fall in love. I love finding collections like this one and immediately read the authors I know and love then branched out and read one or two more.
A ROWBOAT TO RUIN by Kathleen Ayers
What could Lady Analise Peregrine, entomologist quoting Latin bug names and Luke, a Marquess who hates Latin, find to draw them together after his appearance sees her fall from a rowboat? Smiled a lot reading this story
LESSONS IN TAMING A RAKE by Tracy Sumner
Another boating accident provides a second chance at happiness for Juliet and Dare after their parting five years before they meet once again. Liked this couple a lot.
THE DUKE’S LAST LOVE by Mary Lancaster
Miss Elaine Talbot is firmly on the Spinster Shelf when she runs across a young couple in trouble on their way to Gretna Green. When she the young man’s guardian…sparks fly. Her level head sets a plan in play that benefits all four of them. Contentment at the end of this tale.
DUKE’S LIKE THIS by Bronwen Evans
A passion for swimming in the nearby cove leads to a different type of passionate true love for Caitria and Lucien with only the wide class divide to be overcome by one who doesn’t feel good enough for the other. Another wonderful story.
BE MY DUKE by Tanya Wilde
Barnaby and Cecelia have been friends for years when a masquerade party kiss changes things forever…well…once their eyes are opened and they manage to realize what they mean to one another.
Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.
5 Stars
June 30, 2025
This Anthology was Absolutely Wonderful, Delightful & Entertaining.
Dukes all summer long
A Rowboat to Ruin By Kathleen Ayers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Delightful Novella.
Duke's Like This
By Bronwen Evans
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
The Duke's Last Love
By Mary Lancaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I did enjoy the Story. But I didn't care for a story that has more than the characters narrative in them.
The Duke's Deepest Depths
By Deb Marlow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
The Lakeside Suitor
By Emily E.K. Murdoch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic.
Lessons in Training a Rake
By Tracy Sumner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
A Tidal Affair
By Ruth A. Casie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely Wonderful Novella.
The Duke's Secret Wager
By Sherry Ewing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
A Wild Rose For The Unrepentant Duke
By Elizabeth Heights
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
The Midnight Waltz
By Marie Higgins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
Her Coastal crush
By Matilda Madison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
A Season to Surrender
By Amanda Mariel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Charmed by Lord Love
By Cara Maxwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Adorable, Wonderful & Romantic Novella.
A Duke for All Time
By Paula Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Duke, The Valkkyrie and The Lost Treasure
By Fil Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful & Delightful Novella.
The Duke's Midsummer Madness
By Wren St. Clair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Be My Duke
By Tanya Wilde
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Dukes all summer long
A Rowboat to Ruin By Kathleen Ayers
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Delightful Novella.
Duke's Like This
By Bronwen Evans
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
The Duke's Last Love
By Mary Lancaster
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I did enjoy the Story. But I didn't care for a story that has more than the characters narrative in them.
The Duke's Deepest Depths
By Deb Marlow
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
The Lakeside Suitor
By Emily E.K. Murdoch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Delightful, Entertaining & Romantic.
Lessons in Training a Rake
By Tracy Sumner
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
A Tidal Affair
By Ruth A. Casie
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely Wonderful Novella.
The Duke's Secret Wager
By Sherry Ewing
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
A Wild Rose For The Unrepentant Duke
By Elizabeth Heights
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
The Midnight Waltz
By Marie Higgins
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic Novella.
Her Coastal crush
By Matilda Madison
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
A Season to Surrender
By Amanda Mariel
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Absolutely Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Charmed by Lord Love
By Cara Maxwell
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
An Adorable, Wonderful & Romantic Novella.
A Duke for All Time
By Paula Quinn
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The Duke, The Valkkyrie and The Lost Treasure
By Fil Reid
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful & Delightful Novella.
The Duke's Midsummer Madness
By Wren St. Clair
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
Be My Duke
By Tanya Wilde
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
A Wonderful, Delightful & Romantic Novella.
June 22, 2025
“Dukes All Summer Long” is a new anthology that brings together a mix of authors ( some are favorites, some are new to me ) who approach the same theme of … well, … Duke and Summer … in such variety of writing styles, characters development and settings that the reader never feel bored. There is a plethora of different tropes : hidden identity, class differences, second chance, enemies-to-lovers, grumpy-sunshine, wallflowers-rakes, later in life, and even time travel ….ect
Each story is short enough to finish in one sitting and unique enough to not seem repetitive in such a long anthology. The novellas range from lighthearted and humorous to heart-wrenching and angst-filled stories, from sweet to spicy.
Some of my favorites are :
Kathleen Ayers - A Rawboat to Ruin : Hidden Identity, strangers-to-lovers, and a Rowboat collision between a spinster entomologist and a jaded marquess.
Bronwen Evans - Duke’s Like This : Class Difference, A love story between a Duke and an Irish farmer’s daughter.
Mary Lancaster - The Duke’s Last Love : Part of Blackhaven Series. Later in life trope. A managing spinster, a widower Duke, and an eloping couple.
Deb Marlowe - The Duke’s Deepest Depths : Virgin widow, a newly minted Duke, a school and a mystery.
Tracy Sumner - Lessons in Taming a Rake : Second chance romance, older heroine, long time friends, a Bluestocking and a rake. The start of a new series (yay!!!)
Tanya Wilde - Be My Duke : friends-to-lovers, A masquerade ball and a kiss changes things forever for longtime friends.
I enjoyed reading this great anthology and I highly recommend it to Historical Romance fans who need a quick yet delightful novellas when life is too busy to read a full novel.
Each story is short enough to finish in one sitting and unique enough to not seem repetitive in such a long anthology. The novellas range from lighthearted and humorous to heart-wrenching and angst-filled stories, from sweet to spicy.
Some of my favorites are :
Kathleen Ayers - A Rawboat to Ruin : Hidden Identity, strangers-to-lovers, and a Rowboat collision between a spinster entomologist and a jaded marquess.
Bronwen Evans - Duke’s Like This : Class Difference, A love story between a Duke and an Irish farmer’s daughter.
Mary Lancaster - The Duke’s Last Love : Part of Blackhaven Series. Later in life trope. A managing spinster, a widower Duke, and an eloping couple.
Deb Marlowe - The Duke’s Deepest Depths : Virgin widow, a newly minted Duke, a school and a mystery.
Tracy Sumner - Lessons in Taming a Rake : Second chance romance, older heroine, long time friends, a Bluestocking and a rake. The start of a new series (yay!!!)
Tanya Wilde - Be My Duke : friends-to-lovers, A masquerade ball and a kiss changes things forever for longtime friends.
I enjoyed reading this great anthology and I highly recommend it to Historical Romance fans who need a quick yet delightful novellas when life is too busy to read a full novel.
June 17, 2025
Gorgeous collection of novellas of various lengths, but all worth reading. I read all my favorite authors:
Tracy Sumner
A wonderful second chance story (and I normally hate this trope). The main character were probably too young to be together when they fell in love and Dorian especially had to forge his own path in the world before settling down. So the reunion later in life is probably for the best. Gorgeously written as always, with that subtle angst that permeates all Sumner’s books.
Matilda Madison
Cute friends to lovers story. Some time apart gave the characters perspective to see each other in a new light. I really loved the idea of the letters! Perfect little gem of a story.
Kathleen Ayers
Very funny and wonderfully written. I loved the instalove and Analise in particular deserved to be loved for herself with all her quirks. Great read!
Cara Maxwell
A great story with a heroine with some quirks and a hero who understands her and respects all her wishes. Some funny moments and a little angst.
Wren St. Claire
Cute story with zero angst and two soul mates meeting and falling in love despite their age difference. I really loved the heroine, so daring and strong despite her young age.
Tracy Sumner
A wonderful second chance story (and I normally hate this trope). The main character were probably too young to be together when they fell in love and Dorian especially had to forge his own path in the world before settling down. So the reunion later in life is probably for the best. Gorgeously written as always, with that subtle angst that permeates all Sumner’s books.
Matilda Madison
Cute friends to lovers story. Some time apart gave the characters perspective to see each other in a new light. I really loved the idea of the letters! Perfect little gem of a story.
Kathleen Ayers
Very funny and wonderfully written. I loved the instalove and Analise in particular deserved to be loved for herself with all her quirks. Great read!
Cara Maxwell
A great story with a heroine with some quirks and a hero who understands her and respects all her wishes. Some funny moments and a little angst.
Wren St. Claire
Cute story with zero angst and two soul mates meeting and falling in love despite their age difference. I really loved the heroine, so daring and strong despite her young age.
June 29, 2025
Dukes All Summer Long is a charming historical romance anthology filled with quick reads and familiar tropes. While I appreciated the variety of authors and settings, not every story landed for me—some felt rushed, and a few relied too heavily on insta-love.
My personal favorites featured couples with shared emotional history—like The Duke’s Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing, The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E. K. Murdoch, A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights, Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner, and Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison. These stood out for their relatable characters, solid pacing, or emotional resonance—especially within the short story format.
A few entries dipped into time travel or mystery, which didn’t match my taste. A Duke For All Time and The Duke’s Deepest Depths in particular didn’t quite work for me, either due to genre or underdeveloped emotional arcs.
Overall, this is a great summer read for historical romance fans looking for bite-sized love stories—especially if you enjoy dukes, lakeside escapes, and love that blooms from shared history rather than instant attraction.
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing & NetGalley 📚
My personal favorites featured couples with shared emotional history—like The Duke’s Secret Wager by Sherry Ewing, The Lakeside Suitor by Emily E. K. Murdoch, A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke by Elizabeth Heights, Lessons in Taming a Rake by Tracy Sumner, and Her Coastal Crush by Matilda Madison. These stood out for their relatable characters, solid pacing, or emotional resonance—especially within the short story format.
A few entries dipped into time travel or mystery, which didn’t match my taste. A Duke For All Time and The Duke’s Deepest Depths in particular didn’t quite work for me, either due to genre or underdeveloped emotional arcs.
Overall, this is a great summer read for historical romance fans looking for bite-sized love stories—especially if you enjoy dukes, lakeside escapes, and love that blooms from shared history rather than instant attraction.
Thanks to Dragonblade Publishing & NetGalley 📚
June 29, 2025
*I received a free ARC from the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for my honest review*
There are so many stories here that you are pretty much guaranteed to find a lot to enjoy (and some that you do not like as much) - which is always a sign of a good anthology because it means there is a lot of variety. Some of these may be standalones, but many are parts of series. This worked well for me if I had read the series of which they were a part, but for those I have not read it was easy to feel like I did not have a complete grasp on everything going on. The only problem with a series of short stories/novellas (I am not sure what these are officially considered) is that most of the time the narrative relies on a love-at-first-sight premise because there is so little time for the characters to meet and end in a happy ending. My favorites in this collection are:
- The Duke's Last Love (a nice addition to the One Night in Blackhaven series)
- The Duke's Deepest Depths (a little romance, a little mystery)
- A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke
- The Midnight Waltz
- Her Coastal Crush
- The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness
There are so many stories here that you are pretty much guaranteed to find a lot to enjoy (and some that you do not like as much) - which is always a sign of a good anthology because it means there is a lot of variety. Some of these may be standalones, but many are parts of series. This worked well for me if I had read the series of which they were a part, but for those I have not read it was easy to feel like I did not have a complete grasp on everything going on. The only problem with a series of short stories/novellas (I am not sure what these are officially considered) is that most of the time the narrative relies on a love-at-first-sight premise because there is so little time for the characters to meet and end in a happy ending. My favorites in this collection are:
- The Duke's Last Love (a nice addition to the One Night in Blackhaven series)
- The Duke's Deepest Depths (a little romance, a little mystery)
- A Wild Rose for the Unrepentant Duke
- The Midnight Waltz
- Her Coastal Crush
- The Duke's Mid-Summer Madness
June 15, 2025
Amazing Summer Anthology!
Each short novella is satisfying, romantic and entertaining with a swoon-worth HEA featuring some of my all time favourite authors and some new authors who have given this anthology some exciting reads with different tropes that are sure to please all fans of historical romance.
A Rowboat to Ruin – Kathleen Ayers
A fun short read packed with lots of romance, a wonderful read and an appearance from the Duke of Ware gives the storyline added depth.
The Lakeside Suitor – Emily E K Murdoch
A welcome back to the De Petras family with some chaos, misunderstandings and a love that had endured years!
Lessons in Taming a Rake – Tracy Sumner
A lost love about to be rekindled! Dorian and Juliet’s romance is an exciting sizzling read (a new series starter).
What an indulgent Summer treat! Lose yourself in every one of these short stories each one with their own special style that will warm your heart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Each short novella is satisfying, romantic and entertaining with a swoon-worth HEA featuring some of my all time favourite authors and some new authors who have given this anthology some exciting reads with different tropes that are sure to please all fans of historical romance.
A Rowboat to Ruin – Kathleen Ayers
A fun short read packed with lots of romance, a wonderful read and an appearance from the Duke of Ware gives the storyline added depth.
The Lakeside Suitor – Emily E K Murdoch
A welcome back to the De Petras family with some chaos, misunderstandings and a love that had endured years!
Lessons in Taming a Rake – Tracy Sumner
A lost love about to be rekindled! Dorian and Juliet’s romance is an exciting sizzling read (a new series starter).
What an indulgent Summer treat! Lose yourself in every one of these short stories each one with their own special style that will warm your heart.
I voluntarily read and reviewed this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 3, 2025
A delightful anthology with a collection from some splendid authors.
Kathleen Ayers - A rowboat to ruin - A story of bookish (insect-ish?) Annalese and a reluctantly and recently titled Marquess of Tenburgh - Finley. A very believable insta-love story and some great spice.
Wren St. Claire - Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness - enjoyable and steamy, but the insta-love was just too abrupt. Also personal preference, but I am not a fan big age gaps, where the younger person is a (19 year old in this case) debutante.
Emily E K Murdoch - The lakeside suitor - a short, sweet and spicy second chance story of Amethyst and Robert
Matilda Madison - Her coastal crush - This was a new author to me that I quite enjoyed. A wonderful friends-to-lovers story where Gregory writes letters to Emily under his brother’s name, afraid of rejection. Through the letters they both realize their feelings for each other.
Fil Reid - The Duke, the Valkyrie and the lost treasure - a very short easy read, insta-love and mystery involved.
Paula Quinn - A duke of all time - a fast paced time travel story. Very well written, wish it was longer as there was a lot going on for a short story.
Tanya Wilde - Be my duke - a heartwarming friends-to-lovers story with just the right amount of spice. As always for Tanya Wilde - a very well written story.
Cara Maxwell - Charmed by Lord Love - A meet cute and a fast love story between bookish Matthew and charming Amelia
Amanda Mariel - A season to surrender - another new to me author, whose story I really enjoyed. An emotional story of Lilian and Griffith, who bond over their shared difficult life experiences and come together to help each other bear the expectations that the world and society place on them and find joy in it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade publishing for this great anthology ARC!
Kathleen Ayers - A rowboat to ruin - A story of bookish (insect-ish?) Annalese and a reluctantly and recently titled Marquess of Tenburgh - Finley. A very believable insta-love story and some great spice.
Wren St. Claire - Duke’s Mid-Summer Madness - enjoyable and steamy, but the insta-love was just too abrupt. Also personal preference, but I am not a fan big age gaps, where the younger person is a (19 year old in this case) debutante.
Emily E K Murdoch - The lakeside suitor - a short, sweet and spicy second chance story of Amethyst and Robert
Matilda Madison - Her coastal crush - This was a new author to me that I quite enjoyed. A wonderful friends-to-lovers story where Gregory writes letters to Emily under his brother’s name, afraid of rejection. Through the letters they both realize their feelings for each other.
Fil Reid - The Duke, the Valkyrie and the lost treasure - a very short easy read, insta-love and mystery involved.
Paula Quinn - A duke of all time - a fast paced time travel story. Very well written, wish it was longer as there was a lot going on for a short story.
Tanya Wilde - Be my duke - a heartwarming friends-to-lovers story with just the right amount of spice. As always for Tanya Wilde - a very well written story.
Cara Maxwell - Charmed by Lord Love - A meet cute and a fast love story between bookish Matthew and charming Amelia
Amanda Mariel - A season to surrender - another new to me author, whose story I really enjoyed. An emotional story of Lilian and Griffith, who bond over their shared difficult life experiences and come together to help each other bear the expectations that the world and society place on them and find joy in it.
Thanks to NetGalley and Dragonblade publishing for this great anthology ARC!
June 28, 2025
"Lessons in Training a Rake" - Tracy Sumner crafts a poignant and deeply passionate second-chance romance that tugs at every heartstring. Juliet Fairchild, a baron’s spinster daughter and now a woman marked by solitude, never expected to feel Dorian Montrose’s presence like a lightning strike again. Their reunion, after five years of heartbreak and unspoken pain, pulses with raw emotion and unrelenting desire.
What sets this novella apart is its emotional candor as every stolen glance and quiet ache speaks volumes. Juliet’s sacrifice was born of love, but it’s Dorian’s grief and simmering longing that flood the pages with urgency. As they stumble through regret and rekindle what once was, the reader is swept into a love story aching to be reclaimed. This story is a heart-clutching reminder that love, when given a second chance, can bloom fiercer than ever. And best of all, it’s just the beginning. Lessons in Training a Rake kicks off Tracy Sumner’s upcoming Rookery Rebels series, and if this is how it starts, I’m ready to devour every single tale to come!
What sets this novella apart is its emotional candor as every stolen glance and quiet ache speaks volumes. Juliet’s sacrifice was born of love, but it’s Dorian’s grief and simmering longing that flood the pages with urgency. As they stumble through regret and rekindle what once was, the reader is swept into a love story aching to be reclaimed. This story is a heart-clutching reminder that love, when given a second chance, can bloom fiercer than ever. And best of all, it’s just the beginning. Lessons in Training a Rake kicks off Tracy Sumner’s upcoming Rookery Rebels series, and if this is how it starts, I’m ready to devour every single tale to come!
June 21, 2025
I haven't read the rest of the stories in this anthology yet, but I just finished reading Lessons in Resisting a Rake by Tracy Sumner and I have to share my enjoyment of it -What an amazing second chance at love story this was! When Juliet Fairchild, spinster daughter of a baron encounters Dorian Montrose again after breaking off their love affair five years before, all the feelings are still there. Of course it was for his own good, because the second son of a duke was too good for her, so she bore the heartbreak and moved on to a solitary life. Of course she didn’t stop to think about his heartbreak, which is apparent when they see each other again and the passion and grief is palpable. I could feel the heartache, the passion, the raw feelings between the two of them, and was ready to shout at them to just give in, forget the past and move on to a future together. You’ll have to read the story to see if they did, but it is called a second chance, right?
June 12, 2025
A Rowboat to Ruin – Kathleen Ayers
SO CUTE! Short but a very satisfying read and we get a quick glimpse of one of my favorite characters, Duke of Ware. Happenstance brings two very different people together in a meet cute scene. I enjoyed reading Finley and Annalise’s story, I wanted more of their back and forth.
Duke’s Like This - Bronwen Evans
Loved this short story of class differences. It was sweet, kind and full of ocean antics. I could have read a lot more of Caitra and Alexander.
Lessons in Resisting a Rake – Tracy Sumner
Second chance, my total jam. This short novella started out strong and got stronger as the story went along. How could you not root for Dorian and Juliet? Attraction never lies. The beginning of a new series, Rookery Rebels, and I can tell I am going to want to gobble up each story if this is the beginning of the series.
SO CUTE! Short but a very satisfying read and we get a quick glimpse of one of my favorite characters, Duke of Ware. Happenstance brings two very different people together in a meet cute scene. I enjoyed reading Finley and Annalise’s story, I wanted more of their back and forth.
Duke’s Like This - Bronwen Evans
Loved this short story of class differences. It was sweet, kind and full of ocean antics. I could have read a lot more of Caitra and Alexander.
Lessons in Resisting a Rake – Tracy Sumner
Second chance, my total jam. This short novella started out strong and got stronger as the story went along. How could you not root for Dorian and Juliet? Attraction never lies. The beginning of a new series, Rookery Rebels, and I can tell I am going to want to gobble up each story if this is the beginning of the series.
September 2, 2025
Dukes All Summer Long is an absolute treat for Historical Romance lovers! This anthology brings together some of the genre’s best tropes—enemies to lovers, grumpy/sunshine pairings, wallflowers and irresistible rakes—into one swoon-worthy collection. With over a thousand pages of never-before-published Regency stories, it's the perfect companion for long summer days (or nights).
The variety of stories means there’s something for every romance mood—whether you crave ballroom intrigue, witty banter, or heartfelt moments that tug at the heartstrings. The writing is lush, the heroines are strong, and the dukes are delightfully swoonworthy. A perfect way to escape into the glittering world of the ton.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
The variety of stories means there’s something for every romance mood—whether you crave ballroom intrigue, witty banter, or heartfelt moments that tug at the heartstrings. The writing is lush, the heroines are strong, and the dukes are delightfully swoonworthy. A perfect way to escape into the glittering world of the ton.
I received a complimentary copy from NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing and am voluntarily leaving my review.
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