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Desperate and Daring #1

Desperate for a Duke

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Alternate cover edition for ASIN B00MHY1CVS

*2nd Edition. Previously published under the title, Desperate and Daring. Same book, new title and cover!

Miss Heather Everly desperately needs to get married, but not just any suitor will do. Her family is on the brink of ruin, and only the Duke of Ablehill can save her. When he answers her letter and agrees to meet her, it's the duke's steward who arrives in his place. Heather must convince him that she would be the perfect duchess, but her attraction to him is clouding her mind. Her heart is pulling her away from what she must do, and toward the man she truly wants.

Fallon Calder cannot believe that the beautiful and vibrant Miss Everly wishes to marry a malicious old man like the Duke of Ablehill. It’s why he must hide the truth from her, the shocking truth that the old Duke of Ablehill is dead, and as his only heir, Fallon has taken his place. Moved by her letter, he is determined to find out all he can about her, but what he doesn't anticipate is his own heart getting involved. The more he learns about her, the more certain he becomes that the only man Heather should belong to, is him.

194 pages, Kindle Edition

First published August 6, 2014

358 people are currently reading
333 people want to read

About the author

Ella J. Quince

18 books31 followers
Now publishes under Dayna Quince.

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5 stars
346 (40%)
4 stars
264 (30%)
3 stars
169 (19%)
2 stars
60 (6%)
1 star
23 (2%)
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews
Profile Image for Jultri.
1,228 reviews5 followers
April 9, 2017
Not buying the instant love and lust. Their relationship (emotional and physical) developed within mere hours of meeting. While I don't deny the existence of love at first sight (I devour romances by the truck loads after all), it was not written as such, but as a fully evolved relationship after mere 2-3 days of meeting, such that she, upon discovering his true identity, was broken because he turned out to not be the man, she thought, she knew. WTH??? There was a distinct lack in detail especially regarding the hero's estrangement from his father and the latter's denial of his existence, despite being legitimately married to the hero's mother.
Profile Image for Tagseen Samsodien.
Author 1 book20 followers
August 11, 2016
I'm rounding up to a 3 from a 2.5. This was my first EJQ (I've read a few more since) and I was pleasantly surprised. It was free on Kindle and since my experience with free books have generally been disappointing, this was a nice change.

The story is about Heather, a penniless woman whose family needs her to marry a duke in order to save them all from poverty. She sets her sights on the Duke of Ablehill, thinking he's an old man. However, when she meets his steward, she starts falling for him instead. Of course, not all is as it seems.

The story was sweet, the characters really likable. On the whole, I enjoyed it.

However, here's the thing (these criticisms pertains to all the novels I've read in this series):

a) EJQ needs an editor. Desperately. It's unacceptable that a novel should be riddled with so many spelling and grammatical errors. One or two is forgivable. Seeing it with such alarming regularity is not. That was really one of the main reasons this story, and all subsequent ones, were marked down.
b) There's also the repetition of certain words. At one point I found the same word more than 6 or 7 times within the span of two paragraphs. It's a rookie mistake and easily solved by using a thesaurus. Get one, EJQ.
c) The anachronisms. If you're not reading this with too many expectations, it's fine. But if you're a connoisseur, you'll find the inappropriateness of certain situations, behaviours and speech patterns annoying.
d) She writes well. But I feel like there's something missing in her overall storytelling. Scenes feel like they end abruptly. Then there are others that are hinted at but not shown and others that seem a little superfluous. It stopped me from fully being able to immerse myself in the story. A bit more action wouldn't be amiss either. Perhaps with time and more experience this will improve.
e) Sex scenes are a matter of personal preference. I like them to be hot and steamy - but more as a result of the chemistry between the characters, the well-written tension, the glances, the subtle touches... ultimately, the build-up - without feeling forced. While the scenes in this story weren't bad, they weren't great either. It was just...meh. Look, if you're going to go there, go all the way, or not at all.

Overall, I like her writing style because it appeals to my tastes. But her work needs work.
Profile Image for animasoul.
288 reviews5 followers
July 26, 2022
Da ich Band 1 ihrer Fated for Love-Serie ganz ansprechend fand, habe ich geschaut, welche Bücher ich von der Autorin möglicherweise bereits irgendwann einmal gehortet hatte. Und siehe da, ich wurde fündig mit „Desperate for a Duke“.

Allein der Titel hat mich neugierig gemacht und als ich dann las, dass die Protagonistin ihrer Familie zuliebe einen Herzog heiraten will – noch dazu einen so verrufenen -, um diese vor den Ruin zu retten, konnte ich nicht anders, als hineinzulesen. Wie man sich vorstellen kann, blieb es nicht nur dabei, einfach nur reinzulesen.

Heather ist eine großartige Protagonistin. Vielleicht etwas zu modern mit ihren Ansichten, aber ich muss ehrlicherweise sagen, dass mich das in ihrer Situation nicht gestört hat, da sie hier schließlich ihr eigenes Glück für ihre Schwestern und ihre Mutter opfern wollte. Sie muss also kreativ werden. Sie schreibt dem Herzog von Ablehill und bietet diesem an, ihn zu heiraten. Doch anstatt des alten Herzogs steht ein junger, strammer Kerl vor ihr, der sich als sein persönlicher Assistent vorstellt.

Fallon ist eher skeptisch und will unbedingt die Motivation von Heather ergründen. Daher stellt er sich nicht als Herzog vor, sondern als dessen Angestellter. Doch je mehr er Heather kennenlernt, desto mehr will er sie für sich selbst. Doch wie wird Heather reagieren, wenn sie herausbekommt, wer er wirklich ist?

Das Versteckspiel von Fallon ist sehr offensichtlich und bietet nicht wirklich viel Spannung. Dazu verrät außerdem die Buchbeschreibung bereits zu viel. Was ich persönlich sehr schade finde.

Die aufkeimende Liebesbeziehung von Fallon und Heather fand ich sehr schön zu lesen. Es hatte ein bisschen Spannung, Kribbeln und Funkensprühen. Dennoch fehlte mir bei den beiden das gewisse Etwas. Sie wirkten schon verliebt, aber ihre Beziehung konnte mich nicht zu 100% überzeugen. Die Dramatik um Fallon, die später noch eingebaut wurde, war nicht übertrieben. Sie ließ allerdings wenig Spielraum für große emotionale Entwicklungen. Die haben mir hier gefehlt.

Die Freundschaften, die Heather zu ihren Freundinnen pflegt, sind ebenfalls sehr berührend. Die Mädels sind insgesamt klasse und ich freue mich schon auf ihre Geschichten. Bestimmt werden Annabelle und Draven ebenfalls ihre Geschichte bekommen, denn zwischen den beiden knisterte es bereits in diesem Band gewaltig.

Erzählt wird die Geschichte größtenteils aus den Perspektiven von Fallon und Heather. Dennoch finden sich hier auch Draven und Annabelle kurz wieder, die uns einen Ausblick darauf geben, was einen Leser vielleicht noch im Verlauf der Reihe erwarten könnte.

Es ist ein unterhaltsamer Historical, der nicht perfekt ist und durchaus auch seine Macken hat. Dennoch habe ich mich gut unterhalten gefühlt und freue mich schon auf Band 2 der Reihe.
Profile Image for Jane.
2,508 reviews74 followers
March 24, 2018
3.5 stars. Started slow but got better once the relationship between the hero and heroine had a chance to develop a bit. Sex was a bit much for me - the couple definitely did not act appropriately for the times - but on the whole I enjoyed this historical romance.
Profile Image for Elizabeth.
2,270 reviews18 followers
December 10, 2017
Take away the slightly corny title and you have a really fun and engaging book!
Heather and Fallon are a true love match in a time when that doesn’t happen for the noble class very often. Add in a destitute family, a case of mistaken identity, and a dose of intrigue and you have the makings for a good story.
I definitely enjoyed both characters and the supporting cast. This was a quick read and a little on the spicier side for a historical, but not over the top.
There was a slight bit of set up for book two in the series between supporting cast members and I am curious to see what happens next. I hope we will at least get glimpses of Heather and Fallon.
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,514 reviews91 followers
June 6, 2016
Wonderful! I really enjoyed reading this story by EJQ. I love her writing. So easy to read and fall into. This is going to be a thrilling series!
Profile Image for Sieravonne.
358 reviews3 followers
September 20, 2018
The moment I started updating my progress and making notes/comments in Chapter 1, I already had a feeling that I won't like this novel and I was right. There were many hypocrisies, inconsistencies, idiocities and I cringe whenever Fallon calls Heather "Little flower." It sounds like a nickname or code name for a hot minor girl.


1. Plasticity
- Chapter 1 & 2: It was mentioned that Heather would always be a source of comfort for her sister. However, what kind of an older sister Heather was when she'd rather not know the awful things Mrs. Brogan said to her younger sisters? I'm not surprised why people didn't sympathize her. She won't even lend a sympathetic ear to her own sisters.

- Chapter 13: Lady Everly was a two-face. She said to Heather, "I want what is best for you, Heather, and I want what is best for our family." Yeah right! She only wants what is best for their family. How can she want what is best for Heather when she was the one who suggested that Heather marry the old duke? If she really wants what is best for their family, then maybe she should whore out herself; not her daughter.


2. Incongruity
- Chapter 8: Heather didn't have any conviction. She told Fallon he won't let him kiss her but succumbed immediately. And why the hell Fallon was acting like a lovesick fool? They didn't have much chemistry except for lust. And a temporary courtship sounds downright stupid.

- Chapter 13: For someone who lived in Scotland his whole life and never set foot into England and the English society, Fallon sure knew how the ton rumor mill works.

- Chapter 14: How can Fallon still hated the late duke's study when he had never set foot into the late duke's townhouse? And here I thought he knew the ins and outs of the gossiping but he couldn't understand the way the Everlys describe what kind of a gossip monger Lady Goodwich was.

- Chapter 18: Heather was really muddle-brained. Many minutes earlier, she didn't have any problems getting intimate with Fallon in his study, but was uncertain when they were in his bedchamber?? Because she was entering an unknown territory?? Duh?? They already did that even before Fallon was hiding his identity.


3. Obtuseness
- Chapter 3: I find the question, "Are you in love? Because the duke wants to know that you are not presently in love with someone, so that he can be assured of your complete affection and devotion." dumb. Did Fallon really think Heather will tell him yes even if it's true? Come on! She needs to marry the duke and desperately so. She won't say nor do anything that'll jeopardize her last chance.

- Chapter 6: It was said that all Heather's hopes were resting on Fallon's shoulders, and what a heavy burden it was. Uhhhh... Nobody asked him to carry that cross. He could simply ignore the letter and her and go on his merry way, you know.

- Chapter 9: Heather said to herself, "What was so wrong with a little wooing? It wasn’t as if she would run away with him or—heaven above—allow herself to be seduced. She would allow only kisses." Was she that dull? All seductions start with a simple kiss. With her body's reactions while kissing Fallon, she should already have an idea.


4. Heather
- Chapter 4: A paranoid and a jumper of conclusions. She gave a meaning on the way Fallon looks at her; she thinks that Fallon was policing her.

- Chapter 16: So easy. One melancholic story and one gift and she already melted.

- Chapter 21: Weak. She was so upset that it needed her mother do the confrontations. She should be the one to confront first because she was the betrothed. She was so weak that she had take a cue from her mother and act equally as confident that all would be well.


5. Fallon
- Chapter 11: I wonder what is so arousing in watching a woman's hands move across the harp strings with such passion.

- Chapter 24: A milksop. Just one threat of a scandal and he retreated into his shell and cries off the wedding like a woman! Come on! If he was confident that he was the legitimate heir to the dukedom, he should face the controversy with confidence, not tucking his tail between his hind legs and run away. What made it more daft was after some pep talk from Heather, he bounced back immediately and started facing Lord Brightly and Mr. Bell with a ducal fortitude. He should have done that in the first place. It would have save both of them from heartaches.
78 reviews2 followers
July 9, 2017
A desperate situation needs desperate measures
Heather’s family is close to ruin and needs therefore some funds, funds only a duke can provide. Therefore she is willing to sacrifice herself to the duke of ablehill, a man with a certain, not flattering, reputation.
The duke answers her offer letter and agrees to meet her. But he has an accident on his way and in his stead his steward is set on finding out if Heather would be a suitable duchess.
Fallon and Heather are attracted to each other.
The plot is nice, but to be expected, especially since the blurb already exposes Fallons secret (the duke pretending as stewart), therefore a lot of the thrill of revealing his identity is taking away. There had been one sentence that made me struggle to believe Fallon is the duke, it did not fit in. Changing the blurb and not revealing the secret might give the book some of its thrill back.

Good solid historical romance read.
Profile Image for Hannah Barran.
2 reviews
October 31, 2025
Sweet, romantic and a bit steamy

This was such an amazing book. I read it all in one sitting. There are some lovely moments at the beginning between the hero and heroine that I will read again and again. The writing is descriptive when it needs to be and helped me picture the characters well in my head.

It has many stand out and memorable chapters and was just a joy to read. There are some steamy love scenes but even the kisses and romantic looks between the couple are well described and thought out.

The secondary characters are introduced well and have depth to them. The hero is sweet and brooding when he needs to be. One of the better books that I have read recently. I would definite recommend this book and can’t wait to read the other books in the series.
Profile Image for MaryD.
1,737 reviews2 followers
December 10, 2017
I really wanted to like this, but there were some problems, the main one being the premise: a young, gently-reared girl writing to an old, evil man to offer to marry him?! I realize that the family was in dire straights, but I can't see that happening. I liked Fallon Calder, but wish that his character could have been fleshed out a bit more. I did like Viscount Draven and almost want to read his story, but I've read the reviews and it seems that it might have the same issues that this one does.

Oh, the typos & grammar mistakes really grated on my nerves. Usually I can overlook them, but with the other things, it just added to my viewpoint.
Profile Image for Diane.
209 reviews
March 14, 2018
Good romance

This book is part of a series written by different authors. This is story one. This is set around decency era. An eldest daughter having to marry for convenient to save her mother and two sisters from ruin and debtors prison. She has set her cap at an elusive Duke but has to persuade his handsome steward of her suitability or does she. The storyline was good as far as it went but ended abruptly. Needed a better finish about his last and family, hence the four stars

Profile Image for Elaine.
4 reviews5 followers
January 21, 2026
Daring

Wonderful story about two people daring to change their future despite their past. Strong characters help make this story so delightful,if the author puts out this much magic in all her characters, the stories are bound to be best sellers. A romantic at heart, l felt this story could have been much longer,however I like that it ended where it did, and with that,I can't wait to read all the other books in this series. Well done Ms Dayna Quince. I will put you in the company of Ms Connie Jason's books in my libaray. Bravo!!





Profile Image for Christina Reed.
923 reviews10 followers
September 15, 2018
Heather and Erick’s story was enchanting. They fell for each other quickly, but had multiple obstacles that had to be overcome before they could be together. These issues were all dealt with in a realistic way. I had trouble putting this story down. I definitely recommend it and am looking forward to the rest of the books in this series.
Profile Image for Anni Aranda.
2 reviews
January 22, 2020
Historical romance

I enjoyed this book very much. The resolution of the conflict seemed rushed and lacked further interaction between the cousin and Fallon towards the end result. Other than that, quite satisfying with the unique stories between Heather and Fallon's way of connecting.
Profile Image for Holly Bargo.
Author 42 books145 followers
August 23, 2020
Needs a competent editor

Misused apostrophes, mixed tenses, and some missing and incorrect words ruin what is essentially a charming story. The heroine spends a bit too much time jumping to conclusions and crying. The hero blunders, but apologized and generally behaves well and treats the heroine well. Nice story, easily forgotten.
6 reviews
Read
January 4, 2026
Light love story. Just what I was needing.

Light love story. Just what I was needing.
I loved the story plot. Although it is a love story it has twists which don't allow the reader to feel bored to the end. You feel for the main characters. Great story for any age. Light, so if you had a stressful week, this book will help you to relax.
Profile Image for Anna.
499 reviews9 followers
August 14, 2017
Not sure how historically accurate this was and there were some issues which I think an editor could've helped with, but I noticed these were self published, so I would say very good quality for that. And sort of just what I needed...
2,655 reviews10 followers
March 30, 2018
Daring

Definitely living up to its title! Only the English could have been so cunning and dubious and all very well presented. The characters will make you ache to know more about them and what challenges while around them.
5 reviews
June 1, 2025
Great read!

This was a wonderful story and I am anxious to continue reading the series to see how the other characters introduced in this tale find their "Happily Ever After". Thank you for embracing romance!
187 reviews
July 16, 2025
enjoyable story

Heather was desperate to marry a duke so she could take care of her mother and sisters. She was willing to marry a duke old and mean but instead ended up with his son Fallin. They were perfect together.
Profile Image for Pontiki.
2,531 reviews9 followers
March 18, 2017
At first, I wondered how Fallon could be the Duke, but of course, it made sense later. They had numerous upheavals to overcome, and while any whisper of scandal made things dicey a few times, they managed to get married in spite of it all.

Fallon's dark feelings about his father bled into his life, until he could finally rest knowing he could be happy with Heather and her family, instead of worrying about his absent, neglectful father.

For her part, initially Heather makes a sacrifice in her marriage to a Duke, so she can get her family out of debt. But, she falls in love with Fallon, and once she finds out he is the new Duke, she focusses on how to make him happy, as he makes her family happy.

Good characters and story.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
22 reviews
September 9, 2017
Not what I expected, the story dragged, to the point where I found myself skipping pages just so I could get to the end.
19 reviews
December 2, 2017
Enjoyable reading!

Enjoyed the storyline...I thought the story ended abruptly. I would definitely recommend reading to relax and let the imagination go back in time.
Profile Image for Alisa- I like happy endings. .
1,404 reviews
July 31, 2018
3.5 stars. This was ok but kinda cheesy. Instant love under false pretense. Then a villain with a too-quick resolution. Probably would not reread.
1 review
February 27, 2025
A must read!

Clever and enchanting story .of lives/ shattered by family tragedy and two people who must overcome their past/ to find happiness.
Profile Image for Lynn.
1,148 reviews
May 17, 2025
Historical romance. HEA. Great vacation read.
Profile Image for Lorraine Anton.
2,982 reviews11 followers
February 28, 2017
Good

Heather needs to marry a duke because her father had died and left their family without any money. She met Fallon the steward to the Duke, she fell for him, but she must marry the scandalous old man to save the family from ruin.
Then it turns out that he is really the Duke, she is angry for betraying her and lying to her. She thinks nothing they had was real. So I don't know how I feel about this one. Mixed feelings
21 reviews
February 24, 2017
It's a nice book!

I like the happy ending between Fallon and Heather, they married but it has an incomplete story with Fallon & his cousin. I want to know who win in the court, if his cousin got want he wanted or not.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 52 reviews

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