The Daring Debutante

The Duchess Society #6.5

by Tracy Sumner

"A delicious mix of grumpy/sunshine, childhood-friends-to-lovers, and forbidden desire—this book sizzles from the first page!" — ★★★★★ Amazon Review, M. Lawson

Welcome to the next generation in the Duchess Society!

Nigel Streeter has everything a man in 1840s London could want—wealth, power, and the armor of indifference. Scarred by his past and unimpressed by the ton’s glittering façade, he’s mastered the art of keeping his heart under lock and key.

Enter Arabella clever, audacious, and utterly impossible to ignore. Society calls her a scandal waiting to happen. Nigel calls her trouble. The worst kind. The kind he can’t stay away from.

One problem—she’s the daughter of his father’s oldest friend. Which makes her forbidden. Untouchable. Off-limits.

Yet when Arabella’s bold spirit collides with Nigel’s carefully guarded world, sparks ignite into a blaze neither can control. Secrets, temptation, and stolen moments threaten to upend everything. To claim her would be ruin. To resist her could be the end of him.

Steamy, sharp, and impossible to put down, The Daring Debutante is a steamy romance brimming with scandal, redemption, and a love too reckless—and too perfect—to deny. Perfect for fans of Sarah MacLean and Kerrigan Byrne.


The Duchess Society Series
The Ice Duchess
The Governess Gamble
The Brazen Bluestocking
The Scandalous Vixen
The Wicked Wallflower
One Wedding and an Earl
Two Scandals and a Scot
Three Sins and a Scoundrel

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Novella, Friends To Lovers, Fiction, Christmas

88 pages, Kindle Edition

Published October 2, 2025

About the author

"Witty dialogue and steamy sensuality.”

—Publisher’s Weekly

The USA Today bestselling author's storytelling career began when she picked up a historical romance on a college beach trip, and she fondly blames LaVyrle Spencer for her obsession with the genre. She’s a recipient of the National Reader’s Choice, HOLT Medallion, Golden Leaf and MAGGIE among others. She lived in New York, Paris and Taipei before returning to NYC.

When not writing sizzling love stories about feisty heroines and their temperamental-but-entirely-lovable heroes, Tracy enjoys reading, snowboarding, college football (Go Tigers!), yoga, and travel. She loves to hear from romance readers!

Find me everywhere on social here!
https://linktr.ee/tracysumner

Reviews

[saffiyah✧ఌ · Rating 1 out of 5]

i originally requested this novella because i wanted to give the historical romance genre another try but ultimately i don't think it's for me. it may just be the writing style but i just don't like how books in the genre generally feel like the author is trying too hard to place their readers in a specific time period.

if you want a short story with bridgerton vibes though, this may be for you


thank you to netgalley and the publisher for an arc <3

[eyes.2c · Rating 5 out of 5]

Trouble! Thy name is Arabella!

What to do with a wild child who stirs your blood? Nigel Streeter knows he’s not worthy of his mentor’s daughter Arabella. Xander Macaughley was his father’s closest friend. Tobias Streeter is hailed as the Rogue King of Limehouse Basin. Nigel sees Xander more like an uncle who’s befriended and guided him. He now runs Xander’s gambling palace the Devil’s Lair near the Limehouse Docks.
Nigel’s known Bella from a childhood. In his eyes he’s too old for her. He has no society background, nothing except his wits. Besides he’s vowed never to fall in love or become entangled with innocent young things.
The problem is that Bella has set her sights on Nigel. He’s not going to win when pitted against the determination of this wilful young woman. A young woman who’s been very much brought up to be an independent thinker.
Part of Sumner’s Duchess society series, this one’s a winner,
An amusing, steamy novella where the rogue is pursued.

A Booksirens ARC
Many thanks to the author and publisher.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is my 12th book by Tracy Sumner. Honestly I have to say some of her books are a hit or miss for me. I have notes on various reads, some are good reads, some are great reads and some I actually DNF and returned them but I actually have been liking this series so hopefully it follows along with the others in that respect. Someone in my FB group said she read as an ARC and it was a really good read.

Well I don't disagree. I loved Nigel and Bella. Great couple, great story, great, hot sex. I wish it would have been a bit longer. It was super short. They were such a good couple, I wanted more.

[Nikisha · Rating 4 out of 5]

4.5 ⭐️
Read if you like: novella, grumpy MMC, age gap, family friends, experienced mmc and virgin fmc, unrequited love, Christmas setting, scarred hero

This was such a sweet read filled with yearning 💕 I am just obsessed with Tracy Sumner’s writing

Nigel is the grumpiest mmc (rightfully so with his sad childhood). He is 10 years older and a very experienced rake.
Arabella is bold, witty, and just wanted Nigel to notice her. Their banter and chemistry had me screaming at them to get together 😫🫶🏻
I was obsessed with how they were comfortable with each other and how they didn’t need to filter their conversations to be polite. I love how their banter was filled with sass, name calling, snappiness, and honesty.

Oh and that absolutely magical, steamy first kiss?? Or later on when he sweeps her off her feet? - I was left absolutely breathless reading this book 🥰🤭

Thank you Wolf Publishing and NetGalley for this ARC, I am voluntarily leaving my honest review

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to BookSirens for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion...

This is a short story continuing in The Duchess Society series - but is now moving onto the next generation apparently, starting with this story. This bridges the two generations in a bit of a age gap, different social status (perceived anyways) romance. Nigel Streeter, young street-savvy ragamuffin that became the adopted son of Tobias Streeter, has grown up, and became a success in his own right, both as a rake, and a businessman and managers of the club started by McCauley and Streeter. Arabella McCauley is the beloved, but headstrong daughter of Angus McCauley, Nigel's mentor and another beloved father figure. Nigel works hard to stay away from Arabella, deeply suppressing his desire for her. But just like her mother, Arabella is stubborn and goes hard after what she wants, and what she wants very much is Nigel.

A lovely short story that acts as a bridge between the two generations and as epilogues to the love stories of McCauleys and the Streeters. Both sweet and steamy.

4 stars out of 5

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

In the bustling streets of 1840s London, a jaded and world-weary man, Nigel Streeter, carries the scars of a tortuous past. Wealthy, enigmatic, and resolutely unattached, he’s content to navigate the glittering ton with icy detachment, never allowing anyone to breach the fortress around his heart. Arabella Macauley, emerges as an irresistible force of nature. With her sparkling wit and boundless curiosity, she's the talk of the Town, a tempestuous breath of fresh air in a world stifled by convention.
Friends from childhood Nigel & Arabelle, they were also from very different backgrounds, I loved Nigel & my heart bled for all he’d suffered during his childhood, I liked Arabelle who was spoiled & headstrong. I loved their journey to a HEA
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[Mina · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved it! I loved Nigel as much as I love his dad! Absolutely amazing story. Tracy Sumner continues to be my favorite historical romance author.

[Margaret · Rating 5 out of 5]

Bella takes some wise advice from her mother and goes after what she wants, Nigel Streeter. Running the gambling den, the Devil's Lair, he's known for the many women that come and go in his life, preferably widows. Attracted to Bella, he fights it because he thinks he's not good enough, but she gambles in seduction to win. He doesn't stand a chance.Very hot descriptive sex.
I voluntarily read and reviewed a copy of this book gifted by the author.

[Karmen O · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Daring Debutante by Tracy Sumner, a Duchess Society novella
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Cover: 5/5
Story: 4/5
Steam: 🔥 (+kissing, mentioned scene not on page)
Ending: HEA with an epilogue
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Stand Alone or Series: Could be read as a stand alone, but is the next generation of main characters from The Duchess Society series. Readers would benefit from reading at least book one and book three.
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London, Victorian Era (1846)
Brooding Gambling Hell Manager
Assertive Enthusiast Debutante
Not Enemies, Not Friends
Age Gap ( 21F,33M)
Non-Peer Couple
Class Difference-ish
Christmas Adjacent
Rakish Hero
Grumpy/Sunshine
Victorian Novella
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Sumner has been able to craft book after book of absolutely fantastic romance throughout this series. It was neat to get to revisit some of the star characters from earlier in the series, specifically Xander, who was such a stand-out character in previous books. This book opens up many doors for additional books in the series focusing on the next generation of the Leighton Cluster which I do hope happens!

Readers have been following Nigel since book one and have truly grown to love him. It was so enjoyable to have the chance to check back in with Nigel and see how he has grown as a person and man of business within the gaming hell. He still has this idea that he isn't "good enough" due to his impoverished beginnings despite becoming a truly successful man.

Arabella makes for the perfect partner for Nigel. She is strong enough to weather any storm they may encounter all while remaining loyal and confident. She is such a likable, loving character that you can't help but adore her. Like her mother, Pippa, she can understand a man who had a difficult beginning and see the great man he has become.

Overall, this romance is pretty easy breezy with limited conflict. "The issue" isn't pressed too hard for too long, which keeps the tone of this book positive and heart swelling.

As for steam, Sumner uses both explicit and alluded-to language in her steam scenes. While sporting a single full-steam scene the scene is a great length, well-written, and passionate.
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Read as an ebook ARC. Thank you to Tracy Sumner and Book Sirens.
Honest review left voluntarily.
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Content Warning (may contain spoilers):
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MMC was abandoned as a child
Victorian child labor practices

[Jessica White · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a breath of fresh air! It’s been awhile since I’ve visited the Duchess Society and a rookery in Limehouse and I realized I missed them. This novella is best read after reading Tobias Streeter and Xander Macauley’s stories from The Brazen Bluestocking and The Wicked Wallflower as it involves the children of these men (and of course cameos of them as well). Arabella is smart, assertive, and knows what she wants and that is her childhood friend, Nigel Streeter. Nigel is well known for his, ahem, seduction in the bedroom, as well as his gaming hell and whiskey partnership with Arabella’s father. So when circumstances allow for Nigel to see Arabella in a new light, like the men of Leighton Cluster that have come before him, he’s profoundly knocked on his arse with adoration for Bel.

This story is both sweet and sexy, with a bit of friends-to-lovers storytelling and the perfect amount of open door steam that has Nigel falling at Arabella’s feet. And with a Christmastime setting, this novella has the perfect cozy warmth I’ve come to love and expect from Tracy Sumner. This novella did exactly what one is supposed to do—make me happy to revisit past characters and introducing me to new ones whilst wrapping it up in a perfectly paced glimpse at young love. I received an early copy of this novella, all opinions are my own.

[Imromanticallyinvolved · Rating 5 out of 5]

Tracy Sumner is back with another tempestuous love story of two determined people locked in a battle of wills with characters who give as good as they get.

Arabella Macauley inherited the best (worst?) traits of her parents - spirit, curiosity, stubbornness and determination. She was raised to go after what she wants and what she wants is Nigel Streeter. Not knowing exactly how to accomplish this she first asks herself "What would Pippa do?"

Nigel Streeter 's life was transformed when he was rescued from the harsh realities of the rookery as a young boy. He now lives with integrity and unwavering loyalty to the family that welcomed him in. Despite his transformation from the squalor of the slums, he remains haunted by his past, feeling marked by its shadows. Can he ever be deserving of Arabella, the cherished daughter of one of his benefactors?

Once again, the warmth and sincerity of the Leighton Cluster brings another book to life. Fast-paced, lively romance that leaves me feeling like I've made new friends. The cameo appearances of past characters had me smiling with a feeling of coming home. Filled with bits of angst, wit, swoon and heat that keep you turning the pages. Her intimate scenes sizzle with explicit yet emotional depth that I find to be just about perfect. Sumner has a brilliant talent for bringing her characters to life, and embracing the reader into her stories. Beautiful writing that sparkles with charm, wisdom, spice and just plain good fun!

If you've liked her other books you are sure to like this one just as much. If you've never read one - what are you waiting for?

I was honored to receive an early copy. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Natalia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I wish it were longer, that's the common feeling when you finish a Tracy Sumner book. It doesn't matter if it's a short story or a full-length novel.
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Each book in The Duchess Society series follows the story and journey of a family member who finds love unexpectedly and goes to great lengths to not lose it. Each character is fierce, strong and Arabella McAuley is no exception.
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Nigel Streeter is a man made on the streets and runs several businesses whom is like an uncle to him, Arabella's father. That's why when she appears in the middle of the night asking for help to get home without being noticed, he can't refuse.
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But Arabella is as strong as she is determined and is not interested in dancing and choosing a husband from the dukes and Lord of the Ton. And he begins to see her with different eyes, she knows what she wants and has no problem taking risks and going for it just like the women in her family .
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This story is short, entertaining and with all the chemistry that only Tracy Sumner can handle in so few pages, so it is perfect that there are more books in the series.
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Thanks to Tracy Summer and Wolf Publishing for give me a copy of this beautiful book in exchange for my honest and voluntary opinion.

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 5 out of 5]

There’s something so fun about reading of the adventures of the generation following the ones you fell in love with the first time around. In fact, I think Pippa and Macauley’s story was my favorite one, so to see Arabella, their daughter, face off against Nigel Streeter, son of Tobias and Hildy Streeter, was wonderful. And Arabella is so much a blend of her parents; Nigel doesn’t stand a chance. Luckily, since it’s a novella, the agony of him trying to fight and deny his feelings for her doesn’t get dragged out. Having grown up hearing the romantic stories of their own parents, Arabella knows what to expect and Nigel knows just what’s expected of him. And they don’t disappoint. I loved it!

As usual, some of the imagery was noteworthy so here are a few of my favorites: “...they flowed like two cups of water poured into one vessel.” “Her eyes were the dark hue of gunmetal, and the ringing in his ears sounded as if she’d discharged the pistol by his head.” “As he’d been told a thousand times by his father, a man didn’t choose. Love chose you. Unexpectedly, like a blow to the head.”

[Elle Cheshire · Rating 5 out of 5]

I absolutely loved getting a book for the second generation of the Leighton cluster! Xander Maculey and Tobias Streeter are two of my favourites so getting a romance between their daughter and son was just too perfect!

I loved that Arabella followed in the footsteps of her mother and adored her boldness and determination to have Nigel. And Nigel was just so lovely. It made my heart all mushy that he was Tobias’s adopted son and also saw Xander as a father type figure - the love he received from this giant family and the life that he’s had with them all just makes me emotional. I loved it so much!

This was a very romantic quick novella with two characters you can’t help but love from the get go. Nigel didn’t feel he was good enough for arabella but once she tempted him into kissing her, he was a lost cause. It was delectable and a lovely read if your loving for a quick dose of serotonin! Also the spice was excellent as always and I just felt the love they had for the each was leaping off the page. A wonderful read

4.5 stars

[Jennifer · Rating 4 out of 5]

Note: some of my shelves may contain spoilers

History repeats itself in this charming holiday novella from The Duchess Society series by Tracy Sumner and features the next generation, the children of characters whose love stories are presented in earlier books, specifically in The Brazen Bluestocking and The Wicked Wallflower. This novella features Arabella Macauley, the headstrong, never-take-no-for-an-answer, just-like her-mother only daughter of Xander and Pippa Macauley and Nigel Streeter, the former rookery boy adopted at age 11 by Tobias and Hildy Streeter who has grown into a sinfully handsome albeit brooding, highly successful gaming hell manager for The Devil's Lair. Arabella sets her sights on Nigel, who is eleven years her senior, much like her mother set her sights on her then rookery-raised father, and doesn't give up until Nigel, with much encouragement from his family and friends, allows himself to embrace his future with Arabella. It's short, steamy and moves fast, with lovely prose as Nigel lets a little bit of Arabella's sunshine into his world.

I enjoyed their love story, although I would suggest reading the other books in the series first so that the set-up for Arabella and Nigel's coming together later on is more poignant, especially as their parents weigh in on their evolving relationship. I also would have liked the epilogue to deal with Nigel and Arabella more directly, after they've married and are expanding their own family, rather than through the eyes of Pippa and Xander - though the Macauleys are definitely well-loved characters in this series!

I received an Advance Reader Copy from the author, and I am leaving my honest review voluntarily.

[LV · Rating 4 out of 5]

In this novella we step into the future and see the stories of two of the children from the Duchess society couples.

It is a great read, and a treat for fans of the series. Arabella, is very much Xander and Pippa s daughter and Nigel has little chance against her. It was also amusing to see how Xander dealt with a daughter old enough to make her own decisions. We also get a glimpse at a few past characters and their children.

The book has a lot of charm, there are not many surprises and I wish it were a little longer but I do see it as a must read. Also shows potential for more spin offs of the duchess society heirs.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

Why are kids in romance or babies in epilogues so great?
Because you get to have second generation romances!!!

Tracy Sumner continues her legacy of take no prisoner, heroines finding love and getting what they want in her first second generation book for her Duchess Society with The Daring Debutante!

Arabella Macaulay is the belle of the ton, but in true Duchess Society fashion she falls for a man with a jaded and haunted past- Nigel Streeter and won’t take his protests of unworthiness to heart.

I had so much fun watching these children follow in the footsteps of their parents and fall unabashedly in love and unapologetically fight for the right to love who they love!

Novella was a fun and quick read that had me not wanting to put it down! I have quite a few of the Duchess Society books, but even without that this romance is solid enough that new readers can jump right in and then enjoy Arabella and Tobias‘s romance!

If you’re a fan class, different romances and where she fight for their love - this is the romance for you!

Thank you to Tracey Sumner, and Book Sirens for my review copy.

[Mariama Thorlu-Bangura · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another wonderful love story! It was a joy to read about a union between the children of Tobias and Macauley. The same fiery relationship that Pippa and Macauley had is what Nigel and Arabella share. It was cool to read a continuation of that love and passion. I look forward to more from Ms. Sumner, as she never disappoints!

Thanks to NetGalley and Wolf Publishing for this arc. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Loujean Noble · Rating 5 out of 5]

In this book, The Daring Debutante, the two main characters are Nigel Streeter and Arabella Macauley. Nigel is the adopted son of Tobias Streeter (The Brazen Bluestocking) and Arabella is the beautiful daughter of Xander Macauley (The Wicked Wallflower).
Nigel tries very hard to stay away from Arabella even though he is attracted to her. He feels he’s too old for her and he also feels he is not worthy of her. Xander has trained Nigel to manage the Devil’s Lair plus they are very good friends so that also complicated things for Nigel.
But what Nigel doesn’t realize is that he is up against the beautiful and determined Arabella who knows she loves Nigel and will do anything to be with him.
Even though this is a novella and of course I would have liked to have at least 200 more pages to read about these two great families, I was very happy with how the book flowed and there was never a dull moment.
With Tracy Sumner as the author you know there will be some very sexy times happening with these two and all I can say is that those times are very entertaining.
When the two fathers finally realize what’s happening between Nigel and Arabella they both show up early one morning outside Nigel’s doorstep to confront them both but that ended up being a very heart warming part of the book when the fathers realize the love their children show to one another.
As always Tracy Sumner does not disappoint and as you read this book you know these two will end up together but their journey to get there is a priceless adventure.
I was given an Advanced Reader Copy through Book Funnel and this is my honest review of this great book.

[Julie reads romance · Rating 4 out of 5]

Cute, low angst historical romance. I’m not a huge fan of novellas in general because they move so quickly that it is hard for there to be enough character development to make the happy ending believable. That being said, this is very cute and is definitely worth reading when you want to something light and quick.

[Ellie Sutton · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this novella! I highly recommend it to anyone who enjoys a grumpy MMC, age gap, family friends and a troubled hero tropes.
I enjoyed Arabella a lot, she was such a strong character and relentlessly pursued what she wanted. She is so witty and the banter in the book was great! I also enjoyed the Christmas setting.

[i_hype_romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

This book was absolutely DELICIOUS.

Nigel is one of my favorite side characters from the Duchess Society books and I loved seeing him get his own story!
And my heart… Toby and Hildy and Xander and Pippa as parents…
The depictions of them as parents were so sweet and relatable.

I will be reading it again and again!

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

I read this book as part of an anthology and loved it then and love it still. It was a great addition to the The Duchess Society series. Nigel Streeter and Arabella Macauley have known each other since childhood. Arabella is a bit like her mother in that she knows what she wants, is willing to go after it, and she wants Nigel. Fun story that made me smile. Looking forward to rereading it again soon.

[Gina · Rating 5 out of 5]

Nigel and Bell

Bell decides she has waited long enough for Nigel to notice her and goes after what she wants. Nigel is annoyed by her. He feels he is too old for her and too low born. But he can't help falling for the exciting, kind, and beautiful Bell. Hopefully, her dad, also his partner in business, will agree.

[Alexandra G · Rating 4 out of 5]

Like mother, like daughter… Arabella set her sights on Nigel, the man her father’s best friend plucked from the rookery gutter as a small boy and who is now running her father’s gaming hell, a long time ago.
Feisty, fearless and far too clever she’s not about to take no for an answer. Scarred and scowling he may be, but she knows exactly how to handle the men in her tribe, and he’s no exception.
To him she’s a brat, a forbidden fruit, a temptation he must resist. Someone like him would never do for someone like her. Besides, he’s much too old and damaged for her, isn’t he?

A naughty fast-paced novella with a dash of Christmas magic, this was a wonderful trip back to the world of the Duchess Society - little cameos everywhere - and the father/daughter and father/son moments where especially touching. I really like to see characters grow up and evolve over time, and it was great fun seeing history repeat itself!

[Cindy C. · Rating 4 out of 5]

The Daring Debutante is an enjoyable quick read, with characters that leave you looking forward to more stories by Tracey Sumner.

[Shelby Gee · Rating 4 out of 5]

I love re-entering the Duchess Society (and seeing the next generation)! Little Nigel grown up and hopelessly in love was the perfect sweet (and spicy) novella.

I read an ARC.

[Karon Price · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella and Nigel are the offspring of two of the most loved Duchess Society couples. Based on her own parents love story Arabella knows to go after what she wants, even if Nigel is convinced he's too old and not good enough socially for her. But she's not giving up and he can't help himself from being the protective hero. These two burn up the sheets and the pages of this story. I loved how the first gen couples helped this couple along, giving great advice. And a very nice HEA. I hope this is the beginning of more second gen stories.

[Tkmla · Rating 5 out of 5]

„Das Abenteuer der waghalsigen Debütantin“ von Tracy Sumner ist eine knisternde Weihnachtsnovelle und der fünfte und finale Band ihrer Regency Romance Reihe The Duchess Society.
Die stürmische Liebesgeschichte ihrer Eltern ist eine Inspiration für die lebenslustige und waghalsige Arabella Macauley. Sie möchte ebenfalls einen Mann, dem ihr ganzes Herz gehört und ohne den sie nicht leben kann. Das Objekt ihrer Begierde ist ausgerechnet der elf Jahre ältere Nigel Streeter, der Adoptivsohn der engsten Freunde ihrer Eltern, mit dem Arabella quasi großgeworden ist. Nigel führt die bekannteste Spielhölle Londons und kennt das harte Leben auf den Straßen Londons. Eine Frau wie Arabella war für ihn immer unerreichbar, aber gegen ihren offensiven Charme und ihre Überzeugungskünste ist Nigel völlig chancenlos. Er muss sich nun entscheiden, ob er auf sein Herz oder seine Vernunft hören möchte.

Die unterhaltsame Reihe der Duchess Society hat mir unglaublich gut gefallen und es ist sehr schön, dass wir mit Arabella und Nigel die nächste Generation erleben dürfen. Die weihnachtliche Novelle verschafft uns ein Wiedersehen mit einigen bekannten Charakteren und es macht definitiv mehr Spaß, wenn man die vorangegangenen Bücher gelesen hat. Der mitreißende Schreibstil von Tracy Sumner funktioniert auch in dieser kurzen und funkensprühenden Lovestory überaus gut, die den perfekten Abschluss ihrer Reihe bildet.
Arabella ähnelt ihrer Mutter ganz gewaltig, denn auch diese ließ ihrem Vater keine wirkliche Chance auf Gegenwehr. Es ist süß, wie verliebt die bisherigen Paare auch nach Jahren noch sind, und sehr witzig, wie schwer es Arabellas Vater fällt, seine Prinzessin loszulassen.
Nigel ist zwar nicht der leibliche Sohn von Tobias und Hildy, aber auch er ähnelt mit seinem Sturkopf seinem Vater sehr. Vielleicht kann ihm dieser aber einen hilfreichen Rat geben, damit Nigels Happy End nicht so lang dauert, wie das seiner Eltern.
Ich hatte viel Spaß beim Lesen, was bei den sympathischen Charakteren kein Wunder ist. Die unterhaltsame Weihnachtsnovelle lohnt sich auf jeden Fall und bekommt von mir eine klare Leseempfehlung!

[Katy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Arabella Macauley had grown into a beauty, but she hadn’t outgrown her wild streak. While the freedoms she had been accorded growing up, along with her quick intelligence, made her outspoken as well as a bit reckless in situations where she was sure she was right. This night, it caused trouble for herself and Nigel Streeter. After assisting her campaign with an elopement to Gretna Green, she needed a ride home and a means to enter her home undetected. Nigel, having lived on the streets until he was 10, before being adopted by Tobias Streeter, could get into any place with ease. Of course there was an ulterior motive as well, Arabella was in love with Nigel, even though he barely acknowledged her. So, when the opportunity to visit The Devil’s Lair, Nigel’s place of residence and his gaming house presented itself, she would certainly make use of it.

Nigel had noticed her. However, he was more than a decade older than Arabella. He had been nameless until he had chosen one for himself as a boy in the orphanage, he didn’t even know his birth date. Escaping the orphanage he had lived on the streets and worked as a tanner, leaving scars on his rough hands. Two decades later, he ran a successful business, a gaming house, no place for a lady like her. He’d come to the decision to purchase a large house in a good neighborhood and move out of the The Devil’s Lair. He had the funds and now was the time to put them to good use. He’d been rambling around the big empty place, with few furnishings, when the bell rang. Why wasn’t he surprised that his first uninvited guest was Arabella, nor did she have even a maid with her. As she stood there, she remarked on the outside cold, while pointedly asking if he wasn’t going to invite her in. Watching her as she took off her cloak, his father’s words came back to him, “let her in.” At one point he even asked her if coming to his home had only been an excuse to see him. Her quick response was, “of course, it was.” This could mean trouble for both of them.

It started with The Duchess Society series, several ladies playing matchmakers with no regard for the station from which the men they cared for might come. Tracy Sumner has given us a look into the future with the children of Xander Macauley and Tobais Streeter with this romantic tale of a spirited, strong willed young woman and a gent who doesn’t believe he is good enough. Within the first couple of pages, I felt I knew Nigel and Arabella. It was plain to see that in spite of their intelligence it would be “push you, pull you” to get them together. The dialog had me chuckling, wanting to smack Nigel in the back of his head, to wake him up to what Arabella was offering him. Love and chance to have a family of his own. There is a sadness about him, in spite of the years he has lived with the Streeters. Arabella is her own person. I truly enjoyed her spunk. She has loved Nigel for years and waited in hopes he would finally notice her. However, she has finally had enough, it is time to make him see her, the love she has for him and to show him they would be happier together than apart.
“The Daring Debutante” is a quick read with more substance than you might expect from a novella. I loved catching up with characters from the Duchess Society and the fact that they played a significant part in the book. I thoroughly enjoyed the chase, the indecision, the awaking and the spicy romance when Nigel finally realized he needed Arabella in his life and in his bed. I highly recommend this tale along with the Duchess Society books that have come before it. I look forward to more stories by Tracy Sumner.