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One Season with the Duke
Heiress Henrietta Monfort would never do anything to hurt her beloved aunt and uncle. But thanks to her cousin—who’s discovered a secret about her parentage that even she didn’t know—she is moments away from ruin … unless she marries him. Hettie has no choice. She must accept the villainous snake’s hand in marriage. So be it. But no man will ever own her heart, body, or soul.
Lord Findley has always had a soft spot for Hettie. Discovering that she’s being blackmailed into marriage is nothing short of appallingly outrageous. How could he allow someone unworthy to marry the gentle-hearted and bright-eyed Hettie—let alone a blaggard of the lowest order? To hell with it.
He’ll marry her himself … even if it is the scandal of the season.
Now they’re racing for Scotland, praying they can outrun the jilted crook who seeks Hettie’s hand and her fortune. But ahead of them lies their greatest obstacle yet … and one unexpected—and damnably inconvenient—attraction that will turn both their worlds upside down.
Lord Findley has always had a soft spot for Hettie. Discovering that she’s being blackmailed into marriage is nothing short of appallingly outrageous. How could he allow someone unworthy to marry the gentle-hearted and bright-eyed Hettie—let alone a blaggard of the lowest order? To hell with it.
He’ll marry her himself … even if it is the scandal of the season.
Now they’re racing for Scotland, praying they can outrun the jilted crook who seeks Hettie’s hand and her fortune. But ahead of them lies their greatest obstacle yet … and one unexpected—and damnably inconvenient—attraction that will turn both their worlds upside down.
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First published July 14, 2023
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About the author
Addy Du Lac
6 books39 followersBorn in the tropical paradise of Trinidad and Tobago, Addy Du Lac moved to the US with her mother at the age of twelve. She began writing historical romance while she received a double major in History and Creative Writing from the University of South Florida. She enjoys writing books with diverse characters and steamy happy endings. When she isn’t plotting her next series, she enjoys reading, traveling, and tempting her fate with new recipes.
Addy Du Lac lives in Tampa Florida with an eclectic library of books and a carefully curated wall of beautiful men.
Addy Du Lac lives in Tampa Florida with an eclectic library of books and a carefully curated wall of beautiful men.
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August 24, 2023Stunning cover.
Victorian set romance although I'd have called the feeling more Regency. Henrietta is a mixed race heiress who has been brought up by her marquess uncle. We're told that her race has the potential to be a problem to jerks, but that otherwise goes unaddressed in the book: she has 99 problems but racism isn't one. (Let us recall that historical romances with white protags constantly decide to ignore all sorts of 'realistic' issues in pursuit of the love story and nobody ever objects to that.)
Her actual problem initially is that her cousin is blackmailing her for being illegitimate and demands he marry her. She decides that her uncle the marquess would be socially ruined by this discovery (?) so despite seeing no proof whatsoever of it (??) she doesn't ask anyone for help, gets engaged to the creep, and is rescued at the last minute by Finn, a Scots duke who's always been in love with her and who marries her knowing she's being blackmailed but doesn't ask about what, and is then astonished to learn the problem is quite bad and hasn't gone away because they're married. Ah, romance protagonists, never change.
The plot around the blackmail is flimsy (which is IMO on the publisher, because the ingredients are all there, and a decent structural edit could have nailed the issues down very easily) but if you let that pass, Henrietta is a very relatable heroine who finds a spine, Finn is lovely (except when he goes into Dickish Romance Hero mode obv), and the long sequence of them falling in marital love is absolutely delightful, plus there's a great extended grovel. There's marvellous gowns, quality pining, intermittent villainy, and lots of the right kind of histrom feels, and I enjoyed the love story a lot. It deserved a better edit, and I'll look forward to the author's next.
Victorian set romance although I'd have called the feeling more Regency. Henrietta is a mixed race heiress who has been brought up by her marquess uncle. We're told that her race has the potential to be a problem to jerks, but that otherwise goes unaddressed in the book: she has 99 problems but racism isn't one. (Let us recall that historical romances with white protags constantly decide to ignore all sorts of 'realistic' issues in pursuit of the love story and nobody ever objects to that.)
Her actual problem initially is that her cousin is blackmailing her for being illegitimate and demands he marry her. She decides that her uncle the marquess would be socially ruined by this discovery (?) so despite seeing no proof whatsoever of it (??) she doesn't ask anyone for help, gets engaged to the creep, and is rescued at the last minute by Finn, a Scots duke who's always been in love with her and who marries her knowing she's being blackmailed but doesn't ask about what, and is then astonished to learn the problem is quite bad and hasn't gone away because they're married. Ah, romance protagonists, never change.
The plot around the blackmail is flimsy (which is IMO on the publisher, because the ingredients are all there, and a decent structural edit could have nailed the issues down very easily) but if you let that pass, Henrietta is a very relatable heroine who finds a spine, Finn is lovely (except when he goes into Dickish Romance Hero mode obv), and the long sequence of them falling in marital love is absolutely delightful, plus there's a great extended grovel. There's marvellous gowns, quality pining, intermittent villainy, and lots of the right kind of histrom feels, and I enjoyed the love story a lot. It deserved a better edit, and I'll look forward to the author's next.
July 21, 2023
I was hesitant to read this since blackmail is like bottom of the barrel for me, but someone said the villain was vanquished by the end of chapter two, to which I said HELL YEAH. However, while she rightfully didn’t marry him like he wanted, he was still a nuisance throughout the entire book. His actions had many consequences and it got old real fast…but it lasted the whole time 😩
A lot of the rest of the book was just Hettie learning how to be a Scottish duchess and dealing with the dowager who took SO long to warm up to her. I liked the dowager by the end, but combined with the blackmail, it just didn’t make for a plot I was interested in for about 75% of the time. I also just think friends to lovers is also a tough sell for me. It felt like we were missing a key part of their history since it happened off the page so long ago.
Finn and Hettie were adorable for the other 25%, though, so I’m definitely torn on my overall enjoyment of the book. I loved them but not the plot??? because I LOVED their dynamic. The little things they did for each other…I’m distraught no one talk to me. My favorite of the bunch was him brushing and braiding her hair after he requested to learn 🥹 oh and him giving Hettie all the sandwiches despite them being his favorite.
Their marriage was full of doubt and secrets, so it was obvious where the third act was headed, but I’d say it still surprised me. Initially the breakup really disgruntled me, but actually I really liked what it brought to their relationship. I think Hettie needed to demand what she wanted, so I was definitely rooting for her and happy to see she stood firm. I enjoyed the grovel and also really liked the shift in the dowager.
Overall, the writing was great and since I enjoyed the character work, I’ll definitely be reading more from DuLac! It’s hard when I really want to read a book—I mean LOOK at the cover—but the plot set-up just isn’t my thing. I err on the side of giving chances, since happy surprises are the best. I’d say I was pleasantly surprised by the loveliness of the main relationship, but not entirely sold on the plot. Either way, I definitely don’t regret reading this one, but I’m more excited for what’s to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5*/5
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
A lot of the rest of the book was just Hettie learning how to be a Scottish duchess and dealing with the dowager who took SO long to warm up to her. I liked the dowager by the end, but combined with the blackmail, it just didn’t make for a plot I was interested in for about 75% of the time. I also just think friends to lovers is also a tough sell for me. It felt like we were missing a key part of their history since it happened off the page so long ago.
Finn and Hettie were adorable for the other 25%, though, so I’m definitely torn on my overall enjoyment of the book. I loved them but not the plot??? because I LOVED their dynamic. The little things they did for each other…I’m distraught no one talk to me. My favorite of the bunch was him brushing and braiding her hair after he requested to learn 🥹 oh and him giving Hettie all the sandwiches despite them being his favorite.
Their marriage was full of doubt and secrets, so it was obvious where the third act was headed, but I’d say it still surprised me. Initially the breakup really disgruntled me, but actually I really liked what it brought to their relationship. I think Hettie needed to demand what she wanted, so I was definitely rooting for her and happy to see she stood firm. I enjoyed the grovel and also really liked the shift in the dowager.
Overall, the writing was great and since I enjoyed the character work, I’ll definitely be reading more from DuLac! It’s hard when I really want to read a book—I mean LOOK at the cover—but the plot set-up just isn’t my thing. I err on the side of giving chances, since happy surprises are the best. I’d say I was pleasantly surprised by the loveliness of the main relationship, but not entirely sold on the plot. Either way, I definitely don’t regret reading this one, but I’m more excited for what’s to come!
⭐️⭐️⭐️/5 🌶️🌶️.5*/5
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
July 29, 2023
When I picked up this book, I was not expecting the PAIN the third act conflict would bring me. I haven't been hurt like that in a while, and that's saying something.
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
With that said though, I was not a big fan of said conflict. Despite it actually being a good reason, I felt like the characters gave up on each other too easily, and it took them a while to solve it.
But did it make me cry when they fought? Yes. So I can't really be too mad, can I? Clearly the book did its job.
The writing was smooth and the book easy to get into and it made me hungry for more books written by this author. Also, THE COVER!!! That was what drew me in initially and I'm glad the inside matched.
Hettie was a better character than Finn which, if you asked me about at the start of the book, I wouldn't think I'd say. Because at the start Finn was a dream, he treated Hettie so well, they were great together, but that conflict...it felt like Finn wasn't that same sweet guy from the beginning.
In my mind, it didn't seem like something he'd care about at all, or if he did that he wouldn't behave the way he did. Because he's been pining over Hettie for years and then something so silly makes him change his tune? Nahhh.
But yeah Hettie, I think she stayed truer to her starting character than Finn. There were times where she felt a bit different too, but I could still say "yup that's Hettie".
I am so glad they worked it out at the end, and I wouldn't have minded if we got a bit more pages of them being truly happy with no secrets between them. But I also like that this was a shorter read.
I'm looking forward to whatever Addy Du Lac puts out next.
*Thank you to the publishers and NetGalley for providing me with an e-ARC in exchange for an honest review*
July 6, 2023
Very strong first half but then characters changed and gave up their convictions and it all went down hill from there.
I found the authors writing itself to be very readable and smooth. I was flying through it at a rapid pace. Very enjoyable, great romance building. I was so engaged.
Then I feel like we threw so much of it away. The conflict was not well balanced and gave into conventions from Old School Historical Romance that were better left in the past.
This left me feeling disconnected from both characters and I had little interest in their reconnect and HEA.
I would read this author again though! I see great potential, I just didn't click with this story.
3 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
I found the authors writing itself to be very readable and smooth. I was flying through it at a rapid pace. Very enjoyable, great romance building. I was so engaged.
Then I feel like we threw so much of it away. The conflict was not well balanced and gave into conventions from Old School Historical Romance that were better left in the past.
This left me feeling disconnected from both characters and I had little interest in their reconnect and HEA.
I would read this author again though! I see great potential, I just didn't click with this story.
3 stars
2.5 on the spice scale
July 13, 2023
One Season with the Duke. I am such a believer of true love. That’s why I loved reading this book. I’m sure you have read in the past my feelings about books that reads like a movie. How that story has the ability to take my imagination and run away with it until I’m completely spent after reading the book to the last word.
Readers this book falls under that category. I felt that the writing was phenomenal from how the writing reaches to the depth of loyalty forgiveness and love. I was very impressed from the fact that the book was getting better page after page. The writing is on point. I felt that the dialogue between the characters is very clear and real to the emotions of the of the story.
Is this because the story has a terrific plot? My answer is yes. Readers the plot was amazing to follow by. The characters uses the logic of the plot to help them accomplish their goals. Both characters, Hettie and Finn were perfect for the story.
Their goals, interesting as they are moved In tandem with the plot. Finn sought to rescue his best friend from a fate that truly was disastrous for Hettie and possibly those around her. Hettie, who felt that the walls are closing in around her sought no way out of this one hell of nightmare that she’s living. Then one day that dear childhood friend reappeared and the romance began. Well up until mom inserts her opinion and boy can she pack a punch.
Can I say “Ice Queen Dowager Duchess?” I believe that they should create a title for mothers like them. This Dowager has the ability to stare you down with cold dead eyes, as well as slap you in the face with a ice cold remark that leaves you frozen from the shock of her words. Threats of sending her to the Dowager house does not phase this woman. I say put her in a boat and push her out to sea.
Hopefully she will find her own little island where she can command locals to her heart contents. Let’s not even begin with the many outbursts from cousin Philip. I can only say read the book. For me this story was an amazing page turner that has great entertainment from every level that a romance story can take you. There are many moments that feels so real for the reader.
From the descriptive details of how Finn rubs his fingers along Hettie’s cheek or how he embraces her with his strong sensual kisses. Many of those times are during some explicit passionate caressing and fondling between the couple. And let me say that a number of these intimate moments leads to a whole lot of panting. I’m just saying. Stop me before I get carried away.
I loved Finn and Hettie the most. My reasoning is that they both fought battles that continuously challenged them. Separately the two applied tactics to face those challenges head on and later used those tactics as a force of one together. I definitely loved how the two characters Finn and Hettie were able to explore their desire for one another so freely without any limits. This lead me to believe that their story is a candidly sweet and an incredibly romantic love story.
I give this story two snaps and a, “Harold get me a pistol. I have a unwanted houseguest on my property.” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
Readers this book falls under that category. I felt that the writing was phenomenal from how the writing reaches to the depth of loyalty forgiveness and love. I was very impressed from the fact that the book was getting better page after page. The writing is on point. I felt that the dialogue between the characters is very clear and real to the emotions of the of the story.
Is this because the story has a terrific plot? My answer is yes. Readers the plot was amazing to follow by. The characters uses the logic of the plot to help them accomplish their goals. Both characters, Hettie and Finn were perfect for the story.
Their goals, interesting as they are moved In tandem with the plot. Finn sought to rescue his best friend from a fate that truly was disastrous for Hettie and possibly those around her. Hettie, who felt that the walls are closing in around her sought no way out of this one hell of nightmare that she’s living. Then one day that dear childhood friend reappeared and the romance began. Well up until mom inserts her opinion and boy can she pack a punch.
Can I say “Ice Queen Dowager Duchess?” I believe that they should create a title for mothers like them. This Dowager has the ability to stare you down with cold dead eyes, as well as slap you in the face with a ice cold remark that leaves you frozen from the shock of her words. Threats of sending her to the Dowager house does not phase this woman. I say put her in a boat and push her out to sea.
Hopefully she will find her own little island where she can command locals to her heart contents. Let’s not even begin with the many outbursts from cousin Philip. I can only say read the book. For me this story was an amazing page turner that has great entertainment from every level that a romance story can take you. There are many moments that feels so real for the reader.
From the descriptive details of how Finn rubs his fingers along Hettie’s cheek or how he embraces her with his strong sensual kisses. Many of those times are during some explicit passionate caressing and fondling between the couple. And let me say that a number of these intimate moments leads to a whole lot of panting. I’m just saying. Stop me before I get carried away.
I loved Finn and Hettie the most. My reasoning is that they both fought battles that continuously challenged them. Separately the two applied tactics to face those challenges head on and later used those tactics as a force of one together. I definitely loved how the two characters Finn and Hettie were able to explore their desire for one another so freely without any limits. This lead me to believe that their story is a candidly sweet and an incredibly romantic love story.
I give this story two snaps and a, “Harold get me a pistol. I have a unwanted houseguest on my property.” Until next time my fellow readers. Read on!I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
July 12, 2023
Raised with love by her aunt and uncle as their own, heiress Henrietta Monfort finds herself blackmailed into marriage by an odious, fortune hunting cousin. He threatens her with a secret about her birth - a scandal that would ruin her and harm to her loved ones.
Findley Phillipson, Duke of Montrose and Laird MacGairbheith, has always had a soft spot for his childhood friend. Learning of her desperation and hoping she might love him one day, he steps in and offers for her hand.
Hettie and Finn elope. A marriage based on friendship and trust is soon infused with undeniable attraction. A dream! But reality calls. His castle and his late father’s legacy in the Highlands. A heavy burden he must bear in honour of his name, and a burden she’s willing to share even if his very Scottish mother is dead set against her. And just when love is starting to bloom, her blackmailer rears his ugly head. Fear sets in, trust is broken, the bubble bursts and all seems lost. Unless love, frail and unspoken, overcomes all…
📚 This road to love is paved with strong friendship, sweet romance, steamy passion, intrigue, determination and an extremely well-written third act break up. An emotional rollercoaster each of the MCs works through in their own way. He's stubborn and she's no push-over. Hurt, anger, insight, regret and some beautiful grovel on his part. This is my kind of romance: flawed and imperfect, but real. Truly a most captivating, sometimes heartbreaking, and definitely delicious, witty and colourful tale! A wonderful debut I highly recommend!
📚 Childhood friends, unrequited love, marriage of convenience, interracial romance, steamy, open door
Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.
Findley Phillipson, Duke of Montrose and Laird MacGairbheith, has always had a soft spot for his childhood friend. Learning of her desperation and hoping she might love him one day, he steps in and offers for her hand.
Hettie and Finn elope. A marriage based on friendship and trust is soon infused with undeniable attraction. A dream! But reality calls. His castle and his late father’s legacy in the Highlands. A heavy burden he must bear in honour of his name, and a burden she’s willing to share even if his very Scottish mother is dead set against her. And just when love is starting to bloom, her blackmailer rears his ugly head. Fear sets in, trust is broken, the bubble bursts and all seems lost. Unless love, frail and unspoken, overcomes all…
📚 This road to love is paved with strong friendship, sweet romance, steamy passion, intrigue, determination and an extremely well-written third act break up. An emotional rollercoaster each of the MCs works through in their own way. He's stubborn and she's no push-over. Hurt, anger, insight, regret and some beautiful grovel on his part. This is my kind of romance: flawed and imperfect, but real. Truly a most captivating, sometimes heartbreaking, and definitely delicious, witty and colourful tale! A wonderful debut I highly recommend!
📚 Childhood friends, unrequited love, marriage of convenience, interracial romance, steamy, open door
Thank you to the author for this eARC! All opinions are entirely my own.
June 24, 2023
Ultimate Regency friends to marriage of convenience to lovers.
Childhood friends Hattie and Finn haven’t seen each other in several years and nearly miss their chance at happiness when Hattie’s cousin blackmails her into accepting his proposal. But when Finn comes along and convinces Hattie to run away to Scotland to get married - out of pure friendly, platonic reasons, of course - they are faced with new challenges as they try and build a life and marriage together.
Out main characters had an amazing relationship, that showcased their long friendship. I loved them both as individual characters and together, who made for great leads in a story with a lot of romance and intrigue.
I loved the third act break up. This is such a rarity for me but DuLac did incredibly well building up the reason for the break up throughout the book. It’s not over and forgotten within pages and the characters really have to emotionally work through the reasons it got to this point, reflect and learn to properly communicate with each other to get their HEA.
I’ve spend so much of the book going to the author’s profile on Goodreads to see if they have written something -anything- else because so many of the side characters felt like cameo appearances from characters of previous books in a series and I was disappointed that their love stories don’t exist in full length book formats.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
Childhood friends Hattie and Finn haven’t seen each other in several years and nearly miss their chance at happiness when Hattie’s cousin blackmails her into accepting his proposal. But when Finn comes along and convinces Hattie to run away to Scotland to get married - out of pure friendly, platonic reasons, of course - they are faced with new challenges as they try and build a life and marriage together.
Out main characters had an amazing relationship, that showcased their long friendship. I loved them both as individual characters and together, who made for great leads in a story with a lot of romance and intrigue.
I loved the third act break up. This is such a rarity for me but DuLac did incredibly well building up the reason for the break up throughout the book. It’s not over and forgotten within pages and the characters really have to emotionally work through the reasons it got to this point, reflect and learn to properly communicate with each other to get their HEA.
I’ve spend so much of the book going to the author’s profile on Goodreads to see if they have written something -anything- else because so many of the side characters felt like cameo appearances from characters of previous books in a series and I was disappointed that their love stories don’t exist in full length book formats.
I was provided an ARC by the publisher via NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 17, 2023
In One Season with the Duke by Addy du Lac, we are given a sensitively and elegantly rendered historical romance involving a woman of color and a dashing Scottish Duke. Henrietta Monfort has always held her aunt and uncle in high esteem; they took her in and cared for her like she was their own child when she was orphaned at a young age. When a secret from her past threatens their children and their place in polite society, she sees no recourse other than to marry her blackmailing cousin. Since he reached his majority, Lord Findley (Finn) has been saddled with restoring his family home and lands to their former glory; he has had little time to contemplate marriage or daydream about his youthful crush on the delightful Henrietta. When he does take time to visit London, he finds that Henrietta is on the cusp of marriage and looks like anything BUT a happy soon to be bride! Will Finn be able to help Henrietta escape a forced marriage and if he does will her secret be more than he can ignore? I really enjoyed this author’s writing style, and she gave us a complex story that was still easy to read. The adversaries of the story were three dimensional, Finn’s formidable mother and Henrietta’s dastardly but troubled cousin; however, true love sweetly prevailed. I truly found some parts of the story heartbreaking to read. Finn and Henrietta are so appealing as a couple, and I found their story to be emotionally gratifying on all levels.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Entangled for a honest review.
I received a copy of this book from Netgalley and Entangled for a honest review.
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November 27, 2023I got to 59% and decided this wasn’t for me. I tried—even took a 16-day break and then conscientiously picked it up again—but while the writing was good, the characterization was two-dimensional, the plot faintly ridiculous and the spice lackluster.
However, it did bring us possibly the world’s greatest euphemism for a clitoris: “nubbin of pure sensation”
However, it did bring us possibly the world’s greatest euphemism for a clitoris: “nubbin of pure sensation”
June 19, 2023
One season with the Duke
Blackmail and intrigue
Henrietta feels trapped after being forced into an engagement in order to avoid scandal.
Finn finds himself going against familial obligations in a bid to gain happiness.
Henrietta has lived her life as an "other." Never quite fitting in.
Finn is determined to love and protect her.
I do feel as if the title is misleading. With the title, I assumed it would mean a season among the ton. But it's actually just a measure of time that the book encapsulates.
Overall, it was a very good read. There's blackmail, danger, romance, and a mother-in-law.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Blackmail and intrigue
Henrietta feels trapped after being forced into an engagement in order to avoid scandal.
Finn finds himself going against familial obligations in a bid to gain happiness.
Henrietta has lived her life as an "other." Never quite fitting in.
Finn is determined to love and protect her.
I do feel as if the title is misleading. With the title, I assumed it would mean a season among the ton. But it's actually just a measure of time that the book encapsulates.
Overall, it was a very good read. There's blackmail, danger, romance, and a mother-in-law.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 30, 2023
I received an ARC of One Season with the Duke from Entangled Publishing, LLC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. This is the debut novel of author Addy DuLac. It is a mix of the friends to lovers / scandal tropes in the historical romance genre.
Henrietta/Hettie (The Heiress) finds herself in an impossible position when a scandalous secret threatens to ruin not only her reputation but that of her family as well. Childhood friend, Findley/Finn (The Duke) provides a seemingly perfect solution to Hettie’s dilemma while satisfying his longstanding affection for her. But at what cost?
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end. I was invested in the love story and how the characters worked through the obstacles standing in their way.
I highly recommend reading if you enjoy period romance books.
Henrietta/Hettie (The Heiress) finds herself in an impossible position when a scandalous secret threatens to ruin not only her reputation but that of her family as well. Childhood friend, Findley/Finn (The Duke) provides a seemingly perfect solution to Hettie’s dilemma while satisfying his longstanding affection for her. But at what cost?
I really enjoyed reading this book. It was very well written and kept me engaged from beginning to end. I was invested in the love story and how the characters worked through the obstacles standing in their way.
I highly recommend reading if you enjoy period romance books.
July 18, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. It added another layer into the society of the time, reflecting Hettie's feelings of isolation because of her different skin colour to the rest of society's.
The love story was well written and very enjoyable. Totally recommend reading this book if you are into historical romance and a swoon-worthy MMC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The love story was well written and very enjoyable. Totally recommend reading this book if you are into historical romance and a swoon-worthy MMC.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 3, 2023
Henrietta is being blackmailed to marry a man she doesn't love and wants her money, but she'll do anything to avoid scandal for her aunt and uncle to raised her.. Finn always had soft spot for Hattie, but he is late, she will marry someone else. Her uncle is a smart man, and help Henrietta and Findley.
Enjoyed storyline. love Henrietta and Findley
Enjoyed storyline. love Henrietta and Findley
July 7, 2023
I loved this book. I would recommend to anyone who enjoyed Lisa Kleypas or Julia Quinn.
Childhood friends, blackmail, quirky family members, steamy sex scenes 🔥and quick wit. Sign me up.
The characters are real, complex and relatable. There are moments of shock and drama yet there remains a fun banter between all the characters throughout the novel.
Something I liked best is that the characters are flawed. They aren’t perfect. They make mistakes and assumptions based on their own past experiences/trauma. I found myself going back and forth with which side I was on. Even the villain had moments where I felt bad for him…very short moments but still.
The playful banter and quirky supporting characters keep the mood light while also dealing with some darker themes. Feelings of abandonment, unworthiness, loneliness, duty, trust, redemption. It’s about letting yourself be loved and loving someone for who they are, not just the fantasy.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I’d like to thank @NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
Childhood friends, blackmail, quirky family members, steamy sex scenes 🔥and quick wit. Sign me up.
The characters are real, complex and relatable. There are moments of shock and drama yet there remains a fun banter between all the characters throughout the novel.
Something I liked best is that the characters are flawed. They aren’t perfect. They make mistakes and assumptions based on their own past experiences/trauma. I found myself going back and forth with which side I was on. Even the villain had moments where I felt bad for him…very short moments but still.
The playful banter and quirky supporting characters keep the mood light while also dealing with some darker themes. Feelings of abandonment, unworthiness, loneliness, duty, trust, redemption. It’s about letting yourself be loved and loving someone for who they are, not just the fantasy.
I am looking forward to reading more from this author and I’d like to thank @NetGalley for letting me read an advance copy in exchange for an honest review.
May 12, 2025
Note: Some of my goodreads shelves can be spoilers
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 - the writing was fine but it was more the tropes/plot that I wasn’t interested in
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 at least, may have missed some
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: not too far in – chapter 2 of 34
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, maybe a year or so in the future
Format: listened to an audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I was curious about her steam level because she’s coming to do a takeover in Upturned Petticoats
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think this one is a stand alone?
Basic plot:
Hetty is being blackmailed into marriage – but thankfully her childhood friend steps in to rescue her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1838
- African / English heroine
- Scottish hero
- hero wants to marry
- childhood friends to lovers
- marriage of convenience
- protective hero
- Duke hero
- blackmail
- mid to higher steam – at least 4 scenes, I might have missed some
Ages:
- didn’t catch them! But I want to say heroine is maybe early to mid 20s? And hero is maybe 5-6 years older than her? I think it’s mentioned but forgot to note it and I can’t search in audio
First line: taken from audio, may have butchered
Hettie clutched her reticule, feeling the crumpled letter inside against her fist.
My thoughts:
Sadly I struggled with this one – but it was purely a me thing. I really struggle with tempestuous maternal relationships and blackmail plots so this one started to drag for me.
I didn’t like that the heroine refused to be open about anything. Watching a character struggle while support is right next to her is immensely frustrating to me. I also just cannot stand blackmail plots. And I wanted the mains together more – their actual relationship was pretty easy in the beginning and I was left reading about the heroine moping around the house with the hero’s mom and maids being mean to her and her dog peeing on things. I was just bored, sadly! But it did get rather angsty towards the end and I loved that aspect but I also thought the hero was a bit of a jerk and not even attempting to understand the heroine’s POV.
So this did have aspects I liked but this particular one didn’t work for me – I am really, really eager to try this author’s Dragonblade Flame romances though!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
Overall: ⭐️⭐️⭐️
Readability: 📖📖📖 - the writing was fine but it was more the tropes/plot that I wasn’t interested in
Feels: 🦋🦋🦋
Emotional Depth: 💔💔💔
Sexual Tension: ⚡⚡⚡
Romance: 💞💞💞
Sensuality: 💋💋💋
Sex Scene Length: 🍑🍑🍑🍑
Steam Scale (Number of Sex Scenes): 🔥🔥🔥🔥 at least, may have missed some
Humor: A touch
Perspective: third person from both the hero and heroine
More character focused or plot focused? character
How did the speed of the story feel? slow to medium
When mains are first on page together: not too far in – chapter 2 of 34
Cliffhanger: No, this ends with a happily ever after
Epilogue: Yes, maybe a year or so in the future
Format: listened to an audiobook from my library (Hoopla)
Why I chose this book: I was curious about her steam level because she’s coming to do a takeover in Upturned Petticoats
Mains: This is a M/F relationship between a cishet hero and heroine
(Descriptions found at end of my review)
Should I read in order?
I think this one is a stand alone?
Basic plot:
Hetty is being blackmailed into marriage – but thankfully her childhood friend steps in to rescue her.
Give this a try if you want:
- Victorian – 1838
- African / English heroine
- Scottish hero
- hero wants to marry
- childhood friends to lovers
- marriage of convenience
- protective hero
- Duke hero
- blackmail
- mid to higher steam – at least 4 scenes, I might have missed some
Ages:
- didn’t catch them! But I want to say heroine is maybe early to mid 20s? And hero is maybe 5-6 years older than her? I think it’s mentioned but forgot to note it and I can’t search in audio
First line: taken from audio, may have butchered
Hettie clutched her reticule, feeling the crumpled letter inside against her fist.
My thoughts:
Sadly I struggled with this one – but it was purely a me thing. I really struggle with tempestuous maternal relationships and blackmail plots so this one started to drag for me.
I didn’t like that the heroine refused to be open about anything. Watching a character struggle while support is right next to her is immensely frustrating to me. I also just cannot stand blackmail plots. And I wanted the mains together more – their actual relationship was pretty easy in the beginning and I was left reading about the heroine moping around the house with the hero’s mom and maids being mean to her and her dog peeing on things. I was just bored, sadly! But it did get rather angsty towards the end and I loved that aspect but I also thought the hero was a bit of a jerk and not even attempting to understand the heroine’s POV.
So this did have aspects I liked but this particular one didn’t work for me – I am really, really eager to try this author’s Dragonblade Flame romances though!
Few random reading stats for this author
# of books read: This is my first!
Average rating from me: 3 stars
Favorite book: This one by default
Content warnings: These should be taken as a minimum of what to expect. It’s very possible I have missed some.
Locations of kisses/intimate scenes, safe sex aspects, consent, pregnancy/child in the story:
Extra stuff like what my review breakdown means, where to find me, and book clubs
July 24, 2023
Wow, what a great book! The characters and writing in this book pulled me in and wrenched at my heartstrings. There interactions between Hettie and Finn brought me to tears. A beautiful love story!!
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
I received a free copy of this book from the author. The thoughts and opinions are my own.
May 28, 2023
One Season with the Duke by Addy du Lac is such a wonderful read. The book got a little heart fluttering sweet historical romance, hot steamy love making scenes, a little bit of angst and suspense, tears from heart broken, a great supporting characters and a beautiful epilogue.
Henrietta's been threatened by her cousin with a secret about her parentage which she didn't even know. Tore with no choice, she must accept her cousin's hand in marriage to prevent from any scandal which can affect her family. Finn come to her rescue by suggesting to marry Henrietta himself. However, there are more to it to be reveal.
This book got everything I'll ever wanted, the sweetness in romance, the hot steamy scenes from the beginning untill the end and the heart wrenching sad moment which make me wet my pillow from all the tears. I'll definitely be reading more from Addy du Lac and I'm looking forward to read the next story.
Henrietta's been threatened by her cousin with a secret about her parentage which she didn't even know. Tore with no choice, she must accept her cousin's hand in marriage to prevent from any scandal which can affect her family. Finn come to her rescue by suggesting to marry Henrietta himself. However, there are more to it to be reveal.
This book got everything I'll ever wanted, the sweetness in romance, the hot steamy scenes from the beginning untill the end and the heart wrenching sad moment which make me wet my pillow from all the tears. I'll definitely be reading more from Addy du Lac and I'm looking forward to read the next story.
May 27, 2023
It was a good book I love the cover of this book is why i requested for it. I thank netgalley and entangled publishing for giving me this book to review.
It follows our main heroine Henrietta who is being blackmailed by her cousin, so she trys to run from him and marry her childhood friend Finn. I loved the angst in this book, it was really good marriage of convenience vibes. Her friend is a duke and she has to deal with his mother. She is a beautiful woman and I loved the relationship between her and Finn. Great story. 5 stars.
It follows our main heroine Henrietta who is being blackmailed by her cousin, so she trys to run from him and marry her childhood friend Finn. I loved the angst in this book, it was really good marriage of convenience vibes. Her friend is a duke and she has to deal with his mother. She is a beautiful woman and I loved the relationship between her and Finn. Great story. 5 stars.
January 5, 2024
This book features two of my least favorite plot devices blackmail and communication issues. So, for those reasons alone, I had a hard time getting into it. I found the communication issues especially frustrating. However, I did enjoy the writing style, and there was a good amount of steam. The spice level was overall pretty great!
I will definitely give this author another try, considering this is her debut.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
I will definitely give this author another try, considering this is her debut.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are my own.
August 15, 2023
Thank you NetGalley and Entangled Publishing, LLC for the chance to read and review this ARC.
The unfortunate part is this; that the book is unmemorable. I read it a few weeks back on vacation and while I normally don't take this long to review, I, for the life of me, could not remember what I disliked about the book. It's not a resounding yes, even if it's not a resounding no.
I do find that the main characters conversations with her cousin are something any Pakistani woman can relate to. So many Pakistani men feel the need to control their conversations and the way they interact with other people, and dress, simply because they are men. The cousin, and his whole line of, people like us belong together, felt like that.
The unfortunate part is this; that the book is unmemorable. I read it a few weeks back on vacation and while I normally don't take this long to review, I, for the life of me, could not remember what I disliked about the book. It's not a resounding yes, even if it's not a resounding no.
I do find that the main characters conversations with her cousin are something any Pakistani woman can relate to. So many Pakistani men feel the need to control their conversations and the way they interact with other people, and dress, simply because they are men. The cousin, and his whole line of, people like us belong together, felt like that.
July 2, 2023
This is a wonderful story about a woman of color and a Scottish Duke who had been childhood friends.
Henrietta Montfort, an orphan, had always lived with her aunt and uncle. When her scheming cousin blackmails her by telling her that she is illegitimate and she should marry him, she has no choice but to accept since she doesn't want to ruin her uncle's family.
Lord Findley (Finn), a childhood friend of Henrietta's comes to town and decides to offer for Hetty.
She turns him down even though she would rather marry him. Her uncle intervenes and she tells him what her cousin is doing. He makes the arrangement with Finn to elope with Hetty to Scotland.
This was a very interesting and entertaining story. There was a lot of mistrust and angst between the two main characters and her cousin was truly a bad person. Finn's strong mother, who doesn't care for Hetty is also an interesting character in the book.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and these are my honest opinions.
Henrietta Montfort, an orphan, had always lived with her aunt and uncle. When her scheming cousin blackmails her by telling her that she is illegitimate and she should marry him, she has no choice but to accept since she doesn't want to ruin her uncle's family.
Lord Findley (Finn), a childhood friend of Henrietta's comes to town and decides to offer for Hetty.
She turns him down even though she would rather marry him. Her uncle intervenes and she tells him what her cousin is doing. He makes the arrangement with Finn to elope with Hetty to Scotland.
This was a very interesting and entertaining story. There was a lot of mistrust and angst between the two main characters and her cousin was truly a bad person. Finn's strong mother, who doesn't care for Hetty is also an interesting character in the book.
This is the first book I have read by this author, but it won't be the last.
I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher and these are my honest opinions.
July 7, 2023
This is a wonderful and romantic story between a cross racial couple. Henrietta is a young black girl in the Ton. She is pleasant and wealthy. Findley is a duke who is working hard to restore his inheritance. These two have been friends since childhood. The plot is exceptionally good and gives the reader something to be excited about. The characters are interesting and entertaining. This story will definitely become a reader favorite.
November 17, 2024
He pressed three kisses to her head. He didn’t know why it always ended up being three, but somehow one never seemed enough.
This was a really cute romance and I will say upfront that most of the things that prevented me from enjoying this as much as I could have are things that other people will not mind or will probably enjoy. So if you're interested in this, do check it out. It's a historical romance between a mixed-race debutante orphan and her childhood friend, now a duke. Hettie is being blackmailed into marriage by her cousin, and is saved from a loveless marriage by Finn when he sweeps her off her feet and takes her back to Scotland. The only trouble is, she doesn't tell him what the blackmail is about, and her cousin is still lurking at the fringes.
This started off really cute. While I could have done with a little more insight into their background as childhood friends, and I wanted a little bit more meat on the bones of this relationship (because we're meant to believe that they already have a solid-ish foundation), I still found them really charming. Finn is head over heels, and has been since they were young, and it's always cute to read about smitten heroes like that. Hettie herself is a sweetheart. But I have to admit, both of these characters were incredibly boring. There was no life to either of them. And all of the ways in which they were interesting, they were ways that I've seen done in other books, so it really wasn't offering me anything new. I love tropes like this, and I honestly don't mind if a book is a little formulaic, but I really was genuinely bored with both of them. When Finn wasn't being a sensitive sweetheart (which I did enjoy), he was just every manly-man duke archetype stuffed into one, absolute cookie-cutter material. Hettie could have been a really interesting character for me, but every time the book seemed like it was going to say something interesting or important about race and the position of people of colour in their society, it quickly sidestepped away from it. I didn't want her mixed-race status to be the only thing about her plotline, but it was brought up so little, it felt weird.
Then the third act conflict came along and the book really lost me. Look, I know. I know. I get it. It's the 1800s and the characters are in the very highest classes of society. Certain things are going to be important to them. But the fact that a certain thing causes a schism between them and causes the hero to pull away in a really obnoxious way... I just could never see him the same again after that, knowing that that's apparently something that he let himself be swayed by. I get that this is a silly nitpick to have in a historical book, but it was so incredibly stupid to me. No matter the grovelling that came afterwards, it just never stopped bothering me, that THAT was the reason he pulled away. Really, dude? It's a romance, I'm meant to feel like these characters are made for each other, and after making a great showing in the first half, the hero really let me down. I can't say I really care about him. And then there's the fact that in the latter half, we're kinda dealing with a pregnancy side-plot, and this is personal, but I just don't like reading about those. I especially hate when a man looks at his love interest, and one of the reasons for her attractiveness is the kids that she can give him. Again, I know, it's a product of the time and the things that were important to these people, especially in their class of society. I just rarely enjoy reading about pregnancy. Then there was the fact that the villain character was horrendously one note, and this ends in a way that felt clichéd and dramatic for no reason at all. It felt like ticking boxes, rather than something that you might have reasonably expected to happen in this storyline.
Listening to the audiobook as read by Nneka Okoye, who never misses, never disappoints. I love all of her accents, and she always puts so much heart and emotion into her voices. I do think I would have given this a lower rating if I hadn't listened to the audio. I mean, maybe I'm being too nitpicky. I'll say it again: This was really cute. The writing was really good, and there's nothing wrong with revamping a tried-and-true plotline for a historical romance. I also knew I had to snap this up as soon I saw it was written by a Trini. It just didn't hit the right spot for me. Oh well!
July 4, 2023
Tropes: fish out of water, MC blackmailed, marriage of convenience, friends to lovers, interfering in-law, Big Secret
3.25 stars. I loved the cover for this book and was interested in reading a HR with a multicultural angle. The writing style is strong. Unfortunately, other than the MFC mentioning how she never quite fit with the Ton and felt like an outsider due to the color of her skin, there is no exploration of her roots or of prejudice during the Regency period. There is an underlying connection the MFC, Hettie, feels with her manipulative cousin Phillip due to race (she’s surprisingly easy on his behavior for the most part even so), but their childhoods aren’t well fleshed out. Phillip is just a two-dimensional sneering baddie. He runs hot-cold at times but has no compelling or redeeming qualities.
This is my biggest gripe with this book: thin characterizations and a storyline that gives into conventions. It isn’t a bad book, but based on the author’s smooth style it should have easily been a 4 star read. If only it didn’t bind itself up in trope constraints.
*Warning.................there are some possible spoilers ahead*
Finn, the MMC, becomes unrecognizable in the second half due to these constraints. Hettie's mother-in-law is another example. Before Hettie and Finn marry, she thinks of Hettie as a “nobody” and unworthy of Finn, then once they’re married she’s childish and self-centered. She claims she doesn’t like Hettie because Hettie doesn’t love Finn (ridiculous considering how affectionate Hettie is toward Finn; besides, love didn’t seem to be a requirement when mom was pressuring Finn to marry other women). The concept of racism lurks here, but is never addressed. Later in the book the mom-in-law has an abrupt character arc, because it’s convenient for the plot.
I was honestly disappointed by Finn. He starts off as a true cinnamon roll hero, then when the nitty-gritty of why Hettie is being blackmailed comes out, he throws a huge temper tantrum. It would have been more realistic if he and Hettie hadn’t started out as friends, but strangers, because it’s really hard to reconcile the Finn of the first 65% with the Finn of the rest of the book. He never asked Hettie at the beginning for details surrounding her blackmailing and pursued her quite adamantly. He also stood up for her when his mom was being a bully. But he didn’t help Hettie with the blackmail plot until the very end, as he was too busy scorning her and languishing in his angst.
As far as Hettie goes, she is a bit of a “Mary Sue” and on the gullible side. She is likable for the most part and does have scenes where she stands up for herself, but she is is very much controlled by plot mechanisms. I would have loved for her not to have settled for the HEA given her at the end.
The early banter between Finn and Hettie is fun and sweet, and their chemistry is good (although the language and behavior are pretty modern). The pacing is rather slack in the first half, with the major conflict first being between Hettie and Phillip and then between Hettie and her mother-in-law, but I enjoyed the details about Finn’s clan and the insights into life in Scotland. There are a few stand-out steamy scenes, such as when they're swimming in the cave together and he calls her a "selkie". I was hoping for some more interactions between Hettie and the people of the clan.
It’s just too bad the author followed the HR script so closely and chose angst over character development and a meaty storyline.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
3.25 stars. I loved the cover for this book and was interested in reading a HR with a multicultural angle. The writing style is strong. Unfortunately, other than the MFC mentioning how she never quite fit with the Ton and felt like an outsider due to the color of her skin, there is no exploration of her roots or of prejudice during the Regency period. There is an underlying connection the MFC, Hettie, feels with her manipulative cousin Phillip due to race (she’s surprisingly easy on his behavior for the most part even so), but their childhoods aren’t well fleshed out. Phillip is just a two-dimensional sneering baddie. He runs hot-cold at times but has no compelling or redeeming qualities.
This is my biggest gripe with this book: thin characterizations and a storyline that gives into conventions. It isn’t a bad book, but based on the author’s smooth style it should have easily been a 4 star read. If only it didn’t bind itself up in trope constraints.
*Warning.................there are some possible spoilers ahead*
Finn, the MMC, becomes unrecognizable in the second half due to these constraints. Hettie's mother-in-law is another example. Before Hettie and Finn marry, she thinks of Hettie as a “nobody” and unworthy of Finn, then once they’re married she’s childish and self-centered. She claims she doesn’t like Hettie because Hettie doesn’t love Finn (ridiculous considering how affectionate Hettie is toward Finn; besides, love didn’t seem to be a requirement when mom was pressuring Finn to marry other women). The concept of racism lurks here, but is never addressed. Later in the book the mom-in-law has an abrupt character arc, because it’s convenient for the plot.
I was honestly disappointed by Finn. He starts off as a true cinnamon roll hero, then when the nitty-gritty of why Hettie is being blackmailed comes out, he throws a huge temper tantrum. It would have been more realistic if he and Hettie hadn’t started out as friends, but strangers, because it’s really hard to reconcile the Finn of the first 65% with the Finn of the rest of the book. He never asked Hettie at the beginning for details surrounding her blackmailing and pursued her quite adamantly. He also stood up for her when his mom was being a bully. But he didn’t help Hettie with the blackmail plot until the very end, as he was too busy scorning her and languishing in his angst.
As far as Hettie goes, she is a bit of a “Mary Sue” and on the gullible side. She is likable for the most part and does have scenes where she stands up for herself, but she is is very much controlled by plot mechanisms. I would have loved for her not to have settled for the HEA given her at the end.
The early banter between Finn and Hettie is fun and sweet, and their chemistry is good (although the language and behavior are pretty modern). The pacing is rather slack in the first half, with the major conflict first being between Hettie and Phillip and then between Hettie and her mother-in-law, but I enjoyed the details about Finn’s clan and the insights into life in Scotland. There are a few stand-out steamy scenes, such as when they're swimming in the cave together and he calls her a "selkie". I was hoping for some more interactions between Hettie and the people of the clan.
It’s just too bad the author followed the HR script so closely and chose angst over character development and a meaty storyline.
I read an advanced reader copy of this book and this is my voluntary review. Opinions are my own.
June 5, 2023
Thanks @netgalleys for this review copy!
The publication date of this book is July 20, 2023.
1838, Hettie is being blackmailed into a marriage by her cousin. Because of a big secret…
And then her old friend Finn comes back. And is in shock that Hettie is engaged now. He was hoping he could have married her. And he also thinks the situation feels a bit weird. There is something wrong. Finn wants to marry Hettie and Hettie wants that as well. But she just can’t…
And then they flee together.
And I’m gonna tell you more. You should read yourself! 😁
The book comes across as a book from that period, based on the writing style. And in my head I’ve read it with a British accent 🤣. It was a bit posh.
Omg that Finn. What a sexy, confident man. And even sweet as well. Can I have one of those please?
Ok a bit more than halfway through: let’s take this back. He suddenly changes in an asshole after finding out about the secret. I don’t want him anymore now 🤣. Ok I understood why a little bit.
This book was a great love story. With secrets and intrigue. And really old fashioned.
The vibe was described very well.
If you want to read a historical romance, give this one a chance. It’s worth it.
I give the book:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
The publication date of this book is July 20, 2023.
1838, Hettie is being blackmailed into a marriage by her cousin. Because of a big secret…
And then her old friend Finn comes back. And is in shock that Hettie is engaged now. He was hoping he could have married her. And he also thinks the situation feels a bit weird. There is something wrong. Finn wants to marry Hettie and Hettie wants that as well. But she just can’t…
And then they flee together.
And I’m gonna tell you more. You should read yourself! 😁
The book comes across as a book from that period, based on the writing style. And in my head I’ve read it with a British accent 🤣. It was a bit posh.
Omg that Finn. What a sexy, confident man. And even sweet as well. Can I have one of those please?
Ok a bit more than halfway through: let’s take this back. He suddenly changes in an asshole after finding out about the secret. I don’t want him anymore now 🤣. Ok I understood why a little bit.
This book was a great love story. With secrets and intrigue. And really old fashioned.
The vibe was described very well.
If you want to read a historical romance, give this one a chance. It’s worth it.
I give the book:
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
July 16, 2023
Heiress Henrietta Monfort would never do anything to hurt her beloved aunt and uncle. But thanks to her cousin—who’s discovered a secret about her parentage that even she didn’t know—she is moments away from ruin…unless she marries him. Findley Phillipson, Duke of Montrose has always had a soft spot for Hettie. Discovering that she’s being blackmailed into marriage is nothing short of appallingly outrageous. So he’ll marry her himself. Now they’re racing for Scotland, praying they can outrun the jilted crook who seeks Hettie’s hand and her fortune.
An interesting & accomplished debut novel, the pace was good & the characters had depth. I really liked both Findley & Hettie & loved their journey to a HEA. Quite an emotional read, which had me shedding a few tears. I found once started it was hard to put down & devoured it in an afternoon. I look forward to more books from the author
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An interesting & accomplished debut novel, the pace was good & the characters had depth. I really liked both Findley & Hettie & loved their journey to a HEA. Quite an emotional read, which had me shedding a few tears. I found once started it was hard to put down & devoured it in an afternoon. I look forward to more books from the author
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 2, 2023
I really enjoyed this book. I am a big fan of historical romances, they are my fav in general and I have been wanting to read more books by POC and with MC that are POC so I wanted to read this book and it didn’t disappoint. There are sex scenes but it’s not super spicy if that is what you are looking for. I really like Hettie. I thought she understood how her role in society as biracial affected her differently than others and we saw that as part of her internal growth/struggle. Finn, he needed to grovel more in my opinion. But I’m glad they got there happily ever after once he decided to grow up. Thank you to NetGalley for the opportunity to read this book for my honest opinion.
May 28, 2023
One Season with the Duke by Addy du Lac was an excellent debut for this author. I like Regency romances, and this is a multicultural romance, which gives a new spin to the Regency genre. This book was angsty, suspenseful, and well-written.
Henrietta is being blackmailed by her cousin with a secret about her parentage. Left with little choice, unless she wants to bring a scandal to be family, she accepts her cousin's hand in marriage . Finn, a childhood friend, who has had a crush on Henrietta for years, suggests that she marry him for protection against blackmail. As the story continues to unfold, more secrets are revealed, and Henrietta and Finn's marriage may be in jeopardy.
This was a sweet romance and a quick read. I'll definitely be reading more from Addy du Lac, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #OneSeasonwiththeDuke #NetGalley
www.netgalley.com
Henrietta is being blackmailed by her cousin with a secret about her parentage. Left with little choice, unless she wants to bring a scandal to be family, she accepts her cousin's hand in marriage . Finn, a childhood friend, who has had a crush on Henrietta for years, suggests that she marry him for protection against blackmail. As the story continues to unfold, more secrets are revealed, and Henrietta and Finn's marriage may be in jeopardy.
This was a sweet romance and a quick read. I'll definitely be reading more from Addy du Lac, and I look forward to reading more from this author.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. #OneSeasonwiththeDuke #NetGalley
www.netgalley.com
June 2, 2024
Mmmm I love it when a romance novel hurts my feelings. It almost always means a grovel is coming, and no one grovels like a Scottish Duke who has to own up to lashing out because his pride was hurt.
Historicals aren't my go-to, but this one has been on my radar for a while, and I love to see more POC characters in them. Hettie is a great heroine, sweet, strong, and terrified of being rejected. And Finn is a great hero, self-sacrificing, giving, and kind (until he temporarily loses it and throws a fit for a few weeks). This is a friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience, but it's got some long term pining thrown in too. Add a blackmail threat and the need to run away to Scotland and it's got just enough drama to keep me happy. I loved Hettie's determination to throw herself into her new life as part of a Highland Clan, even when she doesn't get a warm welcome. And the feelings hurting. It's really such a balancing act to write a hero who messes up as badly as Finn does and have me still like him by the end, but Addy pulls it off. And I love how Hettie stands up for herself, without ever losing her sweetness. Overall, a very enjoyable romance.
Historicals aren't my go-to, but this one has been on my radar for a while, and I love to see more POC characters in them. Hettie is a great heroine, sweet, strong, and terrified of being rejected. And Finn is a great hero, self-sacrificing, giving, and kind (until he temporarily loses it and throws a fit for a few weeks). This is a friends-to-lovers marriage of convenience, but it's got some long term pining thrown in too. Add a blackmail threat and the need to run away to Scotland and it's got just enough drama to keep me happy. I loved Hettie's determination to throw herself into her new life as part of a Highland Clan, even when she doesn't get a warm welcome. And the feelings hurting. It's really such a balancing act to write a hero who messes up as badly as Finn does and have me still like him by the end, but Addy pulls it off. And I love how Hettie stands up for herself, without ever losing her sweetness. Overall, a very enjoyable romance.
December 15, 2023
Henrietta is being blackmailed into marriage by her cousin because he feels the money her parents left her should have been his. When her childhood friend Lord Findlay, that she hasn't seen in years but who grew up well, offers to marry her to save her from this situation she initially rebuffs him to protect him and her family from scandal.
Finn has been infatuated with Hettie for years but they were to young when he saw her last, but he is in town looking for a wife and hoping it will be her when he finds out she's engaged. When he learns the circumstances and she turns him down he tells her she has till her wedding to change her mind and is so happy when she does even though he knows she isn't in love with him. Things go ok for a bit and then chaos ensues.
This is only my second 5 star romance this year but it had everything I love, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, smart characters, angst and a really good(if not quite perfect) grovel, 100% recommend this!
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Entangled Publishing
Finn has been infatuated with Hettie for years but they were to young when he saw her last, but he is in town looking for a wife and hoping it will be her when he finds out she's engaged. When he learns the circumstances and she turns him down he tells her she has till her wedding to change her mind and is so happy when she does even though he knows she isn't in love with him. Things go ok for a bit and then chaos ensues.
This is only my second 5 star romance this year but it had everything I love, friends to lovers, marriage of convenience, smart characters, angst and a really good(if not quite perfect) grovel, 100% recommend this!
I received this ARC through NetGalley and Entangled Publishing
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