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Marrying the Duke #3
A Date at the Altar
New York Times bestselling author Cathy Maxwell’s glittering Marrying the Duke series continues—Twice he has been close to the altar and still no duchess.
Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, would ever fall in love with.
She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks.
However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love.
And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .
Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton, would ever fall in love with.
She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks.
However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love.
And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .
387 pages, Kindle Edition
First published October 25, 2016
250 people are currently reading
913 people want to read
About the author
Cathy Maxwell
72 books2,205 followersCATHY MAXWELL spends hours in front of her computer pondering the question, "Why do people fall in love?" It remains for her the mystery of life and the secret to happiness.
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
She lives in the Austin, TX area where she is having the time of her life.
Visit her on Instagram, Twitter, FB, and TikTok at maxwellcathy (Yes, some other Cathy Maxwell nabbed the handle. However, she does own www.cathymaxwell.com and she'd love for you to swing by.)
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 171 reviews
July 2, 2020
Reread 2020
I stand by my original review and 5 star rating.
My only correction is that the heroine is NOT frustrating or unlikable at all.
The H & h are perfect together.
Great conflict and emotional impact.
Get out the tissues!
_____________________________________
Original 2016 read
Worth the money! 5 Stars!
Oh my heart! This was an emotional read.
I have nothing negative to say, which is rare.
The hero was awesome, the heroine strong and independent, there was good conflict, a believable antagonist, and a fantastic HEA! Read this in one day.
Not going to re tell the story as I am sure there are already many reviews that do that so I will just touch on some key things people may want to know.
Notes for those who are considering this book:
-Be patient with the heroine. She is not "unlikable" in the beginning but certainly frustrating, so hold on and give her a chance, because the author does a brilliant job turning her character around. I loved her and felt so sad for her when she began revealing her past. She married young, and for what she thought was love, but her husband became a brute and abused her.
-The hero is perfect, but has his flaws, which he eventually overcomes. The author did well in keeping him true to his character and allowing him to see his own faults and change. He was always a good man, don't get me wrong, his flaw was to be too responsible, too accommodating to his family, and society, disregarding his own wants.
There is a happy ending no worries, but I can't help feeling a little sad hearing that
Glad I read this one. Thank you GR friends for your reviews or else I would have missed this gem!
Safety:
I stand by my original review and 5 star rating.
My only correction is that the heroine is NOT frustrating or unlikable at all.
The H & h are perfect together.
Great conflict and emotional impact.
Get out the tissues!
_____________________________________
Original 2016 read
Worth the money! 5 Stars!
Oh my heart! This was an emotional read.
I have nothing negative to say, which is rare.
The hero was awesome, the heroine strong and independent, there was good conflict, a believable antagonist, and a fantastic HEA! Read this in one day.
Not going to re tell the story as I am sure there are already many reviews that do that so I will just touch on some key things people may want to know.
Notes for those who are considering this book:
-Be patient with the heroine. She is not "unlikable" in the beginning but certainly frustrating, so hold on and give her a chance, because the author does a brilliant job turning her character around. I loved her and felt so sad for her when she began revealing her past. She married young, and for what she thought was love, but her husband became a brute and abused her.
-The hero is perfect, but has his flaws, which he eventually overcomes. The author did well in keeping him true to his character and allowing him to see his own faults and change. He was always a good man, don't get me wrong, his flaw was to be too responsible, too accommodating to his family, and society, disregarding his own wants.
There is a happy ending no worries, but I can't help feeling a little sad hearing that
Glad I read this one. Thank you GR friends for your reviews or else I would have missed this gem!
Safety:
August 19, 2024
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Gavin Whitridge, is the Duke of Baynton and expectations are high for him to marry and he can't just marry anyone especially the penniless playwright Sarah Pettijohn. She is the last woman that anyone would expect that Gavin would set his eyes on. Gavin knows that he can never marry Sarah, his mother and aunt already have a woman in mind. He knows he needs an heir however there is something different about Sarah that draws him. And when Sarah finds herself in trouble, Gavin proposes she become his mistress and he will support her and her
dreams of seeing her play become a reality. Sarah finds herself agreeing to a bargain she never though she would agree to but becoming Gavin's mistress isn't what she expected. He makes no demands on her that she isn't willing to make. Gavin desires a woman that he can be himself with, someone that is safe and makes him feel like he is at home with. Gavin however is forced to make a difficult choice duty or love...or will he realize he can have both?
Plot and Story Line
What a story and Cathy Maxwell closes this series out with a bang with A Date At The Altar. I was highly impressed with this book, and I got it in audio format and I listened to it in TWO DAYS!!! I never listen to a audiobook that quickly, but after a couple of hours and I just wanted more and more and couldn't put it down. This story starts out with Sarah putting herself in a position to dance as the "siren" so she can have her play. And is shocked to see the infamous Gavin, Duke of Baynton at her show of all place. She is horrified, but when he saves her from a mob of men trying to get her she sees something more in him. Gavin has searched for the right wife for so long, and even though he wants a love match like his two brothers, he doesn't know if he will find it. Gavin and Sarah aren't the type of couple you could see together to be honest. They are so different from each other, however once they are together they just fit so perfectly well. I really enjoyed what I saw in this one. And we are also introduced into some surprises as well. This story does have its dramatic moments, and even though it seemed a bit unrealistic...it was so uniquely written that you have no real issue with it. I loved seeing the conflict that this pair is faced with and certain truths that they learn about themselves and about each other. There is a pivotal moment toward the end of the book, that brought tears to my eyes. A moment where Gavin and the hero (of the first book, the novella) and it made me fall in love with this series even more. It changes the whole tone to the story and is worth every moment until then to see how Gavin changes in certain ways. I loved the character growth and seeing one fight for LOVE over the threat of scandal. A love story you don't want to miss out on.
The Narration
Sarah Jane Wells is simply brilliant and she did this series so well but especially Gavin's book is my favorite of her work. Her voice and the way she dispalys different tones of feelings of the story and character kept me captivated. She has such a pretty British accent, and I love the way she reflects that in the work she does. She is a must listen to if you like historical romances on audio.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover...I just love her dress and the playful smirk. Sets a playful tone
Overall View
A Date At The Altar is a lively and dramatic romance that keeps the reader engaged, anxious and highly eager to see this couple get their HEA. A FUN ROMANTIC GEM!!
Books N Tunes Pick #2: Your Hands Are Cold
I was hearing this song in my head as I was listening to this book especially some of the later scenes of the book.
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="23089"]
Summary
Gavin Whitridge, is the Duke of Baynton and expectations are high for him to marry and he can't just marry anyone especially the penniless playwright Sarah Pettijohn. She is the last woman that anyone would expect that Gavin would set his eyes on. Gavin knows that he can never marry Sarah, his mother and aunt already have a woman in mind. He knows he needs an heir however there is something different about Sarah that draws him. And when Sarah finds herself in trouble, Gavin proposes she become his mistress and he will support her and her
dreams of seeing her play become a reality. Sarah finds herself agreeing to a bargain she never though she would agree to but becoming Gavin's mistress isn't what she expected. He makes no demands on her that she isn't willing to make. Gavin desires a woman that he can be himself with, someone that is safe and makes him feel like he is at home with. Gavin however is forced to make a difficult choice duty or love...or will he realize he can have both?Plot and Story Line
What a story and Cathy Maxwell closes this series out with a bang with A Date At The Altar. I was highly impressed with this book, and I got it in audio format and I listened to it in TWO DAYS!!! I never listen to a audiobook that quickly, but after a couple of hours and I just wanted more and more and couldn't put it down. This story starts out with Sarah putting herself in a position to dance as the "siren" so she can have her play. And is shocked to see the infamous Gavin, Duke of Baynton at her show of all place. She is horrified, but when he saves her from a mob of men trying to get her she sees something more in him. Gavin has searched for the right wife for so long, and even though he wants a love match like his two brothers, he doesn't know if he will find it. Gavin and Sarah aren't the type of couple you could see together to be honest. They are so different from each other, however once they are together they just fit so perfectly well. I really enjoyed what I saw in this one. And we are also introduced into some surprises as well. This story does have its dramatic moments, and even though it seemed a bit unrealistic...it was so uniquely written that you have no real issue with it. I loved seeing the conflict that this pair is faced with and certain truths that they learn about themselves and about each other. There is a pivotal moment toward the end of the book, that brought tears to my eyes. A moment where Gavin and the hero (of the first book, the novella) and it made me fall in love with this series even more. It changes the whole tone to the story and is worth every moment until then to see how Gavin changes in certain ways. I loved the character growth and seeing one fight for LOVE over the threat of scandal. A love story you don't want to miss out on.
Children mean nothing to me if I can't have you. You are the one I choose. I was meant to love you Sarah.
The Narration
Sarah Jane Wells is simply brilliant and she did this series so well but especially Gavin's book is my favorite of her work. Her voice and the way she dispalys different tones of feelings of the story and character kept me captivated. She has such a pretty British accent, and I love the way she reflects that in the work she does. She is a must listen to if you like historical romances on audio.
The Cover
What a gorgeous cover...I just love her dress and the playful smirk. Sets a playful tone
Overall View
A Date At The Altar is a lively and dramatic romance that keeps the reader engaged, anxious and highly eager to see this couple get their HEA. A FUN ROMANTIC GEM!!
Books N Tunes Pick #2: Your Hands Are Cold
I was hearing this song in my head as I was listening to this book especially some of the later scenes of the book.
Click To Buy On Amazon
[foogallery id="23089"]
December 12, 2019
..
A Date at the Alter is the third book in the 'Marrying the Duke' series by Cathy Maxwell. I listened to the audio version narrated by Mary Jane Wells, who did an excellent job!
Twice he has been close to the altar and still no duchess.
In this tale, Lady Charlene Blanchard, the beautiful, orphaned daughter of a late Earl, is an unlikely heroine. Especially since she is found living the life of a common thief, pick-pocketing hoping to pilfer enough coins for her Aunt and herself to scrape by on. In her haste during a lucrative heist, there was a witness to the crime, one Jack Whitridge, who is the identical twin of the Duke of Baynton. Jack chases her from the scene and observes her without her hat before she demobilizes him, allowing her to manage to lose him eventually, for the moment anyway.
Gavin Whitridge, the Duke of Baynton, finally finds the one woman who makes his heart go pitter-patter. It is none other than Lady Charlotte herself. Then without notice, his long lost twin brother, Jack, shows up after having vanished over a decade.
Their chaotic relationship confounds the Duke's newly developed relationship with Lady Charlotte.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton would ever fall in love with.
She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks.
However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in mind: In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love.
And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .
The Duke cherished the intensity of a whirlwind of passion, brutal honesty, and lessons he learned from the heroine, an actress/playwright.
Unfortunately, there were some grammatical errors that distract the reader's attention. However, they were not excessive in number.
It appears that a reader either really likes this book or really dislikes it. I fell in the middle, not inclined to lean too far to either side of the scale. This book series was not one of my favorites. It wasn't horrible, but I just couldn't connect with the characters, plot, or circumstances.
This is a stand-alone book, but the reader will glean the introduction of side characters in this book prior to their own story in future installments.
----------------------------------------
The Fairest of Them All
(Marrying the Duke #3)
. . by Cathy Maxwell
Print Length: 384 Pages
..
A Date at the Alter is the third book in the 'Marrying the Duke' series by Cathy Maxwell. I listened to the audio version narrated by Mary Jane Wells, who did an excellent job!
Twice he has been close to the altar and still no duchess.
In this tale, Lady Charlene Blanchard, the beautiful, orphaned daughter of a late Earl, is an unlikely heroine. Especially since she is found living the life of a common thief, pick-pocketing hoping to pilfer enough coins for her Aunt and herself to scrape by on. In her haste during a lucrative heist, there was a witness to the crime, one Jack Whitridge, who is the identical twin of the Duke of Baynton. Jack chases her from the scene and observes her without her hat before she demobilizes him, allowing her to manage to lose him eventually, for the moment anyway.
Gavin Whitridge, the Duke of Baynton, finally finds the one woman who makes his heart go pitter-patter. It is none other than Lady Charlotte herself. Then without notice, his long lost twin brother, Jack, shows up after having vanished over a decade.
Their chaotic relationship confounds the Duke's newly developed relationship with Lady Charlotte.
BOOK DESCRIPTION:
Will the third time be the charm? A duke can’t marry just anyone. His wife must be of good family, be fertile, be young. Struggling playwright Sarah Pettijohn is absolutely the last woman Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton would ever fall in love with.
She is an actress, born on the wrong side of the blanket, and always challenges his ducal authority. She never hesitates to tell him what she thinks.
However, there is something about her that stirs his blood . . . which makes her perfect for a bargain he has in mind: In exchange for backing her play, he wants Sarah to teach him about love.
And he, in turn, has a few things to teach her about men . . .
The Duke cherished the intensity of a whirlwind of passion, brutal honesty, and lessons he learned from the heroine, an actress/playwright.
Unfortunately, there were some grammatical errors that distract the reader's attention. However, they were not excessive in number.
It appears that a reader either really likes this book or really dislikes it. I fell in the middle, not inclined to lean too far to either side of the scale. This book series was not one of my favorites. It wasn't horrible, but I just couldn't connect with the characters, plot, or circumstances.
This is a stand-alone book, but the reader will glean the introduction of side characters in this book prior to their own story in future installments.
----------------------------------------
The Fairest of Them All
(Marrying the Duke #3)
. . by Cathy Maxwell
Print Length: 384 Pages
..
July 6, 2024
Review from 2016
A- for narration; B- for content.
It’s no secret that I’ve been rather disappointed with the previous books in Cathy Maxwell’s Marrying the Duke series; my reviews of The Match of the Century and The Fairest of Them Allhave praised the performances given by Mary Jane Wells, but the stories themselves have been lacklustre. Part of the problem was that, in both cases, the major secondary character of Gavin Whitridge, the Duke of Baynton, was far more interesting and attractive than either of the heroes and I was at a loss as to why either of the heroines would have thrown him over for someone else!
But throw him over they did, and now, in this final book in the trilogy, Gavin finally gets his HEA. In the latter stages of The Fairest of Them All, Gavin met Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn, a widowed actress and playwright, when the pair had to join forces to track down her niece, Lady Charlene, who had run away with Gavin’s twin brother. The sparks flew between them, with Sarah labelling Gavin an arrogant stuffed-shirt, and Gavin insisting Sarah was an infuriating harpy. Both of them were extremely relieved when their journey came to an end, and they did not expect to see each other again.
In the time that has elapsed between the two books, Sarah’s already reduced circumstances have taken a turn for the worse. Unable to pay the rent on the house she had previously shared with her niece, she has had to move to a decidedly dodgy area of London; yet even though the rent is cheaper, she is still struggling to keep body and soul together. But things are looking up. The owners of the theatre where she works have agreed to stage one of her plays if she will make a single appearance as the Siren, the seductive songstress whose single performance several years earlier made a small fortune.
Her performance is just as well-received as it was before, but she is thrown somewhat when she sees the Duke of Baynton in the audience. During their previous meeting, he made it very clear that he had no love for or interest in the theatre and she knows he very rarely attends – so she cannot account for the fact of his presence tonight. She worries briefly that he might recognise her – but very soon has more pressing concerns when a member of the audience suddenly leaps onto the stage and attempts to kiss her. Things deteriorate quickly after that as other audience members try to follow his lead, but when Sarah finally leaves the theatre, she is accosted on the street by three drunken bucks and is in very real danger of assault – when help arrives from a most unexpected quarter, and she finds herself being hauled up into a carriage by none other than the starchy, proper duke himself.
In spite of the fact that he had previously considered Sarah to be too outspoken and opinionated, Gavin is unable to deny the strength of the attraction he feels for her, and shortly after these events, asks her to become his mistress. It’s true that Gavin has a pressing reason for wanting a mistress – he has reached the ripe old age of thirty-three and is still a virgin, something he regards as ridiculous and is desperate to change. But it’s clear that he doesn’t want just any woman; the depth of his need for Sarah specifically is palpable. At first, she turns him down. No matter how bad her situation, she has no wish to follow in her mother’s footsteps; but when she discovers that the theatre managers have done a bunk with all the proceeds of the performance and that she is all but destitute, she has to reconsider her decision.
I should say at this point that Gavin in no way coerces her or forces her to change her mind. He offers his help and support, makes no demands upon Sarah and does not renew his offer. It’s she who decides that she must repay him for his generosity – and the fact that Gavin is gorgeous, as well as being kind and truly concerned for her certainly goes a long way towards helping her to make that decision.
Yet Sarah is as inexperienced when it comes to passion as Gavin is; while she has been married, it’s clear early on that the marriage was not a happy one and that Sarah’s sexual experiences were not pleasant ones. In this, she is as tutored by Gavin as he is by her, and the relationship that develops between them is nicely done. Gavin is enormously privileged and is used to getting his own way and not thinking too much about how he gets it, meaning that he has a tendency to put his foot in it and not always say the right thing where Sarah is concerned. But as their relationship develops he finds that he wants to make Sarah happy and that there is much enjoyment to be had in doing ordinary, run-of-the-mill things. Sarah’s opinion of Gavin also undergoes a major reassessment, as she comes to realise exactly how regimented his life has always been and that, like her, he is lonely and has been for quite some time. Ms. Maxwell paints a picture of tender domesticity between them, although there is a shadow always lurking in the background. Gavin is eventually going to have to marry in order to beget an heir; and not only is an illegitimate playwright not a suitable wife for a duke, but Sarah is unable to have children.
Of course, this is a romance, so we know how things are going to turn out. But there are some difficult choices to be made and the author shows very well how horribly torn Gavin is between love and duty. I also very much appreciated that she doesn’t wave a magic wand so as to fix the unfixable when she gives us a glimpse into the future lives of this unconventional pair.
I enjoyed A Date at the Altar more than the other two books, but the bar was set fairly low, so perhaps that isn’t saying much. The romance is more satisfying and Gavin and Sarah are more fully-developed as characters than the principals in the earlier stories, but there are a number of loose ends – the missing theatre owners are never found, the sub-plot featuring Gavin’s one-time friend isn’t resolved and I’m not sure what happened to the young lady Gavin’s mother had practically waiting at the altar for him – that aren’t tied up, and the build up to the big finish – on stage at the theatre in front of a massive crowd – stretched my credulity so far that it broke.
Mary Jane Wells gives an enjoyable and extremely animated performance which is absolutely spot on in terms of acting choices and particularly when it comes to bringing out the humour in the many asides and thoughts of the characters. There’s a naturalness to her delivery that I really enjoy and which served to greatly enhance my enjoyment of the audiobook as a whole. Her pacing and character differentiation are excellent, and she manages to make Gavin into an attractive-sounding hero while retaining a certain degree of stiffness in his manner of speech. Her portrayal of him is consistent with the previous books and I loved the way she brought out his frequently hidden, but deadpan sense of humour.
It pains me to criticise any aspect of an otherwise terrific performance, but I’ve started to notice a small vocal tick that’s making an appearance more often in her narrations, and it’s so often present here, that I couldn’t NOT mention it. When she’s speaking softly, Ms. Wells frequently misses the sibilant off the ending of a word. So instead of “Your Grace”, you’ll hear “Your Gray…”; instead of “house”, you’ll hear “hou…” I could list other examples, but that’s the gist of it. If you’re reading this, Ms. Wells, I think you’re a wonderful narrator, but if you could cut back on this I’d be most grateful!
A Date at the Altar works perfectly well as a standalone and is a relatively short (just over seven-and-a-half hours) and undemanding listen. It’s the best of a trilogy of fairly mediocre books, and if you’re a fan of Mary Jane Wells – as I am – then it might be something you would consider listening to on the strength of her performance. But apart from that, it’s not an audiobook I can recommend without reservation.
A- for narration; B- for content.
It’s no secret that I’ve been rather disappointed with the previous books in Cathy Maxwell’s Marrying the Duke series; my reviews of The Match of the Century and The Fairest of Them Allhave praised the performances given by Mary Jane Wells, but the stories themselves have been lacklustre. Part of the problem was that, in both cases, the major secondary character of Gavin Whitridge, the Duke of Baynton, was far more interesting and attractive than either of the heroes and I was at a loss as to why either of the heroines would have thrown him over for someone else!
But throw him over they did, and now, in this final book in the trilogy, Gavin finally gets his HEA. In the latter stages of The Fairest of Them All, Gavin met Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn, a widowed actress and playwright, when the pair had to join forces to track down her niece, Lady Charlene, who had run away with Gavin’s twin brother. The sparks flew between them, with Sarah labelling Gavin an arrogant stuffed-shirt, and Gavin insisting Sarah was an infuriating harpy. Both of them were extremely relieved when their journey came to an end, and they did not expect to see each other again.
In the time that has elapsed between the two books, Sarah’s already reduced circumstances have taken a turn for the worse. Unable to pay the rent on the house she had previously shared with her niece, she has had to move to a decidedly dodgy area of London; yet even though the rent is cheaper, she is still struggling to keep body and soul together. But things are looking up. The owners of the theatre where she works have agreed to stage one of her plays if she will make a single appearance as the Siren, the seductive songstress whose single performance several years earlier made a small fortune.
Her performance is just as well-received as it was before, but she is thrown somewhat when she sees the Duke of Baynton in the audience. During their previous meeting, he made it very clear that he had no love for or interest in the theatre and she knows he very rarely attends – so she cannot account for the fact of his presence tonight. She worries briefly that he might recognise her – but very soon has more pressing concerns when a member of the audience suddenly leaps onto the stage and attempts to kiss her. Things deteriorate quickly after that as other audience members try to follow his lead, but when Sarah finally leaves the theatre, she is accosted on the street by three drunken bucks and is in very real danger of assault – when help arrives from a most unexpected quarter, and she finds herself being hauled up into a carriage by none other than the starchy, proper duke himself.
In spite of the fact that he had previously considered Sarah to be too outspoken and opinionated, Gavin is unable to deny the strength of the attraction he feels for her, and shortly after these events, asks her to become his mistress. It’s true that Gavin has a pressing reason for wanting a mistress – he has reached the ripe old age of thirty-three and is still a virgin, something he regards as ridiculous and is desperate to change. But it’s clear that he doesn’t want just any woman; the depth of his need for Sarah specifically is palpable. At first, she turns him down. No matter how bad her situation, she has no wish to follow in her mother’s footsteps; but when she discovers that the theatre managers have done a bunk with all the proceeds of the performance and that she is all but destitute, she has to reconsider her decision.
I should say at this point that Gavin in no way coerces her or forces her to change her mind. He offers his help and support, makes no demands upon Sarah and does not renew his offer. It’s she who decides that she must repay him for his generosity – and the fact that Gavin is gorgeous, as well as being kind and truly concerned for her certainly goes a long way towards helping her to make that decision.
Yet Sarah is as inexperienced when it comes to passion as Gavin is; while she has been married, it’s clear early on that the marriage was not a happy one and that Sarah’s sexual experiences were not pleasant ones. In this, she is as tutored by Gavin as he is by her, and the relationship that develops between them is nicely done. Gavin is enormously privileged and is used to getting his own way and not thinking too much about how he gets it, meaning that he has a tendency to put his foot in it and not always say the right thing where Sarah is concerned. But as their relationship develops he finds that he wants to make Sarah happy and that there is much enjoyment to be had in doing ordinary, run-of-the-mill things. Sarah’s opinion of Gavin also undergoes a major reassessment, as she comes to realise exactly how regimented his life has always been and that, like her, he is lonely and has been for quite some time. Ms. Maxwell paints a picture of tender domesticity between them, although there is a shadow always lurking in the background. Gavin is eventually going to have to marry in order to beget an heir; and not only is an illegitimate playwright not a suitable wife for a duke, but Sarah is unable to have children.
Of course, this is a romance, so we know how things are going to turn out. But there are some difficult choices to be made and the author shows very well how horribly torn Gavin is between love and duty. I also very much appreciated that she doesn’t wave a magic wand so as to fix the unfixable when she gives us a glimpse into the future lives of this unconventional pair.
I enjoyed A Date at the Altar more than the other two books, but the bar was set fairly low, so perhaps that isn’t saying much. The romance is more satisfying and Gavin and Sarah are more fully-developed as characters than the principals in the earlier stories, but there are a number of loose ends – the missing theatre owners are never found, the sub-plot featuring Gavin’s one-time friend isn’t resolved and I’m not sure what happened to the young lady Gavin’s mother had practically waiting at the altar for him – that aren’t tied up, and the build up to the big finish – on stage at the theatre in front of a massive crowd – stretched my credulity so far that it broke.
Mary Jane Wells gives an enjoyable and extremely animated performance which is absolutely spot on in terms of acting choices and particularly when it comes to bringing out the humour in the many asides and thoughts of the characters. There’s a naturalness to her delivery that I really enjoy and which served to greatly enhance my enjoyment of the audiobook as a whole. Her pacing and character differentiation are excellent, and she manages to make Gavin into an attractive-sounding hero while retaining a certain degree of stiffness in his manner of speech. Her portrayal of him is consistent with the previous books and I loved the way she brought out his frequently hidden, but deadpan sense of humour.
It pains me to criticise any aspect of an otherwise terrific performance, but I’ve started to notice a small vocal tick that’s making an appearance more often in her narrations, and it’s so often present here, that I couldn’t NOT mention it. When she’s speaking softly, Ms. Wells frequently misses the sibilant off the ending of a word. So instead of “Your Grace”, you’ll hear “Your Gray…”; instead of “house”, you’ll hear “hou…” I could list other examples, but that’s the gist of it. If you’re reading this, Ms. Wells, I think you’re a wonderful narrator, but if you could cut back on this I’d be most grateful!
A Date at the Altar works perfectly well as a standalone and is a relatively short (just over seven-and-a-half hours) and undemanding listen. It’s the best of a trilogy of fairly mediocre books, and if you’re a fan of Mary Jane Wells – as I am – then it might be something you would consider listening to on the strength of her performance. But apart from that, it’s not an audiobook I can recommend without reservation.
November 15, 2016
Review posted on Got Fiction?
***Some Spoilers***
This is the third book in Cathy Maxwell’s Marrying the Duke trilogy, and it can be read as a stand alone. You’ll see mentions of the previous 2 books, and from what I gathered, the previous 2 books were about this hero’s previous 2 fiancees. It seems that the Duke of Baynton can’t keep a fiancee. They keep running off with other men (one of whom is his twin brother)! So this is finally his moment.
When I first read the beginning, I found out he was a virgin and that our heroine was a playwright…A virgin hero and a duke at that?! A 34 year old heroine who’s also a playwright? I’m in!
But as with the previous books I’ve read by this author, I just felt meh.
Sarah Pettijohn is a struggling playwright who is doing one performance as the Siren. Only one. A decade before, she had done one performance and was an instant sensation. However, she didn’t want to be known as an actress who sings practically nude. She wants to be a playwright. Well, her dream will come to fruition if she does this one night as the Siren. But, there’s one guy in the audience, Rovington, who basically puts a bounty on her head. He has bets going that he can bed the Siren, and if he doesn’t, it’ll bankrupt him.
He’s got the potential to be an amazing villain, but he’s used poorly and often only in the background.
The blurb and the title are slightly misleading as well. The title implies that a wedding will feature more heavily than it does. The blurb makes it sound like their bargain is different than it is.
This book left a lot unsaid-the engagement to Leonie, a debutante the duke was supposed to marry. His mother basically got them engaged, and all of Society knew of it. Yet, what, the reader is supposed to forget about her? Then most especially, we have Rovington. He’s been the bad guy from the first page. He has shown he won’t slink quietly into the night. But they just let him go. Again. And of course, the missing theatre owners! What ever happened with that? Gavin was supposed to find them for her as part of their bargain, but they are never even brought up again! Ridiculous!
This book tries to be too many things. The writing isn’t good enough to carry off angst, yet she has heavy themes that needed it. She tries to be light, but she’s not funny. And she tries to be feminist, which I felt was all undone at the end. The fact that after they married, Sarah stops writing. She sometimes writes, but really just dreamed of babies. This almost insulting especially coming from a romance writer. She can absolutely do both. Why would she stop writing plays just because she fulfilled her dream of producing a play? Is that dream done? She no longer wants to write? That made no sense to me with how driven she had been her whole life.
I don’t know, guys. I think I’ll have to admit that this author isn’t for me. She tends to have interesting beginnings, boring and tedious middles, and rushed endings.
***ARC courtesy of Avon Books
***Some Spoilers***
This is the third book in Cathy Maxwell’s Marrying the Duke trilogy, and it can be read as a stand alone. You’ll see mentions of the previous 2 books, and from what I gathered, the previous 2 books were about this hero’s previous 2 fiancees. It seems that the Duke of Baynton can’t keep a fiancee. They keep running off with other men (one of whom is his twin brother)! So this is finally his moment.
When I first read the beginning, I found out he was a virgin and that our heroine was a playwright…A virgin hero and a duke at that?! A 34 year old heroine who’s also a playwright? I’m in!
But as with the previous books I’ve read by this author, I just felt meh.
Sarah Pettijohn is a struggling playwright who is doing one performance as the Siren. Only one. A decade before, she had done one performance and was an instant sensation. However, she didn’t want to be known as an actress who sings practically nude. She wants to be a playwright. Well, her dream will come to fruition if she does this one night as the Siren. But, there’s one guy in the audience, Rovington, who basically puts a bounty on her head. He has bets going that he can bed the Siren, and if he doesn’t, it’ll bankrupt him.
He’s got the potential to be an amazing villain, but he’s used poorly and often only in the background.
The blurb and the title are slightly misleading as well. The title implies that a wedding will feature more heavily than it does. The blurb makes it sound like their bargain is different than it is.
This book left a lot unsaid-the engagement to Leonie, a debutante the duke was supposed to marry. His mother basically got them engaged, and all of Society knew of it. Yet, what, the reader is supposed to forget about her? Then most especially, we have Rovington. He’s been the bad guy from the first page. He has shown he won’t slink quietly into the night. But they just let him go. Again. And of course, the missing theatre owners! What ever happened with that? Gavin was supposed to find them for her as part of their bargain, but they are never even brought up again! Ridiculous!
This book tries to be too many things. The writing isn’t good enough to carry off angst, yet she has heavy themes that needed it. She tries to be light, but she’s not funny. And she tries to be feminist, which I felt was all undone at the end. The fact that after they married, Sarah stops writing. She sometimes writes, but really just dreamed of babies. This almost insulting especially coming from a romance writer. She can absolutely do both. Why would she stop writing plays just because she fulfilled her dream of producing a play? Is that dream done? She no longer wants to write? That made no sense to me with how driven she had been her whole life.
I don’t know, guys. I think I’ll have to admit that this author isn’t for me. She tends to have interesting beginnings, boring and tedious middles, and rushed endings.
***ARC courtesy of Avon Books
February 5, 2017
5 Big Dreamy Lovely Stars.
This is an amazing book and I enjoyed every word in it. I smiled, laughed and cried hard during my reading to this book. The best ending for the series. Thank you Cathy Maxwell.
Please meet
Sarah
Gavin
and their love was the true love to accept the other as he/ she really is.
This is an amazing book and I enjoyed every word in it. I smiled, laughed and cried hard during my reading to this book. The best ending for the series. Thank you Cathy Maxwell.
Please meet
Sarah
Gavin
and their love was the true love to accept the other as he/ she really is.
February 27, 2018
3.5 "The Duke finally gets his Woman" Stars!!
After being jilted twice for his brothers, Duke Gavin finally finds love!!
After being jilted twice for his brothers, Duke Gavin finally finds love!!
June 16, 2020
Like the crazy person I am I started this series at book 3 but I found I didn't need to read the other 2 to enjoy the story. Previous interaction has made Sarah aware of the handsome yet straitlaced Gavin and time proved she is not a fan of the Duke but that's ok because Gavin can barely tolerate the head strong, opinionated Sarah. They live in two different worlds but soon Sarah falls on hard times and need the assistance of the duke but he will need her in his bed in return.
Sarah was a strong and intelligent heroine. Overcoming tragedy did not jade her or make her not reach out for the life she wanted and deserved. It was a joy to read about her. Gavin was all things proper and his understanding of Sarah was really sweet. I usually don't like the h as a mistress in books but it was clear that Gavin wanted much more and wasn't a man whore. That epilogue was the best and I'm still crying. This was my first Cathy Maxwell book and I'm curious to see what else I find from her!
Sarah was a strong and intelligent heroine. Overcoming tragedy did not jade her or make her not reach out for the life she wanted and deserved. It was a joy to read about her. Gavin was all things proper and his understanding of Sarah was really sweet. I usually don't like the h as a mistress in books but it was clear that Gavin wanted much more and wasn't a man whore. That epilogue was the best and I'm still crying. This was my first Cathy Maxwell book and I'm curious to see what else I find from her!
January 5, 2017
Although not the best, nor the most memorable of reads, A Date at the Altar did have these two standout aspects going for it:
1) The pairing of a clueless virgin duke hero and a world weary widowed playwright (GINGER!!!) heroine. Oh! And both of them were in their 30’s as well. When does that ever happen?
While their differences did drive each other mad in the beginning (which was often great fun for the reader to pay witness to), Sarah and Gavin eventually discover that they are actually quite similar in a lot ways. Their ability to find common ground and mutual understanding blended well with their already strong physical attraction. They weren’t my favorite pairing ever, and there were times when I wish there had been a much stronger tension between them, but overall the romance was nice, just not outstanding. But the way they changed each other for the better? Yeah, that was great.
2) An accurate depiction of what life is really like for many rich men’s mistresses and their illegitimate children.
The book’s emotional core centered on Sarah’s journey from distrustful, herself against the world way of thinking, to her truly wanting to let Gavin in. It was a struggle and I appreciated that. Sarah had so much baggage to deal with too, starting with her mother, an actress turned mistress who died alone and destitute. Her mother left behind a legacy of sorts, one in which Sarah refused to let be. It dictated that because Sarah was bastard-born from a lord’s mistress, she would inevitably end in the same position: am expendable mistress and nothing more. Sarah’s fight to keep the fears her mother instilled her at bay ultimately led her to make bad choices and putting her trust in the wrong people, ending with her closing her heart off completely for the sake of protection. And yet, the strength and fire (that matched her glorious hair) within her refused to die. Even when life was at its most bleak, Sarah kept on fighting and that was just incredible to read about. Without question, Sarah was the soul and driving force of this book and without her, it wouldn’t have worked.
Once Sarah did finally decide to open up to Gavin and reveal all she had been through, he did not find her wanting or less than as she’d always feared. No. He accepted and wanted her wholeheartedly, even more than before. Gavin also supported and encouraged her writing which of course made Sarah and I both adore him in return. Speaking of…
Gavin, while darling, was not the most interesting of heroes, at least in contrast to Sarah. And his virgin status became a bit of an eye roll as the story went on. Most especially when during their first sexual encounter he’s able to bring Sarah to orgasm on the first try. RIIIIIIIIGHT. Still, he was adorable even at his most ignorant which surprised me since dense heroes are usually the bane of my existence. Maybe it was because he was super starchy or so in awe of the amazing heroine, but his willingness to learn from his misconceptions or shortcomings and to be a better person made him a step up from a lot of other dumb lords of his kind. Gavin also fought off convention (both society's and his own) to be with Sarah, . This, combined with the fact that he and Sarah were such a good fit helped ease whatever disparity there was between their individual characters, for the most part anyway.
What ultimately didn’t work so well for me was the lack of plot. Or, more specifically, the way ‘plots’ seemed to magically appear and then were just as miraculously solved with little to no tension or stakes. It didn't help that a lot of what happened, especially in the latter half of the book, was super unrealistic. I mean, a Duke taking the stage as an actor in order to save his mistress's play from disaster? COME ON NOW. In the end, the only conflict to fall back on was the emotional plot and class distinctions which were decent enough, but I still needed MORE.
The author’s prose was serviceable and even poignant at times. I actually ended up highlighting quite a few quotes of interest. And there was a breeziness to the writing that had me finishing the book in no time at all which is usually a good thing but ultimately, I came away not completely satisfied. I really wish I could better pinpoint exactly why this book didn’t hit me in all the feels because it had so many of my catnip tropes. Regardless, I would recommend this to those looking for a quick, light read with hints of depth and humor.
1) The pairing of a clueless virgin duke hero and a world weary widowed playwright (GINGER!!!) heroine. Oh! And both of them were in their 30’s as well. When does that ever happen?
While their differences did drive each other mad in the beginning (which was often great fun for the reader to pay witness to), Sarah and Gavin eventually discover that they are actually quite similar in a lot ways. Their ability to find common ground and mutual understanding blended well with their already strong physical attraction. They weren’t my favorite pairing ever, and there were times when I wish there had been a much stronger tension between them, but overall the romance was nice, just not outstanding. But the way they changed each other for the better? Yeah, that was great.
2) An accurate depiction of what life is really like for many rich men’s mistresses and their illegitimate children.
“My father is Lord Twyndale, the late one. I was born on the wrong side of the blanket, Your Grace, but how does that make me less respectable than his daughters born to his lady wife?”
“I believe you know the answer to that.”
“You are right. I fought it for years. In fact, my sense of worth doesn’t come from who my father was. It comes from who I believe I am.”
The book’s emotional core centered on Sarah’s journey from distrustful, herself against the world way of thinking, to her truly wanting to let Gavin in. It was a struggle and I appreciated that. Sarah had so much baggage to deal with too, starting with her mother, an actress turned mistress who died alone and destitute. Her mother left behind a legacy of sorts, one in which Sarah refused to let be. It dictated that because Sarah was bastard-born from a lord’s mistress, she would inevitably end in the same position: am expendable mistress and nothing more. Sarah’s fight to keep the fears her mother instilled her at bay ultimately led her to make bad choices and putting her trust in the wrong people, ending with her closing her heart off completely for the sake of protection. And yet, the strength and fire (that matched her glorious hair) within her refused to die. Even when life was at its most bleak, Sarah kept on fighting and that was just incredible to read about. Without question, Sarah was the soul and driving force of this book and without her, it wouldn’t have worked.
Once Sarah did finally decide to open up to Gavin and reveal all she had been through, he did not find her wanting or less than as she’d always feared. No. He accepted and wanted her wholeheartedly, even more than before. Gavin also supported and encouraged her writing which of course made Sarah and I both adore him in return. Speaking of…
“Every path in his life had been leading him to her.”
Gavin, while darling, was not the most interesting of heroes, at least in contrast to Sarah. And his virgin status became a bit of an eye roll as the story went on. Most especially when during their first sexual encounter he’s able to bring Sarah to orgasm on the first try. RIIIIIIIIGHT. Still, he was adorable even at his most ignorant which surprised me since dense heroes are usually the bane of my existence. Maybe it was because he was super starchy or so in awe of the amazing heroine, but his willingness to learn from his misconceptions or shortcomings and to be a better person made him a step up from a lot of other dumb lords of his kind. Gavin also fought off convention (both society's and his own) to be with Sarah, . This, combined with the fact that he and Sarah were such a good fit helped ease whatever disparity there was between their individual characters, for the most part anyway.
What ultimately didn’t work so well for me was the lack of plot. Or, more specifically, the way ‘plots’ seemed to magically appear and then were just as miraculously solved with little to no tension or stakes. It didn't help that a lot of what happened, especially in the latter half of the book, was super unrealistic. I mean, a Duke taking the stage as an actor in order to save his mistress's play from disaster? COME ON NOW. In the end, the only conflict to fall back on was the emotional plot and class distinctions which were decent enough, but I still needed MORE.
The author’s prose was serviceable and even poignant at times. I actually ended up highlighting quite a few quotes of interest. And there was a breeziness to the writing that had me finishing the book in no time at all which is usually a good thing but ultimately, I came away not completely satisfied. I really wish I could better pinpoint exactly why this book didn’t hit me in all the feels because it had so many of my catnip tropes. Regardless, I would recommend this to those looking for a quick, light read with hints of depth and humor.
April 13, 2017
Reviewed @ Confessions From Romaholics
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review
A Date at the Altar is the final book in the series and gives our poor suffering Duke a HEA. Well I wouldn’t deem poor suffering exactly since he wasn’t exactly , Painted as aloof doesn’t even begin to describe Gavin, the Duke of Boynton, who was determined to do his duty. However he has grown over the course of the series and presents a completely different man
Whilst I missed the second book and missed the introduced of Sarah and her niece into the series. I t was obvious things had changed, Gavin have wised up on certain things but he stickler to the rules of the ton. He may be eligible but after twice nearly getting to the altar. This man is ready to settle
Until he is thrusted into the spotlight when he discovers the truth about Sarah and something London will like to know. Already born on the wrong side of the marital bed , Sarah had her work cut out from her birth. Now a struggle playwright at her wits end, she is determined to get her time to shine.
She done the whole marriage thing and despite her father being a lord, she far from suitable and Gavin will never look at her that way. She far from a docile woman, she a woman ahead of her time To top thinsg things off, she doesn’t respect Gavin and his title. As so right she can as he made her chase her niece across country and jeopardy her happiness.
So Gavin takes things into his own hand and whilst he may be ready finally to find the girl by letting his mother do the deed once again . Gavin got other problems, in the name of Sarah. Sarah has wormed her way back in this life and he thinks she perfect to help in his quest.
As they need each other and could of come at a better or worse time for each of them. Which one is yet to decide. As A Date at Altar isn’t going to let these two have their HEA so easily. As feelings maybe one things when falling in love, but there way more to this love story and need a journey .
Maxwell wraps this series wonderfully with the final book in the series and loved where she took us as readers with this series. Gavin grew up in this series in some ways and I loved how seeing having his happily ever after and everything come around full circle . Sarah was the perfect paring and I loved their story.
If you are looking romance with a heroine who know her own mind and not afraid to share it and turn London’s upside. Maxwel’s latest romance will be sure favourite with historical fans.
4.5 couples
For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
Review copy kindly provided by author in exchange for a honest review
A Date at the Altar is the final book in the series and gives our poor suffering Duke a HEA. Well I wouldn’t deem poor suffering exactly since he wasn’t exactly , Painted as aloof doesn’t even begin to describe Gavin, the Duke of Boynton, who was determined to do his duty. However he has grown over the course of the series and presents a completely different man
Whilst I missed the second book and missed the introduced of Sarah and her niece into the series. I t was obvious things had changed, Gavin have wised up on certain things but he stickler to the rules of the ton. He may be eligible but after twice nearly getting to the altar. This man is ready to settle
Until he is thrusted into the spotlight when he discovers the truth about Sarah and something London will like to know. Already born on the wrong side of the marital bed , Sarah had her work cut out from her birth. Now a struggle playwright at her wits end, she is determined to get her time to shine.
She done the whole marriage thing and despite her father being a lord, she far from suitable and Gavin will never look at her that way. She far from a docile woman, she a woman ahead of her time To top thinsg things off, she doesn’t respect Gavin and his title. As so right she can as he made her chase her niece across country and jeopardy her happiness.
So Gavin takes things into his own hand and whilst he may be ready finally to find the girl by letting his mother do the deed once again . Gavin got other problems, in the name of Sarah. Sarah has wormed her way back in this life and he thinks she perfect to help in his quest.
As they need each other and could of come at a better or worse time for each of them. Which one is yet to decide. As A Date at Altar isn’t going to let these two have their HEA so easily. As feelings maybe one things when falling in love, but there way more to this love story and need a journey .
Maxwell wraps this series wonderfully with the final book in the series and loved where she took us as readers with this series. Gavin grew up in this series in some ways and I loved how seeing having his happily ever after and everything come around full circle . Sarah was the perfect paring and I loved their story.
If you are looking romance with a heroine who know her own mind and not afraid to share it and turn London’s upside. Maxwel’s latest romance will be sure favourite with historical fans.
4.5 couples
For more of my reviews, visit Confessions From Romaholics.And drop by the blog's Facebook page
October 27, 2016
Finally!!!! The Duke of Baynton, Gavin Whitridge gets his story. Gavin is a Gentleman who has always done what was required of him as a Duke. He uses his position to keep his country safe and prosperous. Guiding and influencing where he must. He has never kept a mistress nor ever been the subject of any unsavory gossip. He is everything that a Duke of the Realm should be. He has never stepped out of the boundaries that were drilled into him by his father. If you have read the first two books in this series, you know that both times he courted a lady she has fallen in love with someone else, as a Gentleman he has stepped back and let the ladies marry their true loves.
Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn is an actress, a playwright, the illegitimate daughter of Lord Twyndale, a widow and a survivor of physical and sexual abuse by her late husband. Sarah is a fighter who is determined to succeed, she will have one of her plays performed at a theater in London. She is also stubborn to the point driving The Duke of Baynton stark raving mad!!!
It begins when Gavin has been talked into attending an event at a theater where the famous Siren is to perform. He is brought to his feet in shock when he recognizes that Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn is the Siren. He has had dealings with her and the past and never thought to have to see her ever again. His brother married her niece. Gavin has never been a slave to lust, but now he wants Sarah as his mistress and is in the position to help her if she will agree to Carte Blanche.
Sarah has vowed never to become like her mother, going from man to man as she ages and then dies broke and alone. But the Duke is offering something she might not be able to refuse. Deep inside Sarah is terrified of intimacy and simply is not any good at sex, or so her husband had told her. She doesn't know if she can submit to Gavin. For his part Gavin is tired of always doing the right thing. He realizes that he has never made any decisions to make himself happy. He has never known anyone like Sarah and is determined to have her. Add his mother pushing him to court a young lady of her chose.
This is a story that will touch you down to your soul. Sarah and Gavin are amazing characters that will tug at your heartstrings and you will cheer for them to get their HAE. Cathy writes a story that you will not be able to put down. I smiled alot at the witty dialogue between Sarah and Gavin and I cried as they both opened up and told each other their secrets. This is an extraordinary love story that you will want to read over and over again. All I can say about this book is you must read it!! This book can be read as a stand alone. I recommend if you have not read the first two in the series....do!!!
Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn is an actress, a playwright, the illegitimate daughter of Lord Twyndale, a widow and a survivor of physical and sexual abuse by her late husband. Sarah is a fighter who is determined to succeed, she will have one of her plays performed at a theater in London. She is also stubborn to the point driving The Duke of Baynton stark raving mad!!!
It begins when Gavin has been talked into attending an event at a theater where the famous Siren is to perform. He is brought to his feet in shock when he recognizes that Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn is the Siren. He has had dealings with her and the past and never thought to have to see her ever again. His brother married her niece. Gavin has never been a slave to lust, but now he wants Sarah as his mistress and is in the position to help her if she will agree to Carte Blanche.
Sarah has vowed never to become like her mother, going from man to man as she ages and then dies broke and alone. But the Duke is offering something she might not be able to refuse. Deep inside Sarah is terrified of intimacy and simply is not any good at sex, or so her husband had told her. She doesn't know if she can submit to Gavin. For his part Gavin is tired of always doing the right thing. He realizes that he has never made any decisions to make himself happy. He has never known anyone like Sarah and is determined to have her. Add his mother pushing him to court a young lady of her chose.
This is a story that will touch you down to your soul. Sarah and Gavin are amazing characters that will tug at your heartstrings and you will cheer for them to get their HAE. Cathy writes a story that you will not be able to put down. I smiled alot at the witty dialogue between Sarah and Gavin and I cried as they both opened up and told each other their secrets. This is an extraordinary love story that you will want to read over and over again. All I can say about this book is you must read it!! This book can be read as a stand alone. I recommend if you have not read the first two in the series....do!!!
December 16, 2016
A fun read that did some things really, really well.
The good:
- Our heroine Sarah is strong and confident and happy in her own skin. She's doing what she wants with her life and it's refreshing and wonderful to watch. Some people may doubt the plausibility of the plot so Maxwell shares some of her research in an afterward.
- Many Regencies talk about mistresses, often in the context of "oh no you don't" or "I can't believe he/she did". Here we get to see that experience from the other side and how the transaction often worked.
- The plot moves at a nice clip with some effective external conflict. I like how it stayed just this side of romantic suspense, with realistic but not overly done angst.
- Some prickly situations come up where I thought, there is only one way this can end well. If the character does one of these ten other things I would be so mad... but it always ended that one way, well. Phew.
- Virgin hero, yea!
- Not being able to have children, and what it would have meant at this time in history, is thoughtfully and compassionately considered. I was afraid it would be a "barren until you" storyline but the issue is handled realistically and well. Kudos to Maxwell.
The neither-good-nor-bad:
- This book qualifies as a Regency-not-in-a-ballroom, which is kind of amazing considering nearly all of the action is set in London.
The not-so-good:
- The first chapter is pure info dump, and even so I didn't realize that I had already read the second book of this series. Oops. Partly because...
- In book two of this series the Duke comes off as a boor, while here he seems like a totally different person. If you read this as a standalone you won't notice, though.
- The hero, who we are told has zero experience "knowing" a woman, still manages to give the heroine an orgasm effortlessly on the first try. Sigh.
- The plot is telegraphed, sometimes chapters in advance. The suspense factor is low so it wasn't a deal breaker, but I don't think the twists had the effect the author intended.
Overall I enjoyed A Date at the Altar as a quick, satisfying read despite the nitpicks.
The good:
- Our heroine Sarah is strong and confident and happy in her own skin. She's doing what she wants with her life and it's refreshing and wonderful to watch. Some people may doubt the plausibility of the plot so Maxwell shares some of her research in an afterward.
- Many Regencies talk about mistresses, often in the context of "oh no you don't" or "I can't believe he/she did". Here we get to see that experience from the other side and how the transaction often worked.
- The plot moves at a nice clip with some effective external conflict. I like how it stayed just this side of romantic suspense, with realistic but not overly done angst.
- Some prickly situations come up where I thought, there is only one way this can end well. If the character does one of these ten other things I would be so mad... but it always ended that one way, well. Phew.
- Virgin hero, yea!
- Not being able to have children, and what it would have meant at this time in history, is thoughtfully and compassionately considered. I was afraid it would be a "barren until you" storyline but the issue is handled realistically and well. Kudos to Maxwell.
The neither-good-nor-bad:
- This book qualifies as a Regency-not-in-a-ballroom, which is kind of amazing considering nearly all of the action is set in London.
The not-so-good:
- The first chapter is pure info dump, and even so I didn't realize that I had already read the second book of this series. Oops. Partly because...
- In book two of this series the Duke comes off as a boor, while here he seems like a totally different person. If you read this as a standalone you won't notice, though.
- The hero, who we are told has zero experience "knowing" a woman, still manages to give the heroine an orgasm effortlessly on the first try. Sigh.
- The plot is telegraphed, sometimes chapters in advance. The suspense factor is low so it wasn't a deal breaker, but I don't think the twists had the effect the author intended.
Overall I enjoyed A Date at the Altar as a quick, satisfying read despite the nitpicks.
March 8, 2017
ZZZZZZzzzzz
Poor Gavin. This isn't the first time we've run into Gavin, Duke of Baynton. In the two previous books Gavin was a secondary character who kept getting stood up at the wedding altar. He also happens to be a secondary character who almost stole the book in Fairest of the All. If you remember correctly in that book he and Sarah Pettijohn were chasing a runaway couple across the country. Gavin and Sarah were the only good thing about that book and now it's their turn.
I admit, I was looking forward to this book. I was hoping that Ms. Maxwell could create a story worthy of the fascinating secondary characters of Sarah and Gavin. Alas, they suffered from Secondary Characteritis. That's a disease that great secondary character get when they get their own books. One of the symptoms of this disease is a character is written one way when they are supporting, but then they change when they get their own books. So many expectations have been crushed by not enlarging on the way they are written when they first open their mouths in their supporting roles. When this story started I had hopes that this story would go in a direction I might like. But it soon became apparent that I was being lead down a different path. And, as the story progressed I became less and less fond of our hero, Gavin. Realistically I know that a real duke would never offer marriage to an actress (although some have). But as I grow older I'm becoming less fond of heroes offering a less than honorable proposition to a woman they supposedly love. I have a problem with my hero believing he loves the woman he's offering a carte blanche to and still planning on marrying someone else. It's a lose, lose situation for all involved. The mistress and the wife both lose. In the hands of some writers this kind of story line can be pulled off, but Ms. Maxwell doesn't.
This story had all the right ingredients to make it a fun great read. Gavin is a virgin, a rarity in Romanceland, and Sarah has been married before. Gavin realizes he is strongly attracted to Sarah and really really wants to end his virginity. Sarah on the other hand isn't all that interested in a relationship with a man - her marriage was a failure. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she is forced to accept his proposition.
All of a sudden Gavin changes from an uptight stuffed-shirt into a free-wheeling man about town. He is also one of those virgins who know what goes where and how much ding to put in the ding-a-ling. I just wish his idea of honor had been different. I'm tired of "men of their time." As I said before his character didn't set well with me. Sarah I liked better; her character didn't change all that much from the last book.
For me this book was another disappointment in a long line of disappointments. I wish the book had continued the dynamics that were established in the previous book. They were quite humorous then, especially when Sarah was getting on every inch of Gavin's stuffed-shirt nerves. The character momentum just did not carry through. A big disappointment.
KaysBlog
Poor Gavin. This isn't the first time we've run into Gavin, Duke of Baynton. In the two previous books Gavin was a secondary character who kept getting stood up at the wedding altar. He also happens to be a secondary character who almost stole the book in Fairest of the All. If you remember correctly in that book he and Sarah Pettijohn were chasing a runaway couple across the country. Gavin and Sarah were the only good thing about that book and now it's their turn.
I admit, I was looking forward to this book. I was hoping that Ms. Maxwell could create a story worthy of the fascinating secondary characters of Sarah and Gavin. Alas, they suffered from Secondary Characteritis. That's a disease that great secondary character get when they get their own books. One of the symptoms of this disease is a character is written one way when they are supporting, but then they change when they get their own books. So many expectations have been crushed by not enlarging on the way they are written when they first open their mouths in their supporting roles. When this story started I had hopes that this story would go in a direction I might like. But it soon became apparent that I was being lead down a different path. And, as the story progressed I became less and less fond of our hero, Gavin. Realistically I know that a real duke would never offer marriage to an actress (although some have). But as I grow older I'm becoming less fond of heroes offering a less than honorable proposition to a woman they supposedly love. I have a problem with my hero believing he loves the woman he's offering a carte blanche to and still planning on marrying someone else. It's a lose, lose situation for all involved. The mistress and the wife both lose. In the hands of some writers this kind of story line can be pulled off, but Ms. Maxwell doesn't.
This story had all the right ingredients to make it a fun great read. Gavin is a virgin, a rarity in Romanceland, and Sarah has been married before. Gavin realizes he is strongly attracted to Sarah and really really wants to end his virginity. Sarah on the other hand isn't all that interested in a relationship with a man - her marriage was a failure. Due to circumstances beyond her control, she is forced to accept his proposition.
All of a sudden Gavin changes from an uptight stuffed-shirt into a free-wheeling man about town. He is also one of those virgins who know what goes where and how much ding to put in the ding-a-ling. I just wish his idea of honor had been different. I'm tired of "men of their time." As I said before his character didn't set well with me. Sarah I liked better; her character didn't change all that much from the last book.
For me this book was another disappointment in a long line of disappointments. I wish the book had continued the dynamics that were established in the previous book. They were quite humorous then, especially when Sarah was getting on every inch of Gavin's stuffed-shirt nerves. The character momentum just did not carry through. A big disappointment.
KaysBlog
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 6, 2017
2.5/5. Arrogant, exceedingly proper, closet-romantic, alpha-male virgin duke in his 30s makes an offer to cynical, world-weary, destitute, widowed, also 'mature'-aged play writer/actress, who has sworn off men. Interesting concept, but oh, I could not get past the annoying narration. I especially could not stand the way the narrator voices the heroine, so utterly insincere, supposedly snooty and proud, but comes across more like Eliza Doolittle's initial try hard, but ultimately distorted interpretation of an elitist version of the King's English. And what's with the "wronKs"!! It drove me to distraction, but not enough for me not to notice the many incongruities in the plot and the characters.
Sarah came across as immature and impetuous at times despite her advanced age of 34. I don't mind the virgin plot so much, but he must have read a lot of sex manuals because lucky for Sarah, he certainly hits the spot upon first go. He initially sought to protect Sarah because she is the aunt of his sister-in-law and hence practically family. Yet, he then proceeds to compromise her reputation by overtly carrying on an affair with Sarah. In fact, he somewhat pressured her into it, knowing she was destitute and left without any other option. He goes from preserving himself for years due to his strict principles then disregarding all that he stood for by making a mistress out of a decent respectable woman. All this while planning to marry some young debutante and knowing that he would disgrace his vows by continuing his affair afterwards, thereby also disgracing Sarah in the process. He is powerful duke, but allowed himself to be pushed into an understanding with this young girl through the machinations of his mother and others around him. And why tell Sarah that he has to marry another the night before the grand opening of her show? Furthermore, why on earth did it end with his younger brother Ben and Ben's son being the heirs in waiting, when Gavin has a twin brother still alive and also expecting a child? I could go on, but duty calls.
Sarah came across as immature and impetuous at times despite her advanced age of 34. I don't mind the virgin plot so much, but he must have read a lot of sex manuals because lucky for Sarah, he certainly hits the spot upon first go. He initially sought to protect Sarah because she is the aunt of his sister-in-law and hence practically family. Yet, he then proceeds to compromise her reputation by overtly carrying on an affair with Sarah. In fact, he somewhat pressured her into it, knowing she was destitute and left without any other option. He goes from preserving himself for years due to his strict principles then disregarding all that he stood for by making a mistress out of a decent respectable woman. All this while planning to marry some young debutante and knowing that he would disgrace his vows by continuing his affair afterwards, thereby also disgracing Sarah in the process. He is powerful duke, but allowed himself to be pushed into an understanding with this young girl through the machinations of his mother and others around him. And why tell Sarah that he has to marry another the night before the grand opening of her show? Furthermore, why on earth did it end with his younger brother Ben and Ben's son being the heirs in waiting, when Gavin has a twin brother still alive and also expecting a child? I could go on, but duty calls.
October 6, 2017
3.5 stars. I love theater settings so this was enjoyable. The couple was charming, things moved along briskly. While the wrap up was a little too pat, seeing as how they had some legitimate social incompatibility issues with regards to status that were unlikely to have been so easily solved, it still worked for the story.
I also like that at the end the author did not magically solve the couple's very real
I also like that at the end the author did not magically solve the couple's very real
June 9, 2017
This was so delightful.
December 30, 2025
I loved Ben Whitridge, I liked Jack Whitridge, but Gavin, the Duke of Bayton is another thing all together!!! That man had me almost in the first book, he was ther 😉 , despite not being his story.
I thought it was a bit stretched to prolong the Duke's story until the last book, but after all it was kinda perfect, the last but the absolutely not the least!
Gavin is a "perfect" duke, full of rules, full of obligations and always trying to maintain everybody expectations, a "there's expectations" kind of duke. He is also caring, just and honored and he has a problem...
Sarah is a "not just a lady" born out of the blanket kind of woman, she's proud, hard working, and like every woman who is not a lady and even some of those, she has no future even if she works hard... and Sarah can solve Gavin's problem...
Read it, I really think it's a good reading, maybe if you read it as a stand alone you wouldn't know Gavin and Sarah depths but you can try 😉. I think it's worthy!!
📝 Just a side note: regarding steamy parts, in all 3 books, the books don't have much and the ones it has, are not very real... from the woman point of view. It's just a side note because I don't think it's important for the books, but it is what it is! Maybe when the books were written, this was usual, but it's not usual in real life 😕.
------
Note to my future self: ABSOLUTELY, reread it you must!! 🥰🥰🥰 And yes, you can read just this one and hope you remember the previous stories, if not, just read the synopsis.
I thought it was a bit stretched to prolong the Duke's story until the last book, but after all it was kinda perfect, the last but the absolutely not the least!
Gavin is a "perfect" duke, full of rules, full of obligations and always trying to maintain everybody expectations, a "there's expectations" kind of duke. He is also caring, just and honored and he has a problem...
Sarah is a "not just a lady" born out of the blanket kind of woman, she's proud, hard working, and like every woman who is not a lady and even some of those, she has no future even if she works hard... and Sarah can solve Gavin's problem...
Read it, I really think it's a good reading, maybe if you read it as a stand alone you wouldn't know Gavin and Sarah depths but you can try 😉. I think it's worthy!!
📝 Just a side note: regarding steamy parts, in all 3 books, the books don't have much and the ones it has, are not very real... from the woman point of view. It's just a side note because I don't think it's important for the books, but it is what it is! Maybe when the books were written, this was usual, but it's not usual in real life 😕.
------
Note to my future self: ABSOLUTELY, reread it you must!! 🥰🥰🥰 And yes, you can read just this one and hope you remember the previous stories, if not, just read the synopsis.
July 30, 2017
I own this book. Review to come on my blog.
https://storyobsessedblog.wordpress.c...
https://storyobsessedblog.wordpress.c...
November 1, 2016
Review: 4.5
"A Date at the Altar" is truly an exceptional read, quite divergent and a bit of pure spicy romantic entertainment that was entirely what I was looking for in a historical-romance novel.
I need to clarify in this review that this is my first time reading a novel in author's Cathy Maxwell's "Marrying the Duke" series. I am actually quite glad about this (although a little disappointed too) because I was able to have a clear mind when reviewing this specific story because honestly I fell in love with the book from the opening chapter till the end.
As a PR I have made a notion to include how historical-romances are beginning to read so much alike. The same dry plot, the same hero and the heroine and of course let's not forget that same ole love story. I point these flaws out because I want fellow readers to understand just how amazing well the author wrote this story by taking the time to deliver something refreshing to her readers. I've always liked the author, but if her stories keep reading like "A Date at the Altar," pretty soon I am going to have a new favorite.
The entire book was an excellent, strong storyline with the heroine that is a bit known for scandal. Add an a haughty hero who is sexy as he is game and I was hooked. I do have to add that the heroine was such a nice relief. Sarah, was not the heroine that I was expecting to see in this novel likely because of her witt, her sass and of course her determination. The attraction between Sarah and Gavin was sizzling from the start. I enjoyed how Gavin pursued Sarah as it made the novel fun to see how these two opposites were going to end up reaching their HEA-ending.
Without a doubt if you haven't already grabbed this book, do so! If you are like me and haven't read this series yet it is not a big dilemma. I was not lost in this novel at all in comparison with the rest of the novels of the series which is yet another prime example of how Cathy Maxwell pens her books. In the end I couldn't ask more for a historical-romance than what Maxwell delivered.
"A Date at the Altar" is truly an exceptional read, quite divergent and a bit of pure spicy romantic entertainment that was entirely what I was looking for in a historical-romance novel.
I need to clarify in this review that this is my first time reading a novel in author's Cathy Maxwell's "Marrying the Duke" series. I am actually quite glad about this (although a little disappointed too) because I was able to have a clear mind when reviewing this specific story because honestly I fell in love with the book from the opening chapter till the end.
As a PR I have made a notion to include how historical-romances are beginning to read so much alike. The same dry plot, the same hero and the heroine and of course let's not forget that same ole love story. I point these flaws out because I want fellow readers to understand just how amazing well the author wrote this story by taking the time to deliver something refreshing to her readers. I've always liked the author, but if her stories keep reading like "A Date at the Altar," pretty soon I am going to have a new favorite.
The entire book was an excellent, strong storyline with the heroine that is a bit known for scandal. Add an a haughty hero who is sexy as he is game and I was hooked. I do have to add that the heroine was such a nice relief. Sarah, was not the heroine that I was expecting to see in this novel likely because of her witt, her sass and of course her determination. The attraction between Sarah and Gavin was sizzling from the start. I enjoyed how Gavin pursued Sarah as it made the novel fun to see how these two opposites were going to end up reaching their HEA-ending.
Without a doubt if you haven't already grabbed this book, do so! If you are like me and haven't read this series yet it is not a big dilemma. I was not lost in this novel at all in comparison with the rest of the novels of the series which is yet another prime example of how Cathy Maxwell pens her books. In the end I couldn't ask more for a historical-romance than what Maxwell delivered.
January 11, 2017
Sarah was the absolute wrong person to become the next Duchess of Baynton. She was a playwright. She was not a Lady. She was free-spirited. She was illegitimate. She was strong, courageous, outspoken. She was not afraid of the wrath of the duke. She was perfect.
Gavin step in it again. This time he wanted to learn a little something for his trouble. He got a lot more than he bargained for. Sarah was all that he need and none of what he wanted for the proper Duchess to his Duke of Baynton. He was arrogant, rude, stubborn, self-consumed, manipulative, and has a superiority complex.
I found the pegs that he was knocked down were just what he needed. Sarah was the perfect woman to hand him his self-importance on a platter and not with kindness.
Gavin step in it again. This time he wanted to learn a little something for his trouble. He got a lot more than he bargained for. Sarah was all that he need and none of what he wanted for the proper Duchess to his Duke of Baynton. He was arrogant, rude, stubborn, self-consumed, manipulative, and has a superiority complex.
I found the pegs that he was knocked down were just what he needed. Sarah was the perfect woman to hand him his self-importance on a platter and not with kindness.
May 29, 2019
A charming read. In fact this whole series was utterly charming. Enough of what I’ve come to expect from a historical romance to make them a comfort read but with surprising twists that made them feel slightly edgier.
Audio narration was also brilliant, highly recommend.
Audio narration was also brilliant, highly recommend.
January 8, 2017
3.5 stars rounded down to 3.
January 9, 2019
4 stars - Historical Romance
August 14, 2020
A Date at the Altar is the 3rd book in Cathy Maxwell’s Marrying the Duke series but can be read as a stand-alone (which is how I read it). This was my first read by this author and I enjoyed the writing! As the series suggests, it is about a Duke who has been engaged to be wed twice already and the actress he finds himself falling for. The main characters, Gavin and Sarah, both have their flaws and have not had a great time with relationships in the past. Sarah was married over 14 years ago to an awful man and never knew love before. Gavin is a Duke who needs to find himself someone to marry to become his Duchess, he’s struck out twice already when he stumbles upon Sarah. Their relationship starts out with Gavin offering a deal to Sarah, she needs help getting her own play up and running and he offers to make this happen if Sarah will become his mistress. Gavin is hoping Sarah can teach him all the ways of love and being with a woman, but as time goes on they realize they both have a lot to learn about love. This book was cute, I loved both of the main characters and their relationship together was believable and nice to see develop.
June 23, 2025
Un duca che non va mai a teatro (tranne ogni tanto, a vedere Shakespeare: ultime parole famose). E un’attrice commediografa in grado di fargli cambiare idea.
Oramai tifavo per il duca di Baynton e temevo il terzo tentativo.
E infatti, giunto alla terza ghiotta occasione di sposare una perfetta candidata duchessa, stavolta è Gavin, il primogenito e capofamiglia dei Whitridge, a deragliare.
Dopo un’esistenza immacolata e senza l’ombra di uno scandalo, è tempo anche per lui di prendersi una pausa e di togliersi qualche sfizio: mentre tutte le debuttanti lo vogliono e mentre la sua agenda di impegni familiari-istituzionali-nobiliari lo reclama, finalmente il nostro si prende una pausa.
Diventa umano.
E lo fa alla grande.
Ho riso parecchio, ho trovato emozionanti Gavin e Sarah. Avrei voluto leggere ancora di loro.
Sono contenta di aver scovato questa serie (a me ignota) nel cestone delle occasioni! Se la trovate in eBook, è assolutamente consigliata!
Oramai tifavo per il duca di Baynton e temevo il terzo tentativo.
E infatti, giunto alla terza ghiotta occasione di sposare una perfetta candidata duchessa, stavolta è Gavin, il primogenito e capofamiglia dei Whitridge, a deragliare.
Dopo un’esistenza immacolata e senza l’ombra di uno scandalo, è tempo anche per lui di prendersi una pausa e di togliersi qualche sfizio: mentre tutte le debuttanti lo vogliono e mentre la sua agenda di impegni familiari-istituzionali-nobiliari lo reclama, finalmente il nostro si prende una pausa.
Diventa umano.
E lo fa alla grande.
Ho riso parecchio, ho trovato emozionanti Gavin e Sarah. Avrei voluto leggere ancora di loro.
Sono contenta di aver scovato questa serie (a me ignota) nel cestone delle occasioni! Se la trovate in eBook, è assolutamente consigliata!
February 28, 2020
I loved this book from the beginning to the end, which is more than I can say for some of the books I’ve read this year so far. Was so well written and the ending was very satisfactory. I think this may be the 3rd book in the series and I wouldn’t mind catching up ☺️
April 26, 2017
So much of my catnip in this book! Theatre, Virgin hero, huge public declaration of love. Really fun and engaging book. Gavin is a great beta hero, who gets to show off his alpha tendencies!
October 23, 2016
Throughout this series, we have been (in my case) not-so-patiently waiting for love to fall in the lap of Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton. So I knew when this book came out that I had to get my hands on it... so, thanks Avon! I urge you to read the books of this series in order so you will get Gavin's whole story, but its not absolutely necessary if you are picking up this book before the others.
Warning!!! This review may contain spoilers for earlier books in the series. Not big ones... and you can probably figure them out from the book blurbs, but I thought I would throw out the warning just in case.
So... Gavin Whitridge, Duke of Baynton. I just loved him in the first book, The Match of the Century. Poor Gavin has now been jilted by two brides in favor of his brothers, and I don't know how he doesn't have more of a complex about him. He is an exceedingly noble and virtuous hero - literally - having saved himself for his bride. He never expected to be a 30+ year old virgin, and he is feeling the itch quite bad these days. After pursuing Charlene so doggedly in The Fairest of Them All, I was really upset when she was stolen away by another brother. Gavin was just so eminently likable... until he wasn't. He acted like a bit of an arse towards the end of Fairest and I started to lose my enthusiasm for Team Gavin. But now, after reading this book, I have to say that I probably would have been a bit of a grumpypants too if my siblings kept stealing my betrothed away. In A Date at the Altar, Gavin redeems himself and, for the most part, goes back to being that nice and noble hero from the earlier books. He is just a little more jaded now.
We met Mrs. Sarah Pettijohn in The Fairest of Them All as Charlene's strong-willed aunt, a former actress and hopeful playwright. Sarah has hair the color of rubies, emerald eyes, and the tart tongue of a bitter snark. She has fallen on hard times since Charlene and Jack moved to Boston, and desperate time call for desperate measures. When her actions garner the somewhat expected consequences, Sarah must suck up her pride and go to Baynton for assistance. While I felt for Sarah's situation and found her desire for a career to be admirable... sometimes she was just too plucky for me. That bitterness seeped out fairly often and it caused me to not connect to her character. Of course I would probably feel the same way in her situation, but I was just so firmly on Team Gavin that I wanted him to have a little less difficulty with his match.
The relationship between these two was tenuous more often than not. Gavin is awkward with women and often says things to offend Sarah unintentionally... and I think Sarah resented having to get help from a man. So I didn't feel a grand passion with their characters, but I did find their story to be entertaining nonetheless. Maxwell did a good job at highlighting the difficulty women faced during this time period, and shined a less-than-flattering light on the historical male who felt he was entitled to do as he pleased without repercussion. It makes me really glad that I was born in this era because I certainly would not have been one of those aristocratic women of leisure, so I shudder to think of what my life would have been like in the 1800s.
There weren't many secondary characters of note in this installment. We were revisited by some favorites from past books: Ben from Match, Char's Godmother from Fairest, and Fyclan from A Little Thing Called Love. I believe this will be the end of this series now that Gavin has gotten his story, so I would have to say that my favorite book of this venture was A Little Thing Called Love. Jennifer and Fyclan were just so great that they cast a long shadow on the following books.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance copy of this book that I received from the publisher, Avon.
April 12, 2017
Good book. I was glad to see Gavin finally get the girl, after losing out (to his own brothers!) in Match of the Century and The Fairest ofThem All. In the first book the woman he's been engaged to all his life because of a family arrangement, has actually been in love with his brother Ben for years. In the second book he loses out to the twin brother who has been missing for years and suddenly reappears.
For the most part in the first two books, I liked Gavin. I also felt a bit sorry for him. As the heir, he was raised very strictly by his father, with a sense of responsibility and importance of appearances drilled into him. He's been so intent on his responsibilities as duke that he has never taken the time to cut loose like others of his class. It has made him rather stiff and awkward around women, and he usually has no idea what to say to them. He is also no real believer in love, though when he sees it in the previous two couples he does the right thing and steps back. He's not perfect, though, and has his moments of reacting badly. At the end of the previous book, he is in pursuit of Jack and Charlene, who are eloping to Gretna Green. With him is Char's Aunt Sarah, who rubs him the wrong way. They arrive before the wedding, but Gavin sees the light and lets Char go, leaving him alone again.
Sarah is an independent woman with a mind of her own and plans for her future. She is a survivor of a life that hasn't been easy. She is the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman and his mistress. For years she watched her mother go from man to man and vowed she wouldn't follow in her footsteps. She married a man who turned out to be abusive, causing her to doubt her judgment about men and keep them at a distance. After the death of her husband she became an actress to earn the money to care for her orphaned niece, then worked as an assistant playwright. She is determined to put on a play of her own writing. She makes a deal with a pair of theater owners to do so, but things don't go the way she planned. Gavin ends up rescuing her from a dangerous situation.
I loved the relationship that built between them. In the previous book there had been sparks of antagonism, but those were mixed with sparks of attraction. Gavin's rescue of Sarah brings his attraction to her to the surface. There is also a need to protect her when he discovers the conditions she's living in. The protection he offers isn't what she wants, as it goes against everything she wants for herself, and she has no problem telling him so. But circumstances cause her to have to take him up on it. This is where Gavin shows his true self. He wants her very much, but is sensitive to the fear he senses in her. I loved the way he backed off and talked things out with her. I loved Sarah's confusion, as she had very definite expectations and Gavin didn't match any of them. The connection between them when they finally came together was not what either expected. Over the next few weeks they got much closer, as Gavin found himself wanting to spend as much time as he could with her. I loved the way they shared their lives, sharing bits about their days and supporting each other. Sarah made a good sounding board for his problems, and he was an active supporter of her play.
But Gavin still has to find a wife, because as much as he wants her, Sarah doesn't fit the requirements he's been looking for. He's understandably reluctant, even as his mother and aunt find the "perfect" woman. I ached for Sarah as she realized that she had fallen in love with Gavin, but that nothing could come of it. I loved how she picked herself up and went on, because that is what she does. I also ached for Gavin, who wanted what he believed was impossible to have. I loved the conversation with his first fiancée's father, and the difference it made to his outlook. Gavin's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, and so out of character for him that it was irresistible.
There wasn't much in the way of secondary characters except for one fellow nobleman. Though he had started out as a friend of Gavin's, he turned out to be a real loser. Rov's pursuit of and attitude toward Sarah earned him Gavin's enmity. The duel scene showed just how awful a person he was, and that wasn't even the end of his troublemaking. I enjoyed the final confrontation with him and how Gavin dealt with him.
For the most part in the first two books, I liked Gavin. I also felt a bit sorry for him. As the heir, he was raised very strictly by his father, with a sense of responsibility and importance of appearances drilled into him. He's been so intent on his responsibilities as duke that he has never taken the time to cut loose like others of his class. It has made him rather stiff and awkward around women, and he usually has no idea what to say to them. He is also no real believer in love, though when he sees it in the previous two couples he does the right thing and steps back. He's not perfect, though, and has his moments of reacting badly. At the end of the previous book, he is in pursuit of Jack and Charlene, who are eloping to Gretna Green. With him is Char's Aunt Sarah, who rubs him the wrong way. They arrive before the wedding, but Gavin sees the light and lets Char go, leaving him alone again.
Sarah is an independent woman with a mind of her own and plans for her future. She is a survivor of a life that hasn't been easy. She is the illegitimate daughter of a nobleman and his mistress. For years she watched her mother go from man to man and vowed she wouldn't follow in her footsteps. She married a man who turned out to be abusive, causing her to doubt her judgment about men and keep them at a distance. After the death of her husband she became an actress to earn the money to care for her orphaned niece, then worked as an assistant playwright. She is determined to put on a play of her own writing. She makes a deal with a pair of theater owners to do so, but things don't go the way she planned. Gavin ends up rescuing her from a dangerous situation.
I loved the relationship that built between them. In the previous book there had been sparks of antagonism, but those were mixed with sparks of attraction. Gavin's rescue of Sarah brings his attraction to her to the surface. There is also a need to protect her when he discovers the conditions she's living in. The protection he offers isn't what she wants, as it goes against everything she wants for herself, and she has no problem telling him so. But circumstances cause her to have to take him up on it. This is where Gavin shows his true self. He wants her very much, but is sensitive to the fear he senses in her. I loved the way he backed off and talked things out with her. I loved Sarah's confusion, as she had very definite expectations and Gavin didn't match any of them. The connection between them when they finally came together was not what either expected. Over the next few weeks they got much closer, as Gavin found himself wanting to spend as much time as he could with her. I loved the way they shared their lives, sharing bits about their days and supporting each other. Sarah made a good sounding board for his problems, and he was an active supporter of her play.
But Gavin still has to find a wife, because as much as he wants her, Sarah doesn't fit the requirements he's been looking for. He's understandably reluctant, even as his mother and aunt find the "perfect" woman. I ached for Sarah as she realized that she had fallen in love with Gavin, but that nothing could come of it. I loved how she picked herself up and went on, because that is what she does. I also ached for Gavin, who wanted what he believed was impossible to have. I loved the conversation with his first fiancée's father, and the difference it made to his outlook. Gavin's big moment at the end was sweet and romantic, and so out of character for him that it was irresistible.
There wasn't much in the way of secondary characters except for one fellow nobleman. Though he had started out as a friend of Gavin's, he turned out to be a real loser. Rov's pursuit of and attitude toward Sarah earned him Gavin's enmity. The duel scene showed just how awful a person he was, and that wasn't even the end of his troublemaking. I enjoyed the final confrontation with him and how Gavin dealt with him.
February 21, 2018
This 3rd installment was better than the 2nd. The Duke of Baynton became completely undone and turned into an Actor! There was more romance in this ones. The heroine Sarah was a bit of a shrew, and I didn't like her for most of the book. Would have liked Rovington to get more punishment. I liked the ending where they became a happily family. I give the overall 3 book series a 3.
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