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Lords of London #5
To Dare a Duchess
After five long years trapped in the country, newly widowed Nina Granville, Duchess of Exeter, has returned to town to start over. But it was here she committed an indiscretion—one stolen night of pleasure—that would threaten all she holds dear if revealed.
Byron always loved Nina from afar—until the house party that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back…and ready to claim what is his.
Yet Nina has kept a secret from Byron, one that could threaten their sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. With Byron’s brother determined to reveal the truth, Nina must use her power in the ton to ensure her secret is kept safe. Even at the expense of love…
Byron always loved Nina from afar—until the house party that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back…and ready to claim what is his.
Yet Nina has kept a secret from Byron, one that could threaten their sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. With Byron’s brother determined to reveal the truth, Nina must use her power in the ton to ensure her secret is kept safe. Even at the expense of love…
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First published December 23, 2018
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About the author
Tamara Gill
122 books1,011 followersTamara is an Australian author who grew up in an old mining town in country South Australia, where her love of history was founded. She loves to write romance novels in an array of genres, including regency, medieval, and time travel.
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https://www.tamaragill.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 79 reviews
December 22, 2018
This read left me with a mitigated feeling, I do loved Byron but really disliked Edwina/Dina.
That she was infatuated with her twin’s friend, but she voluntarily threw herself in his arms and bed, he did not promised her anything, even if she was played and tricked, she was also responsible of her own predicament, she did not sit me for a rational person.
Then to react so dumbly just to believe she get her revenge, even more stupid.
Byron was the one really betrayed, she never gave him a single chance, nor a second glance then years later as he aged better than his brother, she finally notices him.
He suffered in silence, then ran away when she married another to spike his brother. So when he decides it is time to let the past go and settle, he discovers she is now a widow. He will do all in his power to get a second chance with her, even break his own engagement.
Andrew, his twin is really an awful man, never relenting to use even his brother to get what he wants and not minding the hurt he can cause.
I began to warm for Edwina when she stood up against her daughter-in-law and by the end when she reviewed her past actions and accepted to see her own faults.
A 3.5 stars.
That she was infatuated with her twin’s friend, but she voluntarily threw herself in his arms and bed, he did not promised her anything, even if she was played and tricked, she was also responsible of her own predicament, she did not sit me for a rational person.
Then to react so dumbly just to believe she get her revenge, even more stupid.
Byron was the one really betrayed, she never gave him a single chance, nor a second glance then years later as he aged better than his brother, she finally notices him.
He suffered in silence, then ran away when she married another to spike his brother. So when he decides it is time to let the past go and settle, he discovers she is now a widow. He will do all in his power to get a second chance with her, even break his own engagement.
Andrew, his twin is really an awful man, never relenting to use even his brother to get what he wants and not minding the hurt he can cause.
I began to warm for Edwina when she stood up against her daughter-in-law and by the end when she reviewed her past actions and accepted to see her own faults.
A 3.5 stars.
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December 21, 2018
Bravo! Another exciting story from Tamara Gill...I started this book this morning and could not put it down. Edwina (Nina) Granville the Dowager Duchess of Exeter married her late husband for one reason...revenge. Not the normal revenge mind you. She fell for a man, Andrew Hill, the twin brother of her best friend Byron (who loves Nina). After "giving" herself to Andrew she awakens the next morning to find him now engaged to an Irish woman. Hurt, confused and feeling shame, Nina goes off to grieve and try to figure out what to do, she is ruined. The Duke of Exeter takes advantage and asks her to marry him. Old enough to be her grandfather he will make her a Duchess and that means she will be higher in rank than Andrew ever will. She will be grand and formidable a true Duchess...just to get even...Things have a way of not working out. 5 years later, she is a mother to TWINs and a widow. Finally going back into society, with the homes and means to be the best mother and purely independent, Nina will act like nothing has happened. She will develop a school and her life will be fulfilled! BAM but who does she see, BOTH Andrew/his wife and Byron and his fiancee Sophia. Well things get pretty heated there for awhile. But one thing remains true Byron has never stopped loving Nina. He needs to get himself out of this engagement and convince Nina that he is the brother she should have ended up with. Can he convince her. Nina has been keep secrets. BIG ones. She realizes the truth needs to come out....But who needs to hear it?
This story flows and keeps your attention right from the beginning. Fabulous!
This story flows and keeps your attention right from the beginning. Fabulous!
January 1, 2019
Lovely read!!
February 20, 2020
After five long years trapped in the country, newly widowed Nina Granville, Duchess of Exeter, has returned to town to start over. But it was here she committed an indiscretion—one stolen night of pleasure—that would threaten all she holds dear if revealed.
Byron always loved Nina from afar—until the house party that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back…and ready to claim what is his.
Yet Nina has kept a secret from Byron, one that could threaten their sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. With Byron’s brother determined to reveal the truth, Nina must use her power in the ton to ensure her secret is kept safe. Even at the expense of love…'
___________________________
3.5 stars, round up to 4 stars.
To Dare a Duchess is the fifth book in Tamara Gill's Lords of London series. Edwina/Nina and Byron are related to characters that we met earlier in the series, but it is not necessary to read them in order. Each book in this series could easily serve as a stand-alone book.
This has been my least favorite in the series. I thought the premise was a little far-fetched but quite intruiging and was excited to read it. But they all behaved so foolishly that I just couldn't respect them enough to enjoy the story more. Especially Nina, it felt like she was constantly flipping back and forth in her emotions and reception of others. I know we were supposed to sympathize with her character the most, but I sympathized with her least.
I didn't quite come off well for me that Andrew was so vilified here in an attempt to make this plot work. His only real crime was fibbing in order to keep away from a delusional young woman who was determined to make something between them that wasn't there. All he really wanted was to be free to marry the woman he loved. Had Nina come to his room that night to throw herself at him it would have ruined the likelihood of his happy marriage. Besides manuvering Byron and Nina into the same room that night, he had no culpability here. He can't be held resonsible for their actions that night. And certainly not their actions after, when Nina reacted so immaturely. I understand being hurt because she believed it to have been him, but how is impulsively marrying an old man going to prove or fix anything.
Overall the book was alright. I enjoyed the story, but the characters just infuriated me. Still a good read and an egaging story, just not the best in the series. Although this book was a miss for me, I will be finishing the series and recommend the series as a whole to fans of historical fiction and Tamara Gill.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
Byron always loved Nina from afar—until the house party that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back…and ready to claim what is his.
Yet Nina has kept a secret from Byron, one that could threaten their sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. With Byron’s brother determined to reveal the truth, Nina must use her power in the ton to ensure her secret is kept safe. Even at the expense of love…'
___________________________
3.5 stars, round up to 4 stars.
To Dare a Duchess is the fifth book in Tamara Gill's Lords of London series. Edwina/Nina and Byron are related to characters that we met earlier in the series, but it is not necessary to read them in order. Each book in this series could easily serve as a stand-alone book.
This has been my least favorite in the series. I thought the premise was a little far-fetched but quite intruiging and was excited to read it. But they all behaved so foolishly that I just couldn't respect them enough to enjoy the story more. Especially Nina, it felt like she was constantly flipping back and forth in her emotions and reception of others. I know we were supposed to sympathize with her character the most, but I sympathized with her least.
I didn't quite come off well for me that Andrew was so vilified here in an attempt to make this plot work. His only real crime was fibbing in order to keep away from a delusional young woman who was determined to make something between them that wasn't there. All he really wanted was to be free to marry the woman he loved. Had Nina come to his room that night to throw herself at him it would have ruined the likelihood of his happy marriage. Besides manuvering Byron and Nina into the same room that night, he had no culpability here. He can't be held resonsible for their actions that night. And certainly not their actions after, when Nina reacted so immaturely. I understand being hurt because she believed it to have been him, but how is impulsively marrying an old man going to prove or fix anything.
Overall the book was alright. I enjoyed the story, but the characters just infuriated me. Still a good read and an egaging story, just not the best in the series. Although this book was a miss for me, I will be finishing the series and recommend the series as a whole to fans of historical fiction and Tamara Gill.
_____
I read this book with my Kindle Unlimited membership.
December 27, 2018
The past can often come back to haunt you when you make a mistake in judgement. Such is the case for Edwina, the Dowager Duchess of Exeter. One night changed her life when she fell for Andrew Hill, the twin brother of her best friend Byron, who secretly loved her. But after their night together, he became engaged to another, so she married her late husband and became a Duchess. Yes, she would show Andrew Hill! But as often the case, life does not go as planned and when her husband passes away five years later, she wants to make her way to town and start over. Byron returns to town after having left when Nina married and now as he finds her a widow, he is determined to have a second chance with her. After all, they had been friends for a long time, but there are secrets that would come out and forces trying to pull them apart. When I started this story, I literally could not put it down! The characters came alive and were so captivating I could not wait to see what happened! Such a wonderful romance that left my heart smiling at the end!!
December 26, 2018
This is an enjoyable read. This romance is full of powerful emotions, tension and drama. The book offers a well written storyline that has desire and mistakes weighing heavily on the actions and decisions made by the characters. I liked the main characters but I could not say I liked everything they did. For me, some decisions were too foolish and shortsighted. Also, I could never 100% feel that the heroine deserved the hero, but that was just my own opinion. Still it was an entertaining read that was entertaining. This is my candid, voluntary review.
December 31, 2018
Another great read full of longing, regret, and angst in search of a happy ending. The Doweger Duchess of Exeter, “Nina” to her friend, is returning to London for the season after the death of her much older spouse. She is anxious that she may run into ghosts of her past-the Hill Brothers. Andrew and Byron are identical twins with whom her past has been enexorably tied with due to her young, impetuous yearnings. One is her very best friend who grew up beside her and loved her from afar whose friendship she has missed. The other was an cold flirt who courted her, broke her heart, then offered for another! It has taken many years for Nina to find out the truth about what really happened in her past and when she does will she be able to overcome all of her past regrets and end up with the one she truly loves? A great and satisfying read!
January 21, 2019
One 🌙Night Of Indiscretion💔
Adult Regency Romance
One Night🌙 Changes Everything
Edwina 💃💋married the Duke of Exeter, a man old enough to be her grandfather after she spends one night of bliss with Andrew Hill👹, the man she thought loved her. The next day Andrew👹 announces his betrothal to another woman! Edwina💃💋 has no choice but to marry tge old Duke to save a scandal.
Byron Hill🐺🍆🌋 is the identical twin of Andrew👹 and he never told Edwina💃💋 that it was his room she came to that night five years ago! They were friends but he never told her he loved💘 her. Instead he went to the continent to hide away after her betrothal to the Duke.
Of course the old Duke dies, but Edwina has her twin daughters, which he thought were his! She decides to go to London for the ton season, but not to look for a new husband. She just wants to get out in society again.
Byron🐺🍆🌋 shows up with his betrothed, a coal mine heiress, but he doesn't love her, it is a convenience, since he still believes Edwina💃💋 to be married. Imagine his consternation when he sees Edwina💃💋 at the first ball of the season!
This is an interesting book about all the harm that lies and omissions will do to a relationship.
Adult Regency Romance
One Night🌙 Changes Everything
Edwina 💃💋married the Duke of Exeter, a man old enough to be her grandfather after she spends one night of bliss with Andrew Hill👹, the man she thought loved her. The next day Andrew👹 announces his betrothal to another woman! Edwina💃💋 has no choice but to marry tge old Duke to save a scandal.
Byron Hill🐺🍆🌋 is the identical twin of Andrew👹 and he never told Edwina💃💋 that it was his room she came to that night five years ago! They were friends but he never told her he loved💘 her. Instead he went to the continent to hide away after her betrothal to the Duke.
Of course the old Duke dies, but Edwina has her twin daughters, which he thought were his! She decides to go to London for the ton season, but not to look for a new husband. She just wants to get out in society again.
Byron🐺🍆🌋 shows up with his betrothed, a coal mine heiress, but he doesn't love her, it is a convenience, since he still believes Edwina💃💋 to be married. Imagine his consternation when he sees Edwina💃💋 at the first ball of the season!
This is an interesting book about all the harm that lies and omissions will do to a relationship.
January 25, 2023
This was “the” book for me so far in the series. I loved it. The story line. I truly felt the H and h fell in love. And what happened Years before etc.
The only thing I didn’t like is that i felt the ending very was abrupt.
The only thing I didn’t like is that i felt the ending very was abrupt.
February 20, 2023
Tropes:
~friends to lovers
~mistaken identity/twin swap
~one night stand
~secret children from surprise pregnancy
~single mother
~widowed heroine
This one had quite a few of my least favorite tropes, so it was just okay for me.
~friends to lovers
~mistaken identity/twin swap
~one night stand
~secret children from surprise pregnancy
~single mother
~widowed heroine
This one had quite a few of my least favorite tropes, so it was just okay for me.
January 4, 2019
love
I'm in love with this series. I have liked every character in the series and absolutely adore Byron. It was nice for Nina to finally get her happy ever after. This book can be read alone, but I prefer it as a series.
I'm in love with this series. I have liked every character in the series and absolutely adore Byron. It was nice for Nina to finally get her happy ever after. This book can be read alone, but I prefer it as a series.
May 14, 2019
A lovely story. Loved the storyline and characters. I love reading Tamara Gill. 5☆
January 1, 2019
I did like the character of Byron, however I wasn’t so sure that I liked Nina. Even though, she was the cause of her own downfall, she didn’t seem to take the blame for the consequences. Nina seemed to rush into things without considering what her actions might cause. I felt Byron was too good for her. However, I did enjoy this story, it’s always good to have different characters and I found it an intriguing read. There are secrets to unfold and a brother who is determined that the secrets are told. You will want to keep reading until the end.
January 6, 2019
Worth the wait💜
I had a hard time getting into this book at first but then I was enthralled. It turned out to be the sweetest of love stories once they cleared up all the lies. This was a book about had decisions and misconceptions and finding a way to be happy together.
I had a hard time getting into this book at first but then I was enthralled. It turned out to be the sweetest of love stories once they cleared up all the lies. This was a book about had decisions and misconceptions and finding a way to be happy together.
March 13, 2022
To Dare a Duchess, Book 5 of the Lords of London series, was about Her Grace Edwina "Nina" (Fox) Granville, Duchess of Exeter, widow of the Duke of Exeter, and Mr. Byron Hill, twin brother to Mr. Andrew Hill.
Side Note: Just at the beginning, there were two issues that appeared in the prologue. First was the name of the town in which Nina found herself...Minehead, Kent. Well, if one were to look at the map of England, one would notice that Kent is on one side of the continent, while Minehead is on the complete opposite. Both of them are coastal towns. Kent is near the River Medway, and Minehead is by the Bristol Channel. Shouldn't an author know these things? Another issue was that the blurbs for the story all said that she had been stuck in the country for five years and was newly widowed. However, in the epilogue of the previous book, the author had the main characters stating that "...Miss Fox is a widow only two years after marrying that decrepit old duke.” Once again, shouldn't an author know the material they write?? The author even had Nina state, "...Maybe you have not heard, but my husband passed away some years ago now.” So how could she be a recent widow?
Edwina had been in love with Andrew Hill for as long as she could remember. Since she had expected him to propose to her at a house party they both attended, she decided to seduce him while he was intoxicated. However, the next day, rather than proposing to HER, Andrew had announced his engagement to another woman. Heartbroken, she immediately accepted the marriage offer of the Duke of Exeter, a man old enough to be her grandfather. Upon hearing of her engagement to the duke, Byron, who had been in love with Nina for years, fled to the continent, all the while burying his own secret that he had only shared with his cousin, the Marquess of Aaron.
Five years later, Andrew, who was married and living in Ireland, Byron, who had still been on the Continent, and Nina, still living in Kent, had each determined separately that it was time for them to attend a season in London. Andrew with his wife, Byron with his new fiancee...and Nina on her own, all converged at a ball being held by the Marquess of Aaron and his wife, Cecelia. When Byron saw Nina for the first time in all those years, he hadn't realized she was a widow until he had asked her if her husband were with her and she informed him that the man had "passed away some years ago".
Everyone who had been involved in the house party years ago was about to be swept up in a horrible scandal when secrets of the past started to unravel, and the one who was in danger of being hurt the most was Nina. Though Byron was the one who figured things out first, his brother, Andrew, was the one who threatened to reveal everything. Byron knew he had to tell Nina the truth about what happened at the house party. He just didn't know how to go about it without losing her.
The twists and turns in this book were not unique, but they were definitely fascinating. The angst and drama were a bit overdone, and the humor was lacking. The chemistry and passion between the two main characters were a bit of a surprise, though. The romantic relationship between Byron and Nina happened too fast. After having been absent from each other for five years, they suddenly were attracted to each other? It didn't really make sense because it all happened way too fast to be believable, especially when the secrets and lies never truly got addressed when everything was revealed.
The characters were also lacking in that there was just too much that didn't make sense. Byron loved Nina, ran away for five years instead of standing up and telling her what really happened. Nina threw herself at Andrew, who pulled a stunt that set everyone's lives into chaos for five years. Extra characters were involved who were totally unremarkably ill-fitted to the book. It just read like a badly written soap opera that fell flat during the pilot episode and never recovered. Therefore, it definitely did not earn a five-star rating or a place with the Keeper for the Shelves collection.
Side Note: Just at the beginning, there were two issues that appeared in the prologue. First was the name of the town in which Nina found herself...Minehead, Kent. Well, if one were to look at the map of England, one would notice that Kent is on one side of the continent, while Minehead is on the complete opposite. Both of them are coastal towns. Kent is near the River Medway, and Minehead is by the Bristol Channel. Shouldn't an author know these things? Another issue was that the blurbs for the story all said that she had been stuck in the country for five years and was newly widowed. However, in the epilogue of the previous book, the author had the main characters stating that "...Miss Fox is a widow only two years after marrying that decrepit old duke.” Once again, shouldn't an author know the material they write?? The author even had Nina state, "...Maybe you have not heard, but my husband passed away some years ago now.” So how could she be a recent widow?
Edwina had been in love with Andrew Hill for as long as she could remember. Since she had expected him to propose to her at a house party they both attended, she decided to seduce him while he was intoxicated. However, the next day, rather than proposing to HER, Andrew had announced his engagement to another woman. Heartbroken, she immediately accepted the marriage offer of the Duke of Exeter, a man old enough to be her grandfather. Upon hearing of her engagement to the duke, Byron, who had been in love with Nina for years, fled to the continent, all the while burying his own secret that he had only shared with his cousin, the Marquess of Aaron.
Five years later, Andrew, who was married and living in Ireland, Byron, who had still been on the Continent, and Nina, still living in Kent, had each determined separately that it was time for them to attend a season in London. Andrew with his wife, Byron with his new fiancee...and Nina on her own, all converged at a ball being held by the Marquess of Aaron and his wife, Cecelia. When Byron saw Nina for the first time in all those years, he hadn't realized she was a widow until he had asked her if her husband were with her and she informed him that the man had "passed away some years ago".
Everyone who had been involved in the house party years ago was about to be swept up in a horrible scandal when secrets of the past started to unravel, and the one who was in danger of being hurt the most was Nina. Though Byron was the one who figured things out first, his brother, Andrew, was the one who threatened to reveal everything. Byron knew he had to tell Nina the truth about what happened at the house party. He just didn't know how to go about it without losing her.
The twists and turns in this book were not unique, but they were definitely fascinating. The angst and drama were a bit overdone, and the humor was lacking. The chemistry and passion between the two main characters were a bit of a surprise, though. The romantic relationship between Byron and Nina happened too fast. After having been absent from each other for five years, they suddenly were attracted to each other? It didn't really make sense because it all happened way too fast to be believable, especially when the secrets and lies never truly got addressed when everything was revealed.
The characters were also lacking in that there was just too much that didn't make sense. Byron loved Nina, ran away for five years instead of standing up and telling her what really happened. Nina threw herself at Andrew, who pulled a stunt that set everyone's lives into chaos for five years. Extra characters were involved who were totally unremarkably ill-fitted to the book. It just read like a badly written soap opera that fell flat during the pilot episode and never recovered. Therefore, it definitely did not earn a five-star rating or a place with the Keeper for the Shelves collection.
December 25, 2018
To Dare a Duchess by Tamara Gill is book 5 in the Lords of London series & can be read as a stand alone...As always Tamara has given us a good story with lovable characters...
This is the love story of Edwina (Nina) the Dowager Duchess of Exeter & Byron Hill who was her best friend since childhood...She was in love with Byron's twin Andrew & thought he would offer for her if she seduced him...But due to Andrew's cunning a misunderstanding happens which she is unaware of 5 yrs ago ..she gives herself to Byron ...After Andrew's rejection she marries the Duke Of Exeter as She is totally ruined,in despair & ashamed...After 5 years she has become a widow, a mother of twins ,very wealthy & independent wanting to leave a life on her terms... As she joins society again she meets Byron again who still has a tender for her & loves her ...Nina realises her feeling for Byron as love & wants to pursue her Relationship further with him...
From here the actual story begins... Love, misunderstandings, insecurities , make up the story...Byron is shown to be a simple ,honest character who is insecure ,scared weak to face up to mistakes in the past...but how he conquers his faults & wins Nina's love is so endearing & realistic ...you start loving him ...Nina also from being a silly girl grows into a bold,strong, beautiful ,mature woman ...
Tamara has done a excellent job presenting the story so well ...the plot is slow in the start but then it picks up... i got into the book after the few chapters ... there is sizzling sex, budding romance, sensitive feelings , emotions that u can define with...Tamara ropes a reader with her superb penmanship & grasp of the story ...I would highly recommend it ...I really loved the book ..
This is the love story of Edwina (Nina) the Dowager Duchess of Exeter & Byron Hill who was her best friend since childhood...She was in love with Byron's twin Andrew & thought he would offer for her if she seduced him...But due to Andrew's cunning a misunderstanding happens which she is unaware of 5 yrs ago ..she gives herself to Byron ...After Andrew's rejection she marries the Duke Of Exeter as She is totally ruined,in despair & ashamed...After 5 years she has become a widow, a mother of twins ,very wealthy & independent wanting to leave a life on her terms... As she joins society again she meets Byron again who still has a tender for her & loves her ...Nina realises her feeling for Byron as love & wants to pursue her Relationship further with him...
From here the actual story begins... Love, misunderstandings, insecurities , make up the story...Byron is shown to be a simple ,honest character who is insecure ,scared weak to face up to mistakes in the past...but how he conquers his faults & wins Nina's love is so endearing & realistic ...you start loving him ...Nina also from being a silly girl grows into a bold,strong, beautiful ,mature woman ...
Tamara has done a excellent job presenting the story so well ...the plot is slow in the start but then it picks up... i got into the book after the few chapters ... there is sizzling sex, budding romance, sensitive feelings , emotions that u can define with...Tamara ropes a reader with her superb penmanship & grasp of the story ...I would highly recommend it ...I really loved the book ..
January 5, 2019
After five long years trapped in the country, newly widowed Nina Granville, Duchess of Exeter, has returned to town to start over. But it was here she committed an indiscretion—one stolen night of pleasure—that would threaten all she holds dear if revealed.
Byron always loved Nina from afar—until the house party that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back…and ready to claim what is his.
Yet Nina has kept a secret from Byron, one that could threaten their sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. With Byron’s brother determined to reveal the truth, Nina must use her power in the ton to ensure her secret is kept safe. Even at the expense of love…
My Thoughts:
I loved Nina and Bryon's story and the twin girls were a nice touch.
Secrets abound in this wonderfully written romance by Tamara Gill. Both Nina and Bryon are keeping something from each other and those secrets could change the scope of everything they think they know.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. As this series continues this is one of my favorites.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
Byron always loved Nina from afar—until the house party that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back…and ready to claim what is his.
Yet Nina has kept a secret from Byron, one that could threaten their sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. With Byron’s brother determined to reveal the truth, Nina must use her power in the ton to ensure her secret is kept safe. Even at the expense of love…
My Thoughts:
I loved Nina and Bryon's story and the twin girls were a nice touch.
Secrets abound in this wonderfully written romance by Tamara Gill. Both Nina and Bryon are keeping something from each other and those secrets could change the scope of everything they think they know.
I gave this book 4.75 of 5.0 stars for storyline and characterization. As this series continues this is one of my favorites.
I received a complimentary digital ARC of this book to read. This in no way affected my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.
December 23, 2018
After spending the last five long years in Kent, widowed Nina Granville, Duchess of Exeter, has returned to town to start over. Byron Hill has always loved Nina from afar until the house party several years ago that turned his world upside down. Guilt saw him flee England’s shores, and Nina wed to a man old enough to be her grandfather, but now the handsome rogue is back. Nina has kept a secret from everyone & it could threaten everything.
This is the fifth book in the series but could easily be read on its own, there are cameo appearances from previous characters, which is something I love in a series. This is another well written book that I read in a sitting & burned the midnight oil to finish it as I couldn’t go to sleep until I reached the end. The characters are well fleshed & apart from Andrew & a certain Duchess are very likeable. Byron & Nina have been friends since before her debut & he’s loved her since she had a tumble into a muddy puddle. Their attraction sizzles but secrets jeopardise their budding romance & meddling relatives also threaten to derail them. I was engrossed from the beginning & captivated until the end of this lovely romance.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the fifth book in the series but could easily be read on its own, there are cameo appearances from previous characters, which is something I love in a series. This is another well written book that I read in a sitting & burned the midnight oil to finish it as I couldn’t go to sleep until I reached the end. The characters are well fleshed & apart from Andrew & a certain Duchess are very likeable. Byron & Nina have been friends since before her debut & he’s loved her since she had a tumble into a muddy puddle. Their attraction sizzles but secrets jeopardise their budding romance & meddling relatives also threaten to derail them. I was engrossed from the beginning & captivated until the end of this lovely romance.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
December 31, 2018
Edwina (Nina) Granville the Dowager Duchess of Exeter is ready to start a new life, to possible have love in her life. Nina was in love with Andrew Hill and gave herself to him to only have him announce the morning after his engagement to another woman. Her heart broken she rushed to except the Duke of Exeter marriage proposal, a man old enough to be her grandfather. After being trapped in a loveless marriage and now widowed she’s ready to start a new life for her and her twin girls. While in London she comes across Andrew’s twin, Byron Hill who has been her best friend. Byron’s still in love with her and sees a second chance to have her love him in return. With many years and secrets between them the story begins unraveling and threatens the sizzling attraction and sever their longstanding friendship forever. I loved this second chance at love story as the two wade through all their feeling and the mystery surrounding her relationship with both brothers. This my honest opinions after I voluntarily read a copy of this book that was provided to me with no requirements for a review.
January 6, 2019
Five years ago Nina, believing Andrew Hill ruined and abandoned her, impulsively agreed to marry the elderly Duke of Exeter. She is now a widow with twin daughters comes to Town to reenter Society and seek funds for her charity. At the first ball she attends, she sees Andrew and his twin Byron. Byron has always loved Nina and hopes Fate will grant him a second chance with Nina. It won’t be easy. Everyone in this story has secrets. There are some sticky situations. What will happen when they finally come to light?
To Dare a Duchess is a puzzle and a delicious second chance romance. The storyline is a little different from the usual Regency tale. There is betrayal, heartbreak, regret, misunderstanding, and forgiveness. The characters are great. They pull the reader right into the story with them. Nina and Byron, who have always been friends, truly have a wonderful chemistry. Molly and Lora were absolutely charming, little Ladies to the hilt. Andrew started the story as a selfish cad and did not change. To Dare a Duchess is another winner for Tamara Gill. I really enjoyed this story. I recommend it and the Lords of London series.
To Dare a Duchess is a puzzle and a delicious second chance romance. The storyline is a little different from the usual Regency tale. There is betrayal, heartbreak, regret, misunderstanding, and forgiveness. The characters are great. They pull the reader right into the story with them. Nina and Byron, who have always been friends, truly have a wonderful chemistry. Molly and Lora were absolutely charming, little Ladies to the hilt. Andrew started the story as a selfish cad and did not change. To Dare a Duchess is another winner for Tamara Gill. I really enjoyed this story. I recommend it and the Lords of London series.
May 13, 2021
His second chance
I absolutely love Byron and Ninas story. Edwina or as some called her Nina has been infatuated with her best friend Byrons brother Andrew for a long time. She would have sworn he was going to offer for her so when they were at a house party she sent Andrew a note that she wanted to meet him. But it wasn’t Andrew in the room when Nina came but Byron which she did not realize.
Byron thought Nina had finally come to him so when he took her virtue he thought his future was set. But when he woke up late the next morning he found Nina engaged to a Duke who was old enough to be her grandfather. Nina was so angry that Andrew asked someone else to marry him, so when the Duke offered for her she said yes!!
Almost six years later Nina a widow decides to go to town for the season and brought her twin girls with her. She never thought to see Byron again. Both of them are keeping a big secret and can they over come it when it comes to light and finally have their happily ever after.
I absolutely love Byron and Ninas story. Edwina or as some called her Nina has been infatuated with her best friend Byrons brother Andrew for a long time. She would have sworn he was going to offer for her so when they were at a house party she sent Andrew a note that she wanted to meet him. But it wasn’t Andrew in the room when Nina came but Byron which she did not realize.
Byron thought Nina had finally come to him so when he took her virtue he thought his future was set. But when he woke up late the next morning he found Nina engaged to a Duke who was old enough to be her grandfather. Nina was so angry that Andrew asked someone else to marry him, so when the Duke offered for her she said yes!!
Almost six years later Nina a widow decides to go to town for the season and brought her twin girls with her. She never thought to see Byron again. Both of them are keeping a big secret and can they over come it when it comes to light and finally have their happily ever after.
January 2, 2019
Oh What a Tangled Web!
Because of her actions 5 years previously, Nina finds herself married to a man of high rank but advancing years and one that she doesn’t love. Returning to London after the death of her husband, accompanied by her twin daughters she finds herself in the company of the Hill brothers; one who wronged and scorned her, the other who used to be her best friend. She holds secrets but so do the brothers. An interesting web of deception and lies but it is true to say that none of it would have happened if Nina had not thrown herself at Andrew. Nina comes across as far stronger character than Byron and though I could understand his actions in the past, I took issue with his keeping the truth from Nina when he met her again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book won in a FB competition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Because of her actions 5 years previously, Nina finds herself married to a man of high rank but advancing years and one that she doesn’t love. Returning to London after the death of her husband, accompanied by her twin daughters she finds herself in the company of the Hill brothers; one who wronged and scorned her, the other who used to be her best friend. She holds secrets but so do the brothers. An interesting web of deception and lies but it is true to say that none of it would have happened if Nina had not thrown herself at Andrew. Nina comes across as far stronger character than Byron and though I could understand his actions in the past, I took issue with his keeping the truth from Nina when he met her again.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book won in a FB competition. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 9, 2019
To Dare A Duchess is an outstanding historical romance by Tamara Gill. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Ms. Gill has provided readers with a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. Byron is in London with his fiance to enjoy the last few months of the Season. Edwina returns to London to enjoy the season, but knows she'll run into Andrew, the man that broke her heart. She is excited when she finds her best friend Byron also in London. Byron and Edwina's story is packed with drama, humor, spice and mistaken identities. I enjoyed reading To Dare A Duchess and look forward to reading more from Tamara Gill in the future. To Dare A Duchess is book 5 of the Lords Of London Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliff-hanger.
March 21, 2020
Secrets long hidden rise to the surface in this Regency romance that touches the heart. Nina Granville returns to London for the season, knowing that she may well meet her nemesis, little realising that there is far more to the situation than she thought. Byron Hill is torn between protecting Nina and doing the right thing. With his manipulative brother insinuating himself into the situation, Byron realises that telling Nina the truth may destroy their new-found love for one another, but before he can do anything about it, his brother takes great pleasure in once more destroying the happiness that could be his. One man's destructive ploys have done enough damage in their lives and it is up to Nina and Byron to move beyond his ability to hurt them. This romance is well written, and whilst painful in many ways, it does come to a happy and satisfying close.
April 10, 2023
I really liked the idea of the premise and love some of the tropes, but this book just did not handle them in a way I found pleasant. I've enjoyed Gill's books in the past and appreciate how well she spins a tale in a short read for when I need just a bit of a break. However, while I think there will be many readers who enjoy this particular book, I just could not find it in me to do so and it had everything to do with the characters. Oddly, the one I find the most tolerable is Byron, but frankly I found both him and Edwina ridiculous and difficult to sympathize with as the leads. Alex and Edwina's daughter in law were enjoyably terrible, but they were antagonists so they brought something I liked to the table.
I did finish this book but I started to skim very early when I realized how much I didn't care for the leads so it was also kind of a DNF despite that.
I did finish this book but I started to skim very early when I realized how much I didn't care for the leads so it was also kind of a DNF despite that.
December 31, 2018
Tamra Gill does it again!! To Dare a Duchess is book 5 in the Lords of London series. Tamara’s books never disappoint me and I take such joy escaping into another time and place through her stories. Her writing is amazing and her characters are truly wonderful and To Dare a Duchess is no exception. Though this original regency story is part of a series it can be read as a standalone. This story has many secrets, deception, twin brothers, heartache, a loveless marriage, a very nasty sister-in-law, kindness, a best friend, scandal, death, unrequited love, infatuation and yes eventually love. I highly recommend this book for the pure enjoyment of it!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
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August 19, 2019This was an okay read but I really didn't understand Nina. She blew hot and cold and back and forth until I simply wanted to shake her. And the 'secret' was somewhat weird and didnt reflect well on anyone involved.
Not rating.
Not rating.
March 16, 2021
3.25 STARS
Well, the h caused all her own problems and didn't accept her part until the end. I felt sorry for the H because he has loved her, but he didn't do anything because she loved his twin.
I dislike secrets kept with a passion and this story had secrets in spades. Two by the h and one by the H. The blow up at the end was upsetting, because again she played the victim. She is the one who entered the bedroom hoping to lose her virginity to the man she loved. Not all goes as planned!
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. I didn't feel a connection to them so it was just lust. Can't have a connection, if holding secrets.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and some spice. (ljb)
Well, the h caused all her own problems and didn't accept her part until the end. I felt sorry for the H because he has loved her, but he didn't do anything because she loved his twin.
I dislike secrets kept with a passion and this story had secrets in spades. Two by the h and one by the H. The blow up at the end was upsetting, because again she played the victim. She is the one who entered the bedroom hoping to lose her virginity to the man she loved. Not all goes as planned!
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 4 out of 5. I didn't feel a connection to them so it was just lust. Can't have a connection, if holding secrets.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, little on romance and some spice. (ljb)
January 2, 2019
I really enjoyed Nina and Byron's story!
Byron had been Nina's best friend since they were children. Growing up, she had been infatuated with his twin brother. So much so that she gave her innocence to him. But the bounder got himself engaged the next day. This sent Nina into a marriage with a much older man. Now a widow, she is ready to go back to town and enjoy herself. She is excited to renew her friendship with Byron, but is dismayed when her feelings appear to be more than one of just friendship. Can this couple go from best friends to lovers? What happens when Bryon learns the truth how Nina lost her innocence?
I really enjoyed this story of friendship to lovers. There were so many secrets that both had and they kept getting int he way of the HEA... This was a great addition to the Lords of London series and I'm excited to see what Gill comes up with next!
Byron had been Nina's best friend since they were children. Growing up, she had been infatuated with his twin brother. So much so that she gave her innocence to him. But the bounder got himself engaged the next day. This sent Nina into a marriage with a much older man. Now a widow, she is ready to go back to town and enjoy herself. She is excited to renew her friendship with Byron, but is dismayed when her feelings appear to be more than one of just friendship. Can this couple go from best friends to lovers? What happens when Bryon learns the truth how Nina lost her innocence?
I really enjoyed this story of friendship to lovers. There were so many secrets that both had and they kept getting int he way of the HEA... This was a great addition to the Lords of London series and I'm excited to see what Gill comes up with next!
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