What do you think?
Rate this book
The Beauchamp Heirs #2
Daring to Love the Duke's Heir
She’s totally unsuitable…
…to be his duchess!
Part of The Beauchamp Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon, is a powerful duke’s heir and it’s his duty to marry well. His bride must have impeccable breeding, manners and grace. But can anyone meet his exacting standards? Certainly not the irrepressible Liberty Lovejoy, who’s been thrust into society after years of being a provincial nobody. She’s too bold, too bubbly…so why is she the only lady he’s thinking about?
…to be his duchess!
Part of The Beauchamp Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon, is a powerful duke’s heir and it’s his duty to marry well. His bride must have impeccable breeding, manners and grace. But can anyone meet his exacting standards? Certainly not the irrepressible Liberty Lovejoy, who’s been thrust into society after years of being a provincial nobody. She’s too bold, too bubbly…so why is she the only lady he’s thinking about?
288 pages, Mass Market Paperback
Published June 18, 2019
23 people are currently reading
109 people want to read
About the author
Janice Preston
81 books152 followersI grew up in Wembley, North London, with a love of reading, writing stories and animals. After leaving school at eighteen, I moved to Devon and any thoughts of writing became lost in the hectic rush of life as a farmer’s wife, with two children and many animals to care for. When my children left home for university, I discovered a love of history and of the Regency period in particular and began to write seriously for the first time since my teens.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Real life then got in the way and I didn't write again until 2009. I joined the Romantic Novelists' Association in 2012 and my first Regency romance was accepted for publication by Harlequin Mills & Boon in late 2013.
I now live in the West Midlands with my second husband and two cats and I continue to write Regency romances for Harlequin Mills & Boon.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
Read
November 27, 2019When I first started reading romances, I really didn't get category roms - but as my life has been close-to-unbearably busy for a long time, I am a hardcore convert. Sometimes you just need something nice and slightly predicable delivered to you in an accessible way. I don't mean to sound dickish about this at all: I just find category romances very comforting right now, and not too overwhelming a commitment of time/emotional energy (neither of which I have in abundance).
This falls somewhere between The Rakes Enticing Proposal and Miss Fortescue's Protector in Paris for me: it had a fewer writing/structural quirks than MFPIP, but wasn't quite as glitteringly polished as TREP.
This be yer standard stuffy dutiful Duke (with muscular thighs) is gently unravelled by unconventional lady (with fabulous boobs). But I'm a sucker for that dynamic, and while this book doesn't do anything notably astounding with it, it's definitely an enthusiastic take on it. I mean, the heroine is called Liberty Lovejoy for heaven's sake. It's like she's a walking CLUE.
It had a couple of rom-type tropes that aren't my favourite - most particularly "every woman who is not the heroine or part of the hero or heroine's family is evil". Somebody needs to find happy endings for all these conventionally beautiful, perfectly well-mannered society ladies as well as the quirky heroines who aren't like other women. And there's a bit where the heroine saves a dog from getting beaten up by a butcher, and while I don't believe in beating animals at all, I just find it slightly weird the way a lot of historicals find it way easier to have empathy for a dog than a poor person. I mean, the dog was a stray who kept stealing meat from the butcher. That man probably had a family to support.
Buuuuuut, mostly I romped through the story happily enough. I really liked the family dynamics here - especially because the hero's and the heroine's families are both extensive, and nearly everyone was decently articulated. I mean, Liberty's two younger sister's were a bit invisible, but I loved that she had a twin brother, and he had quite a gentle "I've gone off the rails but now I'm getting my act together because deep down I'm a good person" arc of his own. In fact, with the exception of all the perfect evil society ladies, nearly everyone the book thought was important was a good person deep down. I enjoy that sort of thing - and seeing the hero and heroine recognise good-person-deep-downness in each other is super charming here.
Brief shout-out to the hero's wild-but-redeemed younger brother who was traumatised as a kid ... I presume this guy is getting a story at some point. Because he's basically wearing a big sign reading SEQUEL BAIT and yet I found myself interested in spite of my cynicism.
I think one of the issues I do sometimes struggle with in categories is--because they have to deliver in a shorter run time--there tends to be one major source of conflict, which is reinforced for 80% of the book's length, and then resolved. This can sometimes lead to a "well, why didn't you figure that shit out earlier" feeling for me, even though my disbelief is very willingly suspended. Although I'm also aware that even asking that question is the equivalent to saying, "how come House didn't figure out the disease at the 25 minute mark of this 50 minute TV show."
For this book the conflict revolves around the fact the stuffy Duke feels he has to honour his dead mother's wishes and marry well, and the heroine is unsuitable on every level. And, hey, I love that story as much as the next person, but where it *slightly* and (only slightly) broke down for me was the fact his mother was ... blatantly evil? Like, she'd married the Duke for his position, hated family life, rejected her children constantly and then was straight up randomly MURDERED. But before she was randomly MURDERED she was briefly nice to her eldest son, and thus crystallised in him this self-harmful desire to live up to her expectations and make her proud. And I totally get that the things we take from childhood aren't rational and there was no counselling in Regency England--and, to give Avon credit, he mostly recognises that he's acting out of guilt/compulsion/grief, rather than making sensible decisions about his happiness and future, but it's still a bit ... woolly to me. I think because, emotions-wise, "promise to dead relative you loved" and "promise to dead relative you and your entire family knows was totally worthless" are significantly different propositions. Admittedly, the second is more interesting, but I think I wanted more Avon's emotional development here--some acknowledgement of the hypocrisy of in being charged to do your duty to your family by a woman who had no interest in her family. As it is, he's semi-brought to his senses by a good deep dicking.
(Err, I should probably clarify he does the dicking - it would be a VERY different book if the heroine had, but, honestly, I might have preferred it).
Picking aside, I legit enjoyed this. It's fun, it's smoothly written, it's mostly harmless, and the tropes it employs will always be some of my favourites. I mean, I'm always here for a control freak losing their shit via the power of lurve.
Also this is a nice line:
The unconventional heroine thing is so often presented as sort of ... just ... sort of natural, I liked this acknowledgement that being outspoken and taking social risks comes with a emotional cost. That it's a choice Liberty makes--to be passionate, and principled--not just an inherent feature of her instinctively untrammelled personality.
PS - Romance, what is this thing when a woman faints and a man takes a time out to notice the quality of her breasts? I mean, I like boobs as much as the next person, but I'm pretty sure my first thought when a woman faints is "Oh no, she looks ill" not "bet you don't get many of those to the pound." But that could just be me.
This falls somewhere between The Rakes Enticing Proposal and Miss Fortescue's Protector in Paris for me: it had a fewer writing/structural quirks than MFPIP, but wasn't quite as glitteringly polished as TREP.
This be yer standard stuffy dutiful Duke (with muscular thighs) is gently unravelled by unconventional lady (with fabulous boobs). But I'm a sucker for that dynamic, and while this book doesn't do anything notably astounding with it, it's definitely an enthusiastic take on it. I mean, the heroine is called Liberty Lovejoy for heaven's sake. It's like she's a walking CLUE.
It had a couple of rom-type tropes that aren't my favourite - most particularly "every woman who is not the heroine or part of the hero or heroine's family is evil". Somebody needs to find happy endings for all these conventionally beautiful, perfectly well-mannered society ladies as well as the quirky heroines who aren't like other women. And there's a bit where the heroine saves a dog from getting beaten up by a butcher, and while I don't believe in beating animals at all, I just find it slightly weird the way a lot of historicals find it way easier to have empathy for a dog than a poor person. I mean, the dog was a stray who kept stealing meat from the butcher. That man probably had a family to support.
Buuuuuut, mostly I romped through the story happily enough. I really liked the family dynamics here - especially because the hero's and the heroine's families are both extensive, and nearly everyone was decently articulated. I mean, Liberty's two younger sister's were a bit invisible, but I loved that she had a twin brother, and he had quite a gentle "I've gone off the rails but now I'm getting my act together because deep down I'm a good person" arc of his own. In fact, with the exception of all the perfect evil society ladies, nearly everyone the book thought was important was a good person deep down. I enjoy that sort of thing - and seeing the hero and heroine recognise good-person-deep-downness in each other is super charming here.
Brief shout-out to the hero's wild-but-redeemed younger brother who was traumatised as a kid ... I presume this guy is getting a story at some point. Because he's basically wearing a big sign reading SEQUEL BAIT and yet I found myself interested in spite of my cynicism.
I think one of the issues I do sometimes struggle with in categories is--because they have to deliver in a shorter run time--there tends to be one major source of conflict, which is reinforced for 80% of the book's length, and then resolved. This can sometimes lead to a "well, why didn't you figure that shit out earlier" feeling for me, even though my disbelief is very willingly suspended. Although I'm also aware that even asking that question is the equivalent to saying, "how come House didn't figure out the disease at the 25 minute mark of this 50 minute TV show."
For this book the conflict revolves around the fact the stuffy Duke feels he has to honour his dead mother's wishes and marry well, and the heroine is unsuitable on every level. And, hey, I love that story as much as the next person, but where it *slightly* and (only slightly) broke down for me was the fact his mother was ... blatantly evil? Like, she'd married the Duke for his position, hated family life, rejected her children constantly and then was straight up randomly MURDERED. But before she was randomly MURDERED she was briefly nice to her eldest son, and thus crystallised in him this self-harmful desire to live up to her expectations and make her proud. And I totally get that the things we take from childhood aren't rational and there was no counselling in Regency England--and, to give Avon credit, he mostly recognises that he's acting out of guilt/compulsion/grief, rather than making sensible decisions about his happiness and future, but it's still a bit ... woolly to me. I think because, emotions-wise, "promise to dead relative you loved" and "promise to dead relative you and your entire family knows was totally worthless" are significantly different propositions. Admittedly, the second is more interesting, but I think I wanted more Avon's emotional development here--some acknowledgement of the hypocrisy of in being charged to do your duty to your family by a woman who had no interest in her family. As it is, he's semi-brought to his senses by a good deep dicking.
(Err, I should probably clarify he does the dicking - it would be a VERY different book if the heroine had, but, honestly, I might have preferred it).
Picking aside, I legit enjoyed this. It's fun, it's smoothly written, it's mostly harmless, and the tropes it employs will always be some of my favourites. I mean, I'm always here for a control freak losing their shit via the power of lurve.
Also this is a nice line:
Her smile did strange things to him. It was the tremble of her lip—it was not artifice, he was certain—and it was the hint of vulnerability in her eyes, the deep breath she often took before replying to a comment, as if steeling herself. The truth hit him like a lightning strike. She acted and spoke boldly, but it was not boldness but bravery. She found the courage from somewhere to stand up for those she loved and for what she believed.
The unconventional heroine thing is so often presented as sort of ... just ... sort of natural, I liked this acknowledgement that being outspoken and taking social risks comes with a emotional cost. That it's a choice Liberty makes--to be passionate, and principled--not just an inherent feature of her instinctively untrammelled personality.
PS - Romance, what is this thing when a woman faints and a man takes a time out to notice the quality of her breasts? I mean, I like boobs as much as the next person, but I'm pretty sure my first thought when a woman faints is "Oh no, she looks ill" not "bet you don't get many of those to the pound." But that could just be me.
August 29, 2019
I've given this a B+ at AAR, so that's 4.5 stars.
Janice Preston continues her Beauchamp Heirs series (featuring the children of Leo, Duke of Cheriton from the Beauchamp Betrothals series) with Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir, which sees the very proper and reserved Dominic, Marquess of Avon, meeting his match in the form of exactly the sort of young woman he can never consider as a potential bride. It’s a buttoned-up-hero-meets-free-spirited-heroine story, which I have to admit, is a trope I’m often a little wary of; some authors make their free-spirited heroines into annoyingly reckless, frequently TSTL caricatures who make me wonder what on earth the hero could possibly see in them. Fortunately, however, Ms. Preston doesn’t fall into that trap, and her heroine manages to be just the sort of breath of fresh air our hero needs while remaining firmly on the right side of the line between spirited and stupid.
Liberty Lovejoy and her siblings – her twin brother, Gideon and their sisters Hope and Verity – are in London for the Season following Gideon’s unexpected ascension to the title of Earl of Wendover. Liberty has no plans to attract a suitor; she was in love with her fiancé, who died of cholera some five years earlier and she has no wish to replace him, but she has hopes that her sisters will find good matches. Her brother, however, is giving her cause for concern, having got himself in with an undesirable set of young bucks who are clearly leading him astray, and having been unable to make Gideon see the error of his ways, she decides to take another tack. She’s led to believe that the man responsible for her brother’s sudden waywardness is Lord Alexander Beauchamp, younger son of the Duke of Cheriton, so she decides to speak to the duke, make him aware of her concerns and ask him to rein Alex in. When she arrives at the duke’s London residence however, she encounters Lord Alexander himself on the doorstep and tells him immediately what has brought her to Beauchamp House – only to discover that she’s not talking to Lord Alexander at all, but to his older brother Dominic, Marquess of Avon, who is widely known to be the most correct and upstanding gentleman in the entire ton. Oops. Liberty is thrown even further onto the back foot by the fact that this rather disdainful man has the face of a Greek God [and] the body of a warrior – but her irritation swiftly returns when the marquess tells her that her brother is undoubtedly following in the footsteps of many a young gentleman when faced with the delights London has to offer, and suggests that she is being rather too over-protective. This, of course, doesn’t go down very well, but Liberty is somewhat appeased when Avon says he’ll have a word with his brother.
Readers of Ms. Preston’s Beauchamp Betrothals series will no doubt recall Dominic, Leo’s eldest son and heir as being somewhat aloof and rather serious, intent on doing his duty and the right thing at all costs. Still intent on doing his duty, he has decided that it’s time he got married and secured the succession and is determined to choose a bride this Season, a young woman of good breeding, perfect behaviour and excellent bloodlines.
Needless to say, that young woman will be nothing at all like the outspoken Miss Lovejoy, whose flashing eyes, lively manner and lush figure Dominic can’t seem to banish from his mind. Berating himself for his folly and reminding himself of his late mother’s final request that he make her proud, he sets about making a list of the most suitable, eligible young ladies of the ton, determined to select one of them to be his marchioness. With the Season in full swing, it’s a simple matter to make arrangements for drives or walks in the park, to dance at balls and to pay morning calls… but it’s not so simple to avoid encountering Liberty Lovejoy, beside whom all the other very suitable, very proper young ladies start to appear stilted and insipid.
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is a marvellous slow-burn romance between two people who are, at first glance, complete opposites, but who really have more in common than it first seems. Dominic is so mired in the need to be the dutiful son, a need which stems back to his mother’s neglect when he was just a boy, that he has spent most of his adult life disregarding his own wishes and happiness. He’s driven to be the perfect son, the perfect heir, the perfect everything, but can’t see that the only thing those who love him really want from him is for him to be happy. Liberty has taken on a similiar role within her own family, that of looking out for everyone else and putting herself last, and has to come to a similar conclusion – that it’s alright for her to want things for herself. I wasn’t sure about her at first, because I found her need to ‘save’ Gideon from himself rather annoying; I understood her concern, but she came across as too sanctimonious and interfering. Fortunately however, she improves quickly and before long, I was enjoying her interactions with Dominic, which are extremely entertaining and well-written and rooting for them as a couple. He gradually starts to unbend in her presence, and though he fights his attraction to Liberty almost all the way, he is ultimately helpless in the face of it. I liked Liberty’s degree of self-awareness when she comes to realise that she’s ready to move on and find love again, and then again, when she tries to get Dominic to realise that he’s allowed to be happy and to want things for himself, even though those things may not include her.
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is a richly romantic, character-driven story featuring a couple who experience considerable growth (Dom especially) through their association, each offering the other something they badly need. I did take issue with the way Dom is constantly harking back to his mother’s insistence that he do his duty and make her proud; given she died when he was eight and had never shown him the merest scrap of interest or affection I found it difficult to believe that a man now in his late twenties would accord her words such importance. Other than that, however, I enjoyed the book very much and am pleased to give it a strong recommendation.
Janice Preston continues her Beauchamp Heirs series (featuring the children of Leo, Duke of Cheriton from the Beauchamp Betrothals series) with Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir, which sees the very proper and reserved Dominic, Marquess of Avon, meeting his match in the form of exactly the sort of young woman he can never consider as a potential bride. It’s a buttoned-up-hero-meets-free-spirited-heroine story, which I have to admit, is a trope I’m often a little wary of; some authors make their free-spirited heroines into annoyingly reckless, frequently TSTL caricatures who make me wonder what on earth the hero could possibly see in them. Fortunately, however, Ms. Preston doesn’t fall into that trap, and her heroine manages to be just the sort of breath of fresh air our hero needs while remaining firmly on the right side of the line between spirited and stupid.
Liberty Lovejoy and her siblings – her twin brother, Gideon and their sisters Hope and Verity – are in London for the Season following Gideon’s unexpected ascension to the title of Earl of Wendover. Liberty has no plans to attract a suitor; she was in love with her fiancé, who died of cholera some five years earlier and she has no wish to replace him, but she has hopes that her sisters will find good matches. Her brother, however, is giving her cause for concern, having got himself in with an undesirable set of young bucks who are clearly leading him astray, and having been unable to make Gideon see the error of his ways, she decides to take another tack. She’s led to believe that the man responsible for her brother’s sudden waywardness is Lord Alexander Beauchamp, younger son of the Duke of Cheriton, so she decides to speak to the duke, make him aware of her concerns and ask him to rein Alex in. When she arrives at the duke’s London residence however, she encounters Lord Alexander himself on the doorstep and tells him immediately what has brought her to Beauchamp House – only to discover that she’s not talking to Lord Alexander at all, but to his older brother Dominic, Marquess of Avon, who is widely known to be the most correct and upstanding gentleman in the entire ton. Oops. Liberty is thrown even further onto the back foot by the fact that this rather disdainful man has the face of a Greek God [and] the body of a warrior – but her irritation swiftly returns when the marquess tells her that her brother is undoubtedly following in the footsteps of many a young gentleman when faced with the delights London has to offer, and suggests that she is being rather too over-protective. This, of course, doesn’t go down very well, but Liberty is somewhat appeased when Avon says he’ll have a word with his brother.
Readers of Ms. Preston’s Beauchamp Betrothals series will no doubt recall Dominic, Leo’s eldest son and heir as being somewhat aloof and rather serious, intent on doing his duty and the right thing at all costs. Still intent on doing his duty, he has decided that it’s time he got married and secured the succession and is determined to choose a bride this Season, a young woman of good breeding, perfect behaviour and excellent bloodlines.
Needless to say, that young woman will be nothing at all like the outspoken Miss Lovejoy, whose flashing eyes, lively manner and lush figure Dominic can’t seem to banish from his mind. Berating himself for his folly and reminding himself of his late mother’s final request that he make her proud, he sets about making a list of the most suitable, eligible young ladies of the ton, determined to select one of them to be his marchioness. With the Season in full swing, it’s a simple matter to make arrangements for drives or walks in the park, to dance at balls and to pay morning calls… but it’s not so simple to avoid encountering Liberty Lovejoy, beside whom all the other very suitable, very proper young ladies start to appear stilted and insipid.
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is a marvellous slow-burn romance between two people who are, at first glance, complete opposites, but who really have more in common than it first seems. Dominic is so mired in the need to be the dutiful son, a need which stems back to his mother’s neglect when he was just a boy, that he has spent most of his adult life disregarding his own wishes and happiness. He’s driven to be the perfect son, the perfect heir, the perfect everything, but can’t see that the only thing those who love him really want from him is for him to be happy. Liberty has taken on a similiar role within her own family, that of looking out for everyone else and putting herself last, and has to come to a similar conclusion – that it’s alright for her to want things for herself. I wasn’t sure about her at first, because I found her need to ‘save’ Gideon from himself rather annoying; I understood her concern, but she came across as too sanctimonious and interfering. Fortunately however, she improves quickly and before long, I was enjoying her interactions with Dominic, which are extremely entertaining and well-written and rooting for them as a couple. He gradually starts to unbend in her presence, and though he fights his attraction to Liberty almost all the way, he is ultimately helpless in the face of it. I liked Liberty’s degree of self-awareness when she comes to realise that she’s ready to move on and find love again, and then again, when she tries to get Dominic to realise that he’s allowed to be happy and to want things for himself, even though those things may not include her.
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is a richly romantic, character-driven story featuring a couple who experience considerable growth (Dom especially) through their association, each offering the other something they badly need. I did take issue with the way Dom is constantly harking back to his mother’s insistence that he do his duty and make her proud; given she died when he was eight and had never shown him the merest scrap of interest or affection I found it difficult to believe that a man now in his late twenties would accord her words such importance. Other than that, however, I enjoyed the book very much and am pleased to give it a strong recommendation.
May 17, 2019
The last time Liberty Lovejoy had been in London was five years ago, and a lot had happened since then. Her twin brother Gideon was now the Earl of Wendover and they were in the City so that Liberty and her sisters Hope and Verity could have a Season. Liberty, who has been a surrogate mother to her siblings, is concerned about Gideon's dissolute behaviour, and this is how she came to meet the Marquess of Avon, Dominic Beauchamp. Dominic has been groomed from birth for the dukedom, and the time has come for him to marry. His reputation and conduct have always been irreproachable, and he is looking for the same in his future bride, whoever she may be. Is the luscious Miss Lovejoy about to make him forget everything he has been striving for?
Dominic had appeared briefly in book 1 of The Beauchamp Heirs, and The Beauchamp Betrothals, and he intrigued me to no end: so proper, so serious, so reserved and so different from his siblings, Alex and Olivia. I find it admirable that Janice Preston saw fit to leave him exactly as he we had seen him; Dominic hasn't changed, and he is not an easy man to understand. I am also thrilled that both Dominic and Liberty are good, kind, honourable people, and that they are far from boring. Liberty is just as proper as Dominic, but definitely more daring and exuberant.
DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE'S HEIR is, in a way, a very simple story: a proper aristocrat looking to marry the woman Society expects him to choose, and a young woman determined to see her siblings happy, and who realises she is ready to start living again.There is nothing pedestrian about this novel; think of it as tea and cakes. The quality of the ingredients, the preparation, the service, and the company make a world of difference. DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE'S HEIR is exquisite, charming, heartbreaking, and witty; it embodies everything I look for in historical romance. We have two very strong, very complex and compelling main characters supported by an equally solid supporting cast, mainly the Beauchamps and the Lovejoys. The relationships are intricate and feel genuine; the environment and social milieu crisply defined; and the author's knowledge of the Regency era and the aristocracy are a joy for the discerning reader. Pertinent little details also add to the atmosphere, such as dripping umbrellas; too many authors seem to forget that it rains in England. The romance is a magnificent slow burn, as Dominic's heart battles with his reason, and Liberty wishes for a love that might forever remain unrequited, but she does what she can to try to make that proud, stubborn man see reason. The romance is close to absolute perfection: just the right amount of immediate attraction to be believable; credible hesitations on both sides; meaningful conversations highlighted by exceptionally witty banter, and what is primordial: seeing and feeling Dominic and Liberty acknowledging the inevitable. And did Dominic ever have some growing up to do! I found the hurdles this proper Marquess had to overcome so much more interesting than those of the ubiquitous rogues.
DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE'S HEIR is a marvel of intelligent storytelling: so subtle, so nuanced, rich and deep, and utterly captivating because of the glorious prose and the outstanding dialogues. I loved how Liberty and Dominic are a positive influence on each other, how they become better adjusted individuals, how they grow and learn to love, be loved, and be happy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Dominic had appeared briefly in book 1 of The Beauchamp Heirs, and The Beauchamp Betrothals, and he intrigued me to no end: so proper, so serious, so reserved and so different from his siblings, Alex and Olivia. I find it admirable that Janice Preston saw fit to leave him exactly as he we had seen him; Dominic hasn't changed, and he is not an easy man to understand. I am also thrilled that both Dominic and Liberty are good, kind, honourable people, and that they are far from boring. Liberty is just as proper as Dominic, but definitely more daring and exuberant.
DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE'S HEIR is, in a way, a very simple story: a proper aristocrat looking to marry the woman Society expects him to choose, and a young woman determined to see her siblings happy, and who realises she is ready to start living again.There is nothing pedestrian about this novel; think of it as tea and cakes. The quality of the ingredients, the preparation, the service, and the company make a world of difference. DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE'S HEIR is exquisite, charming, heartbreaking, and witty; it embodies everything I look for in historical romance. We have two very strong, very complex and compelling main characters supported by an equally solid supporting cast, mainly the Beauchamps and the Lovejoys. The relationships are intricate and feel genuine; the environment and social milieu crisply defined; and the author's knowledge of the Regency era and the aristocracy are a joy for the discerning reader. Pertinent little details also add to the atmosphere, such as dripping umbrellas; too many authors seem to forget that it rains in England. The romance is a magnificent slow burn, as Dominic's heart battles with his reason, and Liberty wishes for a love that might forever remain unrequited, but she does what she can to try to make that proud, stubborn man see reason. The romance is close to absolute perfection: just the right amount of immediate attraction to be believable; credible hesitations on both sides; meaningful conversations highlighted by exceptionally witty banter, and what is primordial: seeing and feeling Dominic and Liberty acknowledging the inevitable. And did Dominic ever have some growing up to do! I found the hurdles this proper Marquess had to overcome so much more interesting than those of the ubiquitous rogues.
DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE'S HEIR is a marvel of intelligent storytelling: so subtle, so nuanced, rich and deep, and utterly captivating because of the glorious prose and the outstanding dialogues. I loved how Liberty and Dominic are a positive influence on each other, how they become better adjusted individuals, how they grow and learn to love, be loved, and be happy.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced reader copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
December 22, 2020
3.75 stars. Nice story.
June 16, 2019
Well, Janice Preston you have just blown me away, this is stunning. I don’t think that I have the capacity to truly do this book justice, would it be OK if I just sat here shouting “Amazing! Gorgeous!…I loooovvvve it!!!” or something along the lines of; “OMG, Dom, Swooooon!” do you think I could get away with that as a review?
I have been so looking forward to this book, ever since we were first introduced to the Beauchamp’s way back…honestly, there was something about those Beauchamp children that ignited my interest, your heart went out to them and then you fell in love with them. It feels like an age since I last had a Beauchamp in my hands – not literally, unfortunately; but Dom or Alex if your ever in Yorkshire, you know where I am 😉
This is the second book in the ‘Beauchamp Heirs’ mini series, set four years on from the previous book, we have the eldest and heir to the Dukedom; Dominick Beauchamp but don’t fear if you haven’t read the first book you, you can read these very easily as stand-a-lone’s, each sibling has their own glorious story to tell and I cannot wait for Alex, I just know that he is going to not only steal my heart but he just break it too.
The story opens with Liberty Lovejoy (Is that the best name for a heroine, or what? I love it, we need more names like this in the world) she is on her way to confront the mighty Duke of Cheriton about his son; Alex’s behaviour. She is worried that the insufferable rake is leading her darling brother; Gideon astray. Gideon has just inherited the Earldom of Wendover, but now he is throwing all caution to the wind and blowing the money, left right and centre. Liberty blames Alex Beauchamp completely for her brothers transgression from the caring and considerate brother she loves to the wild and careless rake he has become. You have to give Liberty a round of applause for her pluck, she is desperate so she goes to the one person who can sort out the young buck, only problem once she arrives at the Duke’s grand house she finds her self face to face with a different man.
That scene where she basically accosts him in his own home is so funny, she hasn’t got any scruples about what is proper all she knows is that this man could help and she will damn well wear him down until he does. She thinks that Dom is arrogant and a bit too fond of himself and his position, yet she can’t deny just how much she is drawn toward the hulking Lord Avon, even though he does drive her crazy.
Dominic is astounded to find a beautiful is a little shabby woman standing at his fathers door, he is equally taken back by her outspoken and rather blunt way of speaking to him she is like a breathe of fresh air, even though she does rub him up the wrong way. Especially bringing her problems to his doorstep, but he knows his brother’s antics he knows that Alex can and does go way of the rails as he has before and Dom not wanting to bring his father back to town and get Alex into further trouble he decides to look into the mater himself. As if he hasn’t got enough to do, especially as he has chosen that moment to start looking for the perfect wife and fulfill his duty as the heir. Even though he has his list of perfect candidates who would be the perfect future Duchess of Cheriton he can’t hide the fact that he is rather taken with a certain protective hellcat.
I really like how their romance evolves over the length of the story, it’s not meet and then boom straight into bed, no its a slow progression to their happy ending, both have obvious feelings for the other, yet they are a bit disillusioned by their difference in stations. I think that this is a real genuine love story, you have two passionate, caring and honourable individuals who in some way are flawed into thinking that they don’t deserve love or that love just isn’t for them. The way Ms Preston has made them open their hearts to what they feel and what they truly deserve is a beautiful piece of wiring, she has captured every human emotion and entwined it so naturally into a story that is ll about two people finding their way to love.
Even though Dom’s personality isn’t my usual type, I always find heirs who have been groomed to be the Duke they can at times be a little on the stiff side, but he just grabbed my attention. He made me love him with his sincerity, his charisma, his loyalty and love for his family, his gentleness and unrelenting want to do right.
What really makes this book stand apart from others is the interaction between Liberty and Dom, they have this energy that is intoxicating, there is something very magical about them as a individuals, they bicker and make up, they have the best chemistry that I have come across, even when they don’t see eye to eye – which is quiet often in the beginning, they have great banter, at times I did wonder if they were ever going to get on with it and finally declare their feelings – I love a good declaration between couples.
Oh, the ending!! My goodness, that is pure class, honestly Janice Preston is the master of the movie-esque ending. It is perfect for Liberty and Dom, and I did fall in love with Dom that little bit more – if that was even possible.
This is such a gorgeous love story, its rich in emotional and heartfelt passion, the everyday internal conflict of each character is laid bare for all to see and it is all the more heart-warming as we readers watch these two finally find their happiness. Yes, it does give you a real warm glow at the end and I did feel like shouting ‘I told you so’ to both Liberty and Dom.
Perfect!!
I have been so looking forward to this book, ever since we were first introduced to the Beauchamp’s way back…honestly, there was something about those Beauchamp children that ignited my interest, your heart went out to them and then you fell in love with them. It feels like an age since I last had a Beauchamp in my hands – not literally, unfortunately; but Dom or Alex if your ever in Yorkshire, you know where I am 😉
This is the second book in the ‘Beauchamp Heirs’ mini series, set four years on from the previous book, we have the eldest and heir to the Dukedom; Dominick Beauchamp but don’t fear if you haven’t read the first book you, you can read these very easily as stand-a-lone’s, each sibling has their own glorious story to tell and I cannot wait for Alex, I just know that he is going to not only steal my heart but he just break it too.
The story opens with Liberty Lovejoy (Is that the best name for a heroine, or what? I love it, we need more names like this in the world) she is on her way to confront the mighty Duke of Cheriton about his son; Alex’s behaviour. She is worried that the insufferable rake is leading her darling brother; Gideon astray. Gideon has just inherited the Earldom of Wendover, but now he is throwing all caution to the wind and blowing the money, left right and centre. Liberty blames Alex Beauchamp completely for her brothers transgression from the caring and considerate brother she loves to the wild and careless rake he has become. You have to give Liberty a round of applause for her pluck, she is desperate so she goes to the one person who can sort out the young buck, only problem once she arrives at the Duke’s grand house she finds her self face to face with a different man.
That scene where she basically accosts him in his own home is so funny, she hasn’t got any scruples about what is proper all she knows is that this man could help and she will damn well wear him down until he does. She thinks that Dom is arrogant and a bit too fond of himself and his position, yet she can’t deny just how much she is drawn toward the hulking Lord Avon, even though he does drive her crazy.
Dominic is astounded to find a beautiful is a little shabby woman standing at his fathers door, he is equally taken back by her outspoken and rather blunt way of speaking to him she is like a breathe of fresh air, even though she does rub him up the wrong way. Especially bringing her problems to his doorstep, but he knows his brother’s antics he knows that Alex can and does go way of the rails as he has before and Dom not wanting to bring his father back to town and get Alex into further trouble he decides to look into the mater himself. As if he hasn’t got enough to do, especially as he has chosen that moment to start looking for the perfect wife and fulfill his duty as the heir. Even though he has his list of perfect candidates who would be the perfect future Duchess of Cheriton he can’t hide the fact that he is rather taken with a certain protective hellcat.
I really like how their romance evolves over the length of the story, it’s not meet and then boom straight into bed, no its a slow progression to their happy ending, both have obvious feelings for the other, yet they are a bit disillusioned by their difference in stations. I think that this is a real genuine love story, you have two passionate, caring and honourable individuals who in some way are flawed into thinking that they don’t deserve love or that love just isn’t for them. The way Ms Preston has made them open their hearts to what they feel and what they truly deserve is a beautiful piece of wiring, she has captured every human emotion and entwined it so naturally into a story that is ll about two people finding their way to love.
Even though Dom’s personality isn’t my usual type, I always find heirs who have been groomed to be the Duke they can at times be a little on the stiff side, but he just grabbed my attention. He made me love him with his sincerity, his charisma, his loyalty and love for his family, his gentleness and unrelenting want to do right.
What really makes this book stand apart from others is the interaction between Liberty and Dom, they have this energy that is intoxicating, there is something very magical about them as a individuals, they bicker and make up, they have the best chemistry that I have come across, even when they don’t see eye to eye – which is quiet often in the beginning, they have great banter, at times I did wonder if they were ever going to get on with it and finally declare their feelings – I love a good declaration between couples.
Oh, the ending!! My goodness, that is pure class, honestly Janice Preston is the master of the movie-esque ending. It is perfect for Liberty and Dom, and I did fall in love with Dom that little bit more – if that was even possible.
This is such a gorgeous love story, its rich in emotional and heartfelt passion, the everyday internal conflict of each character is laid bare for all to see and it is all the more heart-warming as we readers watch these two finally find their happiness. Yes, it does give you a real warm glow at the end and I did feel like shouting ‘I told you so’ to both Liberty and Dom.
Perfect!!
June 27, 2019
Daring To Love The Duke's Heir is the second book in The Beauchamp Heirs series by Janice Preston. It can be read as a standalone but if you haven't read the first book then I am sure you will want to after reading this one!
Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon has decided it's time that he married. On her death bed, his mother made him promise that he would only marry a proper lady, a pureblood aristocrat who will only bring good things to the marriage. Keeping that in mind he makes a list of women that he deems suitable and sets himself up for a marriage of convenience when he can choose which woman he wants.
Liberty Lovejoy is the sister of Hope and Verity, and of Gideon who is now the Earl of Wendover. It's a title that was totally unexpected but when distant relatives passed away the title had to come to him. From living normal lives without putting on airs and graces to fit in with London's Society to becoming a part of the aforementioned society. Of course, there will always be some people who make it known that as they come from a working-class background they will never be true aristocrats.
Gideon becomes a little wild after his inheritance especially since he now has a lot of money to spend. He befriends Dominic's brother Alex, and together they go a little wild. Liberty is afraid that he will make bad decisions, gamble too much, and ruin any chance her sisters have of making a good match. With that in mind, she is determined to see Alex's father and ask him to control his son and to stop leading her brother astray. Instead of having words with that man, she ends up having them with Dominic.
From first sight, there is an instant attraction between them one that Dominic must not act on. He has his list of potential brides and must stick to choosing his wife from there. The problem is that the more he sees of Liberty in her pursuit of making sure his brother doesn't lead her brother astray, the more he finds things to really like about her.
They fight the good fight not to give in to their attraction but when they do, even knowing there is no future for them, the sparks fly from the page. They are so perfect for each other. It's just a shame that duty and his promise to his mother prevent him from giving in to his heart and asking the woman of his dreams to marry him. Or can she convince him that she is the only woman for him?
I adored this story, it was fast-paced, but it had the perfect amount of conflict with equal amounts of sigh-worthy moments. I enjoyed watching Liberty and Dominic fall for each other and battle the attraction. I equally enjoyed his search for his mother's idea of a perfect wife, bless him for wanting to fulfil her death-bed wish. He is such a good son and brother. I desperately wanted him to have his happy ending. I wasn't disappointed!
Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon has decided it's time that he married. On her death bed, his mother made him promise that he would only marry a proper lady, a pureblood aristocrat who will only bring good things to the marriage. Keeping that in mind he makes a list of women that he deems suitable and sets himself up for a marriage of convenience when he can choose which woman he wants.
Liberty Lovejoy is the sister of Hope and Verity, and of Gideon who is now the Earl of Wendover. It's a title that was totally unexpected but when distant relatives passed away the title had to come to him. From living normal lives without putting on airs and graces to fit in with London's Society to becoming a part of the aforementioned society. Of course, there will always be some people who make it known that as they come from a working-class background they will never be true aristocrats.
Gideon becomes a little wild after his inheritance especially since he now has a lot of money to spend. He befriends Dominic's brother Alex, and together they go a little wild. Liberty is afraid that he will make bad decisions, gamble too much, and ruin any chance her sisters have of making a good match. With that in mind, she is determined to see Alex's father and ask him to control his son and to stop leading her brother astray. Instead of having words with that man, she ends up having them with Dominic.
From first sight, there is an instant attraction between them one that Dominic must not act on. He has his list of potential brides and must stick to choosing his wife from there. The problem is that the more he sees of Liberty in her pursuit of making sure his brother doesn't lead her brother astray, the more he finds things to really like about her.
They fight the good fight not to give in to their attraction but when they do, even knowing there is no future for them, the sparks fly from the page. They are so perfect for each other. It's just a shame that duty and his promise to his mother prevent him from giving in to his heart and asking the woman of his dreams to marry him. Or can she convince him that she is the only woman for him?
I adored this story, it was fast-paced, but it had the perfect amount of conflict with equal amounts of sigh-worthy moments. I enjoyed watching Liberty and Dominic fall for each other and battle the attraction. I equally enjoyed his search for his mother's idea of a perfect wife, bless him for wanting to fulfil her death-bed wish. He is such a good son and brother. I desperately wanted him to have his happy ending. I wasn't disappointed!
July 6, 2019
Brave at heart, Liberty Lovejoy is such a wonderful character. She is infuriatingly conscious of the world around her and will do what she has to do for her family. Dominic turns Liberty’s life upside down and the romantic spark between them is just the cherry on top of it all! A gorgeous, vivid story that I’ll surely be rereading!
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
Highly Recommended
5 Stars
June 26, 2019
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is the second book in author Janice Preston’s "The Beauchamp Heirs" series. I have to confess, I absolutely love Leo Beauchamp the Duke of Cheriton, he’s one of my all-time favorite heroes of Ms. Preston’s. So knowing that she was continuing the Beauchamp family stories with Leo’s children made me one extremely happy reader! I have been patiently waiting for Dominic’s story and it was everything I hoped it would be and more!
Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon takes himself and his position as heir to the Dukedom very seriously. He’s always set high expectations for himself. He feels it’s his duty to make his father proud, uphold the family name and to always behave as befitting a duke. So it comes as no surprise that he’s compiled a list of seven potential brides to consider, now that he’s decided to marry.
Liberty Lovejoy is desperate to save her twin brother Gideon. She believes Lord Alexander Beauchamp is leading her brother astray and goes to Beauchamp house to confront the Duke of Cheriton about his son Alexander. A case of mistaken identity has Liberty confronting Dominic instead.
Oh my, this was an absolute delight to read! Once I started it, I had a difficult time putting it down. I love the fact that Dominic was affected by Liberty from their very first meeting. But being Dominic and the Duke’s heir he knows she’s off limits and would never be acceptable to be his wife and future Duchess. But his feelings for her definitely catches him off guard. Besides feelings of lust, he actually starts to admire her and enjoy her company, and he feels his well-planned life going off course. Liberty was such a fun, lovable character. She’s stubborn and determined to make sure her family is safe. She’s devoted her life to her family ever since her parents and fiancé died five years ago. But lately, she’s felt lonely and dreams of finding love again. I absolutely loved the teasing and banter between them. Dominic shows a side to Liberty that only his family sees and I'll admit he's as charming as I knew he could be. As these two form an unlikely friendship, both yearn for what they know can never be. They were such a sweet couple together and I couldn't help but root for Dominic to finally come to the realization she was the one he needed.
I honestly can't describe how much I loved this book! I was so happy to see the Beauchamp siblings and Leo make an appearance in this story. And oh my… the ending! Ms. Preston gave us an absolutely perfect ending! I highly recommend this book along with all the books from The Beauchamp Betrothals & The Beauchamp Heirs series.
Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon takes himself and his position as heir to the Dukedom very seriously. He’s always set high expectations for himself. He feels it’s his duty to make his father proud, uphold the family name and to always behave as befitting a duke. So it comes as no surprise that he’s compiled a list of seven potential brides to consider, now that he’s decided to marry.
Liberty Lovejoy is desperate to save her twin brother Gideon. She believes Lord Alexander Beauchamp is leading her brother astray and goes to Beauchamp house to confront the Duke of Cheriton about his son Alexander. A case of mistaken identity has Liberty confronting Dominic instead.
Oh my, this was an absolute delight to read! Once I started it, I had a difficult time putting it down. I love the fact that Dominic was affected by Liberty from their very first meeting. But being Dominic and the Duke’s heir he knows she’s off limits and would never be acceptable to be his wife and future Duchess. But his feelings for her definitely catches him off guard. Besides feelings of lust, he actually starts to admire her and enjoy her company, and he feels his well-planned life going off course. Liberty was such a fun, lovable character. She’s stubborn and determined to make sure her family is safe. She’s devoted her life to her family ever since her parents and fiancé died five years ago. But lately, she’s felt lonely and dreams of finding love again. I absolutely loved the teasing and banter between them. Dominic shows a side to Liberty that only his family sees and I'll admit he's as charming as I knew he could be. As these two form an unlikely friendship, both yearn for what they know can never be. They were such a sweet couple together and I couldn't help but root for Dominic to finally come to the realization she was the one he needed.
I honestly can't describe how much I loved this book! I was so happy to see the Beauchamp siblings and Leo make an appearance in this story. And oh my… the ending! Ms. Preston gave us an absolutely perfect ending! I highly recommend this book along with all the books from The Beauchamp Betrothals & The Beauchamp Heirs series.
June 22, 2019
This was such a good read, I just couldn’t put it down. I loved the character of Liberty, she had such a caring nature and was brave, particularly when looking out for her family. Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon, was looking for a wife but needs someone of impeccable lineage and behaviour. Dominic has two sides, one the gentleman who does nothing wrong and then the other side, where he teases his siblings and has a charitable endeavour. Liberty has a grandfather in trade and is new to the aristocracy so is unsuitable for his wife but oh! do they have an attraction. I enjoyed the banter between the siblings and the family live they had for each other. I would love to read about Dominic’s brother, hope he gets his story. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
July 10, 2019
Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon, is a powerful duke’s heir and it’s his duty to marry well. His bride must have impeccable breeding, manners and grace. So he makes a list of names. Then he meets Liberty Lovejoy who’s like a breath of fresh air she’s from a merchant background, too bold & forthright. They are constantly thrown together & their attraction grows as does their friendship. Liberty also becomes friends with Dom’s sister Olivia.
An engrossing read of the straight laced upstanding Marquis falling for the almost spinster, I loved their verbal spats & they way he was so drawn to her but insisted he’d marry for duty. I loved both Dom & Berty who were so right for each other & the road to their HEA was highly entertaining, his speech at his parent’s ball was lovely & brought a tear to my eye
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
An engrossing read of the straight laced upstanding Marquis falling for the almost spinster, I loved their verbal spats & they way he was so drawn to her but insisted he’d marry for duty. I loved both Dom & Berty who were so right for each other & the road to their HEA was highly entertaining, his speech at his parent’s ball was lovely & brought a tear to my eye
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 2, 2019
Following the heart over the head.
As my first read by Mrs Janice Preston, I might say I was enchanted.
Dominic and Liberty’s story entranced me from the very beginning. They are such lovable characters, despite their choices of action, I was never upset at them. It was their path, the one they needed to grow up m, the mistakes they had to do to comprehend where they were heading.
Dominic Beauchamp, the Marquess Of Avon has always behaved as the perfect Duke’s Heir. Never walking astray and because of wrong notions ingrained since his childhood by an uncaring and selfish mother, he is now looking for the perfect bride-to-be, one of perfect manner and breeding. Not once he questioned his duties, following them to the letter until a Miss Liberty Lovejoy stumbled at his door’s steps and shattered everything, leaving him with more doubts than certainties.
Liberty, since the sad event which has stolen her betrothed and her parents’ life, she became and overprotective mother’s hen to her two younger siblings and can’t stand to watch her bother lose himself in the sins of the London ton. Nor did she expected to feel reawakened after her first encounter with Avon. He stirs feelings she thought dead with her late fiancé.
Their tale is one of an unconventional wooing, as they come from enemies to friends, each very protective about their family. And it is said family which will bring them closer as they are not so unlike.
They both make their kin comes first, why they can appear rather overbearing when they think only to shield those they love. They are caring souls, not only contented with their inner circle happiness, they try also to better the world in their own way.
Liberty is such a wonderful woman, she knows she does not fill the qualities of the perfect lady from Dominic’s list, that she might never have his love but she wants only his happiness and tries at every turn, to see make him see the wrongness of his way, to let him choose with his heart. Dominic is so willing to be the perfect heir, he lost in the process the right objective, by needing to fulfill his carefree and self-centered late mother egoistical demand, he did not understood how wrong it was to select a future bride relying only on their blue-blood and haughty manners.
The narration was so perfectly paced, that smoothly they became friends, true friends until they were more and needed more from the other.
Now I need to get the previous books about this family.
As my first read by Mrs Janice Preston, I might say I was enchanted.
Dominic and Liberty’s story entranced me from the very beginning. They are such lovable characters, despite their choices of action, I was never upset at them. It was their path, the one they needed to grow up m, the mistakes they had to do to comprehend where they were heading.
Dominic Beauchamp, the Marquess Of Avon has always behaved as the perfect Duke’s Heir. Never walking astray and because of wrong notions ingrained since his childhood by an uncaring and selfish mother, he is now looking for the perfect bride-to-be, one of perfect manner and breeding. Not once he questioned his duties, following them to the letter until a Miss Liberty Lovejoy stumbled at his door’s steps and shattered everything, leaving him with more doubts than certainties.
Liberty, since the sad event which has stolen her betrothed and her parents’ life, she became and overprotective mother’s hen to her two younger siblings and can’t stand to watch her bother lose himself in the sins of the London ton. Nor did she expected to feel reawakened after her first encounter with Avon. He stirs feelings she thought dead with her late fiancé.
Their tale is one of an unconventional wooing, as they come from enemies to friends, each very protective about their family. And it is said family which will bring them closer as they are not so unlike.
They both make their kin comes first, why they can appear rather overbearing when they think only to shield those they love. They are caring souls, not only contented with their inner circle happiness, they try also to better the world in their own way.
Liberty is such a wonderful woman, she knows she does not fill the qualities of the perfect lady from Dominic’s list, that she might never have his love but she wants only his happiness and tries at every turn, to see make him see the wrongness of his way, to let him choose with his heart. Dominic is so willing to be the perfect heir, he lost in the process the right objective, by needing to fulfill his carefree and self-centered late mother egoistical demand, he did not understood how wrong it was to select a future bride relying only on their blue-blood and haughty manners.
The narration was so perfectly paced, that smoothly they became friends, true friends until they were more and needed more from the other.
Now I need to get the previous books about this family.
June 15, 2019
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is book 2 of The Beauchamp Heirs Series by Janice Preston. I have thoroughly enjoyed this book. Preston sprinkles just the right amount of romance and humor into her stories. I fell in love with the hero Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon almost immediately. His desire to please his family and to honor his mother’s last wish is understandable, but it puts his ability to find true happiness at risk. Liberty Lovejoy is a hoot. Her spontaneous actions often put her and her siblings in jeopardy. I enjoyed the back and forth bickering between Liberty and Dominic. And I loved the growing attraction between the two. “Nerves fluttered deep in her belly as she got her first good look at his pale silvery gray eyes and the utter confidence they conveyed. And why should they not? Not only was he the son of one of the most powerful Dukes in the land but he was sinfully, classically handsome with a straight nose, sharp cheekbones and a beautifully sculpted mouth above a determined chin. Those silvery eyes of his seemed to penetrate deep inside her and yet they were as opaque as a silver coin, revealing no hint of his thoughts.”
You can’t go wrong reading Preston’s work. Every book is a wonderful ride. I was gifted a copy of this book.
You can’t go wrong reading Preston’s work. Every book is a wonderful ride. I was gifted a copy of this book.
October 31, 2019
Before I get to this review, I need to take a moment to gush about the cover. I’m not usually interested in book covers, but I really do love this one! It fits the story perfectly.
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is an ‘opposites attract’ romance between Liberty Lovejoy and Dominic, the Marquess of Avon. And right from their first meeting, the gloriously named Liberty utterly confounds and confuses him.
Liberty is a kind of free spirit, she’s spontaneous, fun, yet single-minded in her worry for her family. And so utterly unsuitable to be considered as a possible bride.
The starchy, aloof, and perfectly correct Dominic is conscious of his duty to his name. He’s expected to marry well - which usually meant marrying a lady of impeccable lineage and breeding, like his own. A duty he struggles with once Liberty erupts into his life without warning.
The interplay between these two engaging and likeable characters is marvellous. They are two completely different people, and the complexity of attraction between them creates a credible chemistry that positively crackles and leaps off the page.
It’s beautifully written, and wonderfully told; a fun, enjoyable, and emotional read.
PS, Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is the second book in the Beauchamp Heirs, and part of the wider Beauchamp series. It can be read as a standalone, but once you’ve read it, you may want to get Ms Preston’s other Beauchamp books too.
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is an ‘opposites attract’ romance between Liberty Lovejoy and Dominic, the Marquess of Avon. And right from their first meeting, the gloriously named Liberty utterly confounds and confuses him.
Liberty is a kind of free spirit, she’s spontaneous, fun, yet single-minded in her worry for her family. And so utterly unsuitable to be considered as a possible bride.
The starchy, aloof, and perfectly correct Dominic is conscious of his duty to his name. He’s expected to marry well - which usually meant marrying a lady of impeccable lineage and breeding, like his own. A duty he struggles with once Liberty erupts into his life without warning.
The interplay between these two engaging and likeable characters is marvellous. They are two completely different people, and the complexity of attraction between them creates a credible chemistry that positively crackles and leaps off the page.
It’s beautifully written, and wonderfully told; a fun, enjoyable, and emotional read.
PS, Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir is the second book in the Beauchamp Heirs, and part of the wider Beauchamp series. It can be read as a standalone, but once you’ve read it, you may want to get Ms Preston’s other Beauchamp books too.
June 27, 2019
“Who in their right mind would have a list of candidates for a wife?”
Dominic Beauchamp may have decided to chose a wife in the upcoming Season, but, an unexpected meeting with the wonderfully named Liberty Lovejoy is about to change his life in ways he could never imagine in this latest instalment of Janice Preston’s excellent series of books about the Beauchamp family.
From the outset, it is clear that Liberty is not your average society lady, and she first meets Dominic by inviting herself into him home and, thinking him to be his wayward brother, Alex, proceeds to confront him about leading her brother astray. Needless to say, sparks fly, and Dominic soon finds himself thinking too much about Liberty and trying to ignore his growing fascination with her; after all, a suitable future duchess she isn’t.
What I love about Janice Preston’s writing style is that she creates loveable characters who you really do care about as the story progresses, and here is no exception as you can’t help but love the joy that Liberty brings to proceedings, disrupting Dominic’s neatly ordered life, and his resolute plan to fine a suitable wife in order to honour his late mother’s wishes. By throwing Liberty into his life, fate has other ideas, and it is fascinating to follow Dominic’s struggle to reconcile what he wants from a wife, and what he could have if only he could let his guard down - honourable as his intentions may be, there does come a point where you almost want to yell at him to stop going on about finding a convenient and perfect wife and realise what is right in front of him.
Thankfully, the author has also created some wonderful supporting characters to assist Dom and Liberty in their story including Dominic’s brilliant sister, Olivia (if you haven’t already read it, she has an excellent story of her own in ‘Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake’), and her husband, Hugo, as well as Liberty’s sisters, Hope and Verity. With a healthy dose of good humour as Dom’s list of brides comes to the foreground, the plot takes an entertaining course through balls and promenading through the park as we meet (and mentally cross of the list...) the assorted candidates. Indeed, there is a wonderful moment where Liberty describes one as being so cold she could “freeze a stream of lava mid flow!”
For a man who lives by the rules of his life, Dominic’s realisation that he is falling for Liberty is surprising, but fits in with his character as the story progresses, and let’s just say the end is perfect and beautifully told.
As regular readers will know, the author likes to have characters from her previously books appear, and it is nice to see Leo and Rosalind, Richard and Felicity and Olivia and Hugo and follow up on what happened after their books ended. There are also enough hints about Alexander to intrigue the reader as to what may become of him when we get his story later in the year, and Verity and Hope Lovejoy succeed in making enough of an impression that their own stories could follow suit (hint hint, Janice!)
Gloriously romantic, with excellent characters and lots of humour, this is another wonderful romance from Janice Preston and I look forward to the next instalment of the Beauchamp series.
Thank you to Janice Preston for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
Dominic Beauchamp may have decided to chose a wife in the upcoming Season, but, an unexpected meeting with the wonderfully named Liberty Lovejoy is about to change his life in ways he could never imagine in this latest instalment of Janice Preston’s excellent series of books about the Beauchamp family.
From the outset, it is clear that Liberty is not your average society lady, and she first meets Dominic by inviting herself into him home and, thinking him to be his wayward brother, Alex, proceeds to confront him about leading her brother astray. Needless to say, sparks fly, and Dominic soon finds himself thinking too much about Liberty and trying to ignore his growing fascination with her; after all, a suitable future duchess she isn’t.
What I love about Janice Preston’s writing style is that she creates loveable characters who you really do care about as the story progresses, and here is no exception as you can’t help but love the joy that Liberty brings to proceedings, disrupting Dominic’s neatly ordered life, and his resolute plan to fine a suitable wife in order to honour his late mother’s wishes. By throwing Liberty into his life, fate has other ideas, and it is fascinating to follow Dominic’s struggle to reconcile what he wants from a wife, and what he could have if only he could let his guard down - honourable as his intentions may be, there does come a point where you almost want to yell at him to stop going on about finding a convenient and perfect wife and realise what is right in front of him.
Thankfully, the author has also created some wonderful supporting characters to assist Dom and Liberty in their story including Dominic’s brilliant sister, Olivia (if you haven’t already read it, she has an excellent story of her own in ‘Lady Olivia and the Infamous Rake’), and her husband, Hugo, as well as Liberty’s sisters, Hope and Verity. With a healthy dose of good humour as Dom’s list of brides comes to the foreground, the plot takes an entertaining course through balls and promenading through the park as we meet (and mentally cross of the list...) the assorted candidates. Indeed, there is a wonderful moment where Liberty describes one as being so cold she could “freeze a stream of lava mid flow!”
For a man who lives by the rules of his life, Dominic’s realisation that he is falling for Liberty is surprising, but fits in with his character as the story progresses, and let’s just say the end is perfect and beautifully told.
As regular readers will know, the author likes to have characters from her previously books appear, and it is nice to see Leo and Rosalind, Richard and Felicity and Olivia and Hugo and follow up on what happened after their books ended. There are also enough hints about Alexander to intrigue the reader as to what may become of him when we get his story later in the year, and Verity and Hope Lovejoy succeed in making enough of an impression that their own stories could follow suit (hint hint, Janice!)
Gloriously romantic, with excellent characters and lots of humour, this is another wonderful romance from Janice Preston and I look forward to the next instalment of the Beauchamp series.
Thank you to Janice Preston for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review.
July 28, 2019
The second book in ‘The Beauchamp Heirs’ is a delightful read. I like the originality of the plot, the complexities of the heroine and hero, and the cast of characters who bring this story to life. The historical detail and the ethos of living with the expectations and rules of the ‘haute ton’ are cleverly interwoven into a story that explores marrying for love, over the marriage of convenience.
Liberty Lovejoy protects her family at all costs after the loss of their parents and her intended husband to illness. Her meeting with the outwardly proper Lord Avon would leave society’s matron’s gasping, but thankfully he sees beyond her risque actions, to the caring person, who only wants to save her brother from himself and ruin.
Dominic, The Marquess of Avon is to marry, he has a list of likely ladies, but his unexpected encounter with Liberty severely threatens his plans. Both protagonists are damaged by events in their past, especially Dominic, who believes in duty over happiness.
The romance is gentle, the couple like each other, but the love element to their relationship is a surprise to both. The dialogue is witty and often amusing, and the romance as it deepens passionate. The ending is so romantic, almost fairytale-like, but a perfect completion to a lovely story.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
Liberty Lovejoy protects her family at all costs after the loss of their parents and her intended husband to illness. Her meeting with the outwardly proper Lord Avon would leave society’s matron’s gasping, but thankfully he sees beyond her risque actions, to the caring person, who only wants to save her brother from himself and ruin.
Dominic, The Marquess of Avon is to marry, he has a list of likely ladies, but his unexpected encounter with Liberty severely threatens his plans. Both protagonists are damaged by events in their past, especially Dominic, who believes in duty over happiness.
The romance is gentle, the couple like each other, but the love element to their relationship is a surprise to both. The dialogue is witty and often amusing, and the romance as it deepens passionate. The ending is so romantic, almost fairytale-like, but a perfect completion to a lovely story.
I received a copy of this book from Mills and Boon via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
July 10, 2019
This is the second book in the Beauchamp heirs series. The first book in the series is lady Olivia and the infamous rake.
Such a beautiful heartwarming story which I totally feel in love with. There is not one thing I didn't like about this book, I loved everything. The book is so well written that from the first chapter I was hooked and couldn't wait to read on and find out what happened next.
Liberty lovejoy is such a likeable character, and what a name! I love it. When it comes to her family she will do anything, even confront the Duke of Cheriton about his sons ( Alex) behaviour. She is worried that he is leading her brother Gideon astray. Gideon has just inherited the earldom of Wendover and she feels not only has his character changed but he is also gambling and wasting money. But when she arrives at the dukes house she finds herself confronting Dominic Beauchamp, Alex's brother.
I loved the way there relationship slowly builds over the story. Dominic is the eldest son and will inherit his father's dukedom and although he is currently looking for a wife he has very set expectations of what she should be. We all know liberty deffintly won't tick any off these boxes but as his attraction to liberty builds his expectations soon change.
This book totally ticked all the boxes for me topped of by Janice Preston beautiful writing style.
I would definitely recommend this book.
Such a beautiful heartwarming story which I totally feel in love with. There is not one thing I didn't like about this book, I loved everything. The book is so well written that from the first chapter I was hooked and couldn't wait to read on and find out what happened next.
Liberty lovejoy is such a likeable character, and what a name! I love it. When it comes to her family she will do anything, even confront the Duke of Cheriton about his sons ( Alex) behaviour. She is worried that he is leading her brother Gideon astray. Gideon has just inherited the earldom of Wendover and she feels not only has his character changed but he is also gambling and wasting money. But when she arrives at the dukes house she finds herself confronting Dominic Beauchamp, Alex's brother.
I loved the way there relationship slowly builds over the story. Dominic is the eldest son and will inherit his father's dukedom and although he is currently looking for a wife he has very set expectations of what she should be. We all know liberty deffintly won't tick any off these boxes but as his attraction to liberty builds his expectations soon change.
This book totally ticked all the boxes for me topped of by Janice Preston beautiful writing style.
I would definitely recommend this book.
July 5, 2019
Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir…sigh! This book is the second instalment in The Beauchamp Heirs series and I absolutely loved it. The story, the characters, the sexual tension and emotional conflict were superbly crafted.
Dominic, the Marquess of Avon is the perfect heir and so, logically, he decides that his bride must be the perfect marchioness and future duchess. In comes Liberty Lovejoy, the complete opposite of what Dominic is looking for in a bride, but so perfect for him. The depth of the bond that develops between them was super sweet and it was refreshing to read about characters acknowledging their feelings, at least to themselves, about one another earlier in the story, leaving the reader wondering how things will progress between them and how the story will move forward. The secondary characters were brilliant and added drama in just the right places.
The build up of the story and attraction between Dominic and Liberty had me thoroughly gripped. I was eager to see how the story would unfold in this emotional rollercoaster but at the same time wishing it never ends. Ms Preston’s writing is incredibly captivating and leaves you keenly anticipating more.
Dominic, the Marquess of Avon is the perfect heir and so, logically, he decides that his bride must be the perfect marchioness and future duchess. In comes Liberty Lovejoy, the complete opposite of what Dominic is looking for in a bride, but so perfect for him. The depth of the bond that develops between them was super sweet and it was refreshing to read about characters acknowledging their feelings, at least to themselves, about one another earlier in the story, leaving the reader wondering how things will progress between them and how the story will move forward. The secondary characters were brilliant and added drama in just the right places.
The build up of the story and attraction between Dominic and Liberty had me thoroughly gripped. I was eager to see how the story would unfold in this emotional rollercoaster but at the same time wishing it never ends. Ms Preston’s writing is incredibly captivating and leaves you keenly anticipating more.
September 30, 2019
As reviewed at Roses Are Blue: https://wp.me/p3QRh4-Za
Liberty Lovejoy and her twin brother, Gideon, have always been close, but even more so over the last five years. When their parents died, they were only nineteen, yet took on the task of raising their younger sisters, Hope and Verity, and trying to make a success of their country estate. When Gideon unexpectedly inherits a wealthy earldom, he takes his sisters to London to provide a season for them. Unfortunately, the heady experience has seemed to turn Gideon’s head and he’s not the same person. He’s taken up drinking, gambling, and carousing, and the closeness he once shared with Liberty is gone. Liberty knows that he is spending much time in the company of Alexander Beauchamp, who she believes is the one leading him astray. Hoping to prevent Gideon’s ruin, Liberty decides to confront Alexander’s father, the Duke of Cheriton, and request that he rein in his wayward son.
Liberty, unaware of the social faux pas she is committing, goes to Cheriton’s home, only to encounter his oldest son and heir, Dominic, Marquess Avon. Liberty is outspoken and abrupt. When she learns the duke is away from town, she imposes on Avon to rein in his younger brother, which hopefully will curb Gideon’s wildness. Avon is as proper as a man can be. He’s the perfect son, the perfect duke-in-training, and the perfect society gentleman. He’s torn between amusement at Liberty’s name, and anger at her for coming to a man’s home uninvited and unchaperoned. The man in him is very aware of Liberty’s curves and attractiveness, though he’s careful not to show it. He tries to assure Liberty that most young men go a little wild at first, and then settle down. He also agrees to talk to his brother.
Early in this story, I was very unhappy with Liberty’s actions, shaking my head at some of the things she did and finding her overbearing. I was sure I was not going to like her. Oh, was I wrong! It became clear that Liberty wasn’t concerned for herself, but truly for her family. She didn’t want Gideon to lose his fortune, or to have his bad reputation filter down to her younger sisters. She only wanted their happiness and secure futures. Once she relaxed, her genuine charming personality began to show.
Avon, ever mindful of his duty, has decided that it’s time to find the perfect wife for himself – a high ranking socialite of good breeding, one who will be a superior duchess when that time comes. He actually prepares a list of ladies to focus his attentions on, determined to have come to a decision by the time his father returns to town. While Avon may have prepared his list, he didn’t prepare himself for his feelings for the most unsuitable Liberty. Aside from his physical reaction to her, he enjoys her outspokenness, her opinions, and her caring nature. All the other candidates seem to fade into a pale, boring blur compared to Liberty.
While Avon is proper and dutiful, he’s not a stick in the mud, especially with his family and with Liberty. Soon they are comfortably in a first-name, teasing relationship, which they both call “friendship.” The undercurrents between them fairly sizzle, and they are constantly seeking each other out. When passion finally overtakes them, Avon proposes, as any proper gentleman would do. But Liberty doesn’t want a dutiful proposal. She wants to be freely chosen and loved for herself. Will they find a way to be together?
DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE’S HEIR is such an outstanding love story! I loved both Liberty and Avon, and their developing romance. I kept cheering for Avon to get past a childhood promise he made to his deceased mother, and to embrace happiness and joy. I feel this book is Janice Preston’s best writing to date, as the ballroom scene at the end nearly took my breath away. The chemistry, the characters, and the pacing were all perfect, making this a book for my keeper shelf, and one that I most heartily recommend.
Liberty Lovejoy and her twin brother, Gideon, have always been close, but even more so over the last five years. When their parents died, they were only nineteen, yet took on the task of raising their younger sisters, Hope and Verity, and trying to make a success of their country estate. When Gideon unexpectedly inherits a wealthy earldom, he takes his sisters to London to provide a season for them. Unfortunately, the heady experience has seemed to turn Gideon’s head and he’s not the same person. He’s taken up drinking, gambling, and carousing, and the closeness he once shared with Liberty is gone. Liberty knows that he is spending much time in the company of Alexander Beauchamp, who she believes is the one leading him astray. Hoping to prevent Gideon’s ruin, Liberty decides to confront Alexander’s father, the Duke of Cheriton, and request that he rein in his wayward son.
Liberty, unaware of the social faux pas she is committing, goes to Cheriton’s home, only to encounter his oldest son and heir, Dominic, Marquess Avon. Liberty is outspoken and abrupt. When she learns the duke is away from town, she imposes on Avon to rein in his younger brother, which hopefully will curb Gideon’s wildness. Avon is as proper as a man can be. He’s the perfect son, the perfect duke-in-training, and the perfect society gentleman. He’s torn between amusement at Liberty’s name, and anger at her for coming to a man’s home uninvited and unchaperoned. The man in him is very aware of Liberty’s curves and attractiveness, though he’s careful not to show it. He tries to assure Liberty that most young men go a little wild at first, and then settle down. He also agrees to talk to his brother.
Early in this story, I was very unhappy with Liberty’s actions, shaking my head at some of the things she did and finding her overbearing. I was sure I was not going to like her. Oh, was I wrong! It became clear that Liberty wasn’t concerned for herself, but truly for her family. She didn’t want Gideon to lose his fortune, or to have his bad reputation filter down to her younger sisters. She only wanted their happiness and secure futures. Once she relaxed, her genuine charming personality began to show.
Avon, ever mindful of his duty, has decided that it’s time to find the perfect wife for himself – a high ranking socialite of good breeding, one who will be a superior duchess when that time comes. He actually prepares a list of ladies to focus his attentions on, determined to have come to a decision by the time his father returns to town. While Avon may have prepared his list, he didn’t prepare himself for his feelings for the most unsuitable Liberty. Aside from his physical reaction to her, he enjoys her outspokenness, her opinions, and her caring nature. All the other candidates seem to fade into a pale, boring blur compared to Liberty.
While Avon is proper and dutiful, he’s not a stick in the mud, especially with his family and with Liberty. Soon they are comfortably in a first-name, teasing relationship, which they both call “friendship.” The undercurrents between them fairly sizzle, and they are constantly seeking each other out. When passion finally overtakes them, Avon proposes, as any proper gentleman would do. But Liberty doesn’t want a dutiful proposal. She wants to be freely chosen and loved for herself. Will they find a way to be together?
DARING TO LOVE THE DUKE’S HEIR is such an outstanding love story! I loved both Liberty and Avon, and their developing romance. I kept cheering for Avon to get past a childhood promise he made to his deceased mother, and to embrace happiness and joy. I feel this book is Janice Preston’s best writing to date, as the ballroom scene at the end nearly took my breath away. The chemistry, the characters, and the pacing were all perfect, making this a book for my keeper shelf, and one that I most heartily recommend.
June 24, 2019
Oh this book, sigh! I couldn’t put it down! I really want to leave it there because it will be hard to explain how much I loved this story. I will try though 😉
This is such a wonderful story and a fabulous addition to The Beauchamp Heirs series although it works perfectly well as a standalone too. In this story we first meet Liberty who is let’s just say a woman on a mission, one she is determined to see through! From the first page what can I say I was hooked that’s how well Janice Preston writes. I loved Liberty she has so much love for her family and was determined to protect them. From that first meeting with Dominic you could see the chemistry bubbling away and I couldn’t wait for more. Dominic is a person who is torn between duty and his heart, he has grown up with a certain event hanging over him that has affected his entire life. I loved this pairing from their clashes to the way that they are so alike in that they care so much for the welfare of their families.
The romance I guess I would class as a slow burner but it works so well, Janice Preston keeps the chemistry and tension at a perfect level the whole way through. I loved every interaction and moment that this pair spent together! I think that the pacing was spot on with witty conversations between the two characters that brought so much warmth to the story. The ending well what can I say it completely got me and I have to admit there were very nearly tears it just felt so perfect, sigh! Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir has oodles of romance, warmth and charm. The perfect escape, I loved it!
This is such a wonderful story and a fabulous addition to The Beauchamp Heirs series although it works perfectly well as a standalone too. In this story we first meet Liberty who is let’s just say a woman on a mission, one she is determined to see through! From the first page what can I say I was hooked that’s how well Janice Preston writes. I loved Liberty she has so much love for her family and was determined to protect them. From that first meeting with Dominic you could see the chemistry bubbling away and I couldn’t wait for more. Dominic is a person who is torn between duty and his heart, he has grown up with a certain event hanging over him that has affected his entire life. I loved this pairing from their clashes to the way that they are so alike in that they care so much for the welfare of their families.
The romance I guess I would class as a slow burner but it works so well, Janice Preston keeps the chemistry and tension at a perfect level the whole way through. I loved every interaction and moment that this pair spent together! I think that the pacing was spot on with witty conversations between the two characters that brought so much warmth to the story. The ending well what can I say it completely got me and I have to admit there were very nearly tears it just felt so perfect, sigh! Daring to Love the Duke’s Heir has oodles of romance, warmth and charm. The perfect escape, I loved it!
September 8, 2019
https://donnasbookblog.wordpress.com/...
I really liked this story!
It was set in days long gone by and Janice has brilliantly captured the "goings on" of the gentry perfectly in every detail. Her writing style suits this genre perfectly and I felt like I was transported back in time. The attention to detail and descriptive nature of the book was excellent.
This was a heart-warming romance with some excellent characters that were well developed and they worked so well together, I liked their interaction and really enjoyed getting to know them.
It is 5 stars from me, I thought it was a superb story, very well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable - very highly recommended!!
I really liked this story!
It was set in days long gone by and Janice has brilliantly captured the "goings on" of the gentry perfectly in every detail. Her writing style suits this genre perfectly and I felt like I was transported back in time. The attention to detail and descriptive nature of the book was excellent.
This was a heart-warming romance with some excellent characters that were well developed and they worked so well together, I liked their interaction and really enjoyed getting to know them.
It is 5 stars from me, I thought it was a superb story, very well crafted and thoroughly enjoyable - very highly recommended!!
June 4, 2019
Dominic Beauchamp,Lord Avon is a Dukes heir and it is his duty to marry well and he takes it very seriously. He knows exactly what he wants in a bride and sets his standards high,he wants to do right by his family but are his standards too high and do his friends and family agree, and will he stick to them?. Meet Miss Liberty Lovejoy, the complete opposite of everything Dominic would look for in a Duchess, recently elevated into society bold, brash and just burst into his life but for some reason he cannot get her out of his mind.
Right from the start I was drawn straight into this book. The characters are so loveable and relatable and Janice has an amazing way of drawing me to each and every story I’m gripped right from the start. I really enjoyed the way that Liberty just wanted to protect her bother and family so much that she would go to any lengths and really stood up for herself. An excellent Read, really well written, Janice is an amazing author and I love each and every book. The title and cover for so well, fabulous!.
Right from the start I was drawn straight into this book. The characters are so loveable and relatable and Janice has an amazing way of drawing me to each and every story I’m gripped right from the start. I really enjoyed the way that Liberty just wanted to protect her bother and family so much that she would go to any lengths and really stood up for herself. An excellent Read, really well written, Janice is an amazing author and I love each and every book. The title and cover for so well, fabulous!.
August 9, 2019
This book just didn't do it for me.
Liberty Lovejoy, our heroine, is the responsible older sister in a once impoverished family. However, this just didn't work for me. The many blunders against society rules in only the first few chapters contradict her apparent desire for her sisters to do well in society and marry well. She must have realised that with their mother's family having a whiff of trade about them she'd have to be more careful than most to follow the rules? She didn't have the sense of humour or charm to carry her rule breaking off - or make me like her more.
And Dominic, the hero, just seemed dull and heavy handed. Not sure why Liberty fell in love with him really.
The plot seemed rather unoriginal too. The writing flowed well though.
So all in all, not one that had much to recommend itself to me.
Liberty Lovejoy, our heroine, is the responsible older sister in a once impoverished family. However, this just didn't work for me. The many blunders against society rules in only the first few chapters contradict her apparent desire for her sisters to do well in society and marry well. She must have realised that with their mother's family having a whiff of trade about them she'd have to be more careful than most to follow the rules? She didn't have the sense of humour or charm to carry her rule breaking off - or make me like her more.
And Dominic, the hero, just seemed dull and heavy handed. Not sure why Liberty fell in love with him really.
The plot seemed rather unoriginal too. The writing flowed well though.
So all in all, not one that had much to recommend itself to me.
June 28, 2019
Daring To Love The Duke’s Heir is an historical romance. It can be read as a stand-alone or as part of the Beauchamp Heirs series.
Liberty Lovejoy is in London for the annual social season, where her family hope to secure husbands for Liberty and her sisters. Liberty’s twin brother Gideon has recently been given the title of Earl through an inheritance. Unfortunately it has gone to his head and Liberty fears he will squander all their money in the gaming halls while under the influence of Alexander Beauchamp. To this end, Liberty breaks etiquette and visits the home of the Duke of Beauchamp (Alexander’s father) to ask for help. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eT0
Liberty Lovejoy is in London for the annual social season, where her family hope to secure husbands for Liberty and her sisters. Liberty’s twin brother Gideon has recently been given the title of Earl through an inheritance. Unfortunately it has gone to his head and Liberty fears he will squander all their money in the gaming halls while under the influence of Alexander Beauchamp. To this end, Liberty breaks etiquette and visits the home of the Duke of Beauchamp (Alexander’s father) to ask for help. See here for full review https://wp.me/p2Eu3u-eT0
September 12, 2019
Liberty and Dominic, or Berty and Dom, are simply made for each other. However, their realization of such a fact is slow to dawn on either of them. Dominic is far slower than Liberty to know what he wants and needs. Actually, what Dom wants and needs are the same thing although he persuades himself for most of the story that what he wants is not the same as what he needs.
A delightful love story about heart over misplaced duty. We meet old favourites from the Beauchamp family and it was really good to catch up on their lives. Sincerely looking forward to Alex’s story (Dominic’s brother).
A delightful love story about heart over misplaced duty. We meet old favourites from the Beauchamp family and it was really good to catch up on their lives. Sincerely looking forward to Alex’s story (Dominic’s brother).
July 3, 2021
Dominic Beauchamp, Lord Avon certainly didn't expect Liberty Lovejoy to accost him about his brother's behaviour, and he really didn't expect his marriage plans to be somewhat derailed by her. His logical list of suitable wives just isn't really speaking to him but she, unsuitable, provincal and unconventional, she is and he's starting to wonder if his life needs something unplanned.
It's a fun read with characters that sparked well and that I enjoyed reading about. Liberty is so determined to have her sisters have a good life and neglecting her own and it's fun to see her realise that she's entitled to a life too and a life full of something more than just service
It's a fun read with characters that sparked well and that I enjoyed reading about. Liberty is so determined to have her sisters have a good life and neglecting her own and it's fun to see her realise that she's entitled to a life too and a life full of something more than just service
July 29, 2020
Simply Beautiful
I truly loved this book and read it in one day, really less than 24 hours. The first book I read by Lady Janice was, Cinderella and the Duke, which was very romantic. Somehow I am just getting around to reading my second book and I am very glad I did. It is hard to describe how much I enjoyed this story, even though it had only one sexual night, but it was special. Dominic and Liberty are now special to me. The very first book I read before this one was back in April, 2019. It will not take that long to read the next book. Thank you for a beautiful story.
I truly loved this book and read it in one day, really less than 24 hours. The first book I read by Lady Janice was, Cinderella and the Duke, which was very romantic. Somehow I am just getting around to reading my second book and I am very glad I did. It is hard to describe how much I enjoyed this story, even though it had only one sexual night, but it was special. Dominic and Liberty are now special to me. The very first book I read before this one was back in April, 2019. It will not take that long to read the next book. Thank you for a beautiful story.
March 21, 2022
Prim and Proper Dominic, the heir to a Duke has decided to get married and makes a list of eligible ladies. Liberty Lovejoy is the twin sister of the new Earl of Wendover. She’s most unsuitable as one of her relatives comes from trade. They manage to fall in love with each other despite reservations. I liked how there were no contrived villains or problems. The main problem was the hero's obsession with his dead mother's expectations. At one point, that got really irritating. However, overall it was a familiar trope but held my interest to the end.
October 6, 2019
I loved this book! Janice Preston writes very relatable characters. Dominic and Liberty are burdened by duty. He is to marry well and she feels she must watch out for her brother and sisters. They both find kinship and love and ultimately are brave enough to accept it. Can’t wait for the next in the Beauchamp Heirs series “Christmas with His Wallflower Wife” coming out in November of 2019.
December 15, 2019
This was a really enjoyable Regency romance based more on the emotional side of things than requiring action and drama to create conflict. Liberty is a fun, sassy heroine, and Dominic is an enjoyably self-aware hero - there's no doubt that they're well-suited, except in their own minds! A lovely gentle read with a very sweet ending.
February 17, 2020
Just in case you missed it, her brows are tawny. It’s mentioned about half a dozen times. I have never, ever felt the need to clarify or have clarified the color of someone’s eyebrows.
I personally found this book forgettable. I felt that there wasn’t enough storyline thought up so many things were repetitive and shallow. I did, however, enjoy chapter 13.
I personally found this book forgettable. I felt that there wasn’t enough storyline thought up so many things were repetitive and shallow. I did, however, enjoy chapter 13.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews