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Dancing in the Duke's Arms
Why Do Dukes Fall in Love?
Every summer the cream of society gathers at the Dukeries, named for the ducal estates concentrated in one small corner of Nottinghamshire. While the entertainments include parties, balls, and a famous boat race, the ducal hosts and their guests find heartbreak, love and happy endings.
Four heartwarming stories from four bestselling historical romance authors.
MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? by Grace Burrowes
The trouble with Houseparties. . .
Gerard Hammersley, Duke of Hardcastle, is dragooned by an old friend into attending a house party, though Hardcastle refuses to fall prey to the matchmakers who relish such gatherings. He recruits his nephew’s prim, prickly governess, Miss Ellen MacHugh, to preserve him from being compromised by the conniving debutantes, and offers in exchange to deflect the drunken viscounts who plague Ellen.
. . . Is that they must end.
Ellen agrees to Hardcastle’s scheme for two reasons. First, she’s been attracted to His Grace since the day she laid eyes on him, and knows that behind Hardcastle’s lack of charm lies a ferociously loyal and faithful heart. Second, she’s departing from Hardcastle’s household at the conclusion of the house party, and two weeks safeguarding His Grace’s bachelorhood is as much pleasure—and as much torment—as she can endure before she leaves him.
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville
Too Many Scandals
After months of marriage, the Duke of Linton agreed to live apart from his wife. Thrown together due to a scheduling error, Linton finds Althea still has the power to make his heart race. Linton seems different from the critical, indifferent man Althea married. But though she burns for him as a lover, can she trust him to be the husband she needs?
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen
There’s no such thing as the perfect hero…
Nathan Cauley, tenth Duke of Wyndover, is so handsome ladies swoon—literally swoon. His blond hair and blue eyes certainly draw attention at the Duke of Sedgemere’s house party, but Nathan doesn’t want a fawning young miss for his duchess. He stumbles upon a bedraggled woman sleeping under Sedgemere’s bridge, and his protective instincts stir. When he recognizes her as the princess he fell in love with eight years before, he’s determined to win not only her affections but her heart.
Or is there?
After revolutionaries massacre Princess Vivienne’s family, she and the head of her guard flee to England. Before they can reach London to beg asylum, assassins kill the last of her defenders. Vivienne is alone and on the run when the Duke of Wyndover comes to her rescue. She barely remembers meeting him years before, and isn’t comfortable with gentlemen who are more attractive than she is. Nathan is more than a pretty face, though, and when the assassins return, he might just prove to be the duke Vivienne has been waiting for.
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel
The Duke of Stoke Teversault has well earned his reputation for bloodless calculation. Indeed, recently widowed Georgina Lark has no idea he’s loved her since before her late husband swept her off her feet. Stoke Teversault means to keep it that way. The cold and forbidding duke and the blithe and open Georgina could not be less suited in any capacity. And yet, when Georgina and her sister arrive at his home, his ice-bound heart may melt away.
Georgina Lark has never thought of thought of the Duke of Stoke Teversault as a man capable of inducing passion in anyone. He’s long disapproved of her, but she will be forever grateful to him for his assistance after her husband died.
Every summer the cream of society gathers at the Dukeries, named for the ducal estates concentrated in one small corner of Nottinghamshire. While the entertainments include parties, balls, and a famous boat race, the ducal hosts and their guests find heartbreak, love and happy endings.
Four heartwarming stories from four bestselling historical romance authors.
MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? by Grace Burrowes
The trouble with Houseparties. . .
Gerard Hammersley, Duke of Hardcastle, is dragooned by an old friend into attending a house party, though Hardcastle refuses to fall prey to the matchmakers who relish such gatherings. He recruits his nephew’s prim, prickly governess, Miss Ellen MacHugh, to preserve him from being compromised by the conniving debutantes, and offers in exchange to deflect the drunken viscounts who plague Ellen.
. . . Is that they must end.
Ellen agrees to Hardcastle’s scheme for two reasons. First, she’s been attracted to His Grace since the day she laid eyes on him, and knows that behind Hardcastle’s lack of charm lies a ferociously loyal and faithful heart. Second, she’s departing from Hardcastle’s household at the conclusion of the house party, and two weeks safeguarding His Grace’s bachelorhood is as much pleasure—and as much torment—as she can endure before she leaves him.
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville
Too Many Scandals
After months of marriage, the Duke of Linton agreed to live apart from his wife. Thrown together due to a scheduling error, Linton finds Althea still has the power to make his heart race. Linton seems different from the critical, indifferent man Althea married. But though she burns for him as a lover, can she trust him to be the husband she needs?
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen
There’s no such thing as the perfect hero…
Nathan Cauley, tenth Duke of Wyndover, is so handsome ladies swoon—literally swoon. His blond hair and blue eyes certainly draw attention at the Duke of Sedgemere’s house party, but Nathan doesn’t want a fawning young miss for his duchess. He stumbles upon a bedraggled woman sleeping under Sedgemere’s bridge, and his protective instincts stir. When he recognizes her as the princess he fell in love with eight years before, he’s determined to win not only her affections but her heart.
Or is there?
After revolutionaries massacre Princess Vivienne’s family, she and the head of her guard flee to England. Before they can reach London to beg asylum, assassins kill the last of her defenders. Vivienne is alone and on the run when the Duke of Wyndover comes to her rescue. She barely remembers meeting him years before, and isn’t comfortable with gentlemen who are more attractive than she is. Nathan is more than a pretty face, though, and when the assassins return, he might just prove to be the duke Vivienne has been waiting for.
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel
The Duke of Stoke Teversault has well earned his reputation for bloodless calculation. Indeed, recently widowed Georgina Lark has no idea he’s loved her since before her late husband swept her off her feet. Stoke Teversault means to keep it that way. The cold and forbidding duke and the blithe and open Georgina could not be less suited in any capacity. And yet, when Georgina and her sister arrive at his home, his ice-bound heart may melt away.
Georgina Lark has never thought of thought of the Duke of Stoke Teversault as a man capable of inducing passion in anyone. He’s long disapproved of her, but she will be forever grateful to him for his assistance after her husband died.
408 pages, Kindle Edition
First published May 29, 2015
65 people are currently reading
986 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
191 books2,915 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 95 reviews
July 18, 2015
As is common with anthologies, some stories in Dancing in the Duke’s Arms work better than others. My favourite of this set is Miranda Neville’s, The Duchess of Scandal in which an estranged couple find themselves back under the same roof due to a scheduling error. The very proper Duke of Linton proposed marriage to a young lady twelve years his junior, secure in the knowledge that no woman in her situation could possibly turn down such an offer. For the three weeks of their honeymoon, they were blissfully happy, but following their return to London, the rot sets in. Linton takes his responsibilities to his estates and in parliament very seriously, and his days are so full that he unintentionally neglects his eighteen year-old bride, and Althea’s only real company is her twin brother Nicholas. She ends up spending more time with her brother and his rather fast set and getting herself a name as a bit of a flirt. Annoyed at the gossip, and the fact that his wife always seems to be surrounded by crowds of young men, Linton seethes with annoyance and frustration, his admonitions and criticisms of her behaviour becoming more frequent. Things go from bad to worse and after six months, the Lintons agree to live separate lives.
I always like a good second-chance romance, and this, although only novella length, is a good one. The gentle reminders of what their life could have been like are poignant and well-written, as is the gradual reawakening of the couple’s feelings for each other. The greatest danger with the shorter format is that the romance will feel rushed, but it didn’t feel that way here and I thought it was a really lovely read. 4.5 stars
Grace Burrowes’ contribution, May I Have This Duke? does feel somewhat rushed, but I loved it because it was so damn funny and had me laughing on several occasions. The Duke of Hardcastle is put out when the governess to his six-year old nephew suddenly announces her intention of leaving his employ. Miss Ellen MacHugh needs to return to her family in the north of England, and is adamant that nothing will change her mind. He has no idea, of course, that she’s in love with him and doesn’t want to be around when he takes a wife, which is something he can’t put off for much longer.
Hardcastle is engaged to attend the Duke of Sedgemere’s house-party in the Dukeries (and yes, it’s a real place! The county of Nottinghamshire actually contains a large number of ducal estates, and was given the nickname in the nineteenth century), and as his nephew will be accompanying him, so will Ellen, and at the end of the party she will depart for her home.
Even though Hardcastle needs a wife, he doesn’t relish the prospect of being tricked into a compromising situation by a Machiavellian debutante and forced into marriage; and he also doesn’t like the idea of Ellen being pursued by the young bucks at the party. He suggests they provide cover for each other; by acting smitten with one another, she will preserve him from the scheming young ladies and he can protect her from the unwanted attentions of the men.
I admit that things do progress quite quickly and the ending is a bit too perfect, but I didn’t mind that, because the verbal exchanges between Ellen and Hardcastle are so often hilarious. Grace Burrowes has a very distinctive writing style which can seem quite formal – the characters often address each other by their full names, for example, or express themselves in a roundabout way – but here, that formality just adds to the humour and tenderness of Ellen and Hardcastle’s delightfully flirtatious banter. 4 stars
Carolyn Jewel’s An Unsuitable Duchess is the story of the very reserved and stern Duke of Stoke Teversault and the young woman whose sunny, outgoing nature and delight in the world around her shows her to be his complete opposite. The duke has been in love with Georgina for years, but missed his chance with her when she accepted a proposal from another man. Married quickly, she was happy with her husband, but he died a year after their marriage, and she has only just come out of mourning. Stoke is as attracted to her as he ever was, and she can’t forget his kindness to her after her husband died, yet she feels he disapproves of her and doesn’t really like her. It’s obvious that his dislike is nothing of the sort, and that he’s worried about both feeling and showing too much around her, yet he’s drawn to her vivacity and her amazing zest for life.
Georgina - or George, as her friends have nicknamed her – has no inkling of the true nature of Stoke’s feelings for her, but has no problem in identifying hers for him – she is astonished to discover that she desires him, this seemingly calculating, forbidding man who is not at all handsome by conventional standards and who disapproves of her for no reason she can discern.
Georgina is a lot of fun who knows she will never be a model of ladylike behaviour. She loved her husband and obviously had an enjoyable sex-life – she knows what’s what and can own up to what she wants. Stoke is the strong, silent type who doesn’t really know how to act towards the woman he loves and desires to distraction. They’re a mismatched pair, but the attraction between them is impossible to ignore, even though George realises that Stoke will probably break her heart. 3.5 stars
The least successful story of the four is Shana Galen’s Waiting for a Duke Like You, in which the gorgeous piece of male perfection that is Nathan, the Duke of Wyndover literally stumbles across a damsel in distress and has to save her from those who wish to do her harm. Shana Galen has written a number of action-packed romances but translating that to novella format hasn’t worked here, because both elements – the romance and the princess-in-peril plot – are too rushed and require too great a suspension of disbelief.
Princess Vivienne of Glynaven saw her family massacred and barely escaped her home with her life. She has travelled to England to seek the assistance of the king, but a group of assassins are on her tail and it won’t be long before they find her. Knowing that the Prince Regent is due to attend the ball at the Duke of Sedgemere’s house-party, she makes her way to his estate, only to collapse due to cold and hunger. She is found by Nathan, who met her briefly in Glenaven eight years previously and fell in love with her. He has never stopped loving her, but Vivienne never took much notice of him, having a dislike for men who are prettier than she is.
Um... yeah. That was such a daft reason for not liking someone that I just couldn’t buy it. On top of that, the romance never really gets off the ground and the entire thing is just too rushed for my taste. 3 stars
I enjoyed reading Dancing in the Duke’s Arms, even though the quality of the stories varies. But the great thing about an anthology like this is that if you don’t like one story, you can always jump to the next.
Ultimately, it’s worth buying for the Miranda Neville story alone, and the Grace Burrowes one is a nice bonus. The other two didn’t work quite so well for me, but this is still a fun collection and one that’s worth considering as a holiday read as each story can be read in an hour or so while you’re soaking up some sun!
I always like a good second-chance romance, and this, although only novella length, is a good one. The gentle reminders of what their life could have been like are poignant and well-written, as is the gradual reawakening of the couple’s feelings for each other. The greatest danger with the shorter format is that the romance will feel rushed, but it didn’t feel that way here and I thought it was a really lovely read. 4.5 stars
Grace Burrowes’ contribution, May I Have This Duke? does feel somewhat rushed, but I loved it because it was so damn funny and had me laughing on several occasions. The Duke of Hardcastle is put out when the governess to his six-year old nephew suddenly announces her intention of leaving his employ. Miss Ellen MacHugh needs to return to her family in the north of England, and is adamant that nothing will change her mind. He has no idea, of course, that she’s in love with him and doesn’t want to be around when he takes a wife, which is something he can’t put off for much longer.
Hardcastle is engaged to attend the Duke of Sedgemere’s house-party in the Dukeries (and yes, it’s a real place! The county of Nottinghamshire actually contains a large number of ducal estates, and was given the nickname in the nineteenth century), and as his nephew will be accompanying him, so will Ellen, and at the end of the party she will depart for her home.
Even though Hardcastle needs a wife, he doesn’t relish the prospect of being tricked into a compromising situation by a Machiavellian debutante and forced into marriage; and he also doesn’t like the idea of Ellen being pursued by the young bucks at the party. He suggests they provide cover for each other; by acting smitten with one another, she will preserve him from the scheming young ladies and he can protect her from the unwanted attentions of the men.
I admit that things do progress quite quickly and the ending is a bit too perfect, but I didn’t mind that, because the verbal exchanges between Ellen and Hardcastle are so often hilarious. Grace Burrowes has a very distinctive writing style which can seem quite formal – the characters often address each other by their full names, for example, or express themselves in a roundabout way – but here, that formality just adds to the humour and tenderness of Ellen and Hardcastle’s delightfully flirtatious banter. 4 stars
Carolyn Jewel’s An Unsuitable Duchess is the story of the very reserved and stern Duke of Stoke Teversault and the young woman whose sunny, outgoing nature and delight in the world around her shows her to be his complete opposite. The duke has been in love with Georgina for years, but missed his chance with her when she accepted a proposal from another man. Married quickly, she was happy with her husband, but he died a year after their marriage, and she has only just come out of mourning. Stoke is as attracted to her as he ever was, and she can’t forget his kindness to her after her husband died, yet she feels he disapproves of her and doesn’t really like her. It’s obvious that his dislike is nothing of the sort, and that he’s worried about both feeling and showing too much around her, yet he’s drawn to her vivacity and her amazing zest for life.
Georgina - or George, as her friends have nicknamed her – has no inkling of the true nature of Stoke’s feelings for her, but has no problem in identifying hers for him – she is astonished to discover that she desires him, this seemingly calculating, forbidding man who is not at all handsome by conventional standards and who disapproves of her for no reason she can discern.
Georgina is a lot of fun who knows she will never be a model of ladylike behaviour. She loved her husband and obviously had an enjoyable sex-life – she knows what’s what and can own up to what she wants. Stoke is the strong, silent type who doesn’t really know how to act towards the woman he loves and desires to distraction. They’re a mismatched pair, but the attraction between them is impossible to ignore, even though George realises that Stoke will probably break her heart. 3.5 stars
The least successful story of the four is Shana Galen’s Waiting for a Duke Like You, in which the gorgeous piece of male perfection that is Nathan, the Duke of Wyndover literally stumbles across a damsel in distress and has to save her from those who wish to do her harm. Shana Galen has written a number of action-packed romances but translating that to novella format hasn’t worked here, because both elements – the romance and the princess-in-peril plot – are too rushed and require too great a suspension of disbelief.
Princess Vivienne of Glynaven saw her family massacred and barely escaped her home with her life. She has travelled to England to seek the assistance of the king, but a group of assassins are on her tail and it won’t be long before they find her. Knowing that the Prince Regent is due to attend the ball at the Duke of Sedgemere’s house-party, she makes her way to his estate, only to collapse due to cold and hunger. She is found by Nathan, who met her briefly in Glenaven eight years previously and fell in love with her. He has never stopped loving her, but Vivienne never took much notice of him, having a dislike for men who are prettier than she is.
Um... yeah. That was such a daft reason for not liking someone that I just couldn’t buy it. On top of that, the romance never really gets off the ground and the entire thing is just too rushed for my taste. 3 stars
I enjoyed reading Dancing in the Duke’s Arms, even though the quality of the stories varies. But the great thing about an anthology like this is that if you don’t like one story, you can always jump to the next.
Ultimately, it’s worth buying for the Miranda Neville story alone, and the Grace Burrowes one is a nice bonus. The other two didn’t work quite so well for me, but this is still a fun collection and one that’s worth considering as a holiday read as each story can be read in an hour or so while you’re soaking up some sun!
July 25, 2016
This book as a whole was around 3.5 stars..
But individual ratings are as follows,
May I have this Duke- 4/5
Duchess of Scandal- 3/5
Waiting for a Duke like you -3/5
An unsuitable Duchess-5/5
An unsuitable Duchess was my favourite ! Duke Stroke was so dreamy,character wise he reminded me a lot of Darcy from P&P, but some how infinitely more romantic !
Will be reading more of Carolyn Jewel & Grace Burrows soon :)
But individual ratings are as follows,
May I have this Duke- 4/5
Duchess of Scandal- 3/5
Waiting for a Duke like you -3/5
An unsuitable Duchess-5/5
An unsuitable Duchess was my favourite ! Duke Stroke was so dreamy,character wise he reminded me a lot of Darcy from P&P, but some how infinitely more romantic !
Will be reading more of Carolyn Jewel & Grace Burrows soon :)
July 8, 2015
It was alright, as far as novellas go. All of these are established authors with works I've enjoyed to varying extents.
I normally do not feel that novellas should have the need to include physical intimacy of such extent, but such is the norm of our current Regency romance genre. However, perhaps upon a second reading the plot and characters will appear more alive to me....
I normally do not feel that novellas should have the need to include physical intimacy of such extent, but such is the norm of our current Regency romance genre. However, perhaps upon a second reading the plot and characters will appear more alive to me....
August 25, 2016
Four masterful stories. Four five-star stories! Each one had me on the edge of my chair as I hoped for the obstacles to be swept away, and I wept until my eyelids were chapped from the sweet romance.
These have to be some of the best historical romance authors around. I've read individual books by all but Shana Galen in the past, and enjoyed them immensely, but I was blown away by these novellas. A common thread was the Dukeries summer party, complete with a rowing race and ball, and the tie-ins between each novella was well accomplished by each author. In each case, the couple was in denial about their attraction. With plenty of barriers to the eventual connection and romance, all four authors used dramatic tension at its finest to keep the reader engaged. The sensual scenes added to the plot and characterization and were tastefully executed.
Grace Burrowes shows why she's such a popular author with "May I Have this Duke." The twist of the heroine's secret was a huge surprise, and how we found out about it and how it was reconciled was the icing on the cake of an already very satisfying romance.
I found "Waiting for a Duke Like You" by Shana Galen depressing because of the heroine's history, so it was my least favourite, yet it was as well executed as any of the other stories in this anthology. Kudos for being brave on your premise.
Miranda Neville's excellent ability to get readers into the characters' heads has always amazed me and I try hard to be half as good as her in my own writing. Her twist of an estranged couple being forced together was a fine application of a less-common romance premise.
The final novella, An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewel, did it for me. This was the star in the crown of this set. Neither protagonist was perfect, and the imperfections of each dogged them every moment of their unlikely romance, yet we know this one stuck.
Thanks to all four authors for the gift of this anthology.
These have to be some of the best historical romance authors around. I've read individual books by all but Shana Galen in the past, and enjoyed them immensely, but I was blown away by these novellas. A common thread was the Dukeries summer party, complete with a rowing race and ball, and the tie-ins between each novella was well accomplished by each author. In each case, the couple was in denial about their attraction. With plenty of barriers to the eventual connection and romance, all four authors used dramatic tension at its finest to keep the reader engaged. The sensual scenes added to the plot and characterization and were tastefully executed.
Grace Burrowes shows why she's such a popular author with "May I Have this Duke." The twist of the heroine's secret was a huge surprise, and how we found out about it and how it was reconciled was the icing on the cake of an already very satisfying romance.
I found "Waiting for a Duke Like You" by Shana Galen depressing because of the heroine's history, so it was my least favourite, yet it was as well executed as any of the other stories in this anthology. Kudos for being brave on your premise.
Miranda Neville's excellent ability to get readers into the characters' heads has always amazed me and I try hard to be half as good as her in my own writing. Her twist of an estranged couple being forced together was a fine application of a less-common romance premise.
The final novella, An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewel, did it for me. This was the star in the crown of this set. Neither protagonist was perfect, and the imperfections of each dogged them every moment of their unlikely romance, yet we know this one stuck.
Thanks to all four authors for the gift of this anthology.
June 27, 2015
Gerard Hammersley, the Duke of Hardcastle the hero of May I Have This Duke? is one of my favorite Grace Burrowes characters. At first glance, Hardcastle is a typical Duke; challenging, arrogant and managing. What makes him special? He has a soft place in his heart for his nephew and he is more than a little bit in like with Ellen MacHugh, his nephew's governess. The Duke is feeling pressure from his friends and relatives. His Grandmother is insisting that he find a suitable wife. Ellen has given her notice which has upset his routine and made him uneasy. And to make things worse, Hardcastle’s best friend , the Duke of Sedgemere, has invited him, his nephew and Ellen MacHugh to a two -week house party. Ellen is asked to attend the house party as a guest and Hardcastle’s reaction is fabulous--he requests or rather demands that Ellen and he pretend that they are interested in each other. Loved, loved these two main characters their passionate romance. And the ending of the story was fabulous--it brought tears to my eyes! Just perfect!
I read author Shana Galen's Waiting For A Duke Like You in one afternoon. The unlikely romance between the handsome Nathan Cauley, the Duke of Wyndover and the indifferent Princess Vivienne held my attention. I loved that the two main characters are a different from most regency novels. Nathan is the beautiful, handsome Duke who longs for a duchess who will love him; not just his handsome face. Princess Vivienne is a fascinating character. She is a survivor and very politically astute and trusts no one. This fast paced opposites attracts story is extraordinary! Fans of Ms. Galen will love the elements of suspense and humor she has infused into this passionate and adventure filled story! Loved, loved the ending and the epilogue is marvelous!
A scheduling error has created a problem for Bentinck Travers, the Duke Linton and Althea, his wife in Miranda Neville's Duchess of Scandal. The couple who have been separated for five years are forced to spend time together at the Duke’s country estate. Althea and Bentinck's story appealed to me and drew me into the story immediately. I wondered if the couple could get past their past mistakes and misconceptions of each other and make their marriage whole. Loved the piano duet scene where Linton notices that his wife has matured and Althea silently reveals her true feelings for her reserved Duke. Another stand out scene was the cleverly written card game where Nigel, Nick, Linton and Althea play whist. Several of the characters true feelings and motivations were revealed in this scene. Loved the novel's noble and reserved hero and his appealing Duchess, the minor characters of Althea's brother Nick and Nigel Speck and all of the events leading up to the Dukeries Cup race. Enjoyed reading every word in this novella and the ending was awesome!
Carolyn Jewel's An Unsuitable Duchess is a wonderful story which blends the opposites attract and second chance at romance themes. Stoke Teversault, the Duke of Teversault has a reputation for being shrewd and calculating. Stoke was attracted to vivacious Georgina "George' Lark several years ago. He hesitated and missed his chance as George married a friend. George , now widowed, and her sister are staying at Stoke's home for two weeks to attend the Dukeries Cup race and ball.
Teversault is very attracted to George and needed to come to terms with his feelings for her before deciding to pursue her. Loved the scavenger hunt scene when Stoke finds a copy of the scavenger hunt map, outwits the rest of the group and finds and hides the fact that he has found the golden apple that George has offered as a prize. George explains why she offered the golden apple as the gift and Stoke's reaction is priceless. I wondered if these two very different people could find happiness with each other. Enjoyed the many scenes with Stoke, George, William and Kitty--great dialogue and insight to the characters and their motivations. There were several surprises along the way as the story reached it's conclusion --- and the ending was wonderful!
In my opinion, each author was true to their own writing style within the anthology format. What stands out the most to me is that each author contributed an original story written for this anthology and that there was continuity within each of the four novellas. Dancing in the Duke's Arms is a true collaboration. Characters appeared throughout each of the stories and there was a common setting and theme which added to the feel of the stories.
June 26, 2015
REVIEW: ‘May I Have This Duke?’ by Grace Burrowes
After being pressured by his grandmother, Gerard Juvenal Rene Beaumarchand Hammersley, Eighth Duke of Hardcastle, is looking for someone to be his Duchess. Gerard lives at Hardwood Hall with his nephew, Christopher, who lost his parents and is being raised by his uncle. Miss Ellen MacHugh, has been Christopher’s governess for the last 3 of his 6 years.
Although Gerard loves his nephew, he has always been aloof with Ellen. Ellen has never cared for him because he appears to be cold-blooded and curt. One day, Gerard summons her to his office to inform her that she and Christopher will be accompanying him to a two-week house party at Sedgemere House in Nottinghamshire. She agrees but tells him that she will be leaving immediately after the house party as she is putting in her two-week notice. Shocked at her notice, Gerard tells her that she simply cannot leave him while he is searching for someone to be his Duchess.
At the house party, the hostess approaches Ellen to say that the numbers of men and women are off and she needs Ellen to step in and be a guest. In addition, she offers the use of her own gowns for Ellen to wear. As Ellen is the granddaughter of an Earl, her background allows her to blend right in.
When Gerard sees how lovely she is, he realizes that he has had a beautiful and intelligent woman right under his nose for the last 3 years and begins to woo her. Ellen is flattered but is adamant that she will be leaving in 2 weeks.
Will Gerard be able to change her mind? Can he convince her to marry him and be his Duchess?
I loved this totally delightful novella. The storyline is good and there are some humorous bits as well.
‘Waiting for a Duke Like You’ by Shana Galen
Nathan Cauley, tenth Duke of Wyndover, needs an heir. Currently, he is a guest at the Sedgemere House Party. Although he does not care for games at these events, he agrees to go on a scavenger hunt. One item he needs is a smooth stone and thus he heads down to the bridge.
Her Royal Highness Princess Vivienne Aubine Calathe de Glynaven is the only surviving member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Glynaven. They had all been slaughtered during yet another revolution that has tried to oust the royal family. Vivienne has been running trying to escape the assassins. Filthy, exhausted, hungry and thirsty, she stops at the bridge for a drink of water and passes out.
When Nathan comes upon Vivienne at the bridge, he immediately carries her to safety. It is feared that if she hides in the Sedgemere home, the assassins would certainly look for her there and possibly massacre the people in the home. Therefore, Nathan secrets her to his nearby home, Wyndover Park. Now that she is clean and fed, she still has problems sleeping with dreams of the massacre and seeing the bodies of her family members. She is hoping to appeal to Prinny to provide her with asylum, however, Nathan helps her realize that to do so would result in political problems for the regent.
The harmony that Nathan and Vivienne experience during their close time together ends up in an attraction that neither of them can deny. But for how long can she escape the assassins? How can she ever live freely again? What about the growing love that she and Nathan feel for one another? Can they ever hope to live a normal life together?
Once again, Shana Galen has written a terrific novel full of intrigue, action and romance. I enjoyed the story immensely and know others will as well.
‘Duchess of Scandal’ by Miranda Neville
The Duke of Linton is a very wealthy man owning a total of 12 mansions. He has been estranged from his younger wife for several years now. The Duchess Althea is 12 years younger than him. As she was so immature and unused to society, she fell right in fun but without using the proper restraints. Althea has a twin brother, Nicholas, a wastrel, who seems to always be spending his time being idle with Althea. In addition, Althea knew that Linton has a mistress which only angered her more. Her lack of self-control and silliness with her brother resulted in her embarrassing and angering Linton which led to many arguments and finally to their estrangement.
Linton has just arrived at The Chimneys, one of his properties which is near Sedgemere where there is soon to be the Dukeries Cup, an annual rowing race. Upon arrival, he finds Althea is there as well. He realizes that he has made a mistake in the dates she would be at The Chimneys but decides to stay for a time anyway.
Nick is also there and brought along Nigel Speck, an odious man who is always trying to make improper and unwelcome passes at Althea. Both Nick and Nigel have plans to stay for the summer. It turns out that Nick owes Nigel a large debt and, thus Nick decides to enter the rowing race in hopes of winning the purse so he can repay the debt. So, with the help of Linton, Nick practices his rowing every day in preparation for the race.
Now that Althea and Linton are together every day and the fact that she has matured quite a lot, opens them both up to a better understanding of their individual personalities. Will this time together help them to heal and resolve their differences?
A well written story with some engaging characters.
‘An Unsuitable Duchess’ by Carolyn Jewel
Miss Georgia Lark, 23, has been recently widowed after just one year of marriage. A striking woman with orange hair and freckles, George, as she is called by her friends, has decided to attend the Sedgemere house party. She is accompanied by her sister, Miss Kitty Hunter, a lovely young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
The Duke of Stoke is a tall and feared man. He has always cared for Georgia but does not approve of people calling her George. He thinks it is simply too familiar.
As part of the entertainment, George has put together a treasure hunt. She has drawn maps for people to follow and at the end, there will be treasure for them to find. But when the treasure goes missing before the hunt has even started, George is quite perturbed and intent on discovering who took it.
As George and Stoke find themselves together more and more, secrets come to light and their attraction grows.
I admit that I had a difficult time following this particular anthology because the number of characters and their past was somewhat confusing.
After being pressured by his grandmother, Gerard Juvenal Rene Beaumarchand Hammersley, Eighth Duke of Hardcastle, is looking for someone to be his Duchess. Gerard lives at Hardwood Hall with his nephew, Christopher, who lost his parents and is being raised by his uncle. Miss Ellen MacHugh, has been Christopher’s governess for the last 3 of his 6 years.
Although Gerard loves his nephew, he has always been aloof with Ellen. Ellen has never cared for him because he appears to be cold-blooded and curt. One day, Gerard summons her to his office to inform her that she and Christopher will be accompanying him to a two-week house party at Sedgemere House in Nottinghamshire. She agrees but tells him that she will be leaving immediately after the house party as she is putting in her two-week notice. Shocked at her notice, Gerard tells her that she simply cannot leave him while he is searching for someone to be his Duchess.
At the house party, the hostess approaches Ellen to say that the numbers of men and women are off and she needs Ellen to step in and be a guest. In addition, she offers the use of her own gowns for Ellen to wear. As Ellen is the granddaughter of an Earl, her background allows her to blend right in.
When Gerard sees how lovely she is, he realizes that he has had a beautiful and intelligent woman right under his nose for the last 3 years and begins to woo her. Ellen is flattered but is adamant that she will be leaving in 2 weeks.
Will Gerard be able to change her mind? Can he convince her to marry him and be his Duchess?
I loved this totally delightful novella. The storyline is good and there are some humorous bits as well.
‘Waiting for a Duke Like You’ by Shana Galen
Nathan Cauley, tenth Duke of Wyndover, needs an heir. Currently, he is a guest at the Sedgemere House Party. Although he does not care for games at these events, he agrees to go on a scavenger hunt. One item he needs is a smooth stone and thus he heads down to the bridge.
Her Royal Highness Princess Vivienne Aubine Calathe de Glynaven is the only surviving member of the royal family of the Kingdom of Glynaven. They had all been slaughtered during yet another revolution that has tried to oust the royal family. Vivienne has been running trying to escape the assassins. Filthy, exhausted, hungry and thirsty, she stops at the bridge for a drink of water and passes out.
When Nathan comes upon Vivienne at the bridge, he immediately carries her to safety. It is feared that if she hides in the Sedgemere home, the assassins would certainly look for her there and possibly massacre the people in the home. Therefore, Nathan secrets her to his nearby home, Wyndover Park. Now that she is clean and fed, she still has problems sleeping with dreams of the massacre and seeing the bodies of her family members. She is hoping to appeal to Prinny to provide her with asylum, however, Nathan helps her realize that to do so would result in political problems for the regent.
The harmony that Nathan and Vivienne experience during their close time together ends up in an attraction that neither of them can deny. But for how long can she escape the assassins? How can she ever live freely again? What about the growing love that she and Nathan feel for one another? Can they ever hope to live a normal life together?
Once again, Shana Galen has written a terrific novel full of intrigue, action and romance. I enjoyed the story immensely and know others will as well.
‘Duchess of Scandal’ by Miranda Neville
The Duke of Linton is a very wealthy man owning a total of 12 mansions. He has been estranged from his younger wife for several years now. The Duchess Althea is 12 years younger than him. As she was so immature and unused to society, she fell right in fun but without using the proper restraints. Althea has a twin brother, Nicholas, a wastrel, who seems to always be spending his time being idle with Althea. In addition, Althea knew that Linton has a mistress which only angered her more. Her lack of self-control and silliness with her brother resulted in her embarrassing and angering Linton which led to many arguments and finally to their estrangement.
Linton has just arrived at The Chimneys, one of his properties which is near Sedgemere where there is soon to be the Dukeries Cup, an annual rowing race. Upon arrival, he finds Althea is there as well. He realizes that he has made a mistake in the dates she would be at The Chimneys but decides to stay for a time anyway.
Nick is also there and brought along Nigel Speck, an odious man who is always trying to make improper and unwelcome passes at Althea. Both Nick and Nigel have plans to stay for the summer. It turns out that Nick owes Nigel a large debt and, thus Nick decides to enter the rowing race in hopes of winning the purse so he can repay the debt. So, with the help of Linton, Nick practices his rowing every day in preparation for the race.
Now that Althea and Linton are together every day and the fact that she has matured quite a lot, opens them both up to a better understanding of their individual personalities. Will this time together help them to heal and resolve their differences?
A well written story with some engaging characters.
‘An Unsuitable Duchess’ by Carolyn Jewel
Miss Georgia Lark, 23, has been recently widowed after just one year of marriage. A striking woman with orange hair and freckles, George, as she is called by her friends, has decided to attend the Sedgemere house party. She is accompanied by her sister, Miss Kitty Hunter, a lovely young woman with blonde hair and blue eyes.
The Duke of Stoke is a tall and feared man. He has always cared for Georgia but does not approve of people calling her George. He thinks it is simply too familiar.
As part of the entertainment, George has put together a treasure hunt. She has drawn maps for people to follow and at the end, there will be treasure for them to find. But when the treasure goes missing before the hunt has even started, George is quite perturbed and intent on discovering who took it.
As George and Stoke find themselves together more and more, secrets come to light and their attraction grows.
I admit that I had a difficult time following this particular anthology because the number of characters and their past was somewhat confusing.
July 5, 2015
Four wonderful authors. Four wonderful stories that are individual but connected. I like to read anthologies when I don't have time for a book. You can read one in an evening and get a full story. I highly recommend this book.
October 14, 2020
Finally finished this collection of stories, more than 3 years after I first started reading it! >_<
I need to say this straight out: I LOVED how the stories revolved around a central plot - that of the Duchess of Sedgemere's first ball. Each and every one of the dukes had appearances in each of the stories, if not mentions, and it was a really neat way of tying the stories together.
May I Have This Duke? - 3
I had high expectations for this one. Two people, very much attracted to one another, and unable to act on those attractions for years because of their very different stations in life.
And yet... really? That's how their story got resolved?
Waiting for a Duke Like You - 4
Yes! Loved this story! It was really cheesy, but I still adored it!
Vivienne, on the run from assassins, runs into Nathan, the Duke of Wyndover, while he was out in the gardens, participating in the scavenger hunt. It was so good to see them finally give into their long-unfulfilled attraction.
But I still ended up liking the story despite these two points.
Duchess of Scandal - 5
Second chance story ahoy! It made me sad to read about this lovely couple, but it made sense. We are after all, talking about an 18-year-old Althea, married to a 30-year-old Bendickt, Duke of Linton. Given such a huge difference in their ages, it was highly believable to realise how difficult it would've been for them to acknowledge or even sort out their differences without the maturity the years of estrangement had given them.
It was wonderful to read how they overcame their differences and managed to go from attraction to love, understanding and forgiveness. As an aside, yay Bendickt for taking care of Nigel Speck!
An Unsuitable Duchess - 4
The inconsistency of the phrasing notwithstanding, it was all-in-all a rather satisfying story. Stoke, who had been warring with his feelings for Mrs George / Georgina Lark ever since the first time he laid eyes on her, and George, who had come to recognise Stoke as more than the foreboding man he has universally been acknowledged to be.
But as I had alluded to, the phrasing was inconsistent, and I was left confused for a good part of the story until everything else clicked into place. Their mutual misunderstanding and misreading of each other also threw me off too until they finally acknowledged their mutual feelings.
In all, it was a rather sweet acknowledgement of their feelings, but the almost unnecessary consummation of their lust threw me off.
I need to say this straight out: I LOVED how the stories revolved around a central plot - that of the Duchess of Sedgemere's first ball. Each and every one of the dukes had appearances in each of the stories, if not mentions, and it was a really neat way of tying the stories together.
May I Have This Duke? - 3
I had high expectations for this one. Two people, very much attracted to one another, and unable to act on those attractions for years because of their very different stations in life.
And yet... really? That's how their story got resolved?
Waiting for a Duke Like You - 4
Yes! Loved this story! It was really cheesy, but I still adored it!
Vivienne, on the run from assassins, runs into Nathan, the Duke of Wyndover, while he was out in the gardens, participating in the scavenger hunt. It was so good to see them finally give into their long-unfulfilled attraction.
But I still ended up liking the story despite these two points.
Duchess of Scandal - 5
Second chance story ahoy! It made me sad to read about this lovely couple, but it made sense. We are after all, talking about an 18-year-old Althea, married to a 30-year-old Bendickt, Duke of Linton. Given such a huge difference in their ages, it was highly believable to realise how difficult it would've been for them to acknowledge or even sort out their differences without the maturity the years of estrangement had given them.
It was wonderful to read how they overcame their differences and managed to go from attraction to love, understanding and forgiveness. As an aside, yay Bendickt for taking care of Nigel Speck!
An Unsuitable Duchess - 4
The inconsistency of the phrasing notwithstanding, it was all-in-all a rather satisfying story. Stoke, who had been warring with his feelings for Mrs George / Georgina Lark ever since the first time he laid eyes on her, and George, who had come to recognise Stoke as more than the foreboding man he has universally been acknowledged to be.
But as I had alluded to, the phrasing was inconsistent, and I was left confused for a good part of the story until everything else clicked into place. Their mutual misunderstanding and misreading of each other also threw me off too until they finally acknowledged their mutual feelings.
In all, it was a rather sweet acknowledgement of their feelings, but the almost unnecessary consummation of their lust threw me off.
July 12, 2015
Vikki’s Musings
Having read books by three of the authors, I anxiously looked forward to reading this anthology. When one of the authors approached me and asked if I would like to review it for an honest review, I agreed immediately. Each novella is a delightful look at my favorite period of history. Regency romance is my first choice of a read, and I was not disappointed.
I loved how each story is connected by the Dukeries house party. While I loved all four stories, my favorite was Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville. I always enjoy a romance where the couple is estranged and has a second chance to fall in love again. For a novella, the characters are very well-developed, and I loved both of them, even though they both have flaws. Of course, flaws are good because they make the story more believable.
Shana Galen’s story, of course, has plenty of action and suspense. That is something I love about Ms. Galen’s books. I can always count on a tale rich in intrigue and a great love story expertly woven to bring me a great deal of reading enjoyment.
Grace Burrowes is known for intricate relationships intertwined with the mundane tasks of life told in such a way that it pulls me in and has me totally wrapped up in the characters. I always enjoy character-driven tales, and Ms. Burrowes excels at them, and May I Have this Duke fits this pattern perfectly.
Carolyn Jewel is new to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed her sweet romance between the Duke of Stove Taversault and the entrancing Georgina, fondly called George by her close friends. Georgina’s character touched my heart, and her antics had me laughing out loud. I love her complete joy of life. She is just what the austere duke, who never had a chance to play. I will definitely be looking for other books by Ms. Jewel.
Each story is long enough to have a developed plotline and fully fleshed characters, yet short enough to read in a single sitting. If you enjoy slightly sensual Regency romances, then you will love Dancing in the Duke’s Arms. Happy reading!
Having read books by three of the authors, I anxiously looked forward to reading this anthology. When one of the authors approached me and asked if I would like to review it for an honest review, I agreed immediately. Each novella is a delightful look at my favorite period of history. Regency romance is my first choice of a read, and I was not disappointed.
I loved how each story is connected by the Dukeries house party. While I loved all four stories, my favorite was Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville. I always enjoy a romance where the couple is estranged and has a second chance to fall in love again. For a novella, the characters are very well-developed, and I loved both of them, even though they both have flaws. Of course, flaws are good because they make the story more believable.
Shana Galen’s story, of course, has plenty of action and suspense. That is something I love about Ms. Galen’s books. I can always count on a tale rich in intrigue and a great love story expertly woven to bring me a great deal of reading enjoyment.
Grace Burrowes is known for intricate relationships intertwined with the mundane tasks of life told in such a way that it pulls me in and has me totally wrapped up in the characters. I always enjoy character-driven tales, and Ms. Burrowes excels at them, and May I Have this Duke fits this pattern perfectly.
Carolyn Jewel is new to me, and I thoroughly enjoyed her sweet romance between the Duke of Stove Taversault and the entrancing Georgina, fondly called George by her close friends. Georgina’s character touched my heart, and her antics had me laughing out loud. I love her complete joy of life. She is just what the austere duke, who never had a chance to play. I will definitely be looking for other books by Ms. Jewel.
Each story is long enough to have a developed plotline and fully fleshed characters, yet short enough to read in a single sitting. If you enjoy slightly sensual Regency romances, then you will love Dancing in the Duke’s Arms. Happy reading!
September 5, 2017
A collection of four novellas set roughly on the same timeframe during the Dukeries rowing competition, balls and events (on the same summer).
May I have this Duke by Grace Burrowes
3/5
The continuation of a story presented in the collaboration Once Upon a Dream (Duke of my Dreams). The Duke of Hardcastle confronts his feelings for his nephew's governess during a house party hosted by the main characters of Duke of my Dreams.
Waiting for a Duke like You by Shana Galen
4/5
A Duke finds himself harboring and protecting Princess Vivienne of fictional Glynaven (gosh!), escaped from a bloody revolution. Of course they fall in love while dodging assasins.
Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville
5/5
The Duke of Linton faces the chance to make amends with his estrangled wife after five years avoiding eachother.
I loved this story! It made it worth it to have picked up this collection -- the basis of the estranglement was the most interesting part. A self centered Duke chose too young a bride once and neglected her after their honeymoon for his obligations in London. This caused her to become unrestrained in her enjoyment of distractions and eager to seek her husband's attention in the wrong way. Because of this, his criticism and constant judgement became dissapointment on both sides.
Now, five years later, she has tired of meaningless merriment and he has come to understand his own role in his selfishness and neglect of her. So they are in just the right time to start over...
An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewell
4/5
The cold and stiff Duke of Stoke Teversault has been in love with the widowed Georgina since she was Miss Hunt. A year after the end of her mouring period, she starts to see him in a new light, and maybe he is not so distant as he seems.
May I have this Duke by Grace Burrowes
3/5
The continuation of a story presented in the collaboration Once Upon a Dream (Duke of my Dreams). The Duke of Hardcastle confronts his feelings for his nephew's governess during a house party hosted by the main characters of Duke of my Dreams.
Waiting for a Duke like You by Shana Galen
4/5
A Duke finds himself harboring and protecting Princess Vivienne of fictional Glynaven (gosh!), escaped from a bloody revolution. Of course they fall in love while dodging assasins.
Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville
5/5
The Duke of Linton faces the chance to make amends with his estrangled wife after five years avoiding eachother.
I loved this story! It made it worth it to have picked up this collection -- the basis of the estranglement was the most interesting part. A self centered Duke chose too young a bride once and neglected her after their honeymoon for his obligations in London. This caused her to become unrestrained in her enjoyment of distractions and eager to seek her husband's attention in the wrong way. Because of this, his criticism and constant judgement became dissapointment on both sides.
Now, five years later, she has tired of meaningless merriment and he has come to understand his own role in his selfishness and neglect of her. So they are in just the right time to start over...
An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewell
4/5
The cold and stiff Duke of Stoke Teversault has been in love with the widowed Georgina since she was Miss Hunt. A year after the end of her mouring period, she starts to see him in a new light, and maybe he is not so distant as he seems.
July 5, 2015
Superb! Any fan of historical romance will enjoy Dancing In The Duke's Arms. This romantic anthology allowed me to discovery
authors that I may not have read before. Each author adds their
own unique voice enabling readers to escape into a world of beauty, majesty and fairytale romance. The beauty of this compilation is that although each story is written by a different author they all are centered around the same event. I love these type of stories because I
enjoy catching glimpses from other characters in previous stories. How would I describe Dancing In The Duke's Arms? Romantically entertaining historical romance. I was given an ARC of this anthology for an honest review.
authors that I may not have read before. Each author adds their
own unique voice enabling readers to escape into a world of beauty, majesty and fairytale romance. The beauty of this compilation is that although each story is written by a different author they all are centered around the same event. I love these type of stories because I
enjoy catching glimpses from other characters in previous stories. How would I describe Dancing In The Duke's Arms? Romantically entertaining historical romance. I was given an ARC of this anthology for an honest review.
June 29, 2015
Review originally posted at Roses Are Blue: 4.5 Stars http://wp.me/p3QRh4-c3
Congratulations to Grace Burrowes, Shana Galen, Carolyn Jewel, and Miranda Neville on their new release, DANCING IN THE DUKE’S ARMS. Each story involves a duke and his path to finding love. I’m happy to say that every story is stellar, with unique characters and situations. It’s rare to find an anthology so jam packed with quality writing, but that’s what this one is, from beginning to end. My thoughts of each individual story and a brief synopsis is below. I highly recommend this one!
May I Have This Duke? by Grace Burrowes
Ellen MacHugh left her home and family years ago under a somewhat scandalous cloud, and went into service. The last three years have been working as governess for the Duke of Hardcastle’s nephew. Though she has come to love Christopher and her job, she has decided it’s time that she went home. The duke, Gerard, has just been coerced into attending a house party, where it’s expected that he’ll select a bride. As he informs Ellen that she and Christopher will be accompanying him to the party, Ellen give her notice that she will be leaving his employ immediately after. Because the duke has been harboring a secret attraction for Ellen, he can’t let her go, so he devises a scheme. He requests that he and Ellen act as if they are a couple in love – this will keep the other ladies from trying to lure him into marriage, and keep the gentlemen from trying to lure Ellen into their beds! Ellen agrees, tempted by a last chance to spend time and dance with Gerard before she leaves. It seems she has been hiding a secret attraction too.
I love this story! The duke is such an honorable, yet lonely man. As they spend time together at the party, he realizes that he can never let Ellen leave him. Yet, Ellen has another reason for wanting to return home, and aside from that, she won’t accept anything less than love. Winning his lady won’t be easy, but Gerard finds a solution, then stages a romantic scenario that is genuinely swoonworthy!
Waiting For a Duke Like You by Shana Galen
Princess Vivienne de Glynaven’s country has been taken over by revolutionaries, and everyone in her family has been murdered. Only she managed to hide, and then escape to England with the assassins hot on her trail. As she rests, exhausted and filthy, under a bridge, Nathan, the Duke of Wyndover, finds her. Amazingly, he recognizes the princess , as he met her years ago and was quite smitten. She, on the other hand, barely remembers him. He determines to keep her safe for now, and then obtain the king’s official protection for her.
The duke is said to be so blindingly gorgeous, that young ladies faint away at the sight of him. Yet, the princess barely remembers him. She also doesn’t usually associate with people prettier than she, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Vivienne accepts the duke’s offer of protection, which soon leads to more. Despite the seriousness of the assassinations, this is a light, sexy story guaranteed to give you several smiles.
Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville
Bentinck Travers, the Duke of Linton, was 30 when he decided to marry 18 year old Althea. After the honeymoon, things rapidly fell apart. The duke takes his responsibility very seriously, so he immediately went back to fulfilling his duties. This left Althea and her twin brother with plenty of time on their hands. Two young spirited 18 year olds who have never been to town before, began to live a partying lifestyle, with Althea paying her brother’s gambling debts. The more she partied, the more ducal Bentinck became. Soon, they apparently had nothing at all in common, and decided to live separately, scheduling their lives so they rarely crossed paths, and never inhabited the same house at the same time.
When Bentinck makes a mistake and shows up at one of his homes at the same time Althea is there, he is annoyed, and she is horrified. Althea decides to take the high road, and courteously asks Bentinck to join her for dinner. While they are somewhat awkward with each other, they are getting along cordially until Althea’s brother shows up with a low life friend. This is a more serious story of two people who made mistakes, couldn’t see the other’s point of view, and who gave up. Fate steps in to give them another opportunity. I love a second chance at love story, and enjoyed this one very much.
An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewel
Stoke Teversault was a goner the minute he laid eyes on Georgina, but being a cautious man, he decided to wait before doing anything about it. As he was waiting, another man swept Georgina off her feet and into marriage. The marriage was happy, but brief, and Georgina is now a widow. Stoke helped her through the difficult times right after her husband died, but now that Georgina is emerging from her grief, Stoke has gone back to being the quiet, seemingly cold man who keeps her at a distance.
Georgina is surprised at herself for feeling desire for the aloof duke. It’s obvious that he feels nothing for her, or is it? Sometimes the lady has to take the initiative. Stoke is the kind of hero I adore – on the outside he appears cold, proud, and distant. But that’s really a defense mechanism, for on the inside, he’s seething with passion for Georgina. This is a wonderful story that I just enjoyed to pieces!
Congratulations to Grace Burrowes, Shana Galen, Carolyn Jewel, and Miranda Neville on their new release, DANCING IN THE DUKE’S ARMS. Each story involves a duke and his path to finding love. I’m happy to say that every story is stellar, with unique characters and situations. It’s rare to find an anthology so jam packed with quality writing, but that’s what this one is, from beginning to end. My thoughts of each individual story and a brief synopsis is below. I highly recommend this one!
May I Have This Duke? by Grace Burrowes
Ellen MacHugh left her home and family years ago under a somewhat scandalous cloud, and went into service. The last three years have been working as governess for the Duke of Hardcastle’s nephew. Though she has come to love Christopher and her job, she has decided it’s time that she went home. The duke, Gerard, has just been coerced into attending a house party, where it’s expected that he’ll select a bride. As he informs Ellen that she and Christopher will be accompanying him to the party, Ellen give her notice that she will be leaving his employ immediately after. Because the duke has been harboring a secret attraction for Ellen, he can’t let her go, so he devises a scheme. He requests that he and Ellen act as if they are a couple in love – this will keep the other ladies from trying to lure him into marriage, and keep the gentlemen from trying to lure Ellen into their beds! Ellen agrees, tempted by a last chance to spend time and dance with Gerard before she leaves. It seems she has been hiding a secret attraction too.
I love this story! The duke is such an honorable, yet lonely man. As they spend time together at the party, he realizes that he can never let Ellen leave him. Yet, Ellen has another reason for wanting to return home, and aside from that, she won’t accept anything less than love. Winning his lady won’t be easy, but Gerard finds a solution, then stages a romantic scenario that is genuinely swoonworthy!
Waiting For a Duke Like You by Shana Galen
Princess Vivienne de Glynaven’s country has been taken over by revolutionaries, and everyone in her family has been murdered. Only she managed to hide, and then escape to England with the assassins hot on her trail. As she rests, exhausted and filthy, under a bridge, Nathan, the Duke of Wyndover, finds her. Amazingly, he recognizes the princess , as he met her years ago and was quite smitten. She, on the other hand, barely remembers him. He determines to keep her safe for now, and then obtain the king’s official protection for her.
The duke is said to be so blindingly gorgeous, that young ladies faint away at the sight of him. Yet, the princess barely remembers him. She also doesn’t usually associate with people prettier than she, but desperate times call for desperate measures. Vivienne accepts the duke’s offer of protection, which soon leads to more. Despite the seriousness of the assassinations, this is a light, sexy story guaranteed to give you several smiles.
Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville
Bentinck Travers, the Duke of Linton, was 30 when he decided to marry 18 year old Althea. After the honeymoon, things rapidly fell apart. The duke takes his responsibility very seriously, so he immediately went back to fulfilling his duties. This left Althea and her twin brother with plenty of time on their hands. Two young spirited 18 year olds who have never been to town before, began to live a partying lifestyle, with Althea paying her brother’s gambling debts. The more she partied, the more ducal Bentinck became. Soon, they apparently had nothing at all in common, and decided to live separately, scheduling their lives so they rarely crossed paths, and never inhabited the same house at the same time.
When Bentinck makes a mistake and shows up at one of his homes at the same time Althea is there, he is annoyed, and she is horrified. Althea decides to take the high road, and courteously asks Bentinck to join her for dinner. While they are somewhat awkward with each other, they are getting along cordially until Althea’s brother shows up with a low life friend. This is a more serious story of two people who made mistakes, couldn’t see the other’s point of view, and who gave up. Fate steps in to give them another opportunity. I love a second chance at love story, and enjoyed this one very much.
An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewel
Stoke Teversault was a goner the minute he laid eyes on Georgina, but being a cautious man, he decided to wait before doing anything about it. As he was waiting, another man swept Georgina off her feet and into marriage. The marriage was happy, but brief, and Georgina is now a widow. Stoke helped her through the difficult times right after her husband died, but now that Georgina is emerging from her grief, Stoke has gone back to being the quiet, seemingly cold man who keeps her at a distance.
Georgina is surprised at herself for feeling desire for the aloof duke. It’s obvious that he feels nothing for her, or is it? Sometimes the lady has to take the initiative. Stoke is the kind of hero I adore – on the outside he appears cold, proud, and distant. But that’s really a defense mechanism, for on the inside, he’s seething with passion for Georgina. This is a wonderful story that I just enjoyed to pieces!
February 5, 2021
3.5
On the whole all these stories are fluffy and cute. It is kinda cool how they are all woven together around the events at the Dukeries. Each story is about different couples (they may crossover a tiny bit). Some reviews talked about they liked certain stories over others but I thought they were all cute. I finished it last week and didn't review it right away so it is rather difficult to remember all the stories...ha...I do remember thinking they were a bit fantastical but I guess that is regency romance. lol.
On the whole all these stories are fluffy and cute. It is kinda cool how they are all woven together around the events at the Dukeries. Each story is about different couples (they may crossover a tiny bit). Some reviews talked about they liked certain stories over others but I thought they were all cute. I finished it last week and didn't review it right away so it is rather difficult to remember all the stories...ha...I do remember thinking they were a bit fantastical but I guess that is regency romance. lol.
July 5, 2015
There s a place in England where the Dukes are so thick on the ground that the area is known as the dukeries and where our stories take place. Each year the Dukeries hold all kinds of parties at each of the various domiciles for 3 weeks and it ends in a culmination of a rowing race where the Prince Regent makes an appearance. But meanwhile, some of these dukes are single and determined to stay that way....well, not so fast there, lets tune in and see how successful our dukes have been at avoiding that little tot with the arrow filled with the juice of love:
4.0 Stars First up we have Grace Burrowes with her signature writing style that fits well in a small format that makes you feel you got a full book story at a bargain word count. We have the Duke of Hardcastle whom has just been given notice by Ellen MacHugh, his nephew's caregiver, of the last three years will be leaving to go home after the Duke's 3 week rave is over. Ellen has been in love with Gerard the entire time, but hers family's need of her skills can no longer be put off. Gerard for his part, who has finally woke up to the realization that to let Ellen go will be ripping out his heart. The big stupid..always the last to figure it out. So as it happens when they get to the party by the water, Ellen is pulled in to make up numbers, as you know how uneven numbers can really kill a planned dinner. Gerard is thrilled because now as a equal woman of means, instead of his employee he can press his suit..or press his suit against her..oh you know what I mean, he can kiss the stuffin out her without having any sexual harassment charges. :-) Ellen for her part loves Gerards full suited kisses, but cannot let him think that there can be anymore than kisses between them. Gerard finally gets that there is more to Ellen's story then just needing to go home and puts the story together with Ellen and her sister and it is heartwarming when he brings her sister to the ball and lets everybody know in no uncertain terms who owns his heart.
2.75 Stars Next we have Shana Galen up with her Duke of Wyndover. Now I liked Nathan, but our heroine who is a deposed princess who has just seen all of her family murdered. Her for some reason I couldn't warm up to. She was very gracious and considering everything that Nathan had put on the line I felt she could have said thank you with a be more graciousness. I do feel that there will be other stories with this situation because of some questions raised whether all of her siblings really were killed we will see.
3.75 Stars Miranda Neville is the next entry and we have a situation here, where the Duke of Linton is in a pickle. He, due to misreading a schedule is at his house where the Duke's rave is being held at the same time as his young wife, Althea. Now why is this a problem you ask? Well Linton and Althea have been estranged for the last 5 years. They have 3 weeks of blissful honeymoon and then they came back to earth when they went back to London. He is a very busy man and figured his young wife would get it on how to behave has his new duchess. Well, she found out how to behave alright, the young, fast crowd is always willing to take on a newby and show her how to have a good time. I mean with the dancing and the face paint and the cicibo's what is a duke to do, but to withdraw from the field. It takes a party on the lake to make Linton realize that he a poker up his butt and missed several years to turn his wife's head in his direction. For her part, Althea had felt abandoned by her husband all these years and turned to the only person consistent in her life, her twin brother. But at the party, they started seeing each other in a different light and it looked a lot like love. A sweet story of redemption and second chances.
5.0 Stars, but my favorite of the entire anthology was brought in by Carolyn Jewel. CJ's writing style takes a bit getting used to and her stories have a darker, heavier feel than the other stories. We have the Duke of Stoke Teversault, he is a very straight-laced duke with hawkish features and he is so used to hiding his feelings that people see him as cold as ice. But when it comes to Ms. Georgina (George to all her familiars.) his feelings are anything but cold. 3 years ago, he was on the verge of asking for her little freckled hand in marriage when another friend swooped in and married her. But it only last 2 years and her husband, Andrew was gone. Now she is at Stoke's house with her sister getting up to all kinds of fun. Like running and counting lime trees and putting cream in her tea and eating lots of food. The breakfast with her and Stoke was hilarious. She acknowledges that she had inappropriate thoughts about Stoke's thighs and his butt, but she keeps the thoughts to herself. Stoke on his part, feels that he can only offer George an affair that she would never agree to let her lightness shine forever in his dark world. He needed her so badly because of that. She was light to his very dark. The story of course ends of course where they both get what they want and boy did CJ having us sweating that one. She is a very talented writer and I hope we start seeing more full length historicals out of her.
So in closing:
Cupid 4 and the Dukes 0
I bet they are extremely happy with the score! Well done ladies and I am looking forward to the Christmas anthology ya'll are working on.
4.0 Stars First up we have Grace Burrowes with her signature writing style that fits well in a small format that makes you feel you got a full book story at a bargain word count. We have the Duke of Hardcastle whom has just been given notice by Ellen MacHugh, his nephew's caregiver, of the last three years will be leaving to go home after the Duke's 3 week rave is over. Ellen has been in love with Gerard the entire time, but hers family's need of her skills can no longer be put off. Gerard for his part, who has finally woke up to the realization that to let Ellen go will be ripping out his heart. The big stupid..always the last to figure it out. So as it happens when they get to the party by the water, Ellen is pulled in to make up numbers, as you know how uneven numbers can really kill a planned dinner. Gerard is thrilled because now as a equal woman of means, instead of his employee he can press his suit..or press his suit against her..oh you know what I mean, he can kiss the stuffin out her without having any sexual harassment charges. :-) Ellen for her part loves Gerards full suited kisses, but cannot let him think that there can be anymore than kisses between them. Gerard finally gets that there is more to Ellen's story then just needing to go home and puts the story together with Ellen and her sister and it is heartwarming when he brings her sister to the ball and lets everybody know in no uncertain terms who owns his heart.
2.75 Stars Next we have Shana Galen up with her Duke of Wyndover. Now I liked Nathan, but our heroine who is a deposed princess who has just seen all of her family murdered. Her for some reason I couldn't warm up to. She was very gracious and considering everything that Nathan had put on the line I felt she could have said thank you with a be more graciousness. I do feel that there will be other stories with this situation because of some questions raised whether all of her siblings really were killed we will see.
3.75 Stars Miranda Neville is the next entry and we have a situation here, where the Duke of Linton is in a pickle. He, due to misreading a schedule is at his house where the Duke's rave is being held at the same time as his young wife, Althea. Now why is this a problem you ask? Well Linton and Althea have been estranged for the last 5 years. They have 3 weeks of blissful honeymoon and then they came back to earth when they went back to London. He is a very busy man and figured his young wife would get it on how to behave has his new duchess. Well, she found out how to behave alright, the young, fast crowd is always willing to take on a newby and show her how to have a good time. I mean with the dancing and the face paint and the cicibo's what is a duke to do, but to withdraw from the field. It takes a party on the lake to make Linton realize that he a poker up his butt and missed several years to turn his wife's head in his direction. For her part, Althea had felt abandoned by her husband all these years and turned to the only person consistent in her life, her twin brother. But at the party, they started seeing each other in a different light and it looked a lot like love. A sweet story of redemption and second chances.
5.0 Stars, but my favorite of the entire anthology was brought in by Carolyn Jewel. CJ's writing style takes a bit getting used to and her stories have a darker, heavier feel than the other stories. We have the Duke of Stoke Teversault, he is a very straight-laced duke with hawkish features and he is so used to hiding his feelings that people see him as cold as ice. But when it comes to Ms. Georgina (George to all her familiars.) his feelings are anything but cold. 3 years ago, he was on the verge of asking for her little freckled hand in marriage when another friend swooped in and married her. But it only last 2 years and her husband, Andrew was gone. Now she is at Stoke's house with her sister getting up to all kinds of fun. Like running and counting lime trees and putting cream in her tea and eating lots of food. The breakfast with her and Stoke was hilarious. She acknowledges that she had inappropriate thoughts about Stoke's thighs and his butt, but she keeps the thoughts to herself. Stoke on his part, feels that he can only offer George an affair that she would never agree to let her lightness shine forever in his dark world. He needed her so badly because of that. She was light to his very dark. The story of course ends of course where they both get what they want and boy did CJ having us sweating that one. She is a very talented writer and I hope we start seeing more full length historicals out of her.
So in closing:
Cupid 4 and the Dukes 0
I bet they are extremely happy with the score! Well done ladies and I am looking forward to the Christmas anthology ya'll are working on.
June 24, 2015
Four superstars of Regency romance are again reunited in this superb anthology. DANCING IN THE DUKE’S ARMS features four stories all taking place at the Dukeries, where the crème of the Ton will attend a boat race, a fête naturally, and a scavenger hunt.
Grace Burrowes offers a delicate and sweet aperitif with MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? The Duke of Hardcastle is forced to go to the Dukeries to attend a fête; his grandmama wants him to marry and he feels that by taking his nephew’s governess, Miss Ellen MacHugh, he will avoid the debutantes who will be after his title. The bold, defiant Ellen has been in love with the Duke for all the three years she has been in her post; she will be leaving as soon as they come back because it’s too much for her, and she has a secret to boot. What she doesn’t know is that the Duke finds her irresistible but she’s all wrong for him. It’s a beautifully written, very humorous and charming confection that is as colourful, fragrant, and beautiful as the gorgeous flowers in this story. Ellen and Hardcastle are very engaging characters, their romance is delicate and charming; it’s a lovely story!
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville is much darker. The Duke of Linton married his wife Althea when she was but 18, because she was young, beautiful and suitable; he never really cared for her and they have been apart for most of their 5-year marriage. The Duke is a rather cold-hearted cad, to be honest, and theirs is a rather sad story. However events that happen at the boat race and the scavenger hunt make him realise the error of his ways, and Linton and Althea settle for a very unusual compromise. Ms. Neville is a master of character development and again she shines in the DUCHESS OF SCANDAL, her prose is as gorgeous as ever and she treats us to a few surprises.
The pièce de résistance is WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen. Ms. Galen gives us one of her most wonderful stories ever; what a delight! At the Dukeries, Vivienne is running for her life literally: assassins are pursuing her, and she is so hungry and tired she collapses. While on a scavenger hunt, Nathan, The Duke of Wyndover, stumbles upon her and gentleman that he is, he rescues her. He knows her but she doesn’t recognise him. Strange, that! Nathan is unbelievably gorgeous, unforgettable really to all but Vivienne, who doesn’t care for pretty men, however Nathan is much more than his pretty face, which is the least of his worries. This is Shana Galen at her very best! What a fabulous story, extensively researched, filled with political intrigue, action, and magnificent characters! I was enthralled from the very first lines. The romance is divine, the writing is exquisite, the chemistry between Vivienne and Nathan is palpable. WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU is sheer perfection!
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel is a captivating story about the dour Duke of Stoke Teversault, known as Stoke, and the ebullient widow Georgina Lark. Stoke is not handsome, he appears quite foreboding but he keeps his passions well hidden, whereas Georgina is full of joie de vivre, enjoys each of life’s simple pleasures. Georgina is a fabulous character, so alive and happy, so unlike Stoke. However there are things Stoke has never told the playful widow. Ms. Jewel has crafted is an unusual, complex and wonderful story about listening to your heart and being really alive.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Grace Burrowes offers a delicate and sweet aperitif with MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? The Duke of Hardcastle is forced to go to the Dukeries to attend a fête; his grandmama wants him to marry and he feels that by taking his nephew’s governess, Miss Ellen MacHugh, he will avoid the debutantes who will be after his title. The bold, defiant Ellen has been in love with the Duke for all the three years she has been in her post; she will be leaving as soon as they come back because it’s too much for her, and she has a secret to boot. What she doesn’t know is that the Duke finds her irresistible but she’s all wrong for him. It’s a beautifully written, very humorous and charming confection that is as colourful, fragrant, and beautiful as the gorgeous flowers in this story. Ellen and Hardcastle are very engaging characters, their romance is delicate and charming; it’s a lovely story!
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville is much darker. The Duke of Linton married his wife Althea when she was but 18, because she was young, beautiful and suitable; he never really cared for her and they have been apart for most of their 5-year marriage. The Duke is a rather cold-hearted cad, to be honest, and theirs is a rather sad story. However events that happen at the boat race and the scavenger hunt make him realise the error of his ways, and Linton and Althea settle for a very unusual compromise. Ms. Neville is a master of character development and again she shines in the DUCHESS OF SCANDAL, her prose is as gorgeous as ever and she treats us to a few surprises.
The pièce de résistance is WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen. Ms. Galen gives us one of her most wonderful stories ever; what a delight! At the Dukeries, Vivienne is running for her life literally: assassins are pursuing her, and she is so hungry and tired she collapses. While on a scavenger hunt, Nathan, The Duke of Wyndover, stumbles upon her and gentleman that he is, he rescues her. He knows her but she doesn’t recognise him. Strange, that! Nathan is unbelievably gorgeous, unforgettable really to all but Vivienne, who doesn’t care for pretty men, however Nathan is much more than his pretty face, which is the least of his worries. This is Shana Galen at her very best! What a fabulous story, extensively researched, filled with political intrigue, action, and magnificent characters! I was enthralled from the very first lines. The romance is divine, the writing is exquisite, the chemistry between Vivienne and Nathan is palpable. WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU is sheer perfection!
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel is a captivating story about the dour Duke of Stoke Teversault, known as Stoke, and the ebullient widow Georgina Lark. Stoke is not handsome, he appears quite foreboding but he keeps his passions well hidden, whereas Georgina is full of joie de vivre, enjoys each of life’s simple pleasures. Georgina is a fabulous character, so alive and happy, so unlike Stoke. However there are things Stoke has never told the playful widow. Ms. Jewel has crafted is an unusual, complex and wonderful story about listening to your heart and being really alive.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
November 29, 2021
This was another wonderful collection of stories by four authors I adore:
May I Have This Duke? By Grace Burrowes
With the theme of the Duke and the governess, the main characters are two lonely people who have spent several years keeping their feelings hidden and it was so much fun seeing their relationship blossom, especially since there are obstacles to overcome, just as there are in all the best stories. Seeing everything come out right in the end was a joy, since I really fell in love with these two wonderful characters.
Waiting For a Duke Like You by Shana Galen
Usually the Duke is marrying beneath him, but in this one he has his heart set on a princess. The princess was running for her life from assassins and the duke had fallen in love with her years ago and never forgot her. Running for your life will certainly change a woman’s perspective, and even though Vivienne has never cared for men that are prettier than she is, and barely remembers the English duke, she accepts Nathan’s help. Now he has a chance to prove there’s more to him than a handsome face and win her heart. The thought of women swooning at the sight of the handsome duke gave me a giggle, and seeing this unusual heroine find just the right man for her was a treat. As usual, there was just the right amount of excitement, action and romance that I’ve come to expect in Shana Galen’s stories.
Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville
This is my favorite theme, the second chance at love. After just a few months of marriage, this couple has been estranged for the last five years, being coldly polite whenever they have to interact with each other for short periods of time. When they’re unexpectedly thrown together at the same estate, during the festivities leading up to the Dukeries Cup, the Duke of Linton realizes he should have given some guidance and support to his young wife, that maybe he was a bit too critical and aloof. Althea sees a new side to her husband, who seems much more approachable, and they begin to get to know each other all over again. It’s always entertaining to see a couple who just didn’t understand each other make such a mess of things, and when presented with another chance, to watch them find a way to figure it all out. The details of training Althea’s brother for the race, and the excitement of the Dukeries Cup were an added bonus to the story.
An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewel
I really loved this couple – the Duke who shows no feelings and is cold and forbidding, Stoke keeps everything bottled up inside so no one has any idea of the love he’s been hiding for Mrs. Lark. The widowed Georgina Lark has such a sunny and joyful personality, it’s hard to dampen her spirits, but Stoke certainly has such an effect on her; she’s sure that he dislikes her and disapproves of everything she does. There are so many misunderstandings between these two very different personalities that I didn’t think they’d ever figure it all out. He has no clue how to talk to or interact with a young lady like George, and just keeps making more of a mess of it every time he tries. It was great fun to see them muddle their way through, and even sweeter to finally see them reach the proper conclusion despite themselves.
May I Have This Duke? By Grace Burrowes
With the theme of the Duke and the governess, the main characters are two lonely people who have spent several years keeping their feelings hidden and it was so much fun seeing their relationship blossom, especially since there are obstacles to overcome, just as there are in all the best stories. Seeing everything come out right in the end was a joy, since I really fell in love with these two wonderful characters.
Waiting For a Duke Like You by Shana Galen
Usually the Duke is marrying beneath him, but in this one he has his heart set on a princess. The princess was running for her life from assassins and the duke had fallen in love with her years ago and never forgot her. Running for your life will certainly change a woman’s perspective, and even though Vivienne has never cared for men that are prettier than she is, and barely remembers the English duke, she accepts Nathan’s help. Now he has a chance to prove there’s more to him than a handsome face and win her heart. The thought of women swooning at the sight of the handsome duke gave me a giggle, and seeing this unusual heroine find just the right man for her was a treat. As usual, there was just the right amount of excitement, action and romance that I’ve come to expect in Shana Galen’s stories.
Duchess of Scandal by Miranda Neville
This is my favorite theme, the second chance at love. After just a few months of marriage, this couple has been estranged for the last five years, being coldly polite whenever they have to interact with each other for short periods of time. When they’re unexpectedly thrown together at the same estate, during the festivities leading up to the Dukeries Cup, the Duke of Linton realizes he should have given some guidance and support to his young wife, that maybe he was a bit too critical and aloof. Althea sees a new side to her husband, who seems much more approachable, and they begin to get to know each other all over again. It’s always entertaining to see a couple who just didn’t understand each other make such a mess of things, and when presented with another chance, to watch them find a way to figure it all out. The details of training Althea’s brother for the race, and the excitement of the Dukeries Cup were an added bonus to the story.
An Unsuitable Duchess by Carolyn Jewel
I really loved this couple – the Duke who shows no feelings and is cold and forbidding, Stoke keeps everything bottled up inside so no one has any idea of the love he’s been hiding for Mrs. Lark. The widowed Georgina Lark has such a sunny and joyful personality, it’s hard to dampen her spirits, but Stoke certainly has such an effect on her; she’s sure that he dislikes her and disapproves of everything she does. There are so many misunderstandings between these two very different personalities that I didn’t think they’d ever figure it all out. He has no clue how to talk to or interact with a young lady like George, and just keeps making more of a mess of it every time he tries. It was great fun to see them muddle their way through, and even sweeter to finally see them reach the proper conclusion despite themselves.
June 16, 2015
4 Fantastic Regencies In 1 Book
I had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of Dancing In The Duke's Arms. It was on my TBR list and I was stoked to get it early. I blew through this book in less than two days and am so bummed that it's finished. Four interconnecting hits in one book, each one sweet and steamy hot. All are written by fantastic authors known for writing sensually hot and sweet regencies.
Grace Burrowes contributes 'May I Have This Duke?' Ellie MacHugh and Gerard Hammersley are fighting their attraction for reasons that each feel are important at the time, but that don't really matter in the end. He believes she's just a governess and she believes she isn't good enough for him. Their interaction is hot off the charts sexy. Sweet and hot at the same time.
Shana Galen brings 'Waiting For A Duke Like You'. Handsome Nathan Cauley rescues the woman he has dreamed about for years from certain death. Vivienne is a strong capable woman of a Royal family, running for her life, who then returns the favor and saves Nathan. She grows to care deeply for him also and saves his life. Their interaction grows hot and steamy as they fall in love.
Miranda Neville gives us 'Duchess Of Scandal'. Althea and Ben Linton married when she was young and naive. He was unaware of her feelings of insecurity and thought she would slot into his life without aid, unaware of things in her life that made her doubt her worth to him. A scheduling conflict brought the estranged couple under the same roof and events conspired to help them understand one another. All the desire between them drew them together enough that they worked through their problems in the end.
Carolyn Jewel's 'An Unsuitable Duchess' is a sweet tale that turns steamy quickly enough. Stoke and Georgie would have married years ago ….if Stoke hadn't dawdled while another quickly snapped her up. They had always cared about each other, but did not know that the other also cared. Georgie's husband passed away, and Stoke helped her through the hard times immediately after, as a friend, but still caring deeply for her. An house party at Stoke's home brought them in close enough contact, that the attraction between them heated up....to hot and steamy proportions.
This is a gotta have book for anyone who is a fan of these wonderful writers. Five stars just are not enough
I had the wonderful opportunity to read an advanced copy of Dancing In The Duke's Arms. It was on my TBR list and I was stoked to get it early. I blew through this book in less than two days and am so bummed that it's finished. Four interconnecting hits in one book, each one sweet and steamy hot. All are written by fantastic authors known for writing sensually hot and sweet regencies.
Grace Burrowes contributes 'May I Have This Duke?' Ellie MacHugh and Gerard Hammersley are fighting their attraction for reasons that each feel are important at the time, but that don't really matter in the end. He believes she's just a governess and she believes she isn't good enough for him. Their interaction is hot off the charts sexy. Sweet and hot at the same time.
Shana Galen brings 'Waiting For A Duke Like You'. Handsome Nathan Cauley rescues the woman he has dreamed about for years from certain death. Vivienne is a strong capable woman of a Royal family, running for her life, who then returns the favor and saves Nathan. She grows to care deeply for him also and saves his life. Their interaction grows hot and steamy as they fall in love.
Miranda Neville gives us 'Duchess Of Scandal'. Althea and Ben Linton married when she was young and naive. He was unaware of her feelings of insecurity and thought she would slot into his life without aid, unaware of things in her life that made her doubt her worth to him. A scheduling conflict brought the estranged couple under the same roof and events conspired to help them understand one another. All the desire between them drew them together enough that they worked through their problems in the end.
Carolyn Jewel's 'An Unsuitable Duchess' is a sweet tale that turns steamy quickly enough. Stoke and Georgie would have married years ago ….if Stoke hadn't dawdled while another quickly snapped her up. They had always cared about each other, but did not know that the other also cared. Georgie's husband passed away, and Stoke helped her through the hard times immediately after, as a friend, but still caring deeply for her. An house party at Stoke's home brought them in close enough contact, that the attraction between them heated up....to hot and steamy proportions.
This is a gotta have book for anyone who is a fan of these wonderful writers. Five stars just are not enough
July 8, 2015
A second collection of novellas from the same authors who published Christmas in the Duke's Arms: A Christmas Anthology for the Christmas season last year. I really enjoyed the Christmas set, so I was hoping for something just as delightful this time. But unfortunately this new set isn't quite as good, IMHO.
Grace Burrowes' "May I Have This Duke" is a sweet story of 2 people who have been attracted to each other for a long time, but have never acted on it, because he's her employer and she thinks that she is totally unsuitable for him. I would give it 4 stars.
Shana Galen's "Waiting for a Duke Like You" didn't appeal to me at all - the heroine is a princess of an imaginary country who thinks that the lower classes are "serfs". No wonder she had to escape a revolution in her country! 1.5 stars.
Miranda Neville's "Duchess of Scandal" is the best one in this set - a reconciliation story about two people who probably shouldn't have married when they did, had a huge bust-up, but now, 5 years later, are much more mature and regretful about what happened in the past. 4 stars.
Carolyn Jewel's "An Unsuitable Duchess" is a bit strange - the hero and heroine have these weird conversations that don't seem to lead anywhere and don't seem to be about anything. It seemed like I should have been able to "read between the lines" to understand what they're really saying to each other. Also, they have a bit of a prior history which the author alludes to very elliptically and vaguely. This didn't help with understanding all the undercurrents. 2.5 stars.
Grace Burrowes' "May I Have This Duke" is a sweet story of 2 people who have been attracted to each other for a long time, but have never acted on it, because he's her employer and she thinks that she is totally unsuitable for him. I would give it 4 stars.
Shana Galen's "Waiting for a Duke Like You" didn't appeal to me at all - the heroine is a princess of an imaginary country who thinks that the lower classes are "serfs". No wonder she had to escape a revolution in her country! 1.5 stars.
Miranda Neville's "Duchess of Scandal" is the best one in this set - a reconciliation story about two people who probably shouldn't have married when they did, had a huge bust-up, but now, 5 years later, are much more mature and regretful about what happened in the past. 4 stars.
Carolyn Jewel's "An Unsuitable Duchess" is a bit strange - the hero and heroine have these weird conversations that don't seem to lead anywhere and don't seem to be about anything. It seemed like I should have been able to "read between the lines" to understand what they're really saying to each other. Also, they have a bit of a prior history which the author alludes to very elliptically and vaguely. This didn't help with understanding all the undercurrents. 2.5 stars.
January 13, 2020
Superior short stories from Grace Burrowes and Carolyn Jewel. I thought, after reading GB's modern novellas/short stories, that maybe the form wasn't her style, but reading this I think perhaps the contemporary setting just doesn't suit her style. I particularly enjoyed the Carolyn Jewel story - perhaps it IS a reworking of the story she wrote for Christmas in the Duke's Arms: A Christmas Anthology, but it's got better. The Miranda Neville story was fine, and the Shana Galen was, for me, the weakest. But 3/4 ain't bad!
February 21, 2016
Awesome Romance
This the second compilation of short stories centered around a main event and I have to say again I was not disappointed. Each story connected somewhat to each other with their own plot line. Was wonderfully done and if you love romance you will love this. Oh and yes each story has a little angst! Wonderful stories for February in Love!
This the second compilation of short stories centered around a main event and I have to say again I was not disappointed. Each story connected somewhat to each other with their own plot line. Was wonderfully done and if you love romance you will love this. Oh and yes each story has a little angst! Wonderful stories for February in Love!
November 15, 2015
I received the book for free through Goodreads Giveaways. Enjoyed this book. Four separate regency romance stories, but linked in location, activities and secondary characters. Loved all the story lines and characters, and each story was unique. Loved it!
October 14, 2016
You have better things to do with your life than read this
Clunky writing. Poor characters. Irritating sugary stories. First story in this anthology was a three star but I could not read the others.
Clunky writing. Poor characters. Irritating sugary stories. First story in this anthology was a three star but I could not read the others.
September 7, 2015
Loved it. I like how this flowed so easily, from one story to another. A lovely read.
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. (I wish half ratings were available)
4.5 rounded up to 5 stars. (I wish half ratings were available)
February 4, 2019
E a festa no campo continua, agora com 4 ótimas autoras.
Quatro estórias curtas que me envolveram demais.
Eu poderia fazer uma resenha do geral, mas prefiro dar atenção a cada uma das estórias por respeito às suas escritoras.
De todas as autoras desse livro, eu conhecia apenas a Grace Burrowes, mas que surpresa deliciosa ter tido a oportunidade de conhecer suas três excelentes companheiras de escrita.
A primeira é a da Grace, “MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? ”, que é a, tão esperara por mim, estória de Gerard Hammersley, duque de Hardcastle, amigo de Elias, Duque de Sedgemere, do livro “Once Upon a Dream” que ela escreveu junto com a Mary Balogh.
Uma estória envolvente e sensual. Podemos sentir a mudança na fachada dura do duque, sua aceitação e sua rendição e também o mistério que envolve a Srta. Ellen. Tudo descrito de forma exemplar, como sempre, por Grace Burrowes. Além de ter sido uma delícia conviver com a amizade estranha desses duques maravilhosos.
Só senti falta de uma maior participação do Christian na estória. Ele poderia ter tido uma participação importante e influente.
Recomendo e leva 4 estrelas
Vamos a segunda estória do livro, “DUCHESS OF SCANDAL “, que também se passa na mesma festa na casa de campo de Sedgemere e Anne.
Nunca tinha lido nada da Miranda Neville e gostei muito da forma da escrita dela.
Nessa estória temos retratado o reencontro, o reconhecimento de erros do passado, o amadurecimento, rendição e a superação.
Um casal que, contra o esperado, se dá a chance de um recomeço.
Adorei Bem e Althea, da mesma forma que adorei o Nick... li essa estória em algumas horas apenas... flui deliciosamente.
Mais uma que leva minhas 4 estrelas.
Na terceira estória “WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU “, Shana Galen, outra autora que não conhecia, nos presenteia com um conto de fadas de um Duque e uma princesa.
A princesa que tem toda a família assassinada e foge em busca de salvação. E quem ela encontra?
O duque mais bonito da face da terra, por quem as mulheres desmaiam só de olhá-lo e que tem que se provar merecedor do amor da única mulher imune a sua beleza.
Gostei muito. Leva 3,7 estrelas.
E chegou a vez de “AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS” de Carolyn Jewel, outra que nunca havia lido... e que delícia...
Essa estória narra o romance entre um duque sombrio e uma viúva nada comportada.
Ele se apaixonou, mas ela se casou com outro e ele escondeu seu amor por anos...
Ela, depois de ficar viúva, o enxerga e se apaixona, mas esconde por se achar apropriada para ele.
A rendição dos dois foi linda. Gostei muito 3,7 estrelas
Quatro estórias curtas que me envolveram demais.
Eu poderia fazer uma resenha do geral, mas prefiro dar atenção a cada uma das estórias por respeito às suas escritoras.
De todas as autoras desse livro, eu conhecia apenas a Grace Burrowes, mas que surpresa deliciosa ter tido a oportunidade de conhecer suas três excelentes companheiras de escrita.
A primeira é a da Grace, “MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? ”, que é a, tão esperara por mim, estória de Gerard Hammersley, duque de Hardcastle, amigo de Elias, Duque de Sedgemere, do livro “Once Upon a Dream” que ela escreveu junto com a Mary Balogh.
Uma estória envolvente e sensual. Podemos sentir a mudança na fachada dura do duque, sua aceitação e sua rendição e também o mistério que envolve a Srta. Ellen. Tudo descrito de forma exemplar, como sempre, por Grace Burrowes. Além de ter sido uma delícia conviver com a amizade estranha desses duques maravilhosos.
Só senti falta de uma maior participação do Christian na estória. Ele poderia ter tido uma participação importante e influente.
Recomendo e leva 4 estrelas
Vamos a segunda estória do livro, “DUCHESS OF SCANDAL “, que também se passa na mesma festa na casa de campo de Sedgemere e Anne.
Nunca tinha lido nada da Miranda Neville e gostei muito da forma da escrita dela.
Nessa estória temos retratado o reencontro, o reconhecimento de erros do passado, o amadurecimento, rendição e a superação.
Um casal que, contra o esperado, se dá a chance de um recomeço.
Adorei Bem e Althea, da mesma forma que adorei o Nick... li essa estória em algumas horas apenas... flui deliciosamente.
Mais uma que leva minhas 4 estrelas.
Na terceira estória “WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU “, Shana Galen, outra autora que não conhecia, nos presenteia com um conto de fadas de um Duque e uma princesa.
A princesa que tem toda a família assassinada e foge em busca de salvação. E quem ela encontra?
O duque mais bonito da face da terra, por quem as mulheres desmaiam só de olhá-lo e que tem que se provar merecedor do amor da única mulher imune a sua beleza.
Gostei muito. Leva 3,7 estrelas.
E chegou a vez de “AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS” de Carolyn Jewel, outra que nunca havia lido... e que delícia...
Essa estória narra o romance entre um duque sombrio e uma viúva nada comportada.
Ele se apaixonou, mas ela se casou com outro e ele escondeu seu amor por anos...
Ela, depois de ficar viúva, o enxerga e se apaixona, mas esconde por se achar apropriada para ele.
A rendição dos dois foi linda. Gostei muito 3,7 estrelas
April 6, 2021
It's rather difficult reviewing this anthology which is now out of print and only available in paperback for an exorbitant price. Three of the short novellas have been released again by their authors, but two of those are packaged with another novella. Alas the story by the late Miranda Neville is only available in this anthology. Fortunately Neville has left us a number of stories to love.
Having said that, even though my GR history does not show it I've reread this in it's entirety more than several times and individual stories a few times a year. My two favorites are the stories by Grace Burrowes and Carolyn Jewel. I highly recommend seeking out Carolyn Jewel's story An Unsuitable Duchess, which I reread the most often. And Grace Burrowes has been on my top favorite authors list for a very long time, and I love her contribution May I Have This Duke. I will always recommend her books. Shana Galen, who is another favorite contributes a story right up the ally of any of her spy story lovers. Galen's story is Waiting for a Duke Like You.
Since I don't recommend buying the paper back because of the price, the premise of the anthology is of less importance as an overall theme to draw on, except for the fact that the stories do intertwine. Each story stands alone. The Amazon listing for the book has the best blurb and story descriptions. The premise is that an annual event, or series of events took place in an area referred to as The Dukeries (a real moniker, and a real place in the county of Nottinghamshire,) that included movement of visitors from Ducal estate to Ducal estate enjoying parties and plenty of other entertainments culminating with a race on the serpentine lake on the estate of the Duke of Teversault. That estate is the setting of Carolyn Jewel's story. Reading the three available stories in succession of each other is fun but not necessary.
Having said that, even though my GR history does not show it I've reread this in it's entirety more than several times and individual stories a few times a year. My two favorites are the stories by Grace Burrowes and Carolyn Jewel. I highly recommend seeking out Carolyn Jewel's story An Unsuitable Duchess, which I reread the most often. And Grace Burrowes has been on my top favorite authors list for a very long time, and I love her contribution May I Have This Duke. I will always recommend her books. Shana Galen, who is another favorite contributes a story right up the ally of any of her spy story lovers. Galen's story is Waiting for a Duke Like You.
Since I don't recommend buying the paper back because of the price, the premise of the anthology is of less importance as an overall theme to draw on, except for the fact that the stories do intertwine. Each story stands alone. The Amazon listing for the book has the best blurb and story descriptions. The premise is that an annual event, or series of events took place in an area referred to as The Dukeries (a real moniker, and a real place in the county of Nottinghamshire,) that included movement of visitors from Ducal estate to Ducal estate enjoying parties and plenty of other entertainments culminating with a race on the serpentine lake on the estate of the Duke of Teversault. That estate is the setting of Carolyn Jewel's story. Reading the three available stories in succession of each other is fun but not necessary.
July 11, 2018
It was a pretty enjoyable book without too many complications to the plots.
MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? by Grace Burrowes 3.5
I liked the banter between Hardcastle and Ellen. It feels good o read characters who can have a sensible and witty conversation. The end seemed a bit rushed, probably because she was nearing the word limit.
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville 4
I've always had mixed feeling about second chance stories; they could go wrong so easily! But, this one was good. Both parties were at fault and it was good to see them realize their mistakes and give themselves a chance to rekindle their love.
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen 2.5
Somehow this story fell flat to me. The characters couldn't connect.
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel 3
I liked Gerogina, or Geroge as everyone called her. She was full of life and straightforward. The duke seemed a bit too stiff, but his display of emotions at the climax was enough to reassure the reader that George will be happy with him.
MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? by Grace Burrowes 3.5
I liked the banter between Hardcastle and Ellen. It feels good o read characters who can have a sensible and witty conversation. The end seemed a bit rushed, probably because she was nearing the word limit.
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville 4
I've always had mixed feeling about second chance stories; they could go wrong so easily! But, this one was good. Both parties were at fault and it was good to see them realize their mistakes and give themselves a chance to rekindle their love.
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen 2.5
Somehow this story fell flat to me. The characters couldn't connect.
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel 3
I liked Gerogina, or Geroge as everyone called her. She was full of life and straightforward. The duke seemed a bit too stiff, but his display of emotions at the climax was enough to reassure the reader that George will be happy with him.
April 6, 2018
I enjoy these Regency collections that I read because I want to read ALL of Grace Burrowes. Each of these novellas take place in basically the same house party, and the same events are happening, which I find very cute. Each Duke must learn how to love and each does end up in.love.
October 8, 2017
Predictable and unoriginal
When I start thinking I could write a better story it's a crummy book
This is a stinker and time waste
When I start thinking I could write a better story it's a crummy book
This is a stinker and time waste
October 11, 2017
Enjoyed three of the four stories.
March 25, 2019
I don't usually read the books of half of these authors, but this collection was a great, sweet, fantastic surprise!
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