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A Year Without a Duke #5
A Duke by December
A YEAR WITHOUT A DUKE
The duke has died. Long live the duke! The only problem is no one knows who the new Duke of Beckworth is. All of England wonders, but no one more so than the people who depend upon Beckworth for their livelihood. In 1816, a year so cold that the word “summer” is a cruel joke, that livelihood is even more uncertain. However, they are all about to find out, there is nothing more warming than scandal and love…
A DUKE BY DECEMBER
Elizabeth Smith is secretly in love with the tall, handsome golden-haired man who rescued her from Arkansas Territory and offered her a new life. Unfortunately, she knows he’ll never see her as anything more than his secretary.
Nathaniel Hughes has spent the majority of his life in America amassing his fortune. When he discovers he is the next Duke of Beckworth, he must reluctantly travel to England, face down his past, and rehabilitate an estate to save those who live on it. But every duke requires a duchess and an heir.
He’ll figure this out somehow with Lizzie, his loyal and capable secretary, at his side. Once at Beckworth, he finds it increasingly difficult to deny a powerful attraction to the woman he has vowed to protect—even from himself. Can he find the strength to choose duty over desire?
Other books in the series:
A YEAR WITHOUT A DUKE...
Book 1: JILTED IN JANUARY by Kate Pearce;
Book 2: FORBIDDEN IN FEBRUARY by Suzanna Medeiros;
Book 3: SEDUCED IN SEPTEMBER by Genevieve Turner;
Book 4: AN AFFAIR IN AUTUMN by Jennifer Haymore;
Book 5: A DUKE BY DECEMBER by Sabrina Darby
The duke has died. Long live the duke! The only problem is no one knows who the new Duke of Beckworth is. All of England wonders, but no one more so than the people who depend upon Beckworth for their livelihood. In 1816, a year so cold that the word “summer” is a cruel joke, that livelihood is even more uncertain. However, they are all about to find out, there is nothing more warming than scandal and love…
A DUKE BY DECEMBER
Elizabeth Smith is secretly in love with the tall, handsome golden-haired man who rescued her from Arkansas Territory and offered her a new life. Unfortunately, she knows he’ll never see her as anything more than his secretary.
Nathaniel Hughes has spent the majority of his life in America amassing his fortune. When he discovers he is the next Duke of Beckworth, he must reluctantly travel to England, face down his past, and rehabilitate an estate to save those who live on it. But every duke requires a duchess and an heir.
He’ll figure this out somehow with Lizzie, his loyal and capable secretary, at his side. Once at Beckworth, he finds it increasingly difficult to deny a powerful attraction to the woman he has vowed to protect—even from himself. Can he find the strength to choose duty over desire?
Other books in the series:
A YEAR WITHOUT A DUKE...
Book 1: JILTED IN JANUARY by Kate Pearce;
Book 2: FORBIDDEN IN FEBRUARY by Suzanna Medeiros;
Book 3: SEDUCED IN SEPTEMBER by Genevieve Turner;
Book 4: AN AFFAIR IN AUTUMN by Jennifer Haymore;
Book 5: A DUKE BY DECEMBER by Sabrina Darby
86 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 8, 2016
21 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Darby
20 books192 followersSabrina Darby has been reading romance since the age of seven and learned her best vocabulary (dulcet, diaphanous, and turgid) from them. She started writing romance the day after her wedding when she woke up with an idea for a Regency; she’s been back in the early 19th century ever since.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
She currently resides in California with her husband.
And for more historical romance fabulousness, join Sabrina at https://www.facebook.com/groups/ILove... for fun discussions led live every Thursday by a different guest co-host.
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Displaying 1 - 29 of 41 reviews
October 16, 2018
I would recommend that this five-part novella series be read in order as the there can be spoilers in the next book. Duke Beckworth has died without an heir and now the next in line must be found. Each novella gets us closer to finding on the Duke.
A Year Without a Duke: #5)
Written by Sabrina Darby
2016; Sabrina Darby (86 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, romance, historical, novella
RATING: ★★★★
Nathaniel Hughes left Britain for the Americas to gain a fortune. There he saves a young woman and her half-brother (who was once a slave) and is now duty bound to keep them safe. When his old friends Markus and Caroline come to America to find him he finds out that he is the new Duke of Beckworth. Not really sure it is something he entirely wants he must do it and it also means he can take Elizabeth and her brother out of harms way. As his secretary, Lizzie is close to Nathaniel but does not think he will see her in the same way. Now as a duke who needs a wife and h
eir she feels like she is losing him further.
The conclusion of the series was nicely done. I really like the ending - which I think is a great treat for the readers. I like Lizzie and Markus and their story was very interesting and different but still keeping with the series. I am looking forward to more by Sabrina Darby.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
A Year Without a Duke: #5)
Written by Sabrina Darby
2016; Sabrina Darby (86 Pages)
Genre: series, fiction, romance, historical, novella
RATING: ★★★★
Nathaniel Hughes left Britain for the Americas to gain a fortune. There he saves a young woman and her half-brother (who was once a slave) and is now duty bound to keep them safe. When his old friends Markus and Caroline come to America to find him he finds out that he is the new Duke of Beckworth. Not really sure it is something he entirely wants he must do it and it also means he can take Elizabeth and her brother out of harms way. As his secretary, Lizzie is close to Nathaniel but does not think he will see her in the same way. Now as a duke who needs a wife and h
eir she feels like she is losing him further.
The conclusion of the series was nicely done. I really like the ending - which I think is a great treat for the readers. I like Lizzie and Markus and their story was very interesting and different but still keeping with the series. I am looking forward to more by Sabrina Darby.
***I received an eARC from NETGALLEY***
My Novelesque Blog
May 9, 2016
While I wouldn't recommend this story if you are looking for a solid romance, Darby had the difficult task of wrapping up the series and thus could spend less pages on the couple. Don't read this as a stand alone, but if you have read and enjoyed the previous stories in this collection, you will appreciate the tying of loose ends that occurs in this one.
A Duke by December is the fifth and final story in the A Year Without a Duke collection, where five different authors tell the stories of people connected to the Beckworth dukedom as the search for the ducal heir takes place.
Nathaniel Hughes grew up as a poor relation of the Duke of Beckworth and when he was ridiculed for his offer of marriage to his childhood friend due to his lack of social standing and wealth, Nate left for America to make his own fortune. During his time in the Arkansas Territory, he meets and ends up caring for a young white woman (Lizzie) and her mixed race half brother (John). The three become an unconventional family of sorts, and when Nate finds out about his inheritance, he has John and Lizzie come with him to England.
Darby does an excellent job of showing the difficulties that Nate has transitioning into the position of duke. He has only had to look out for a small number of people his entire life and now his decisions will impact thousands. Under this kind of pressure, the attraction he feels for Lizzie finally starts to show through as his polite mask cracks under the strain of his new position. Lizzie has always felt an attraction to Nate, but has never acted on it, thinking that he was not interested in her in that way. As a result, she made herself indispensable to him through being his supportive, shrewd, and efficient secretary. As you can imagine, this arrangement was not well accepted in England and both Nate and Lizzie have some decisions to make. Lizzie's younger, half black brother John was a refreshing secondary character who had some insightful words of wisdom and an innate kindness despite the harshness of the world he grew up in.
Overall, this book is worth reading if you have enjoyed this collection. Darby wraps up the loose ends and all of the characters from the previous novellas are mentioned in this one. While I did not think the romance was strong in this one, I enjoyed Darby's well written look into what it would have been like for a distant relation to inherit a dukedom in a year with poor harvest and countless responsibilities. This provided nice closure for a unique historical romance collection where the romances included couples from all social classes and in a variety of different settings.
I received a copy of this story from Netgalley to read and review.
A Duke by December is the fifth and final story in the A Year Without a Duke collection, where five different authors tell the stories of people connected to the Beckworth dukedom as the search for the ducal heir takes place.
Nathaniel Hughes grew up as a poor relation of the Duke of Beckworth and when he was ridiculed for his offer of marriage to his childhood friend due to his lack of social standing and wealth, Nate left for America to make his own fortune. During his time in the Arkansas Territory, he meets and ends up caring for a young white woman (Lizzie) and her mixed race half brother (John). The three become an unconventional family of sorts, and when Nate finds out about his inheritance, he has John and Lizzie come with him to England.
Darby does an excellent job of showing the difficulties that Nate has transitioning into the position of duke. He has only had to look out for a small number of people his entire life and now his decisions will impact thousands. Under this kind of pressure, the attraction he feels for Lizzie finally starts to show through as his polite mask cracks under the strain of his new position. Lizzie has always felt an attraction to Nate, but has never acted on it, thinking that he was not interested in her in that way. As a result, she made herself indispensable to him through being his supportive, shrewd, and efficient secretary. As you can imagine, this arrangement was not well accepted in England and both Nate and Lizzie have some decisions to make. Lizzie's younger, half black brother John was a refreshing secondary character who had some insightful words of wisdom and an innate kindness despite the harshness of the world he grew up in.
Overall, this book is worth reading if you have enjoyed this collection. Darby wraps up the loose ends and all of the characters from the previous novellas are mentioned in this one. While I did not think the romance was strong in this one, I enjoyed Darby's well written look into what it would have been like for a distant relation to inherit a dukedom in a year with poor harvest and countless responsibilities. This provided nice closure for a unique historical romance collection where the romances included couples from all social classes and in a variety of different settings.
I received a copy of this story from Netgalley to read and review.
February 20, 2016
After a year of searching, the new Duke of Beckworth has been found, and it's the most unlikely person in all of England: Nathaniel Hughes grew up poor, and with no advantages. After Caroline's father refused his suit, he went off to America and made his money in copper mines. He's a self-made millionaire who never thought he'd have a reason to return to England, and, in truth, even when his childhood friends, Marcus and Caroline, deliver the news of his new status, there's a part of Nate that hesitates to return.
Sabrina Darby closes the A Year Without a Duke series with this reflection on choice and duty -- it is only a fortunate few who don't have to make the difficult choice between the two, and, unfortunately, Nate isn't one of them. But why should he give up everything he's worked so hard for to fulfill his duty as the new Duke of Beckworth?
He has a wonderful life in New York. He has the comfort of certainty -- and the comfort of his friendship with Lizzie and John, his secretary and her younger brother, whom he rescued and have been living with him for the past year. If he returns to England, he will be returning to face problems, debts, and the urgent need to marry. The Beckworth legacy was never something he grew up with, so it's a completely foreign idea to him to have to sacrifice his freedom to preserve the Hughes line.
I have to say that this isn't so much about falling in love, as it is a discovery of something that's been under our characters' noses all this while. I didn't understand the self-denial when they were still living in New York, because it was obvious to everyone that they were attracted to each other, but it becomes the source of unbearable tension when Nate returns to England. There was already a social gap between the two when they were in New York, but, in England, Nate is now a Duke, and Lizzie is still just his secretary. All of a sudden, there's a hyper-awareness of the social divide between the two, as they are reminded of what they ought and ought not to be doing. It did become a bit repetitive as our hero and heroine acknowledge their desires, try to hide it, and then fail miserably in doing so. I felt their conversations didn't really do much to develop their relationship, because they spent so much time dancing around the "elephant in the room" -- and I was impatient for when this slowly simmering volcano would erupt. I was a bit surprised with the role Lady Maude plays in this novella, considering she hadn't really spoken in Jilted in January .
What I also appreciate about Darby's novella is how she highlights the duties of a Duke. I felt that this aspect of the novel was more compelling, because it shows that the life of a duke isn't as glamorous as many people believe it to be: it's days of consultations with managers, solicitors, housekeepers, etc. It's making decisions that affect the lives of the hundreds/thousands of people who rely on the duchy for their living. It's admirable how Nate throws himself into his new responsibility. I also loved seeing Colin Ford and Edward Coyne (from the previous books) interact with the new Duke, and Darby does a good job of tying in and resolving all the previous books in the series within her story.
The character that stole the show for me was Lizzie's half-brother, John: who never quite completely belongs to any place or to any home. The son of Lizzie's father with a former slave, John must make his own way in a world that hasn't really fully accepted his existence -- and he is being very brave, and very patient about it. There's a quiet strength to him, and a thoughtful intelligence, and I love how he perceived the world, and his opinions on Nate and Lizzie's relationship. I would love to read a stand-alone book featuring John, in the future. ^_^
Sabrina Darby closes the A Year Without a Duke series with this reflection on choice and duty -- it is only a fortunate few who don't have to make the difficult choice between the two, and, unfortunately, Nate isn't one of them. But why should he give up everything he's worked so hard for to fulfill his duty as the new Duke of Beckworth?
He has a wonderful life in New York. He has the comfort of certainty -- and the comfort of his friendship with Lizzie and John, his secretary and her younger brother, whom he rescued and have been living with him for the past year. If he returns to England, he will be returning to face problems, debts, and the urgent need to marry. The Beckworth legacy was never something he grew up with, so it's a completely foreign idea to him to have to sacrifice his freedom to preserve the Hughes line.
I have to say that this isn't so much about falling in love, as it is a discovery of something that's been under our characters' noses all this while. I didn't understand the self-denial when they were still living in New York, because it was obvious to everyone that they were attracted to each other, but it becomes the source of unbearable tension when Nate returns to England. There was already a social gap between the two when they were in New York, but, in England, Nate is now a Duke, and Lizzie is still just his secretary. All of a sudden, there's a hyper-awareness of the social divide between the two, as they are reminded of what they ought and ought not to be doing. It did become a bit repetitive as our hero and heroine acknowledge their desires, try to hide it, and then fail miserably in doing so. I felt their conversations didn't really do much to develop their relationship, because they spent so much time dancing around the "elephant in the room" -- and I was impatient for when this slowly simmering volcano would erupt. I was a bit surprised with the role Lady Maude plays in this novella, considering she hadn't really spoken in Jilted in January .
What I also appreciate about Darby's novella is how she highlights the duties of a Duke. I felt that this aspect of the novel was more compelling, because it shows that the life of a duke isn't as glamorous as many people believe it to be: it's days of consultations with managers, solicitors, housekeepers, etc. It's making decisions that affect the lives of the hundreds/thousands of people who rely on the duchy for their living. It's admirable how Nate throws himself into his new responsibility. I also loved seeing Colin Ford and Edward Coyne (from the previous books) interact with the new Duke, and Darby does a good job of tying in and resolving all the previous books in the series within her story.
The character that stole the show for me was Lizzie's half-brother, John: who never quite completely belongs to any place or to any home. The son of Lizzie's father with a former slave, John must make his own way in a world that hasn't really fully accepted his existence -- and he is being very brave, and very patient about it. There's a quiet strength to him, and a thoughtful intelligence, and I love how he perceived the world, and his opinions on Nate and Lizzie's relationship. I would love to read a stand-alone book featuring John, in the future. ^_^
June 17, 2016
This is the fifth and last story in the 'A Year without a Duke' series, which can all be read as standalone novellas, but with a story arc that continued from the beginning of the 5 book linked series.
The series has culminated with, lo and behold, the finding of the Duke! From a brief stint in the wilds of the American frontier where we meet Nate ( a secondary character in book 4, An Affair in Autumn) and the young woman, Lizzie that he rescues, it's a quick trip overseas to England where Nate must assume his new duties. Lizzie has been his assistant in his business in New York since he brought her there with him, but it was strictly a hands off arrangement. Now though he must find a bride to carry on the familial line, something both he and Lizzie realize is going to affect their friendship. Will it make them realize that what they have between them will be lost if they don't act soon?
I enjoyed this tying together of the series with a sweet a lovely romance between Nate and Lizzie. Nate's reasons for leaving England in the first place are dwelt upon briefly, and he again feels the tension of English society and his expected duties. But with Lizzie at his side, it's different than when he was a younger man. He's come to rely on her for many things, and he's always kept his more desirous feelings locked down, until the truth of her beauty and strength can no longer be put aside. Lizzie comes across as a strong and intelligent woman who has managed to take her own future in her hands and become invaluable to Nate as his assistant. That she's in love with him doesn't change her determination to do what is best for him, even if that means finding him a wife. It's a slow burn romance, but as the end of the story nears, they both finally acknowledge that what they really want is right there in front of them. Lizzie's half brother John, a boy of mixed black and white blood, gives the opportunity to look a bit into the issue of slavery in America as well as its lingering prejudices in England. As well, at the start and end of each of the stories there has been a correspondence between a lawyer and the housekeeper of Beckworth Park, which culminates in a sweet ending of its own. 4 stars for this final installment and the series as a whole.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author via NetGalley for review.
The series has culminated with, lo and behold, the finding of the Duke! From a brief stint in the wilds of the American frontier where we meet Nate ( a secondary character in book 4, An Affair in Autumn) and the young woman, Lizzie that he rescues, it's a quick trip overseas to England where Nate must assume his new duties. Lizzie has been his assistant in his business in New York since he brought her there with him, but it was strictly a hands off arrangement. Now though he must find a bride to carry on the familial line, something both he and Lizzie realize is going to affect their friendship. Will it make them realize that what they have between them will be lost if they don't act soon?
I enjoyed this tying together of the series with a sweet a lovely romance between Nate and Lizzie. Nate's reasons for leaving England in the first place are dwelt upon briefly, and he again feels the tension of English society and his expected duties. But with Lizzie at his side, it's different than when he was a younger man. He's come to rely on her for many things, and he's always kept his more desirous feelings locked down, until the truth of her beauty and strength can no longer be put aside. Lizzie comes across as a strong and intelligent woman who has managed to take her own future in her hands and become invaluable to Nate as his assistant. That she's in love with him doesn't change her determination to do what is best for him, even if that means finding him a wife. It's a slow burn romance, but as the end of the story nears, they both finally acknowledge that what they really want is right there in front of them. Lizzie's half brother John, a boy of mixed black and white blood, gives the opportunity to look a bit into the issue of slavery in America as well as its lingering prejudices in England. As well, at the start and end of each of the stories there has been a correspondence between a lawyer and the housekeeper of Beckworth Park, which culminates in a sweet ending of its own. 4 stars for this final installment and the series as a whole.
Note: a copy of this story was provided by the author via NetGalley for review.
January 28, 2016
*** I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. ***
Nate’s life has completely changed. When he left England, he was angry, hurt and broke. He left without anything besides determination. Now he is very wealthy and does not have to worry about anything, except finding the next investment. When his friends from England find him, and tell that he is wanted back in England, this really throws him in a loop. All his life he was the poor relative, now he is a Duke. Naturally, he returns with his secretary, Lizzie. Lizzie knows what he likes and when he likes it. Now that Nate is a Duke, should he still look upon Lizzie as a secretary or should he help her find someone to marry?
Lizzie life was not always easy. Lizzie really wonders should she have stayed in America. Being Nate’s secretary was very rewarding in America, she understood her position. But here in England, everything is different, is she a friend, secretary or servant? Lizzie is not sure if this is the ideal situation for her. Afterall, she brought her younger brother with her, and she needs to be sure that he has a future, too. Her feelings for Nate has always been one of gratitude, however, lately she has been feeling something more.
Nate and Lizzie in America, they had different boundaries. And Nate never crossed them. Now that Nate and Lizzie are in England, they began see each other in very different light. Or has this attraction always been there?
This five book series was very enjoyable. Sabrina Darby did a wonderful job finishing the stories of some the characters that were left in doubt of their future. Also, the author did an excellent job of giving us more of the background and the development of Nate and Lizzie. I particularly like how the author handled Lizzie’s brother John. Being an African American women, I like to read books that remember that there are people all over, who want the same thing. Kudos to you, Sabrina Darby, a great book.
Nate’s life has completely changed. When he left England, he was angry, hurt and broke. He left without anything besides determination. Now he is very wealthy and does not have to worry about anything, except finding the next investment. When his friends from England find him, and tell that he is wanted back in England, this really throws him in a loop. All his life he was the poor relative, now he is a Duke. Naturally, he returns with his secretary, Lizzie. Lizzie knows what he likes and when he likes it. Now that Nate is a Duke, should he still look upon Lizzie as a secretary or should he help her find someone to marry?
Lizzie life was not always easy. Lizzie really wonders should she have stayed in America. Being Nate’s secretary was very rewarding in America, she understood her position. But here in England, everything is different, is she a friend, secretary or servant? Lizzie is not sure if this is the ideal situation for her. Afterall, she brought her younger brother with her, and she needs to be sure that he has a future, too. Her feelings for Nate has always been one of gratitude, however, lately she has been feeling something more.
Nate and Lizzie in America, they had different boundaries. And Nate never crossed them. Now that Nate and Lizzie are in England, they began see each other in very different light. Or has this attraction always been there?
This five book series was very enjoyable. Sabrina Darby did a wonderful job finishing the stories of some the characters that were left in doubt of their future. Also, the author did an excellent job of giving us more of the background and the development of Nate and Lizzie. I particularly like how the author handled Lizzie’s brother John. Being an African American women, I like to read books that remember that there are people all over, who want the same thing. Kudos to you, Sabrina Darby, a great book.
April 2, 2016
A Duke by December is the fifth and final book in A Year Without a Duke series and also one of my favorites.
We found out in the previous book, An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore, that Nathaniel Hughes has been discovered to be the new Duke of Beckworth. He must travel from America back to England and take charge of his new estate and the residents that remain. The problem? Nate doesn’t want to conform to society…and he’s discovered that his feelings for his “lady” secretary have become more than that of a guardian.
I really enjoyed this story, but again, way too short. That’s how it has been with every book in this series: good, engrossing stories that leave me wanting more of the characters.
I loved the sexual tension between Lizzie and Nate and how it took them a long time before they became lovers, even with all the gossip surrounding them. The love scene at the end was sexy, but damn I wanted the story to go on longer!!
Can this be read as a stand alone? Sure. But all of the couples from the previous stories are mentioned, and some even make appearances.
I also enjoyed the conclusion of Reginald Tompkins and Mrs. Pemberley’s little romance by letter…and their HEA.
Sabrina Darby is a new to me author and I will be looking to try more of her work in the future.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
We found out in the previous book, An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore, that Nathaniel Hughes has been discovered to be the new Duke of Beckworth. He must travel from America back to England and take charge of his new estate and the residents that remain. The problem? Nate doesn’t want to conform to society…and he’s discovered that his feelings for his “lady” secretary have become more than that of a guardian.
I really enjoyed this story, but again, way too short. That’s how it has been with every book in this series: good, engrossing stories that leave me wanting more of the characters.
I loved the sexual tension between Lizzie and Nate and how it took them a long time before they became lovers, even with all the gossip surrounding them. The love scene at the end was sexy, but damn I wanted the story to go on longer!!
Can this be read as a stand alone? Sure. But all of the couples from the previous stories are mentioned, and some even make appearances.
I also enjoyed the conclusion of Reginald Tompkins and Mrs. Pemberley’s little romance by letter…and their HEA.
Sabrina Darby is a new to me author and I will be looking to try more of her work in the future.
Reviewed for The Blogger Girls
January 16, 2016
This novella wraps up the series and provides the Duke of Beckworth that everyone has been waiting for. Nathaniel Hughes is a self-made man who has built his holding and wealth in the New World after leaving England over a decade previously. On one of his trips he defends Elizabeth and her brother John from their overbearing uncle then takes them under his wing. Not much is said about the year they spend together in New York as the story picks up again with all three in London. From there they move to the estate and settle into a new way of life. How Nathaniel and Lizzie will manage their happily ever after is the question. Will Nathaniel be able to see Lizzie as a woman and not a girl he is protecting? Will he do what is required of a Duke – provide heirs for his estate? Will he find happiness as a duke?
The book was well written and fun to read. I enjoyed it. I liked the other stories in the series a bit better so am reflecting that in the 4 I am giving it.
Thank you to NetGalley and CrushStar Multimedia LLC for the copy of this ARC to read and review.
The book was well written and fun to read. I enjoyed it. I liked the other stories in the series a bit better so am reflecting that in the 4 I am giving it.
Thank you to NetGalley and CrushStar Multimedia LLC for the copy of this ARC to read and review.
January 23, 2016
I received an ARC of this short-story/novella in return for my honest review.
This is the 5th and final story in this series. It finally ties some of the loose ends up from the first four, but leaves much still unfinished.
Nathaniel Hughes has spent most of his life in America. He left England penniless and had to make his way doing manual labor and eventually investing in mines, etc. He made a fortune -- and along the way he rescued Elizabeth Smith and her brother. He made them his 'wards', with Elizabeth becoming his secretary.
When he finds out he is the duke, they all travel to England -- where -- of course- Nathaniel is expected to find a bride and produce an heir. The story of Nathaniel and Elizabeth is sweet and a nice little read.
This is the 5th and final story in this series. It finally ties some of the loose ends up from the first four, but leaves much still unfinished.
Nathaniel Hughes has spent most of his life in America. He left England penniless and had to make his way doing manual labor and eventually investing in mines, etc. He made a fortune -- and along the way he rescued Elizabeth Smith and her brother. He made them his 'wards', with Elizabeth becoming his secretary.
When he finds out he is the duke, they all travel to England -- where -- of course- Nathaniel is expected to find a bride and produce an heir. The story of Nathaniel and Elizabeth is sweet and a nice little read.
March 18, 2016
Sabrina Darby contributes a heart-warming love story to the collaborative Year Without a Duke series. This story features romance between an expatriate Brit who inherits a dukedom and his surrogate American ward, escaping a dangerous home life.
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Smith and her brother are fleeing an unscrupulous uncle when adventurer Nathaniel Hughes, a British aristocrat who turned his back on his country fifteen years before, saves them. Elizabeth and John have no home so Nathaniel kindly “adopts” them and supports them.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://tinyurl.com/h85byel
Elizabeth (Lizzie) Smith and her brother are fleeing an unscrupulous uncle when adventurer Nathaniel Hughes, a British aristocrat who turned his back on his country fifteen years before, saves them. Elizabeth and John have no home so Nathaniel kindly “adopts” them and supports them.
For my full review on my historical romance and history blog: http://tinyurl.com/h85byel
June 2, 2025
I think this one suffered by virtue of being a novella - it would have been great to give more time to the mutual pining and the tension. also really liked the culture shock element
Tompkins and Mrs Pemberley got together and they are the couple I rooted for most so I'm happy
Tompkins and Mrs Pemberley got together and they are the couple I rooted for most so I'm happy
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 16, 2021
couldnt finish. boring
April 1, 2023
Great book… some spice thou not until the end of the book..recommend.
November 8, 2017
Nicely written romance to round of the series. Can be read as a stand alone.
February 17, 2016
Originally Reviewed For: Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
In 1816 there was what was called the year without summer. It's a historical fact. What authors, Kate Pearce, Suzanna Medeiros, Genevieve Turner, Jennifer Haymore and Sabrina Darby did was turn that phrase on it's ear. It seems that was also The Year Without a Duke.. These five authors have gotten together and written a wonderful divergent story. Each telling about those who are in search for this missing Duke.
Sabrina Darby brings us the final Chapter in The Year Without A Duke, Divergent Series and I was a little amazed. Not because it was a decent book but because for once, a Divergent Series seemed cohesive. One of the things I really dislike about Divergent Series is the fact that they are written by different authors.. in theory that's great, but for me in reality it's harsh. They books all tend to be stand alone's and often we don't get to see characters from previous books. Which makes the term series a bit off. Now don't get me wrong all of the characters from previous books didn't suddenly come to life but they were mentioned, they were part of this story and that my friends, makes A Duke by December one of the best...
Elizabeth Smith is something of an orphan, having run off with her brother, her half black brother, in order to save him from slavery. Something he should never have had to deal with as he was born free.. BUT that's not the story. In running from an abusive, greedy uncle, Elizabeth and said brother run right into the arms of Nathaniel Hughes. A man with something to prove and no reason what so ever to save them but save them he did. Elizabeth has moved up in the world with Nathaniel and is now his secretary. A female secretary to a very important business man. A man, she has fallen in love with. But now the comes the news that Nathaniel is so much more than just a successful business man, He's the long lost Duke. Moving from America to England is hard enough but now it seems she's loosing the connection with the one man who means everything to her. Can she find a place in his new life? In his heart?
Nathaniel Hughes fled England with a serious chip on his shoulder. He was gentry but nothing special and nowhere near good enough to marry the woman of his dreams (Caroline Addison from An Affair in Autumn). He's become a man of worth, a man who built his own life and now, almost a lifetime later? He's suddenly a Duke. The highest of the high.. in England he can have pretty much everything he wants. But it seems, what he wants is the one woman he rejected. He wants Elizabeth Smith.
This was just a sweet romance about two people who manage to find each other inspite of their circumstances. Two people who love deeply but have to fight themselves to allow it to happen. In all honesty the best part of the book was the cohesiveness I spoke of at the beginning of this book. That took a sweet 3 star book up a level. This book wasn't meant to move mountains it was meant to show that love really is the most important thing to have in life.. And it did just that.
A pleasant read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Duke by December, provided by netgalley.
In 1816 there was what was called the year without summer. It's a historical fact. What authors, Kate Pearce, Suzanna Medeiros, Genevieve Turner, Jennifer Haymore and Sabrina Darby did was turn that phrase on it's ear. It seems that was also The Year Without a Duke.. These five authors have gotten together and written a wonderful divergent story. Each telling about those who are in search for this missing Duke.
Sabrina Darby brings us the final Chapter in The Year Without A Duke, Divergent Series and I was a little amazed. Not because it was a decent book but because for once, a Divergent Series seemed cohesive. One of the things I really dislike about Divergent Series is the fact that they are written by different authors.. in theory that's great, but for me in reality it's harsh. They books all tend to be stand alone's and often we don't get to see characters from previous books. Which makes the term series a bit off. Now don't get me wrong all of the characters from previous books didn't suddenly come to life but they were mentioned, they were part of this story and that my friends, makes A Duke by December one of the best...
Elizabeth Smith is something of an orphan, having run off with her brother, her half black brother, in order to save him from slavery. Something he should never have had to deal with as he was born free.. BUT that's not the story. In running from an abusive, greedy uncle, Elizabeth and said brother run right into the arms of Nathaniel Hughes. A man with something to prove and no reason what so ever to save them but save them he did. Elizabeth has moved up in the world with Nathaniel and is now his secretary. A female secretary to a very important business man. A man, she has fallen in love with. But now the comes the news that Nathaniel is so much more than just a successful business man, He's the long lost Duke. Moving from America to England is hard enough but now it seems she's loosing the connection with the one man who means everything to her. Can she find a place in his new life? In his heart?
Nathaniel Hughes fled England with a serious chip on his shoulder. He was gentry but nothing special and nowhere near good enough to marry the woman of his dreams (Caroline Addison from An Affair in Autumn). He's become a man of worth, a man who built his own life and now, almost a lifetime later? He's suddenly a Duke. The highest of the high.. in England he can have pretty much everything he wants. But it seems, what he wants is the one woman he rejected. He wants Elizabeth Smith.
This was just a sweet romance about two people who manage to find each other inspite of their circumstances. Two people who love deeply but have to fight themselves to allow it to happen. In all honesty the best part of the book was the cohesiveness I spoke of at the beginning of this book. That took a sweet 3 star book up a level. This book wasn't meant to move mountains it was meant to show that love really is the most important thing to have in life.. And it did just that.
A pleasant read.
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of A Duke by December, provided by netgalley.
January 28, 2016
A Duke by December by Sabrina Darby is the 5th and final installment in the 'A Year Without a Duke' series. Each book is written by a different author, and each book is based on the lives of the people living and/or working on the Duke's estate.
In this story, finally the new Duke, Nathaniel Hughes is back in England to take up his new role. Elizabeth Smith and her brother have traveled with him. Nate rescued them both from their uncle back in America, and they have been with him ever since, with Elizabeth taking the job as Nate's secretary.
In this story we see how Nate comes to grip with becoming an Earl. He has a lot to do in order to get his estate running smoothly again, and Lizzie is a great help to him. In her new role as secretary to a Duke, he insists on having a new wardrobe of clothes made for her. When he sees her in all her new finery, the feelings that he has kept control of, ones that have had him wanting her since he first met her, come to the surface. He doesn't know what to make of the feelings because he isn't sure if he should consider her his ward, rather than a woman he could have a relationship with.
Lizzie has loved Nate for as long as she has known him, but any chance she thought she may have had of becoming more than a friend with him, disappeared once he learned he was a Duke. She thinks she isn't good enough for him, and also knows he is expected to take a wife, one preferably of the upper classes, in order to give him an heir. That definitely rules her out. She has no idea that Nate is fighting his attraction to her.
Will he give in to his emotions and tell her how he feels, or will he do his duty, and marry 'well'?
What I love about this book is that not only do we see the Duke finally take his place in his household, but we also get an update on all the couples from the previous books in the series. Everything is tied up really neatly, and there is even a nice little treat for the housekeeper who has done so well throughout the whole series playing the middle man between the solicitors looking for the Duke, and the staff who have been worried about their livelihoods while the Duke has been absent.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series, it's been a joy to read and I love how well the authors involved wrote such wonderful stories while keeping the theme running throughout them so well. You can read any of the books, including this one, as stand alone ones, but you definitely will get far more enjoyment from reading the whole series. This last one especially will be much better read after the previous books because you get an update of all the couples we have met in the previous stories.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
In this story, finally the new Duke, Nathaniel Hughes is back in England to take up his new role. Elizabeth Smith and her brother have traveled with him. Nate rescued them both from their uncle back in America, and they have been with him ever since, with Elizabeth taking the job as Nate's secretary.
In this story we see how Nate comes to grip with becoming an Earl. He has a lot to do in order to get his estate running smoothly again, and Lizzie is a great help to him. In her new role as secretary to a Duke, he insists on having a new wardrobe of clothes made for her. When he sees her in all her new finery, the feelings that he has kept control of, ones that have had him wanting her since he first met her, come to the surface. He doesn't know what to make of the feelings because he isn't sure if he should consider her his ward, rather than a woman he could have a relationship with.
Lizzie has loved Nate for as long as she has known him, but any chance she thought she may have had of becoming more than a friend with him, disappeared once he learned he was a Duke. She thinks she isn't good enough for him, and also knows he is expected to take a wife, one preferably of the upper classes, in order to give him an heir. That definitely rules her out. She has no idea that Nate is fighting his attraction to her.
Will he give in to his emotions and tell her how he feels, or will he do his duty, and marry 'well'?
What I love about this book is that not only do we see the Duke finally take his place in his household, but we also get an update on all the couples from the previous books in the series. Everything is tied up really neatly, and there is even a nice little treat for the housekeeper who has done so well throughout the whole series playing the middle man between the solicitors looking for the Duke, and the staff who have been worried about their livelihoods while the Duke has been absent.
I thoroughly enjoyed this whole series, it's been a joy to read and I love how well the authors involved wrote such wonderful stories while keeping the theme running throughout them so well. You can read any of the books, including this one, as stand alone ones, but you definitely will get far more enjoyment from reading the whole series. This last one especially will be much better read after the previous books because you get an update of all the couples we have met in the previous stories.
I was given a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
February 4, 2016
3.5 stars.
At last, the duke has come home! After four enjoyable novellas detailing the troubles of an estate trying to run without anyone in control, Nathaniel Hughes has been found and returned to England to take up his dukely duties. And for the most part this is an enjoyable end to the series.
I really liked the beginning, with Nate out in the American wilds, coming to the unexpected rescue of a young woman and her black half-brother. In fact, this one chapter glimpse of Nate’s life in America (and Lizzie and John’s), made me wish from the start that this book was so much longer. I’d have loved to have read about their journey into Louisiana and onto New England.
Alas, instead we pick things up eighteen months later when they’ve just arrived in London. Lizzie is his secretary, John is his sort-of ward and Nate’s about to take control of his new lands. And that’s how the book progresses really. Nate is busy working and trying not to feel attracted to Lizzie, Lizzie is trying to figure out where she fits in his life now and wondering if he will ever notice her as a woman, and John quietly slips off into the background.
Because this is short, it skips along without delving too deeply into anything. Yes, Lizzie faces a few issues when Nate unthinkingly places her in the role of mistress of the house, but nothing too serious. The idea of the troubles she would face as a duchess never gets a mention. While Nate seems to adjust from mine and business owner to land owner and powerful duke without any issue at all – especially considering the lack of food thanks to the poor summer. He has a few qualms about his attraction to Lizzie, but never once does he consider what he’d truly be asking of her should she become his duchess. It’s not an issue. Which is kind of refreshing, if entirely naive.
As this is the last in the series, the other books all get a mention, but since nothing that was left unfinished from those books (the thieving ex-land agent and the broken engagement of the first book, the future of the racehorses and so what happens between the stable master and governess in the third) gets tied up in this one, you can probably read it as a standalone without any difficulty. Overall it brings this fun series to an enjoyable end. I do wish it had been a little longer so it could have delved a little deeper, but for a short Regency read it was a good way to pass some time.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
At last, the duke has come home! After four enjoyable novellas detailing the troubles of an estate trying to run without anyone in control, Nathaniel Hughes has been found and returned to England to take up his dukely duties. And for the most part this is an enjoyable end to the series.
I really liked the beginning, with Nate out in the American wilds, coming to the unexpected rescue of a young woman and her black half-brother. In fact, this one chapter glimpse of Nate’s life in America (and Lizzie and John’s), made me wish from the start that this book was so much longer. I’d have loved to have read about their journey into Louisiana and onto New England.
Alas, instead we pick things up eighteen months later when they’ve just arrived in London. Lizzie is his secretary, John is his sort-of ward and Nate’s about to take control of his new lands. And that’s how the book progresses really. Nate is busy working and trying not to feel attracted to Lizzie, Lizzie is trying to figure out where she fits in his life now and wondering if he will ever notice her as a woman, and John quietly slips off into the background.
Because this is short, it skips along without delving too deeply into anything. Yes, Lizzie faces a few issues when Nate unthinkingly places her in the role of mistress of the house, but nothing too serious. The idea of the troubles she would face as a duchess never gets a mention. While Nate seems to adjust from mine and business owner to land owner and powerful duke without any issue at all – especially considering the lack of food thanks to the poor summer. He has a few qualms about his attraction to Lizzie, but never once does he consider what he’d truly be asking of her should she become his duchess. It’s not an issue. Which is kind of refreshing, if entirely naive.
As this is the last in the series, the other books all get a mention, but since nothing that was left unfinished from those books (the thieving ex-land agent and the broken engagement of the first book, the future of the racehorses and so what happens between the stable master and governess in the third) gets tied up in this one, you can probably read it as a standalone without any difficulty. Overall it brings this fun series to an enjoyable end. I do wish it had been a little longer so it could have delved a little deeper, but for a short Regency read it was a good way to pass some time.
(I received a free copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.)
February 7, 2016
At only 86 pages, this is likely the shortest novella this NetGalley reviewer has ever read. With its Downton Abbey theme, it is Book 5, the final book in the A Year Without a Duke series. Having read Book 4, I can attest the writing style of each book likely greatly varies as each one was written by a different author.
**spoilers possible***
Such a short book deserves a very brief review. Young girl meets older man, who helps her and her brother out of a difficult/dangerous situation. They fall under his protection, and she ends up working for him as his secretary. He becomes a duke via inheritance, and they all move to England. She assists with running his new household, while he attends to estate matters. Hero starts to find it hard to deny his feelings for her and vice versa. He reacts by being curt/pushing her away one minute then friendly again the next. Even goes to London in search of a mistress. And that, my fellow romance book-loving friends, is where this avid true romantic at heart reviewer had a problem with this so called honorable guy. No, he doesn’t do it, but I seriously wanted to duke it out with him for even considering it. Of course, since he had a mistress while he lived in New York, it really wasn’t a big deal to him, I guess. No, that still doesn’t let him off the hook with me. After a few passionate kisses and two steamy scenes near the end, he does come to his senses. They get their HEA. The End.
If you’ve read the other books, you likely are committed to finishing the series. The author’s writing style did flow and, except for the issues I listed above, it was an engaging, though short, predictable read.
Title: A Duke by December, Series: A Year Without a Duke (Book 5), Author: Sabrina Darby, Pages: 86, stand-alone romance but meant to be read as part of a series, only a couple steamy scenes after 80%, heroine is starry-eyed, worships hero.
Book 1: JILTED IN JANUARY by Kate Pearce;
Book 2: FORBIDDEN IN FEBRUARY by Suzanna Medeiros;
Book 3: SEDUCED IN SEPTEMBER by Genevieve Turner;
Book 4: AN AFFAIR IN AUTUMN by Jennifer Haymore;
Book 5: A DUKE BY DECEMBER by Sabrina Darby.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
**spoilers possible***
Such a short book deserves a very brief review. Young girl meets older man, who helps her and her brother out of a difficult/dangerous situation. They fall under his protection, and she ends up working for him as his secretary. He becomes a duke via inheritance, and they all move to England. She assists with running his new household, while he attends to estate matters. Hero starts to find it hard to deny his feelings for her and vice versa. He reacts by being curt/pushing her away one minute then friendly again the next. Even goes to London in search of a mistress. And that, my fellow romance book-loving friends, is where this avid true romantic at heart reviewer had a problem with this so called honorable guy. No, he doesn’t do it, but I seriously wanted to duke it out with him for even considering it. Of course, since he had a mistress while he lived in New York, it really wasn’t a big deal to him, I guess. No, that still doesn’t let him off the hook with me. After a few passionate kisses and two steamy scenes near the end, he does come to his senses. They get their HEA. The End.
If you’ve read the other books, you likely are committed to finishing the series. The author’s writing style did flow and, except for the issues I listed above, it was an engaging, though short, predictable read.
Title: A Duke by December, Series: A Year Without a Duke (Book 5), Author: Sabrina Darby, Pages: 86, stand-alone romance but meant to be read as part of a series, only a couple steamy scenes after 80%, heroine is starry-eyed, worships hero.
Book 1: JILTED IN JANUARY by Kate Pearce;
Book 2: FORBIDDEN IN FEBRUARY by Suzanna Medeiros;
Book 3: SEDUCED IN SEPTEMBER by Genevieve Turner;
Book 4: AN AFFAIR IN AUTUMN by Jennifer Haymore;
Book 5: A DUKE BY DECEMBER by Sabrina Darby.
(This review is based on ARC generously provided by NetGalley in exchange for an honest, unbiased opinion.)
Read
June 3, 2016Every so often I find historical romances. The title interests me, or in this case the series, and I start reading. I must say that I am pretty impressed that they were able to put together this series with a variety of authors.
Growing up dirt poor can really mess some individuals up. But imagine that the girl you “love” is at a higher social level than you. What would you do when you were told ‘no’ to the request to marry her & then discover she was to be married to someone from the same social level as her family?
For Nathaniel Hughes the answer is simple, leave for America. Create your own future just to show that fool that you are far better than they see you from the tips of their noses. Which is exactly what the new heir of the Beckworth estate has done for himself. Only now, he has to head back to merry ol’ England to become the Duke of Beckworth.
Yes, he could turn it down. But this is a man of honor, who accepts the challenge. Bringing along his secretary Elizabeth Smith & her brother.
Ms. Smith will follow Mr. Hughes around the world. He saved them in the Arkansas Territory. He then taught her, and eventually she became his secretary. Helping with with all business matters … which is some what OK in America but not exactly something the approve of in England.
In this story, you have a unique look on one authors view of how America use to be. It’s shocking, in some ways. But Ms. Darby proved that what she started in a novel. I am highly impressed with how she created this story, involving much more than two simple individuals. She involves a lot more.
As for the series … yes, I had to read them all. “Bloody Hell” how was I to find out what happened to all the extra characters in the book. (Just keep reading the letters from the head housekeeper & lawyer … they are interesting & would have made a GREAT story to go with this series!)
https://booksbooksbooksmorebooks.word...
Growing up dirt poor can really mess some individuals up. But imagine that the girl you “love” is at a higher social level than you. What would you do when you were told ‘no’ to the request to marry her & then discover she was to be married to someone from the same social level as her family?
For Nathaniel Hughes the answer is simple, leave for America. Create your own future just to show that fool that you are far better than they see you from the tips of their noses. Which is exactly what the new heir of the Beckworth estate has done for himself. Only now, he has to head back to merry ol’ England to become the Duke of Beckworth.
Yes, he could turn it down. But this is a man of honor, who accepts the challenge. Bringing along his secretary Elizabeth Smith & her brother.
Ms. Smith will follow Mr. Hughes around the world. He saved them in the Arkansas Territory. He then taught her, and eventually she became his secretary. Helping with with all business matters … which is some what OK in America but not exactly something the approve of in England.
In this story, you have a unique look on one authors view of how America use to be. It’s shocking, in some ways. But Ms. Darby proved that what she started in a novel. I am highly impressed with how she created this story, involving much more than two simple individuals. She involves a lot more.
As for the series … yes, I had to read them all. “Bloody Hell” how was I to find out what happened to all the extra characters in the book. (Just keep reading the letters from the head housekeeper & lawyer … they are interesting & would have made a GREAT story to go with this series!)
https://booksbooksbooksmorebooks.word...
February 18, 2016
A Year Without a Duke - Book 5
After spending many years in America making his fortune, Nathaniel (Nate) Hughes has just learned that he is the new Duke of Beckworth. Thus, he is traveling to England along with his secretary, Lizzie. Nate met Elizabeth (Lizzie) Smith in America when he rescued her and her brother from their brutal uncle.
When they arrive at Beckworth Park, they are amazed at the size of the estate. Nate immediately meets with the steward and assigns Lizzie to work with the housekeeper and oversee the household. Along with her other secretarial duties, Lizzie is the ideal one to take on this task as she knows how Nate likes things done.
As they settle in, Nate is very kind to the other family members who have made their home there for some time, letting them know that they are welcome to remain at Beckworth.
As they slowly meet the neighbors, the are encouraged to host a masked ball. The ballroom at Beckworth is lovely and has not been used in a long time.
Privately, Lizzie has loved Nate for a quite awhile. He is attracted to her as well but has tried to keep their relationship a business one. Lizzie has always chosen plain, practical dresses but decides that she wants to spend some of the money she has saved for a beautiful dress and mask for the ball.
Nate and Lizzie dance at the ball and end up kissing under the mistletoe. This sparks a now undeniable attraction between them that has been smoldering for some time now.
Although the ton may not approve of a match between them, can they ignore that and marry anyway?
This is the fifth and final book in the series.
I especially enjoyed this particular book because the author had the pressure of wrapping up the entire story and series. She did a magnificent job and the story of Lizzie and Nate is so very sweet.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley
After spending many years in America making his fortune, Nathaniel (Nate) Hughes has just learned that he is the new Duke of Beckworth. Thus, he is traveling to England along with his secretary, Lizzie. Nate met Elizabeth (Lizzie) Smith in America when he rescued her and her brother from their brutal uncle.
When they arrive at Beckworth Park, they are amazed at the size of the estate. Nate immediately meets with the steward and assigns Lizzie to work with the housekeeper and oversee the household. Along with her other secretarial duties, Lizzie is the ideal one to take on this task as she knows how Nate likes things done.
As they settle in, Nate is very kind to the other family members who have made their home there for some time, letting them know that they are welcome to remain at Beckworth.
As they slowly meet the neighbors, the are encouraged to host a masked ball. The ballroom at Beckworth is lovely and has not been used in a long time.
Privately, Lizzie has loved Nate for a quite awhile. He is attracted to her as well but has tried to keep their relationship a business one. Lizzie has always chosen plain, practical dresses but decides that she wants to spend some of the money she has saved for a beautiful dress and mask for the ball.
Nate and Lizzie dance at the ball and end up kissing under the mistletoe. This sparks a now undeniable attraction between them that has been smoldering for some time now.
Although the ton may not approve of a match between them, can they ignore that and marry anyway?
This is the fifth and final book in the series.
I especially enjoyed this particular book because the author had the pressure of wrapping up the entire story and series. She did a magnificent job and the story of Lizzie and Nate is so very sweet.
Copy provided by the publisher via NetGalley
February 8, 2016
This is book 5 in the A Year Without a Duke series, a multi-author series.
The Duke has finally been found and it is Nathaniel Hughes. Having been poor most of his life, Nathaniel went to America and amassed his fortune. No one is more surprised than he, that the dukedom became his. Taking his secretary and her brother, Nate heads to England to take controls of his estates.
Having been rescued by Nate and made his secretary, Elizabeth Smith had hidden her attraction for Nate, as she knows there is no way that her reciprocates her feelings.
But as Nate comes to count on Lizzie more and more, he realizes that the only way he can make everything work is with her by his side...for the rest of their lives.
This is the last book of five that tells the story of the residents of the Duke of Beckworth's estate. Having read all 5 of them, I would definitely recommend reading them all together, although they could each be read as stand alone.
This was a great conclusion to this series. We finally get the duke settled in, all he needs now is a wife!
When Nate rescues Lizzie, he is given the impression that she wants nothing romantic from him. So he keeps his attraction to himself and tries not to be in situations where they are alone. Because of this, when Lizzie starts to have feelings for Nate, she thinks that her feelings are not reciprocated. All of this leads us on a merry chase following these two to the alter!!
I really liked the way the authors came together to do this multi-author series. I'm hoping that they do it again in the future!
Thanks go out to the author via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
The Duke has finally been found and it is Nathaniel Hughes. Having been poor most of his life, Nathaniel went to America and amassed his fortune. No one is more surprised than he, that the dukedom became his. Taking his secretary and her brother, Nate heads to England to take controls of his estates.
Having been rescued by Nate and made his secretary, Elizabeth Smith had hidden her attraction for Nate, as she knows there is no way that her reciprocates her feelings.
But as Nate comes to count on Lizzie more and more, he realizes that the only way he can make everything work is with her by his side...for the rest of their lives.
This is the last book of five that tells the story of the residents of the Duke of Beckworth's estate. Having read all 5 of them, I would definitely recommend reading them all together, although they could each be read as stand alone.
This was a great conclusion to this series. We finally get the duke settled in, all he needs now is a wife!
When Nate rescues Lizzie, he is given the impression that she wants nothing romantic from him. So he keeps his attraction to himself and tries not to be in situations where they are alone. Because of this, when Lizzie starts to have feelings for Nate, she thinks that her feelings are not reciprocated. All of this leads us on a merry chase following these two to the alter!!
I really liked the way the authors came together to do this multi-author series. I'm hoping that they do it again in the future!
Thanks go out to the author via NetGalley for a copy of the book in exchange of an honest review.
January 11, 2018
This is the 5th and final story in this series. The Duke of Beckworth has died without a direct heir now it’s time for the solicitors attempt to find the next Duke. People are depending on Beckworth for their livelihood. This story ties some of the loose ends up from the first four. Nathaniel Hughes left England penniless nearly a decade ago and had to make his way doing manual labor and eventually investing in mines. On his grand adventure he rescued Elizabeth Smith and her brother and then made them his 'wards' and Elizabeth his secretary. Nate’s life has changed; he’s now a wealthy man in his own right with nothing to worry about. His world is thrown for a loop when his friends from England find him, and tell that he is wanted back in England. All his life he was always the poor relative and now he is the “Duke”. Nate needs his secretary and he asked Lizzie to return with him to England. In England, for Lizzie everything is different, is she a friend, secretary or servant? She does not really know where she stands with Nate the new Duke. She’s not sure what the ideal situation is or her. Will Nate find Lizzie a husband or realize she is a women, not a girl who simply needs his protection, but a women he can love forever. This finally book in the series cleared up loose ends from previous books. A great end to the series!!!
I was given a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I was given a free ARC copy from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
January 31, 2016
The year is 1816. The Duke of Beckworth has died without a direct heir. As the solicitors attempt to find the next Duke, what happens with the people that depend on Beckworth for their livelihood? There are five books in this series, each written by a different author.
Nathaniel Hughes and Elizabeth Smith meet when he rescues her and her half brother in a tavern in the Arkansas Territory. Nate takes Lizzie and her brother to New Orleans and then New York where she acts as his secretary.
When Nate has to return to England after leaving when he was a young man and making his fortune in America, it is only logical that he takes Lizzie with him. Nate has a new challenge as the Duke of Beckworth revitalizing the estate that has been left in limbo for the past year.
Lizzie has secretly loved Nate since he rescued her. Will Nate be able to see her as more than his secretary when he is being pushed to do his duty to the estate and provide an heir?
This was the perfect end to the series. I loved the characters and the slow build of a romance between Nate and Lizzie. It provided the perfect wrap to the lives of the characters in the other four novels. I enjoyed reading this novel.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I reviewed this book on my blog: http://letague.blogspot.com/
Nathaniel Hughes and Elizabeth Smith meet when he rescues her and her half brother in a tavern in the Arkansas Territory. Nate takes Lizzie and her brother to New Orleans and then New York where she acts as his secretary.
When Nate has to return to England after leaving when he was a young man and making his fortune in America, it is only logical that he takes Lizzie with him. Nate has a new challenge as the Duke of Beckworth revitalizing the estate that has been left in limbo for the past year.
Lizzie has secretly loved Nate since he rescued her. Will Nate be able to see her as more than his secretary when he is being pushed to do his duty to the estate and provide an heir?
This was the perfect end to the series. I loved the characters and the slow build of a romance between Nate and Lizzie. It provided the perfect wrap to the lives of the characters in the other four novels. I enjoyed reading this novel.
I received this ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Thank you.
I reviewed this book on my blog: http://letague.blogspot.com/
February 22, 2016
This is book five in the "A Year Without a Duke" series. This is a different kind of series of books. Yes, it is a historical romance but the underling story to me (I have only read this book, book three "Seduced in September" and book four 'An Affair in Autumn') seems to be what is going on in the people lives on this property and his friends while waiting for the Duke to be found. Which isn't a bad thing.. just different. I did enjoy this book and the other books...just wanted to make the underlining story clear. Also, with that said this book (and the other I have read) were all stand alone books. You don't have to have read the other books to enjoy this one. They are also quick enjoyable reads!
Nathaniel Hughes has been told by his friend that he is the new Duke of Beckworth and that he has to come home to England...Nat had been in America starting a new life. While their helped save Elizabeth Smith and her young brother from a bad situation. Nate made Elizabeth his secretary of business. Now with this new title he is heading back home, taken her and her brother with him. There he starts to learn more about becoming a Duke and more about his attraction to Elizabeth. Of course Elizabeth has been in love with him from the start... this start their journey to love.
Nathaniel Hughes has been told by his friend that he is the new Duke of Beckworth and that he has to come home to England...Nat had been in America starting a new life. While their helped save Elizabeth Smith and her young brother from a bad situation. Nate made Elizabeth his secretary of business. Now with this new title he is heading back home, taken her and her brother with him. There he starts to learn more about becoming a Duke and more about his attraction to Elizabeth. Of course Elizabeth has been in love with him from the start... this start their journey to love.
January 12, 2016
** I received an eARC of this book from the publisher and NetGalley in exchange for an honest review**
Of the five books in the series, I would have to say this one was my least favorite. It was a good read, but it didn't seem as cohesive and as focused as the other books. Maybe there was just too much going on in such a short book.I also found Nate to be the most inconsistent of the five heroes - Lizzie was wonderful, but Nate confused me.
I liked how Nate and Lizzie worked together and I liked how he was so protective of her and her brother John.
I don't know what it was about the book, but it didn't capture my attention and hold it like the other books in the series did.
In closing I would say that I did like the book and thought that it was a good addition to the series, but I don't think I would read it again. However, I would recommend it, especially if you have been following the series.
Of the five books in the series, I would have to say this one was my least favorite. It was a good read, but it didn't seem as cohesive and as focused as the other books. Maybe there was just too much going on in such a short book.I also found Nate to be the most inconsistent of the five heroes - Lizzie was wonderful, but Nate confused me.
I liked how Nate and Lizzie worked together and I liked how he was so protective of her and her brother John.
I don't know what it was about the book, but it didn't capture my attention and hold it like the other books in the series did.
In closing I would say that I did like the book and thought that it was a good addition to the series, but I don't think I would read it again. However, I would recommend it, especially if you have been following the series.
February 17, 2016
Best of the 5 books. This series uses the idea of a missing Ducal heir as the premise for what happens to various people who worked for the Duke and are waiting to find out what will happens if the ever find an heir for the title.
In this final book the Duke has been found - not someone who has been raised in the peerage but a man who had been raised with titled friends but always the poor friend. He had moved to America to find his fortune and has become rich and powerful. Now he is coming back to England to become one of the people who looked down his nose at people like his younger self.
This story checks in one more time on all the people who have found love in the previous 4 books and now it is the Duke's turn. Not to find love with a woman of his own new class but to love the woman he had managed to save in the Arkansas Territory and who he had brought to England with him.
Thesse books are all quick reads and a fun story.
In this final book the Duke has been found - not someone who has been raised in the peerage but a man who had been raised with titled friends but always the poor friend. He had moved to America to find his fortune and has become rich and powerful. Now he is coming back to England to become one of the people who looked down his nose at people like his younger self.
This story checks in one more time on all the people who have found love in the previous 4 books and now it is the Duke's turn. Not to find love with a woman of his own new class but to love the woman he had managed to save in the Arkansas Territory and who he had brought to England with him.
Thesse books are all quick reads and a fun story.
August 21, 2016
I finally got to know who the Duke of Beckworth is and I was not disappointed! Nathanial Hughes left England and never thought he would return until he finds out that he has a healthy title. Now with that title comes responsibilities…including marriage to a respectable woman of noble birth. But Nate has his eyes and heart set on another, less noble woman. Elizabeth Smith and her brother was rescued by Nate and has lived with him since. Wherever he went, they went and going to England to assume his duties as Duke will be no exception. As hard as he tries, Nate cannot keep his feelings hidden and goes on to win the heart of secretarial love interest.
I think the Sabrina Darby did a wonderful job wrapping up the “A Year Without A Duke’ series. There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect and the plot was pleasantly even, which gave the book a nostalgic feeling. Overall a great story.
I think the Sabrina Darby did a wonderful job wrapping up the “A Year Without A Duke’ series. There were a few twists and turns that I didn’t expect and the plot was pleasantly even, which gave the book a nostalgic feeling. Overall a great story.
February 9, 2016
This is book 5 in the series of A Year Without A Duke series. This was my least favorite book in the series. The writing for the most part was good. The flow ok. The believability, not so much. Nate is a strong character but Lizzie was not a good leading lady. I found her not very likable and had a hard time with her. I have read Cinderella stories before, I love them. Lizzie lacked an internal moral compass and dignity that is necessary for a successful Cinderella story. I did not find her story believable. Nate was the one positive in the story and I found myself wishing for someone better for him. This last novella brought the series to an end. It was a nice little trip with these five books.
I received this ARC from Netgalley.
I received this ARC from Netgalley.
April 15, 2016
It's bittersweet to know that the end is near and the answers sought in the previous four books will be revealed. Duke by December is the stunning conclusion to the Year Without A Duke saga and Sabrina Darby gets to do the big reveal. However before that happens there is one more love story to appease this sad goodbye. Nathan is a man that has made his own way and amassed his own money far away from England's influence. His experiences in America have brought him success and have given him an adventurous spirit and the courage to endure anything. Lizzie has been friend, employee and secretly pining for Nathan for a long time. A surprising development sends the two to England and their lives may never be the same. A fitting conclusion to a whirlwind series.
January 10, 2016
I loved Nate, “you know what a duchess is supposed to do, Lizzie?” he interrupted. “The first and foremost responsibility? To provide an heir for the duchy.” He pulled her against him and rolled on top of her, pressing his hips down on hers. She sucked in her breath at the feel of him hard against her. His lips moved to her neck again and feathered against her as he spoke. “I have no doubt we’ll both enjoy the attempt to fulfill that duty.” I'm glad this series found its duke I loved these books and their characters.
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