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A Duchess for All Seasons #1
The Winter Duchess
Their wedding was the event of the season... A shy wallflower, Caroline hasn’t the faintest idea why the Duke of Readington chose her to be his bride. She could ask, but that would mean speaking to him... and truth be told she’d rather have a conversation with the devil. Her new husband may be one of the most powerful men in all of England—not to mention the handsomest—but he’s also cruel, callous, and has a heart colder than ice.
But it was never meant to be a love match... Eric married Caroline for one simple reason: he wasn’t in love with her. Having seen firsthand how love can bring a man to his knees, he’s determined not to make the same mistakes his father did. Which is why he’s going to spend just enough time with his new bride to assure himself of an heir before he leaves her and returns to London. At least that was the plan until a winter storm leaves them stranded. Now every time Eric turns around he finds himself stumbling over the wife he never wanted... but is slowly beginning to desire.
...or was it? As cold winds howl outside the manor, inside of it a duke’s heart is finally starting to melt as he finds himself falling for the one woman he was never supposed to love... but can she love him in return?
But it was never meant to be a love match... Eric married Caroline for one simple reason: he wasn’t in love with her. Having seen firsthand how love can bring a man to his knees, he’s determined not to make the same mistakes his father did. Which is why he’s going to spend just enough time with his new bride to assure himself of an heir before he leaves her and returns to London. At least that was the plan until a winter storm leaves them stranded. Now every time Eric turns around he finds himself stumbling over the wife he never wanted... but is slowly beginning to desire.
...or was it? As cold winds howl outside the manor, inside of it a duke’s heart is finally starting to melt as he finds himself falling for the one woman he was never supposed to love... but can she love him in return?
121 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 18, 2017
1423 people are currently reading
895 people want to read
About the author
Jillian Eaton
89 books489 followersJillian Eaton has written over forty historical romances and is known for finding the perfect balance between "intense emotions, sizzling chemistry, and light-hearted humor" (Swept Away by Romance). She grew up in Maine and now lives in Pennsylvania with her husband and their three boys on a 17-acre farm where they rescue and rehabilitate senior horses.
When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.
If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:
Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover
When she isn't writing, working at the barn, or playing a cutthroat game of Harry Potter Monopoly with her family, Jillian enjoys gardening, hiking, and being an adjunct professor at her Alma mater, Delaware Valley University.
If readers are new to her books, she always suggests the following:
Sweet and Swoony Romance: Duke at First Sight
Spicy and Mysterious: A Dangerous Seduction
All Around: Bewitched by the Bluestocking
Bit Darker: The Duchess Takes a Lover
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 284 reviews
September 25, 2022
Read: 9/25/22
Well done for a novella!
The story starts out with the couple getting married. Poor Caroline has been an abused pawn in her mother's game and is now married a very dominant/a**hole. It's sad. She so desperately wants to be loved or atleast be treated like a human being.
The Duke was the King of a**holes through most of the book. He had major "mommy" issues. He had a manipulative/cruel mom. He doesn't ever want to love anyone , he just wants a heir. He has a very Blunt personality and can't understand how that hurts people's feelings sometimes. It's kind of cute that he had no idea what he said wrong. Still, I rooted for this crazy pair!
This was a surprisingly good novella. I do wish it was longer. I wasn't ready for it to end.
Well done for a novella!
The story starts out with the couple getting married. Poor Caroline has been an abused pawn in her mother's game and is now married a very dominant/a**hole. It's sad. She so desperately wants to be loved or atleast be treated like a human being.
The Duke was the King of a**holes through most of the book. He had major "mommy" issues. He had a manipulative/cruel mom. He doesn't ever want to love anyone , he just wants a heir. He has a very Blunt personality and can't understand how that hurts people's feelings sometimes. It's kind of cute that he had no idea what he said wrong. Still, I rooted for this crazy pair!
This was a surprisingly good novella. I do wish it was longer. I wasn't ready for it to end.
March 11, 2018
My first thought about the H is that he's a handsome version of Scrooge meets the Beast. He doesn't look like a beast but he certainly acts like one. Eric, the Duke Readington, is callous, cold, cynical, arrogant, entitled, rude and a donkey douchebag for most of the novel. Eric is emotionally stunted because he hates his slutty mother and despises his dead father for being a weak failure. Eric's mother had been a gold digging skank who cheated on his father all the time while ignoring her maternal responsibilities. His late father had been besotted with the hagwhore woman and her continual infidelity had broken his heart so badly that he'd become an alcoholic and a profligate gambler. Eric sees his father as a failure because the old man allowed his love for his wife to destroy him. The H is determined to never marry for love. He didn't even want to get married but he only does it because he needs the all important heir. Eric chooses to marry the heroine Caroline because she suffers from debilitating shyness and will not occupy much of his time.
Caroline is a wallflower because she's shy and suffers from social anxiety issues. She is not one of those plain Jane or ugly wallflower heroines. If she had been a plain Jane then I wouldn't be writing this review right now, because I would've abandoned the novel. She's really pretty but her introverted personality has made her a failure on the Marriage Mart. Eric is mean and insulting to Caroline. The heroine starts off as a bit cowardly and a crybaby because she had been bullied by her horrible mother and doesn't know how to assert herself. Eric is so cold that he intends to leave Caroline in the country estate as soon as she is pregnant. He also plans to find himself a mistress because he doesn't think a man should be sleeping with his wife for pleasure ( I told you this guy is all kinds of F up ! ). The MC's do not consummate their relationship until about a few weeks after their wedding and by that time, Eric is fighting all the unwanted feelings that are developing for his new wife. He is angry with himself because he doesn't want to have special feelings for Caroline.
The best part of the story line is Caroline's transformation from a meek coward to an assertive young woman. I loved seeing how she started to stand up for herself and insult him whenever he annoyed her. Eric has never been loved by anyone in his life so he rejects Caroline's declaration. It takes the kind interference of his butler Newgate to make Eric take his head out of his uptight butt. Newgate was the only person who had ever really cared for Eric and the old man really wants the H to have a happy life with Caroline. Eric does a remarkable job of grovelling and begging for forgiveness and the scene where he does this is set during Christmas so it was really warm and special. The only thing I wished for was an epilogue.
Caroline is a wallflower because she's shy and suffers from social anxiety issues. She is not one of those plain Jane or ugly wallflower heroines. If she had been a plain Jane then I wouldn't be writing this review right now, because I would've abandoned the novel. She's really pretty but her introverted personality has made her a failure on the Marriage Mart. Eric is mean and insulting to Caroline. The heroine starts off as a bit cowardly and a crybaby because she had been bullied by her horrible mother and doesn't know how to assert herself. Eric is so cold that he intends to leave Caroline in the country estate as soon as she is pregnant. He also plans to find himself a mistress because he doesn't think a man should be sleeping with his wife for pleasure ( I told you this guy is all kinds of F up ! ). The MC's do not consummate their relationship until about a few weeks after their wedding and by that time, Eric is fighting all the unwanted feelings that are developing for his new wife. He is angry with himself because he doesn't want to have special feelings for Caroline.
The best part of the story line is Caroline's transformation from a meek coward to an assertive young woman. I loved seeing how she started to stand up for herself and insult him whenever he annoyed her. Eric has never been loved by anyone in his life so he rejects Caroline's declaration. It takes the kind interference of his butler Newgate to make Eric take his head out of his uptight butt. Newgate was the only person who had ever really cared for Eric and the old man really wants the H to have a happy life with Caroline. Eric does a remarkable job of grovelling and begging for forgiveness and the scene where he does this is set during Christmas so it was really warm and special. The only thing I wished for was an epilogue.
March 15, 2019
Incredibly adorable novella about a marriage of convenience. I love books where couples fall in love after they say "I do".
We have a Duke with a cold heart that has never experienced love, marrying a sweet innocent wallflower. I loved Caroline's personality as she evolved from mousey to sassy!
This book was perfect for quick afternoon read while sick in bed. You have to love a short story that feels well fleshed out. I wanted more of this couple but it was a novella after all ;ox
I can't wait to read more of this series!
Stupid! Stupid! Stupid! Did you honestly believe anything would change just because it is Christmas time? He did not love you yesterday, and he is not going to love you tomorrow, or on Christmas Eve or on Christmas. He’s incapable of love. He said so himself..
But it did not make the pain any easier to bear.
We have a Duke with a cold heart that has never experienced love, marrying a sweet innocent wallflower. I loved Caroline's personality as she evolved from mousey to sassy!
"Any woman would find being married to you a hardship. On your very best day, you are cold, callus, and cruel."
This book was perfect for quick afternoon read while sick in bed. You have to love a short story that feels well fleshed out. I wanted more of this couple but it was a novella after all ;ox
I can't wait to read more of this series!
July 17, 2019
..
The heroine's, Caroline, mother was overbearing and demanding, which is why she felt pressured into accepting the Duke's proposal, even when he called her by the wrong name. Now a mother like that in that era would have continued to be overbearing in her daughter's life even after marriage if she was only a two-hour carriage ride away.
There are some historical inaccuracies. Upon arriving at the ducal mansion, there is no head housekeeper mentioned. The Duke tells his wife if she needs anything, she is to ask the butler. Yet, upon arrival, none of the servants were presented to the new wife. So the first girl she sees begs to be her lady's maid and the duchess willingly accepts her. The girl turns out to be very outspoken about the Duke, which would have not been acceptable.
This short story captures the angst shared between the H/H. Each was raised differently, which affected their view on love and marriage. She needed to be loved and he was opposed to love based on his parent's disastrous marriage, which is why he chose an obedient and malleable wife. So throughout most of the book, he is a cold, cruel, and confused man. He entered the marriage expecting his wife conceive an heir and then planned on leaving his wife on a minor estate while he returned to London to find a mistress to pleasure him sexually since he felt that was not expected between a husband and a wife.
However, the story does contain a certain captive quality that urges the reader to continue on in hopes of discovering whether the bleak relationship stands a chance of recovering.
This is not a clean and wholesome book, so those offended by that type of content should avoid it. It has mild profanity with a lot of adult body language.
This book would have really benefited greatly from an epilogue depicting the future of this troubled couple. Was the Duke's goal of conceiving an heir ever achieved?
I would have given it 3 1/2 stars if possible but rounded up to 4 since it did have many redeemable qualities as well.
The heroine's, Caroline, mother was overbearing and demanding, which is why she felt pressured into accepting the Duke's proposal, even when he called her by the wrong name. Now a mother like that in that era would have continued to be overbearing in her daughter's life even after marriage if she was only a two-hour carriage ride away.
There are some historical inaccuracies. Upon arriving at the ducal mansion, there is no head housekeeper mentioned. The Duke tells his wife if she needs anything, she is to ask the butler. Yet, upon arrival, none of the servants were presented to the new wife. So the first girl she sees begs to be her lady's maid and the duchess willingly accepts her. The girl turns out to be very outspoken about the Duke, which would have not been acceptable.
This short story captures the angst shared between the H/H. Each was raised differently, which affected their view on love and marriage. She needed to be loved and he was opposed to love based on his parent's disastrous marriage, which is why he chose an obedient and malleable wife. So throughout most of the book, he is a cold, cruel, and confused man. He entered the marriage expecting his wife conceive an heir and then planned on leaving his wife on a minor estate while he returned to London to find a mistress to pleasure him sexually since he felt that was not expected between a husband and a wife.
However, the story does contain a certain captive quality that urges the reader to continue on in hopes of discovering whether the bleak relationship stands a chance of recovering.
This is not a clean and wholesome book, so those offended by that type of content should avoid it. It has mild profanity with a lot of adult body language.
This book would have really benefited greatly from an epilogue depicting the future of this troubled couple. Was the Duke's goal of conceiving an heir ever achieved?
I would have given it 3 1/2 stars if possible but rounded up to 4 since it did have many redeemable qualities as well.
April 28, 2018
This scraped to a 3 star. Loved the cover although I don’t think anyone wore gowns like this until the 1930’s.
Sweet, almost fantasy-fairy tale of a sweet and want-to-be-feisty heroine and the shutdown arrogant Duke of Jackass that her overbearing mother made her marry. The h wants love; the Duke wants an heir and to find a new mistress. He doesn’t, of course, but he thinks about it a lot ‘cause that’s what Peers do.
Ivy did the definitive review and touches on how his besotted father married to his adulterous mother skewed his views on marriage.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I almost DNF’d as the hero is such a prat. Initially he’s not even a fun grump to read. . However, at the 50% point, whoa, he puts his Rico Suave, Duke of Charm moves on the heroine and the book takes off. He still blows hot and cold, but luckily for the heroine and him he’s good in bed and can be quite the charmer so she puts up with his crap a little longer.
The heroine is pretty sweet and deserves a medal for putting up with his idiocy, and ultimately gets a nice Christmas present of a Duke all tied up.
My biggest complaints is I would have liked the bossy mother of the h as well as the slutty mother of the H to get more read time and some resolution.
P.S.
Is anyone else sick of seeing ads for Howard's End?
Sweet, almost fantasy-fairy tale of a sweet and want-to-be-feisty heroine and the shutdown arrogant Duke of Jackass that her overbearing mother made her marry. The h wants love; the Duke wants an heir and to find a new mistress. He doesn’t, of course, but he thinks about it a lot ‘cause that’s what Peers do.
Ivy did the definitive review and touches on how his besotted father married to his adulterous mother skewed his views on marriage.
https://www.goodreads.com/review/show...
I almost DNF’d as the hero is such a prat. Initially he’s not even a fun grump to read. . However, at the 50% point, whoa, he puts his Rico Suave, Duke of Charm moves on the heroine and the book takes off. He still blows hot and cold, but luckily for the heroine and him he’s good in bed and can be quite the charmer so she puts up with his crap a little longer.
The heroine is pretty sweet and deserves a medal for putting up with his idiocy, and ultimately gets a nice Christmas present of a Duke all tied up.
My biggest complaints is I would have liked the bossy mother of the h as well as the slutty mother of the H to get more read time and some resolution.
P.S.
Is anyone else sick of seeing ads for Howard's End?
December 11, 2025
Sweet heroine, jerk hero
Sweet, scared heroine is forced to marry powerful scary duke.
↬ She's adorable
↬ He's a douche with mommy issues
I was still going to give it 3 ★
↬ Until a a pack of wolves almost eats the heroine in Regency England
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
Sweet, scared heroine is forced to marry powerful scary duke.
↬ She's adorable
Although her husband had done all of the riding. Thank goodness he was such a skilled equestrian.
↬ He's a douche with mommy issues
I was still going to give it 3 ★
↬ Until a a pack of wolves almost eats the heroine in Regency England
・
・
・
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
🕮⋆˚࿔✎𓂃 𝐣𝐨𝐢𝐧 𝐦𝐲 𝐜𝐨𝐦𝐦𝐮𝐧𝐢𝐭𝐲 𝐟𝐨𝐫 𝐦𝐨𝐫𝐞 𝐫𝐞𝐯𝐢𝐞𝐰𝐬
━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━━
June 1, 2018
I'll categorize this one under "read", "regency", and "romance".. hmm, I guess.
1) Read: I did read it. (check)
2) Romance: Given the twat hero, there wasn't much romance. (questionable)
3) It read more like the 1920's rather than the 19th century so regency is a stretch. (NOT)
It was a rather disappointing read, but the author does have potential. There were two fundamental issues with the book. 1) the time period was wrong, 2) the author tried to tackle some rather taboo issues, and couldn't pull it off based on the length of the story. This was a short story and the issues too complex for the amount of pages.
I give this one 2 stars, but will give the author another chance.
1) Read: I did read it. (check)
2) Romance: Given the twat hero, there wasn't much romance. (questionable)
3) It read more like the 1920's rather than the 19th century so regency is a stretch. (NOT)
It was a rather disappointing read, but the author does have potential. There were two fundamental issues with the book. 1) the time period was wrong, 2) the author tried to tackle some rather taboo issues, and couldn't pull it off based on the length of the story. This was a short story and the issues too complex for the amount of pages.
I give this one 2 stars, but will give the author another chance.
April 3, 2025
Summary:
I’ve finished The Winter Duchess by Jillian Eaton, and I’m giving it 1.5 stars (rounded up to 2). I don’t even know where to begin. This novella was short, but Eric managed to be one of the most unlikeable male leads I’ve ever seen in a novella. From page one, he was cold, dismissive, cruel for no real reason—and somehow, we’re supposed to believe he’s a romantic lead?
Characters:
Eric: Eric’s character development felt like someone flipped a switch and hoped we wouldn’t notice. He spent nearly the entire book treating Caroline terribly, then had a random emotional breakthrough that came out of nowhere. No build-up, no real progression, just a sudden “oops, I’ve actually been horrible” moment and now he’s in love. It wasn’t believable, it wasn’t earned, and I was not buying it. The novella didn’t give him enough time for redemption, and frankly, I didn’t want to hear from him anymore by the end.
Caroline: Caroline was the only reason I finished this. She had genuine development and grew stronger and more assertive, which I loved. But unfortunately, she was stuck falling for a man who had the emotional intelligence of a poo for most of the story.
Overall Thoughts:
This book was a bit of a letdown. The premise had potential, but the execution—especially when it came to the romance—just didn’t work. The sudden 180 in Eric’s personality was jarring, and there wasn’t enough page time to make it believable. It felt like we were being rushed to a happy ending that the characters didn’t earn. I’ll still read the next book as I think Eaton is a good writer so if you’re interested in the series —maybe skim this one? Or just skip it altogether.
Rating:
★★☆☆☆ (1.5 stars, rounded up)
I’ve finished The Winter Duchess by Jillian Eaton, and I’m giving it 1.5 stars (rounded up to 2). I don’t even know where to begin. This novella was short, but Eric managed to be one of the most unlikeable male leads I’ve ever seen in a novella. From page one, he was cold, dismissive, cruel for no real reason—and somehow, we’re supposed to believe he’s a romantic lead?
Characters:
Eric: Eric’s character development felt like someone flipped a switch and hoped we wouldn’t notice. He spent nearly the entire book treating Caroline terribly, then had a random emotional breakthrough that came out of nowhere. No build-up, no real progression, just a sudden “oops, I’ve actually been horrible” moment and now he’s in love. It wasn’t believable, it wasn’t earned, and I was not buying it. The novella didn’t give him enough time for redemption, and frankly, I didn’t want to hear from him anymore by the end.
Caroline: Caroline was the only reason I finished this. She had genuine development and grew stronger and more assertive, which I loved. But unfortunately, she was stuck falling for a man who had the emotional intelligence of a poo for most of the story.
Overall Thoughts:
This book was a bit of a letdown. The premise had potential, but the execution—especially when it came to the romance—just didn’t work. The sudden 180 in Eric’s personality was jarring, and there wasn’t enough page time to make it believable. It felt like we were being rushed to a happy ending that the characters didn’t earn. I’ll still read the next book as I think Eaton is a good writer so if you’re interested in the series —maybe skim this one? Or just skip it altogether.
Rating:
★★☆☆☆ (1.5 stars, rounded up)
October 5, 2018
After the marriage ceremony, when heroine could not stop her tears, hero said that:
“The duke’s sigh of exasperation filled the carriage. “Well at least turn your head so I do not have to look at you.”
(...)
“When a man wanted passion, he found himself a mistress. When he wanted a rightful heir, he found himself a wife. And only a very foolish, very stupid man ever attempted to have both with the some woman.”
OMG, another dream hero!
Then there is the wisdom of butler :
“I think she is nothing like your mother. And the sooner you realize that, the happier both of you will be.”
And plain(!) field mouse heroine let him have it finally:
“You have made my life miserable since the moment you placed this ring upon my finger!” Firelight reflected off the plain gold band when she lifted her hand. “Did you honestly think a few words are enough to fix everything? I meant what I said before. You are a cold, callous, cruel man. And it was my fault for believing you could ever be anything else.” Go girl!
Finally, he grovelled:
“I am sorry it took me this long to realize it. And I am sorry, so bloody sorry, that I’ve treated you as though you meant nothing to me.”
“Eric–”
“You were never nothing, Caroline.” His blue eyes steady on hers, he closed the distance between them. “You were always everything.”
And he grovelled well:
“I want you not because of what you can give me, but because you make me happy. You bring light into my darkness, Caroline. So I want you. Just you. For the rest of my life”
That’s why I forgave the H.
Anyway, it was short, fast paced and sweet romance with naive h and cruel jerk H so that’s my cup of tea. Lol
“The duke’s sigh of exasperation filled the carriage. “Well at least turn your head so I do not have to look at you.”
(...)
“When a man wanted passion, he found himself a mistress. When he wanted a rightful heir, he found himself a wife. And only a very foolish, very stupid man ever attempted to have both with the some woman.”
OMG, another dream hero!
Then there is the wisdom of butler :
“I think she is nothing like your mother. And the sooner you realize that, the happier both of you will be.”
And plain(!) field mouse heroine let him have it finally:
“You have made my life miserable since the moment you placed this ring upon my finger!” Firelight reflected off the plain gold band when she lifted her hand. “Did you honestly think a few words are enough to fix everything? I meant what I said before. You are a cold, callous, cruel man. And it was my fault for believing you could ever be anything else.” Go girl!
Finally, he grovelled:
“I am sorry it took me this long to realize it. And I am sorry, so bloody sorry, that I’ve treated you as though you meant nothing to me.”
“Eric–”
“You were never nothing, Caroline.” His blue eyes steady on hers, he closed the distance between them. “You were always everything.”
And he grovelled well:
“I want you not because of what you can give me, but because you make me happy. You bring light into my darkness, Caroline. So I want you. Just you. For the rest of my life”
That’s why I forgave the H.
Anyway, it was short, fast paced and sweet romance with naive h and cruel jerk H so that’s my cup of tea. Lol
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 21, 2022
4 Stars
Quick Review
- Jillian Eaton does these bite-sized romances so well that they are very enjoyable to read.
- The romance is sweet, Caroline is endearing, Eric is a bit of an asshole, but he does grovel and make up for it later.
- A perfect, quick, easy afternoon Christmas themed read that I decided to re-read on a whim.
Quick Review
- Jillian Eaton does these bite-sized romances so well that they are very enjoyable to read.
- The romance is sweet, Caroline is endearing, Eric is a bit of an asshole, but he does grovel and make up for it later.
- A perfect, quick, easy afternoon Christmas themed read that I decided to re-read on a whim.
November 24, 2020
First by the Author
The writing was engaging. It was short and easy to read. I would definitely be open to trying more books by Jillian Eaton. However, for a novella, the hero was TOO cold and heartless for me! This was the case for most of the book. Then, he flipped like a lightswitch. There just wasn't enough time to redeem him.
The writing was engaging. It was short and easy to read. I would definitely be open to trying more books by Jillian Eaton. However, for a novella, the hero was TOO cold and heartless for me! This was the case for most of the book. Then, he flipped like a lightswitch. There just wasn't enough time to redeem him.
December 8, 2017
Loved this
Great story about a very horrible man that is saved by love. I loved the h and she just made me smile. The duke however was mean and ride and I hated him for 50% at least of the book. I did not think the author would pull this off but she did. It was a rather quick transformation but I believed it. Loved the ending. Very short story too. Quick read.
Great story about a very horrible man that is saved by love. I loved the h and she just made me smile. The duke however was mean and ride and I hated him for 50% at least of the book. I did not think the author would pull this off but she did. It was a rather quick transformation but I believed it. Loved the ending. Very short story too. Quick read.
March 27, 2020
Me ha gustado mucho y sobre todo porque amo a esos Duques fríos y los matrimonios por conveniencia.
Siento que al ser un libro corto no tuvo del desarrollo suficiente y los cambios de no te quiero a te amo fueron muy bruscos pero lo acepto en un libro largo este sería imperdonable.
Siento que al ser un libro corto no tuvo del desarrollo suficiente y los cambios de no te quiero a te amo fueron muy bruscos pero lo acepto en un libro largo este sería imperdonable.
December 14, 2017
The hero was a little too mean for me in this one. I like distant, intense heroes in a marriage of convenience, but I felt like he didn't come around until the thought of sex was involved.
December 31, 2017
Nice little story
December 7, 2024
It was really nice. Although it was quite short the plot and the whole emotions were there. I like the writing too, it was quite fluent and as a result I finished it in one sitting.
December 26, 2017
Utter twaddle!
Sorry, but I like my historical fiction to have at least a semblance of accuracy which this does not even attempt. Even when she apologises for putting wolves in the story she gets it wrong, the last wolf in England was said to be killed in the 14th century and this is supposed to be set in England. Even Caroline's name changes from Danvers to Wentworth half way through.
Speaking of Caroline she is supposed to be an Earls daughter which means that she would never have even considered asking a servant to call her by her first name the social mores of the time would not permit it; Even the servants that had brought her up and would have been closer than her family in many ways, would have called her Lady Caroline or my Lady both to her face and among themselves. Eric treats her as a huge social inferior at times but an Earl is only one down from a Duke and they are the the highest members of the aristocracy in England (originally Earls were the highest levels of Saxon aristocracy and only demoted to second after the Norman conquest as William was Duke of Normandy).
Overall a very poor attempt at a modern story dumped in the 1860's given that she doesn't like Crinolines and that was the only period they were worn. By the way, no riding habit would have a bustle in any age - women wore trousers under extra long skirts to ensure a graceful drape of skirt over the side of the horse without any chance of showing a leg.
Sorry, but I like my historical fiction to have at least a semblance of accuracy which this does not even attempt. Even when she apologises for putting wolves in the story she gets it wrong, the last wolf in England was said to be killed in the 14th century and this is supposed to be set in England. Even Caroline's name changes from Danvers to Wentworth half way through.
Speaking of Caroline she is supposed to be an Earls daughter which means that she would never have even considered asking a servant to call her by her first name the social mores of the time would not permit it; Even the servants that had brought her up and would have been closer than her family in many ways, would have called her Lady Caroline or my Lady both to her face and among themselves. Eric treats her as a huge social inferior at times but an Earl is only one down from a Duke and they are the the highest members of the aristocracy in England (originally Earls were the highest levels of Saxon aristocracy and only demoted to second after the Norman conquest as William was Duke of Normandy).
Overall a very poor attempt at a modern story dumped in the 1860's given that she doesn't like Crinolines and that was the only period they were worn. By the way, no riding habit would have a bustle in any age - women wore trousers under extra long skirts to ensure a graceful drape of skirt over the side of the horse without any chance of showing a leg.
December 1, 2020
First by this Author
A very short novella read that we nicely written. Did not like the overbearing mother and felt sympathy for her being pushed on a Duke who clearly was just too cold and heartless. It was nice in the end to see that her shyness turn to boldness that melted the stone heart into loving her. I have to agree with another reviewer that there should have been more on his redemption than trying to continuously show his coldness towards her. HEA in the end.
A very short novella read that we nicely written. Did not like the overbearing mother and felt sympathy for her being pushed on a Duke who clearly was just too cold and heartless. It was nice in the end to see that her shyness turn to boldness that melted the stone heart into loving her. I have to agree with another reviewer that there should have been more on his redemption than trying to continuously show his coldness towards her. HEA in the end.
September 17, 2024
Nice short story.
January 25, 2018
Not bad but it lacked romance, which was incredibly disappointing. I also wasn’t a huge fan of the hero.
January 31, 2019
If you blink, you might miss them falling in love. What am I saying? You will not miss it. You can't miss the part of the book that doesn't exist.
Silly me.
Silly me.
June 12, 2020
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El amor no estaba destinado a los duques... ni a sus duquesas.
La duquesa de invierno de Jillian Eaton libro 1 serie Una duquesa para cada temporada
Mí humilde opinión:
Cuando Lady Caroline acepta casarse con el Duque de Readington pensó que podrían llegar a quererse pero rápidamente descubrió que eso no era más que una fantasía. Él es el hombre más frío e hiriente que conoció y está destrozado su corazón con cada cosa que tiene que decirle.
Eric se casó porque necesitaba una esposa, un trámite necesario para tener un heredero. No cree en amor. Su padre amaba a su madre y ella jugó con sus sentimientos. Él no se convertirá en su padre. Lo aprendió de primera mano.
Sin embargo, cada día que pasa con su esposa le enseñará lo que significa el amor pero podrá Calorine darle una nueva oportunidad cuando la defraudó tantas veces?
Todo lo que necesitara para navidad será un milagro.
Me gustó mucho este libro! Fue uno de esos libritos navideños que lo lees acompañado con una taza de chocolate caliente.
Una historia de amor muy dulce.
Una dama que a pesar del miedo de hacer frente al duque al final se vuelve valiente y le devuelve los golpes. Me encantó como fue evolucionando Caroline. Su personaje estuvo encantador desde el principio.
La escena cuando le tira el anillo lo aplaudí como loca. Se lo merecía el muy malvado! Eso también estuvo muy bueno, que no lo perdonara tan fácil.
El Duque un Grinch total! Me daba mucha bronca por todo lo que le hacía pasar a Caroline pero a la vez sentía pena por él y comprendía porqué hacía lo que hacía. No sabía cómo amar o lo que significaba.
Una lectura muy tierna sobre el matrimonio por conveniencias que se torna por amor, muy al estilo Jillian Eaton, amena y sencilla. Con personajes muy entrañables.
El amor no estaba destinado a los duques... ni a sus duquesas.
La duquesa de invierno de Jillian Eaton libro 1 serie Una duquesa para cada temporada
Mí humilde opinión:
Cuando Lady Caroline acepta casarse con el Duque de Readington pensó que podrían llegar a quererse pero rápidamente descubrió que eso no era más que una fantasía. Él es el hombre más frío e hiriente que conoció y está destrozado su corazón con cada cosa que tiene que decirle.
Eric se casó porque necesitaba una esposa, un trámite necesario para tener un heredero. No cree en amor. Su padre amaba a su madre y ella jugó con sus sentimientos. Él no se convertirá en su padre. Lo aprendió de primera mano.
Sin embargo, cada día que pasa con su esposa le enseñará lo que significa el amor pero podrá Calorine darle una nueva oportunidad cuando la defraudó tantas veces?
Todo lo que necesitara para navidad será un milagro.
Me gustó mucho este libro! Fue uno de esos libritos navideños que lo lees acompañado con una taza de chocolate caliente.
Una historia de amor muy dulce.
Una dama que a pesar del miedo de hacer frente al duque al final se vuelve valiente y le devuelve los golpes. Me encantó como fue evolucionando Caroline. Su personaje estuvo encantador desde el principio.
La escena cuando le tira el anillo lo aplaudí como loca. Se lo merecía el muy malvado! Eso también estuvo muy bueno, que no lo perdonara tan fácil.
El Duque un Grinch total! Me daba mucha bronca por todo lo que le hacía pasar a Caroline pero a la vez sentía pena por él y comprendía porqué hacía lo que hacía. No sabía cómo amar o lo que significaba.
Una lectura muy tierna sobre el matrimonio por conveniencias que se torna por amor, muy al estilo Jillian Eaton, amena y sencilla. Con personajes muy entrañables.
April 4, 2018
So. So bad. So incredibly bad.
I don't require stories to be historically accurate to a T, but I expect and anticipate at least reasonable adherence to the norms of the time being written about. Instead, this author delivers something that feels like a teenager's description of what they thought a "historical" setting would be like.
Additionally, the characters are extreme to the point of ABSURD caricature. The raging, irrational, beautiful, asshole of a man paired with the shrinking, terrified, delicate, ethereal woman.
And the scenarios are equally ridiculous!! Example (SPOILER ALERT): Dudebro comes riding home (from where? who knows?) the day after their wedding and sees an unfamiliar figure trying to entice one of his Prize Mares to eat a carrot. Of course, he promptly gallops full speed on his stallion to confront the interloper, not realizing (uuh duuuuuh) that it's actually his wife, and in the process, she somehow manages to fall through/over the fence and into the path of the stampeding mares, who all come running when they smell the stallion. Of course, dudebro rescues the ladygirl in the nick of time and instead of apologizing like a rational, decent human being, he 1) rages at her for being an idiot (when it was his fault she was in danger in the first place) and then 2) OF COURSE immediately experiences a RAGING GODDAMNED UNCONTROLLABLE BONER because his wife ended up on his lap during the rescue... which... he then proceeds to get angry at her for as well. Of course.
Just. No. God. There are not enough eye rolling and/or throwing-books-at-walls gifs in the world to express my NOPE for this book.
I don't require stories to be historically accurate to a T, but I expect and anticipate at least reasonable adherence to the norms of the time being written about. Instead, this author delivers something that feels like a teenager's description of what they thought a "historical" setting would be like.
Additionally, the characters are extreme to the point of ABSURD caricature. The raging, irrational, beautiful, asshole of a man paired with the shrinking, terrified, delicate, ethereal woman.
And the scenarios are equally ridiculous!! Example (SPOILER ALERT): Dudebro comes riding home (from where? who knows?) the day after their wedding and sees an unfamiliar figure trying to entice one of his Prize Mares to eat a carrot. Of course, he promptly gallops full speed on his stallion to confront the interloper, not realizing (uuh duuuuuh) that it's actually his wife, and in the process, she somehow manages to fall through/over the fence and into the path of the stampeding mares, who all come running when they smell the stallion. Of course, dudebro rescues the ladygirl in the nick of time and instead of apologizing like a rational, decent human being, he 1) rages at her for being an idiot (when it was his fault she was in danger in the first place) and then 2) OF COURSE immediately experiences a RAGING GODDAMNED UNCONTROLLABLE BONER because his wife ended up on his lap during the rescue... which... he then proceeds to get angry at her for as well. Of course.
Just. No. God. There are not enough eye rolling and/or throwing-books-at-walls gifs in the world to express my NOPE for this book.
June 17, 2019
Short, sweet, lovely!
March 4, 2018
I really enjoyed reading The Winter Duchess. I just wished it was longer and had an epilog or something to make it feel complete.
The 6th Duke of Readington, Eric Charles Edmond Hargraves, age 29, powerful and filthy rich decides its time to marry. He wants a meek, gentle wife who he can get his heir on and leave in the country. He doesn't want love but love is what he will find. Eric parents were a very unhappy married couple. Arguing all the time and his mother cheated on his father. The father became a drunk and both parents neglected there son. Eric never experienced love therefore he didn't know how to give it. He was one cold hearted mean husband at first.
Lady Caroline Danvers age 21 and daughter of an the a Earl. Was the perfect wife for Eric, but wait a minute!! As Eric's disparaging remarks and complaints to her continue to grow. Caroline grows a backbone. She begins to melt that cold heart and teach Eric what love should be and how marriage should work. So the both get there HEA!!
The is a story of a couple working it out. Not a lot of angst but actually talking about there problems and explaining why they feel and act the way they do. It just needed more. A good epilog would have put this story in the 5 star range.
The 6th Duke of Readington, Eric Charles Edmond Hargraves, age 29, powerful and filthy rich decides its time to marry. He wants a meek, gentle wife who he can get his heir on and leave in the country. He doesn't want love but love is what he will find. Eric parents were a very unhappy married couple. Arguing all the time and his mother cheated on his father. The father became a drunk and both parents neglected there son. Eric never experienced love therefore he didn't know how to give it. He was one cold hearted mean husband at first.
Lady Caroline Danvers age 21 and daughter of an the a Earl. Was the perfect wife for Eric, but wait a minute!! As Eric's disparaging remarks and complaints to her continue to grow. Caroline grows a backbone. She begins to melt that cold heart and teach Eric what love should be and how marriage should work. So the both get there HEA!!
The is a story of a couple working it out. Not a lot of angst but actually talking about there problems and explaining why they feel and act the way they do. It just needed more. A good epilog would have put this story in the 5 star range.
May 6, 2018
Another antiquated “romance” set in 1800’s England. Sex is the basis of love according to this novel, and basically that’s all there is here. The wedding, then a cruel and unfeeling husband, who after a while becomes attracted to his wife, though the reader is not given a reason for said attraction. Then he gets her into bed and she “falls in love” with him, though the bedroom is the limit of their relationship. Occasionally they argue about how callous he is, followed by more sex. One day he wakes up and realizes that he’s tried so hard not to be the lovesick cuckolded fool that his father was that he’s become the hard hearted person his mother was. None of this is flattering to women, nor does it make any sense as per real life.
December 6, 2020
The Winter Duchess is a short novella that I listened to on Hoopla. I was in the mood for a fun romance and was hoping for something like A Holiday by Gaslight by Mimi Matthews but I ended up not caring for this one because I don’t generally like romances where one character (usually a guy) is a jerk and the other character (usually a woman) has to twist themself in knots to get the other person to care for them and that’s how I felt with this one. It was also too short to really get to know much about the characters and sadly, this just didn’t work for me.
April 20, 2023
Too cruel not to hate
Yeah, no. Poor Caroline married a heartless villain that no woman in her right mind could root for. Unforgivable and no real connection bw the characters. She should have run away.
Yeah, no. Poor Caroline married a heartless villain that no woman in her right mind could root for. Unforgivable and no real connection bw the characters. She should have run away.
October 21, 2018
Why is she so eager for his acceptance and love? Why does she fall in love with him? He’s a douchebag till the end
January 16, 2020
3.5-4 stars - Historical Romance
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