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Duchesses in Disguise
Three young, wealthy titled women decide to spend the social Season admiring the bucolic splendor of the Yorkshire Dales rather than dodging fortune hunters and scandalmongers in London. A fine plan–until the ladies’ traveling coach lands in a muddy ditch, and foul weather strands them at the estate of former officer Nathanial Stratton. As luck (or Cupid?) would have it, Nathaniel and his two friends, Kit Stirling and Greyville Trent, also have no patience with matchmaking and romance…. or so they insist.
240 pages, Paperback
First published March 14, 2017
227 people are currently reading
278 people want to read
About the author
Grace Burrowes
190 books2,913 followersGrace Burrowes started writing as an antidote to empty nest and soon found it an antidote to life in general. She is the sixth out of seven children, raised in the rural surrounds of central Pennsylvania. Early in life she spent a lot of time reading romance novels and practicing the piano. Her first career was as a technical writer and editor in the Washington, DC, area, a busy job that nonetheless left enough time to read a lot of romance novels.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
It also left enough time to grab a law degree through an evening program, produce Beloved Offspring (only one, but she is a lion), and eventually move to the lovely Maryland countryside.
While reading yet still more romance novels, Grace opened her own law practice, acquired a master's degree in Conflict Transformation (she had a teenage daughter by then) and started thinking about writing.... romance novels. This aim was realized when Beloved Offspring struck out into the Big World a few years ago. ("Mom, why doesn't anybody tell you being a grown-up is hard?")
Grace eventually got up the courage to start pitching her manuscripts to agents and editors. The query letter that resulted in "the call" started out: "I am the buffoon in the bar at the RWA retreat who could not keep her heroines straight, could not look you in the eye, and could not stop blushing--and if that doesn't narrow down the possibilities, your job is even harder than I thought." (The dear lady bought the book anyway.)
To contact Grace, email her at graceburrowes@yahoo.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 54 reviews
March 23, 2017
It was a firm 3 star for me, until I got to that last story and that one was almost a tearjerker. That story was a very sweet read, with a little girl with autism.
October 20, 2019
I didn't mind the first novella, Duchess in the Wild, by Grace Burrowes. An English scientist and an Italian-English widowed duchess. 3 stars. Quite nice but not brilliant.
But sadly, although I attempted to, I just could not finish either of the other two novellas, by Emily Greenwood and Susanna Ives. I haven't read either of those two authors before, and now I feel no desire to.
But sadly, although I attempted to, I just could not finish either of the other two novellas, by Emily Greenwood and Susanna Ives. I haven't read either of those two authors before, and now I feel no desire to.
May 10, 2017
This review is featured along with other mini-reviews at
All About Romance
Duchesses in Disguise contains three very different stories that all spring from one small accident. Three noble ladies traveling incognito are stranded after their carriage is damaged in a storm. When a local gentleman and his two companions come upon the accident, they immediately offer their assistance but the women are hesitant to reveal their true names to these good Samaritans.
Each story focuses on a matched couple who seem totally wrong for each other but somehow discover commonalities that they can build relationships upon. Grace Burrowes focuses on the academic side of love in her story, with a scientist matching wits with an intelligent Italian duchess who prefers his practical side. Emily Greenwood takes a more humorous look at a rogue meeting his match in a woman unwilling to play at his games of love. These two shorts highlight how first impressions are rarely the correct ones and that to know someone intimately can take time.
The highlight of the collection is Susanna Ives’ story The Love of His Life. Lady Mary Alice, Duchess of Pymworth is only just out of mourning for a husband she loved very dearly, and due to the accident she’s reunited with Colonel Nathaniel Stratton, who treated her very poorly during her début season. Stratton used to run with a popular crowd in London but his attitudes about social status have been changed after surviving the war in France. When he rescues Mary Alice he immediately apologizes and clears the air between them. They find that they like spending time with each other but she is torn about her new attraction towards Stratton and remembering the love she had for her husband. Added into the mix is a special needs child who doesn’t understand or handle change well. How Mary Alice and Stratton find understanding and love together is a special and heartwarming story.
Duchesses in Disguise contains three very different stories that all spring from one small accident. Three noble ladies traveling incognito are stranded after their carriage is damaged in a storm. When a local gentleman and his two companions come upon the accident, they immediately offer their assistance but the women are hesitant to reveal their true names to these good Samaritans.
Each story focuses on a matched couple who seem totally wrong for each other but somehow discover commonalities that they can build relationships upon. Grace Burrowes focuses on the academic side of love in her story, with a scientist matching wits with an intelligent Italian duchess who prefers his practical side. Emily Greenwood takes a more humorous look at a rogue meeting his match in a woman unwilling to play at his games of love. These two shorts highlight how first impressions are rarely the correct ones and that to know someone intimately can take time.
The highlight of the collection is Susanna Ives’ story The Love of His Life. Lady Mary Alice, Duchess of Pymworth is only just out of mourning for a husband she loved very dearly, and due to the accident she’s reunited with Colonel Nathaniel Stratton, who treated her very poorly during her début season. Stratton used to run with a popular crowd in London but his attitudes about social status have been changed after surviving the war in France. When he rescues Mary Alice he immediately apologizes and clears the air between them. They find that they like spending time with each other but she is torn about her new attraction towards Stratton and remembering the love she had for her husband. Added into the mix is a special needs child who doesn’t understand or handle change well. How Mary Alice and Stratton find understanding and love together is a special and heartwarming story.
May 4, 2018
Loved all 3 novellas
May 12, 2018
Three interesting novellas that tell the story of three Duchesses who go on a holiday in the North of England pretending to me just ladies.
Their carriage breaks and they end up staying in Captain Stratton’s country house where each of them will find love.
In the first novella Francesca is a widow of an italian duke who had several mistresses and never treated her with passion. At Capitain Stratton’s house she meets Greyville Trent, a scientist trying to summarize his notes and find funding for his impending trip to India.
They start an affair doomed to be short, as Greyville is about to leave to India, but love comes in the way and plans have to change (slightly).
In the second novella, Olivia, who dreaded rakes and ponds, finds in kit a new reason to love, forgive and review old pre concepts. Kit, by falling in love, realizes some bridges must be rebuilt and some mistakes forgiven for life to blossom again.
Finally, Mary Alice ends up being rescued by the cad that made fun of her and her love when she was in her first season. The one person she hates above all. But the war has changed Captain Stratton and, through their children they will get closer and help each other find love.
Their carriage breaks and they end up staying in Captain Stratton’s country house where each of them will find love.
In the first novella Francesca is a widow of an italian duke who had several mistresses and never treated her with passion. At Capitain Stratton’s house she meets Greyville Trent, a scientist trying to summarize his notes and find funding for his impending trip to India.
They start an affair doomed to be short, as Greyville is about to leave to India, but love comes in the way and plans have to change (slightly).
In the second novella, Olivia, who dreaded rakes and ponds, finds in kit a new reason to love, forgive and review old pre concepts. Kit, by falling in love, realizes some bridges must be rebuilt and some mistakes forgiven for life to blossom again.
Finally, Mary Alice ends up being rescued by the cad that made fun of her and her love when she was in her first season. The one person she hates above all. But the war has changed Captain Stratton and, through their children they will get closer and help each other find love.
March 30, 2017
I love Grace Burrowes and so when I saw this book I had to have it. Three widowed duchesses decide to take a vacation away from the season and go undercover as regular women. When their coach breaks down they are found by three single gentlemen who just happen to be living down the road.
Each duchess is swept off her feet by one of the handsome men and each author does a masterful job of telling the story.All three stories were a delightful, delicious treat on their own and they all held together under the roof of Rose Heath.
Each duchess is swept off her feet by one of the handsome men and each author does a masterful job of telling the story.All three stories were a delightful, delicious treat on their own and they all held together under the roof of Rose Heath.
May 16, 2018
Enjoyed all three of these novellas. As I have a soft spot for the inclusion of children, I especially loved the very well written third story, “The Love of His Life” by Susanna Ives. Have not read this author before, but definitely plan to check into her other works.
June 9, 2020
Duchess in the Wild - Grace Burrowes
Greyville Trent and Francesca Pomponio
Francesca has been widowed for several years. Her Italian husband was extremely wealthy and exceedingly unfaithful. She returned to England, where her only remaining family lives, only to be beset by fortune hunters. She and two similarly widowed duchesses decided to leave London for some peace. When their coach is in an accident, they are rescued by three passing gentlemen. Francesca's rescuer is Greyville Trent, a scientist who recently returned from an Amazonian expedition that lasted several years. He plans to use his time at his friend's home to organize his notes and seek funding for his next trip. He didn't count on meeting Francesca.
There were sparks between Grey and Francesca from the moment they met. As a scientist, Grey tends to be inquisitive, and his curiosity is aroused by Francesca and the slight air of mystery around her. Francesca's attraction to Grey surprises her, as no one has stirred her interest since her husband's death. I enjoyed their first evening together, as Francesca unknowingly appropriated his supper, comments upon his notes (that she was told not to touch), and ends up making herself quite useful to Grey. I loved how he freely admitted that his French wasn't very good and that he is terrible at writing letters asking for funding. Francesca's offer to help (I loved his reaction to her first letter) opened the way to them spending their days together. I loved their interactions as she helped him organize his notes, both of them being plain-spoken.
They also got to know a little about each other's lives. Grey was less than complimentary about how Francesca's husband treated her. He is fascinated and attracted by her, but feels unable to do anything about it. In his eyes, he has nothing to offer her. Francesca is equally outspoken as she learns more about Grey's family. I loved her pithy comments about their lack of support for him. She has ideas to help him, but suspects he won't accept.
I liked watching the development of their relationship. The attraction continues to build each day that they spend together. Though she has never done so before, Francesca decides to take advantage of her status as a widow and propositions Grey. They connect so deeply that it scares both of them, and they start to pull back. I ached for both of them as they each realized their feelings, but hesitated to say anything. When the coach was finally repaired after two weeks, the ladies left. Francesca still had one ace up her sleeve to help the man she loved. I loved the ending, with Grey's surprise and Francesca's intentions. I especially enjoyed it when she gave up on her disguise and flipped back her veil to confront him.
To Tempt a Duchess - Emily Greenwood
Kit Stirling and Olivia Thorpe
Kit is an earl's heir who has a reputation for gambling and keeping questionable company. He already regrets joining his friends in the country as he misses the activity of his life in London. The quiet of the countryside leaves him restless. When the three men happen upon a coach accident with three stranded ladies, Kit takes the middle one, a Miss Olivia Thorpe, to transport to the house.
Olivia, aka the Duchess of Coldbrook, joined her friends for a holiday away from London. All three are tired of dodging fortune hunters and are traveling incognito to avoid trouble. Olivia is a woman who enjoys quiet pleasures such as long walks, reading by the fire, and the peace of the country. She considers herself unattractive and is a little on the prim sides. She is familiar with Kit's reputation though they have never met before.
Their initial interactions do not bode well for a pleasant time while the ladies are stranded. Kit is a touch sarcastic in his responses to the things she says, and sees her as a dried-up spinster with multiple cats, living in a cottage in the country. An encounter in the library later that evening begins the process of opening their eyes to the truth that first impressions are not always the whole truth. I ached for Olivia, whose fear of water revealed a vulnerability she preferred to keep hidden. Kit surprised me a little with his patience and understanding, though he also stayed true to his reputation with some of the things he said. I was a little surprised by their actions, as they seemed out of character for the time.
From this point, Kit finds himself seeking out Olivia whenever he can, ostensibly to get under her skirts again. Olivia was disturbed by the way he made her feel and is equally determined to resist him. Sparks fly between them as Kit pushes against her primness, and Olivia discovers that Kit isn't quite the rogue he pretends to be. There are some moving scenes between them, such as when Olivia cares for Kit after he hurts his ankle. I liked seeing the changes in Kit as his time with Olivia made him take a new look at his life. I hurt for Olivia when he told her how he felt. His reputation was tangled up with her memories of her father, and she was afraid to trust him. I loved the steps she inspired him to take that helped him put his past behind him. At the same time, Olivia was able to look at her fears and admit that Kit was different. I loved the ending and the surprise he had for her. I admit that I would like to have seen an epilogue of Society's reaction to the pairing of Kit and Olivia.
The Love of His Life - Susanna Ives
Colonel Nathaniel Stratton and Mary Alice Pymworth
This was the most emotional of the three stories. Mary Alice is a widow with three children, the youngest of whom is autistic. She loved her late husband deeply and still grieves for him. She reluctantly allowed her two friends to talk her into going on holiday with them but felt guilty about leaving her children. The fates seem to agree with her when the coach is involved in an accident. Three passing gentlemen stop to offer assistance. Mary Alice's friends each leave with one of the men, leaving Mary Alice to be rescued by the last man. She is horrified when she discovers that her rescuer in Colonel Stratton, the same man whose cruelty made her first season miserable.
Nathaniel knows he deserves every ounce of the disdain that Mary Alice throws at him. In his younger years, he was an arrogant, entitled rogue who went along with his friends when they behaved badly. Then Nathaniel joined the war against Napoleon. The things that he saw and experienced destroyed that arrogance and made him ashamed of who he had been. Then he discovered that he had an illegitimate daughter. Horrified by the conditions he found her in, he took her home to his country estate. Finding Mary Alice in the wrecked coach brought him full circle to face his past.
Mary Alice's anger when she recognized her rescuer was completely understandable. Unfortunately for her, he was her only option for rescue, especially considering she was injured. I was impressed with Nathaniel's patience and his belief that her attitude was justified. I ached for him as he realized the seriousness of her injuries, as he saw many head injuries during the war. His fear for her was evident, and I liked his determination to save her. His apology to her for his past actions was emotional, and his confession of his reasons was surprising. Though she tried to maintain her anger, Mary Alice couldn't help but be moved by his sincerity.
As Mary Alice and the others settled in to wait for their coach to be repaired, she had the chance to spend more time with Nathaniel. He previously witnessed her love and patience with her youngest daughter, Anna, and begged for her help with his daughter. Eleanor had suffered through terrible abuse before he found her, and Nathaniel has a hard time trying to break through the walls around the little girl's heart. He won my heart with gentleness and patience. It was so sweet to see how she opened up when introduced to Mary Alice's story world, and the joy it brought to Nathaniel's heart.
As they spent time together, the love he had always felt for Mary Alice continued to grow. He desperately wanted to have her and her children in his life. Mary Alice's feelings for him were changing and growing, but the strength of those feelings scared her. She also felt guilty because she had loved her husband, and loving Nathaniel felt like she was betraying Jonas. I liked the advice she received from her friend Francesca, but overcoming her fears was difficult. I liked that Nathaniel gave her the time she asked for, and ached for him when it seemed like all was lost. The ending was a nail-biter as young Anna disappeared. I loved Nathaniel's level-headed response and following his method of finding her. The ending was heartwarming and beautifully described.
I enjoyed all three stories very much. There were a few inconsistencies among them, which grated a little but did not dim my enjoyment by much.
Greyville Trent and Francesca Pomponio
Francesca has been widowed for several years. Her Italian husband was extremely wealthy and exceedingly unfaithful. She returned to England, where her only remaining family lives, only to be beset by fortune hunters. She and two similarly widowed duchesses decided to leave London for some peace. When their coach is in an accident, they are rescued by three passing gentlemen. Francesca's rescuer is Greyville Trent, a scientist who recently returned from an Amazonian expedition that lasted several years. He plans to use his time at his friend's home to organize his notes and seek funding for his next trip. He didn't count on meeting Francesca.
There were sparks between Grey and Francesca from the moment they met. As a scientist, Grey tends to be inquisitive, and his curiosity is aroused by Francesca and the slight air of mystery around her. Francesca's attraction to Grey surprises her, as no one has stirred her interest since her husband's death. I enjoyed their first evening together, as Francesca unknowingly appropriated his supper, comments upon his notes (that she was told not to touch), and ends up making herself quite useful to Grey. I loved how he freely admitted that his French wasn't very good and that he is terrible at writing letters asking for funding. Francesca's offer to help (I loved his reaction to her first letter) opened the way to them spending their days together. I loved their interactions as she helped him organize his notes, both of them being plain-spoken.
They also got to know a little about each other's lives. Grey was less than complimentary about how Francesca's husband treated her. He is fascinated and attracted by her, but feels unable to do anything about it. In his eyes, he has nothing to offer her. Francesca is equally outspoken as she learns more about Grey's family. I loved her pithy comments about their lack of support for him. She has ideas to help him, but suspects he won't accept.
I liked watching the development of their relationship. The attraction continues to build each day that they spend together. Though she has never done so before, Francesca decides to take advantage of her status as a widow and propositions Grey. They connect so deeply that it scares both of them, and they start to pull back. I ached for both of them as they each realized their feelings, but hesitated to say anything. When the coach was finally repaired after two weeks, the ladies left. Francesca still had one ace up her sleeve to help the man she loved. I loved the ending, with Grey's surprise and Francesca's intentions. I especially enjoyed it when she gave up on her disguise and flipped back her veil to confront him.
To Tempt a Duchess - Emily Greenwood
Kit Stirling and Olivia Thorpe
Kit is an earl's heir who has a reputation for gambling and keeping questionable company. He already regrets joining his friends in the country as he misses the activity of his life in London. The quiet of the countryside leaves him restless. When the three men happen upon a coach accident with three stranded ladies, Kit takes the middle one, a Miss Olivia Thorpe, to transport to the house.
Olivia, aka the Duchess of Coldbrook, joined her friends for a holiday away from London. All three are tired of dodging fortune hunters and are traveling incognito to avoid trouble. Olivia is a woman who enjoys quiet pleasures such as long walks, reading by the fire, and the peace of the country. She considers herself unattractive and is a little on the prim sides. She is familiar with Kit's reputation though they have never met before.
Their initial interactions do not bode well for a pleasant time while the ladies are stranded. Kit is a touch sarcastic in his responses to the things she says, and sees her as a dried-up spinster with multiple cats, living in a cottage in the country. An encounter in the library later that evening begins the process of opening their eyes to the truth that first impressions are not always the whole truth. I ached for Olivia, whose fear of water revealed a vulnerability she preferred to keep hidden. Kit surprised me a little with his patience and understanding, though he also stayed true to his reputation with some of the things he said. I was a little surprised by their actions, as they seemed out of character for the time.
From this point, Kit finds himself seeking out Olivia whenever he can, ostensibly to get under her skirts again. Olivia was disturbed by the way he made her feel and is equally determined to resist him. Sparks fly between them as Kit pushes against her primness, and Olivia discovers that Kit isn't quite the rogue he pretends to be. There are some moving scenes between them, such as when Olivia cares for Kit after he hurts his ankle. I liked seeing the changes in Kit as his time with Olivia made him take a new look at his life. I hurt for Olivia when he told her how he felt. His reputation was tangled up with her memories of her father, and she was afraid to trust him. I loved the steps she inspired him to take that helped him put his past behind him. At the same time, Olivia was able to look at her fears and admit that Kit was different. I loved the ending and the surprise he had for her. I admit that I would like to have seen an epilogue of Society's reaction to the pairing of Kit and Olivia.
The Love of His Life - Susanna Ives
Colonel Nathaniel Stratton and Mary Alice Pymworth
This was the most emotional of the three stories. Mary Alice is a widow with three children, the youngest of whom is autistic. She loved her late husband deeply and still grieves for him. She reluctantly allowed her two friends to talk her into going on holiday with them but felt guilty about leaving her children. The fates seem to agree with her when the coach is involved in an accident. Three passing gentlemen stop to offer assistance. Mary Alice's friends each leave with one of the men, leaving Mary Alice to be rescued by the last man. She is horrified when she discovers that her rescuer in Colonel Stratton, the same man whose cruelty made her first season miserable.
Nathaniel knows he deserves every ounce of the disdain that Mary Alice throws at him. In his younger years, he was an arrogant, entitled rogue who went along with his friends when they behaved badly. Then Nathaniel joined the war against Napoleon. The things that he saw and experienced destroyed that arrogance and made him ashamed of who he had been. Then he discovered that he had an illegitimate daughter. Horrified by the conditions he found her in, he took her home to his country estate. Finding Mary Alice in the wrecked coach brought him full circle to face his past.
Mary Alice's anger when she recognized her rescuer was completely understandable. Unfortunately for her, he was her only option for rescue, especially considering she was injured. I was impressed with Nathaniel's patience and his belief that her attitude was justified. I ached for him as he realized the seriousness of her injuries, as he saw many head injuries during the war. His fear for her was evident, and I liked his determination to save her. His apology to her for his past actions was emotional, and his confession of his reasons was surprising. Though she tried to maintain her anger, Mary Alice couldn't help but be moved by his sincerity.
As Mary Alice and the others settled in to wait for their coach to be repaired, she had the chance to spend more time with Nathaniel. He previously witnessed her love and patience with her youngest daughter, Anna, and begged for her help with his daughter. Eleanor had suffered through terrible abuse before he found her, and Nathaniel has a hard time trying to break through the walls around the little girl's heart. He won my heart with gentleness and patience. It was so sweet to see how she opened up when introduced to Mary Alice's story world, and the joy it brought to Nathaniel's heart.
As they spent time together, the love he had always felt for Mary Alice continued to grow. He desperately wanted to have her and her children in his life. Mary Alice's feelings for him were changing and growing, but the strength of those feelings scared her. She also felt guilty because she had loved her husband, and loving Nathaniel felt like she was betraying Jonas. I liked the advice she received from her friend Francesca, but overcoming her fears was difficult. I liked that Nathaniel gave her the time she asked for, and ached for him when it seemed like all was lost. The ending was a nail-biter as young Anna disappeared. I loved Nathaniel's level-headed response and following his method of finding her. The ending was heartwarming and beautifully described.
I enjoyed all three stories very much. There were a few inconsistencies among them, which grated a little but did not dim my enjoyment by much.
April 12, 2017
Three widowed duchesses, traveling incognito to a vacation, have a carriage accident. Their rescuers not only save them from the elements, but manage to find true love as their injured friend recovers at the home of one of the gentlemen.
3.5 to Duchess in the Wild by Grace Burrowes
3.0 to To Tempt a Duchess by Emily Greenwood
4.5 to The Love of His Life by Susanna Ives - my favorite of the bunch, a lovely story of a former "mean boy" whose war experiences changed him. He gets a second chance with the woman he ridiculed as a young debutante.
3.5 to Duchess in the Wild by Grace Burrowes
3.0 to To Tempt a Duchess by Emily Greenwood
4.5 to The Love of His Life by Susanna Ives - my favorite of the bunch, a lovely story of a former "mean boy" whose war experiences changed him. He gets a second chance with the woman he ridiculed as a young debutante.
May 29, 2017
Burrowes story good as usual. Greenwood's was ok. But, even though Ives touched on some interesting issues, I did not care for the story or the way it was written.
June 27, 2018
In this anthology three dowager Duchesses decide to take an extended vacation away from their duties and the fortune hunting season, traveling as Ladies and not using their titles. However, in a blinding storm their carriage overturns and one is injured. A local Lord and his two visiting guests are out riding when caught in the storm and happen upon the overturned coach. They each take up a lady and head home. Each gets their own story: an English born/Italian widowed Duchess meets a scientist in need of some organization; an “average” looking, serious, water-fearing widowed Duchess meets a fun-loving, gambling rake in need of a purpose; and a widowed mother of three (one autistic), meets her nemesis from her come-out season who has been reformed by the war and a discovered traumatized daughter in need forgiveness and someone to help heal his daughter. All good stories.
March 22, 2017
I LOVED this grouping on novellas. I have loved everything that Grace Burrowes has written, so when she teamed up with these authors for their first batch of novellas, titled Dukes in Disguise, I was game to read. I was very glad that I did. It was an excellent grouping of stories. I was therefore very pleased to learn that they had done it again, this time it is Duchesses in Disguise. I really highly enjoyed all of the stories. I loved Grace's story, and I also liked the second story as well, however it was the last story by Susan Ives that truly stole my heart.
I enjoy most books that I read. However, there are some special few that I will always hold dear to my heart, and her novella, The Love of His Life, is now one of them. Both of the characters have daughters whom are different, and that they worry about. As a mother myself, I easily tapped into their love and fears for their children. There was so much beauty and sadness that was actually hope in this story. I found myself crying throughout the story, over and over again, but in a good way. I wasn't crying because I was sad, I was crying because it was touching my heart and touching my soul. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Ms. Burrowes, Ms. Ives or Ms. Greenwood, I do not think you will regret it. I would recommend it to any fan of Regency Romance. I read this right after a DNF, and as most booklovers will no, DNF leave you feeling emotionally hollow. It was therefore so wonderful to read this book right after.
I'd give this 10 stars if I could.
I enjoy most books that I read. However, there are some special few that I will always hold dear to my heart, and her novella, The Love of His Life, is now one of them. Both of the characters have daughters whom are different, and that they worry about. As a mother myself, I easily tapped into their love and fears for their children. There was so much beauty and sadness that was actually hope in this story. I found myself crying throughout the story, over and over again, but in a good way. I wasn't crying because I was sad, I was crying because it was touching my heart and touching my soul. I would highly recommend this book to anyone who is a fan of Ms. Burrowes, Ms. Ives or Ms. Greenwood, I do not think you will regret it. I would recommend it to any fan of Regency Romance. I read this right after a DNF, and as most booklovers will no, DNF leave you feeling emotionally hollow. It was therefore so wonderful to read this book right after.
I'd give this 10 stars if I could.
May 17, 2018
Two really strong stories: one by Grace Burrowes and the other by Susanna Ives. The other I could not get into because it moved to intimacy so quickly so was unrealistic.
Susanna Ives wrote a difficult story because the hero and heroine had a history and it was not positive. Also, the hero and heroine each had a child with difficulties. His was a daughter he had not known about until he found her in a nasty living environment and her youngest daughter was autistic. I was impressed by the quality of the storytelling. The author did not take any shortcuts to unfold the HEA. I will read more by this author.
4.5 stars for Grace, 5 stars for Susanna
Kobo not Kindle
Susanna Ives wrote a difficult story because the hero and heroine had a history and it was not positive. Also, the hero and heroine each had a child with difficulties. His was a daughter he had not known about until he found her in a nasty living environment and her youngest daughter was autistic. I was impressed by the quality of the storytelling. The author did not take any shortcuts to unfold the HEA. I will read more by this author.
4.5 stars for Grace, 5 stars for Susanna
Kobo not Kindle
May 28, 2018
3 Duchesses
I have been enjoying these books where 3 writers write about the same situation from different points of view. In this case, 3 Duchesses plan to vacation together incognito, so they can feel freer. I bought the book because I read everything By Burrowes, but was surprised by how much I enjoyed the other 2 by writers I didn't know. The 3rd story in.particular had a young autistic girl and a girl who had been abused. The story had a wonderful ending and I will look for more by the author (and this isvwhy I prefer books to e books, because I do not know how to.manipulate my kindle to find out who the author is without losing this review).
I have been enjoying these books where 3 writers write about the same situation from different points of view. In this case, 3 Duchesses plan to vacation together incognito, so they can feel freer. I bought the book because I read everything By Burrowes, but was surprised by how much I enjoyed the other 2 by writers I didn't know. The 3rd story in.particular had a young autistic girl and a girl who had been abused. The story had a wonderful ending and I will look for more by the author (and this isvwhy I prefer books to e books, because I do not know how to.manipulate my kindle to find out who the author is without losing this review).
June 8, 2018
Three duchesses go on holiday in disguise in this collection of three novellas. Of course, they find romance in the wilds of the north. As in all collections of stories, the stories vary in appeal. I enjoyed Susanna Ives tale the best. It tells of a formerly snobby man who is changed by his war experiences so he can now appreciate the value of the woman he formerly scorned.
I always enjoy Ms. Burrowes stories though I admit this was not one I enjoyed as much as some of her other novellas. And Ms. Greenwood's story was fine, just not as well-paced as the others in my opinion.
All in all, it's an enjoyable collection.
I always enjoy Ms. Burrowes stories though I admit this was not one I enjoyed as much as some of her other novellas. And Ms. Greenwood's story was fine, just not as well-paced as the others in my opinion.
All in all, it's an enjoyable collection.
April 21, 2018
Duchess in the Wild by Grace Burrowes
4/5 Great chemistry and a relatively slow burn for a novella.
To Tempt a Duchess by Emily Greenwood
2.5/5 Not bad, but not good either.
9/17 Update: Currently reading (or currently trying to read). I don't much care for this one. The sex was far too early and Kit switched from "she's deadly plain I bet she lives alone with a dozen cats" to "I want her, I wonder what her breasts look like in the sunlight" so quick I got whiplash. I swear I'm going to finish it, just so I can understand the continuity of the interconnected stories.
The Love of His Life by Susanna Ives
4/5 Great chemistry and a relatively slow burn for a novella.
To Tempt a Duchess by Emily Greenwood
2.5/5 Not bad, but not good either.
9/17 Update: Currently reading (or currently trying to read). I don't much care for this one. The sex was far too early and Kit switched from "she's deadly plain I bet she lives alone with a dozen cats" to "I want her, I wonder what her breasts look like in the sunlight" so quick I got whiplash. I swear I'm going to finish it, just so I can understand the continuity of the interconnected stories.
The Love of His Life by Susanna Ives
June 21, 2017
I Did Not Want It to End!
This is a great book, you know why? I was so frustrated when each story ended! I wanted it to be the size of War ,& Peace! That's how much each story made me feel, I wanted to move in with them, or better yet, be one of the Duchesses in disguise. It didn't matter which one, I would have gladly been one of them.I highly recommend today! Thanks! I know that you will Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒
This is a great book, you know why? I was so frustrated when each story ended! I wanted it to be the size of War ,& Peace! That's how much each story made me feel, I wanted to move in with them, or better yet, be one of the Duchesses in disguise. It didn't matter which one, I would have gladly been one of them.I highly recommend today! Thanks! I know that you will Enjoy!
carolintallahassee 👒
May 5, 2018
Three small reading treats
A charming bundle of three novellas following the theme of three ladies and three men meeting at a carriage accident in historical England. Each story follows a separate couple as friendship and love grow over a two week holiday. Suspend your disbelief in love so quickly realized and simply enjoy the writing and the characters from three very different things authors.
A charming bundle of three novellas following the theme of three ladies and three men meeting at a carriage accident in historical England. Each story follows a separate couple as friendship and love grow over a two week holiday. Suspend your disbelief in love so quickly realized and simply enjoy the writing and the characters from three very different things authors.
March 19, 2017
I suppose I should have known that it would be widows, since ladies on their own can't be duchesses. But I didn't think as far, when usually I avoid widows.
I admit, I didn't like the first one too much, which was mostly because I didn't relate to the characters. Had I, it would have been a great one!
I struggled with the second one, because it was too ... lengthened. It took me far too long to read it, for being a novella. There were parts I liked and I definitely loved the final page.
Number three went right into my heart. I was a bit apprehensive at first, for certain characters, but it all played so well together, that I finished this one in no time at all. I actually want more of this couple, future developments and success.
Now, I hear that there was a novella trio by these authors before this one. I need to check that out!
I admit, I didn't like the first one too much, which was mostly because I didn't relate to the characters. Had I, it would have been a great one!
I struggled with the second one, because it was too ... lengthened. It took me far too long to read it, for being a novella. There were parts I liked and I definitely loved the final page.
Number three went right into my heart. I was a bit apprehensive at first, for certain characters, but it all played so well together, that I finished this one in no time at all. I actually want more of this couple, future developments and success.
Now, I hear that there was a novella trio by these authors before this one. I need to check that out!
May 5, 2017
Loved this book!! A second chance at love again for 3 widowed Duchesses. Francesca, Olivia and Mary Alice set out on a holiday but end up meeting 3 men that will change their lives!! A wonderful story with three amazing endings!!
May 14, 2018
Wonderful!
Absolutely loved this story! So exciting and romantic! A holiday with friends turns into love for all three ladies! And with some very unexpected gentlemen.Very much worth the read.
Absolutely loved this story! So exciting and romantic! A holiday with friends turns into love for all three ladies! And with some very unexpected gentlemen.Very much worth the read.
May 15, 2018
It was a clever gathering of three stories taking place at the same time in the same place. Although there was obvious artifice to contrive the stories, each was both enjoyable and unique to the others.
July 18, 2019
Not the usual characters
Finally, stories with people who might be real! A scientist, a soldier, an autistic child - real people with true problems all tied up in fun stories of finding new love.
Finally, stories with people who might be real! A scientist, a soldier, an autistic child - real people with true problems all tied up in fun stories of finding new love.
May 4, 2017
Just ok.
May 5, 2017
Just ok
May 6, 2017
An anthology of three Regency Era romances.
I enjoyed Susanna Ives' : The Love of His Life the best.
I enjoyed Susanna Ives' : The Love of His Life the best.
June 10, 2017
Entertaining
February 14, 2018
These are beautiful stories, all three of them. I was quite impressed.
May 5, 2018
Sweet romances.
May 5, 2018
Duchesses in Disguise
A wonderful read that gives you a glimpse into a small part of the life of 3 duchesses, but by 3 different authors. But they meld together wonderfully.
A wonderful read that gives you a glimpse into a small part of the life of 3 duchesses, but by 3 different authors. But they meld together wonderfully.
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