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Dukes of Destiny #1
Duke of Havoc
Book One in an exciting new Regency Historical Romance series. Meet the damaged dukes from the Napoleonic wars and the spirited, strong-willed, and beautiful women who help them discover the joy of living again. Romance, intrigue, and passion ignite in this stunning new series - and read for FREE in Kindle Unlimited!
Lord Reeve Malliston, Third Duke of Nidderdale, is a brilliant military tactician with a musician’s eccentricities. A favorite of the Duke of Wellington, he’s called to fight on the fields of Salamanca. The English victory is supposed to be Reeve’s defining accomplishment, but war is cruel to the duke, who is discharged from the battlefield nearly deaf and with two fingers missing. He comes home a disgraced and broken man, or so he believes.
After his lady wife dies under mysterious circumstances, nasty rumors abound that he went mad, that war shattered his mind and he murdered the mother of his two young daughters. With little care for the social consequences, he does nothing to combat the gossip and descends into debauchery, leaving his children under the dubious care of a pernicious governess and her sister, his equally uncivil housekeeper.
When yet another instance of domestic chaos greets him and his daughters beg him to intervene, Reeve suddenly decides to enlist his old comrade’s daughter as their new governess. With this new woman to be both surrogate mother and tutor, Reeve plans on resuming his risqué lifestyle without worry or guilt.
But Miss Caroline Sedgwyck, though affectionate toward the children and levelheaded overall, is anything but docile. She sees right through Reeve’s penchant for impropriety, much as he detects that her calm indifference to him is a facade. The two constantly test each other as Caroline challenges the duke to do what is best for his family, while Reeve stirs Caroline’s passions.
Desire, friction, and friendship blossom in equal measure between them—is Caroline the woman to quell the Duke of Havoc? Will she restore the music to his soul?
Lord Reeve Malliston, Third Duke of Nidderdale, is a brilliant military tactician with a musician’s eccentricities. A favorite of the Duke of Wellington, he’s called to fight on the fields of Salamanca. The English victory is supposed to be Reeve’s defining accomplishment, but war is cruel to the duke, who is discharged from the battlefield nearly deaf and with two fingers missing. He comes home a disgraced and broken man, or so he believes.
After his lady wife dies under mysterious circumstances, nasty rumors abound that he went mad, that war shattered his mind and he murdered the mother of his two young daughters. With little care for the social consequences, he does nothing to combat the gossip and descends into debauchery, leaving his children under the dubious care of a pernicious governess and her sister, his equally uncivil housekeeper.
When yet another instance of domestic chaos greets him and his daughters beg him to intervene, Reeve suddenly decides to enlist his old comrade’s daughter as their new governess. With this new woman to be both surrogate mother and tutor, Reeve plans on resuming his risqué lifestyle without worry or guilt.
But Miss Caroline Sedgwyck, though affectionate toward the children and levelheaded overall, is anything but docile. She sees right through Reeve’s penchant for impropriety, much as he detects that her calm indifference to him is a facade. The two constantly test each other as Caroline challenges the duke to do what is best for his family, while Reeve stirs Caroline’s passions.
Desire, friction, and friendship blossom in equal measure between them—is Caroline the woman to quell the Duke of Havoc? Will she restore the music to his soul?
190 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 30, 2019
871 people are currently reading
262 people want to read
About the author
Whitney Blake
18 books26 followersWhitney is a bit of a wanderer and something of a bluestocking. She's been telling stories since childhood, when she would rewrite the endings of her favorite books and movies (or add "deleted scenes" to them). When she's not writing or reading, she enjoys cooking, dancing, and going for long walks with no specific destination in mind.
Literary work comes naturally to Whitney, and she's very excited to be pursuing her passion: rich storylines, vibrant characters, and most of all, a happily ever after. Whitney has a doctorate in history, making her something of an expert!
Whitney loves to hear from her readers: whitneyblakeauthor@protonmail.com
Literary work comes naturally to Whitney, and she's very excited to be pursuing her passion: rich storylines, vibrant characters, and most of all, a happily ever after. Whitney has a doctorate in history, making her something of an expert!
Whitney loves to hear from her readers: whitneyblakeauthor@protonmail.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 88 reviews
May 21, 2020
Could not finish
There are a number of things that I did not like about this book. Aside from the obvious errors of addressing the aristocracy, i.e. your Grace as opposed to my Lord and erroneously referring to a duke as part of the gentry and other inconsistencies regarding the staff of such a wealthy household, my main problem was with the duke and his pity party. I like my hero's to be stronger of character and fortitude. There was no excuse for him to be such a cry baby. He was lucky to be missing a couple of fingers and some minor hearing problems.
There are a number of things that I did not like about this book. Aside from the obvious errors of addressing the aristocracy, i.e. your Grace as opposed to my Lord and erroneously referring to a duke as part of the gentry and other inconsistencies regarding the staff of such a wealthy household, my main problem was with the duke and his pity party. I like my hero's to be stronger of character and fortitude. There was no excuse for him to be such a cry baby. He was lucky to be missing a couple of fingers and some minor hearing problems.
September 4, 2019
I found this book to be unrealistic in its attitudes of children and governess. It is a modern day take on
a period when children were seen and not heard. In this book the author solves many problems in the first 30 days of the new tutor who is a daughter of a comrade. Then it turns into a Cinderella style story. I did not finish the last 3rd of the book.
a period when children were seen and not heard. In this book the author solves many problems in the first 30 days of the new tutor who is a daughter of a comrade. Then it turns into a Cinderella style story. I did not finish the last 3rd of the book.
October 3, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋
In battle Reeve Malliston, Duke Of Nidderdale is injure , loosing two fingers, part of his hearing and some would say his mind too .
He returns to a home where he’s greeted by his two small daughters whom he has no idea how to love and be a father too , and his wife who he holds little affection for .
His world is hounded after her death, by two servants , sisters , who served her and now in there own way serve themselves.
His response is to gamble , drink and whore his life away selfishly, that’s until he offers the post of Governess to a friends daughter.
Miss Caroline Sedgwick is more than he bargained for , she befriends his daughters in minutes and drags him and his household into line and gives him reasons to fight .
A great book that I really enjoyed reading , a first from this author for me and not my last .
It was engaging and moorish as were the characters, so many options in there to choose from , should she wish to make this a series .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
💋
In battle Reeve Malliston, Duke Of Nidderdale is injure , loosing two fingers, part of his hearing and some would say his mind too .
He returns to a home where he’s greeted by his two small daughters whom he has no idea how to love and be a father too , and his wife who he holds little affection for .
His world is hounded after her death, by two servants , sisters , who served her and now in there own way serve themselves.
His response is to gamble , drink and whore his life away selfishly, that’s until he offers the post of Governess to a friends daughter.
Miss Caroline Sedgwick is more than he bargained for , she befriends his daughters in minutes and drags him and his household into line and gives him reasons to fight .
A great book that I really enjoyed reading , a first from this author for me and not my last .
It was engaging and moorish as were the characters, so many options in there to choose from , should she wish to make this a series .
I received an advance copy of this book and chose to submit a review
July 12, 2020
3 stars
The writng isn't bad. The characters fairly interesting. There's some errors. A duke wouldn't have taken a governess unchaperoned to a ball. He certainly wouldn't have danced more than a couple of times with her.
I understand that our hero was in the battle of Salamanca (though that seems a bit of a stretch as heirs to dukedom's probably wouldn't be near any danger, better to send the 2nd and other sons ) but to be sent to advise on Leipzig which seemed to be fought by Austrian's etc sounds a bit odd. A cursory glance at Wikipedia tells me that Wellington was still in the Peninsular at that time...
The writng isn't bad. The characters fairly interesting. There's some errors. A duke wouldn't have taken a governess unchaperoned to a ball. He certainly wouldn't have danced more than a couple of times with her.
I understand that our hero was in the battle of Salamanca (though that seems a bit of a stretch as heirs to dukedom's probably wouldn't be near any danger, better to send the 2nd and other sons ) but to be sent to advise on Leipzig which seemed to be fought by Austrian's etc sounds a bit odd. A cursory glance at Wikipedia tells me that Wellington was still in the Peninsular at that time...
May 21, 2019
I didn't finish this book. The hero didn't care about anything other than whoring, drinking, partying, and gambling. I know he change later on in the book, but I just didn't care to suffer through it.
June 9, 2019
Very slow developpent
Almost at half of the book,the carateres have not even meet !!!!,could not continue to read the book? Do not waist your time even if it is free
Almost at half of the book,the carateres have not even meet !!!!,could not continue to read the book? Do not waist your time even if it is free
July 5, 2020
This was an enjoyable read. Caroline was not of the aristocracy but had a good education. She was also quite forthright in her opinions. Reeve has returned from the war with injuries, added to this was the death of his wife and he had indulged in reckless behaviour and had little relationship with his two daughters. Caroline becomes their governess and although she is attracted to Reeve she knows she is far below his station in life. It was good to read of the change in the dynamics of the household and the affect it had on the occupants. I’m going to read the second in the series.
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March 27, 2019I'm confused. I read 56% of this book and there's no romance, just a bunch of domestic squabbling with the help. DNF.
February 14, 2020
DNF at 73%. Duke is unlikable.
February 2, 2019
Duke of Havoc
By Whitney Blake
Lord Reeve Malliston who is the third Duke of Nidderdale is not only a brilliant military tactition, but also a essentric musician. He is a favorite of the Duke of Wellington and called to fight on the feilds od Salamanca. The English victory was supposed to be Reeve's defining moment, but war has been unbearably cruel to him. He is discharged from the battle field nearly deaf and with two fingers missing. He then comes home a disgraced and broken man. Or so he thinks.
As his wife died under very mysterious circumstances, nasty rumors are running rampant saying that he went mad and murdered the mother of his two young daughters. With little care of who is or what he is anymore he cares little for social consequences and he does nothing to combat the gossip and descends into debauchery, leaving his poor girls under the care of a pernicious woman and her sister, his equally uncivil housekeeper.
All of a sudden after another domestic chaos greets him, his daughters beg him to intervene. So he does what needs to be done. He enlists his old comrades daughter as his new governess. With the new governess acting as tutor , Reeve plans on resuming his risque life style without worry or guilt.
Miss Caroline Sedgwyck is affectionate to children and above all level headed, but not docile by any means. She can see right through Revee's penchant for improper, much as she claims her calm and indefferncen is all a facade
The two are constantly at odds with each other as caroline challenges the Duke to be a father and do what's best for the children..
This is the first book that I have read a book from Witney Blake, but I have to admit I was simply awed. This is one author who knows how to write a fantastic book that pulls you in right away.
By Whitney Blake
Lord Reeve Malliston who is the third Duke of Nidderdale is not only a brilliant military tactition, but also a essentric musician. He is a favorite of the Duke of Wellington and called to fight on the feilds od Salamanca. The English victory was supposed to be Reeve's defining moment, but war has been unbearably cruel to him. He is discharged from the battle field nearly deaf and with two fingers missing. He then comes home a disgraced and broken man. Or so he thinks.
As his wife died under very mysterious circumstances, nasty rumors are running rampant saying that he went mad and murdered the mother of his two young daughters. With little care of who is or what he is anymore he cares little for social consequences and he does nothing to combat the gossip and descends into debauchery, leaving his poor girls under the care of a pernicious woman and her sister, his equally uncivil housekeeper.
All of a sudden after another domestic chaos greets him, his daughters beg him to intervene. So he does what needs to be done. He enlists his old comrades daughter as his new governess. With the new governess acting as tutor , Reeve plans on resuming his risque life style without worry or guilt.
Miss Caroline Sedgwyck is affectionate to children and above all level headed, but not docile by any means. She can see right through Revee's penchant for improper, much as she claims her calm and indefferncen is all a facade
The two are constantly at odds with each other as caroline challenges the Duke to be a father and do what's best for the children..
This is the first book that I have read a book from Witney Blake, but I have to admit I was simply awed. This is one author who knows how to write a fantastic book that pulls you in right away.
February 6, 2019
This is one of my favorite tropes of the wounded hero who needs to find his happy ever after. Reeve, the Duke of Nidderdale needs it desperately after coming home injured and almost deaf. Instead of feeling a hero, he is feeling tarnished and a shell of his former self and has no desire to resume his love of music. Now with two young daughters he had no idea how to handle and a wife that dies shortly, it is rumored he is unhinged and killed her. What? Can this be true? Feeling he has nothing to lose he sinks down into a wastrel.
But as fate steps in he hires a new governess, the daughter of one of his friend's, who he wants to just take care of the girls so he can resume his sordid life. Imagine his surprise when the new lady, Caroline, begins to take charge and makes him face his responsibilities and come back into the world.
I have to say, this was a fast paced story that kept my attention until the last page was turned! This is a new author for me, but I am looking forward to reading more by her and the rest of this series!
But as fate steps in he hires a new governess, the daughter of one of his friend's, who he wants to just take care of the girls so he can resume his sordid life. Imagine his surprise when the new lady, Caroline, begins to take charge and makes him face his responsibilities and come back into the world.
I have to say, this was a fast paced story that kept my attention until the last page was turned! This is a new author for me, but I am looking forward to reading more by her and the rest of this series!
February 9, 2019
Lord Reeve Malliston, the Duke of Nidderdale has come back from the war suffering from more than his visible wounds. Even after coming home, bad things happened. Now it's easier to ignore his home and family and spend his time in dubious company.
Miss Connie Sedgwyck knows her father is struggling to keep them both on his earnings as a music teacher. When a request for her to be a tutor to two little girls it's just what she needs. However with her outspoken ways she might not be employed for long.
This is at times an emotional story, but mostly it's just fun. The characters are very strong and opinionated, even the little ones. It also shows us that no matter how important a person might be, the trials of war can be devastating.
A real page turner.
Miss Connie Sedgwyck knows her father is struggling to keep them both on his earnings as a music teacher. When a request for her to be a tutor to two little girls it's just what she needs. However with her outspoken ways she might not be employed for long.
This is at times an emotional story, but mostly it's just fun. The characters are very strong and opinionated, even the little ones. It also shows us that no matter how important a person might be, the trials of war can be devastating.
A real page turner.
June 30, 2020
Good Series Starter!
This is book 1 in the Dukes of Destiny series and it reads like a dream. Wonderful and interesting characters from the likable to the really nasty ones. The story flows from page to page without any hiccups and I am really impressed.
This is Lord Reeve Malliston and Miss Caroline Sedgwyck's story.
To begin with Reeve seems to have a chip on his shoulder about his handicaps which he got during the war and the fact that there are rumors that he killed his wife. He tends to run away from his responsibilities rather than face up to them.
Along comes Caroline, whom he hired as a governess for his two young (and very cute) daughters and she quite happily sorts him and his household out very quickly indeed.
I enjoyed this romantic story very much and so would like to recommend it.
This is book 1 in the Dukes of Destiny series and it reads like a dream. Wonderful and interesting characters from the likable to the really nasty ones. The story flows from page to page without any hiccups and I am really impressed.
This is Lord Reeve Malliston and Miss Caroline Sedgwyck's story.
To begin with Reeve seems to have a chip on his shoulder about his handicaps which he got during the war and the fact that there are rumors that he killed his wife. He tends to run away from his responsibilities rather than face up to them.
Along comes Caroline, whom he hired as a governess for his two young (and very cute) daughters and she quite happily sorts him and his household out very quickly indeed.
I enjoyed this romantic story very much and so would like to recommend it.
June 25, 2020
Engaging historical romance
I very much enjoyed Caroline's and Reeve's story. Good historical setting and context. I appreciated how Reeve realized his responsibilities to his daughters, with Caroline's help, and that spurred him to clean up his act. Satisfying ending for this family.
I very much enjoyed Caroline's and Reeve's story. Good historical setting and context. I appreciated how Reeve realized his responsibilities to his daughters, with Caroline's help, and that spurred him to clean up his act. Satisfying ending for this family.
November 21, 2020
The story and the characters were engaging enough. But there definitely issues. There were a lot of instances that were not fitting with the time period. It made the story seem almost fantastical. Then there was the wordiness. That made things hard to follow at times. So while I liked the characters, I struggled with the kind of lackadaisical approach to the story telling.
May 7, 2019
4.5/5.0
What is enjoyable about this book is the story.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
What is enjoyable about this book is the story.
Read full review in the 2019 May issue of InD'tale Magazine.
Read
June 6, 2020Free today (February 28, 2020) on Amazon.
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February 5, 2019
Lord Reeve Malliston, Third Duke of Nidderdale has returned home after a brilliant military career. He came home feeling like a disgraced and wounded man after he nearly losing his hearing and two finders from his hand. Shortly after his return home his wife died and everyone is convinced he killer her so now he’s left caring for his two daughters. He decides he needs a new governess for them and writes to one of his army friends who has a accomplished daughter for his help. Miss Caroline Sedgwyck arrives and is quite taken with the girls, she becomes very protective of them even chastising their father for his neglect and amoral behaviors. Caroline is attracted to her employer, but she knows they’re from different station in life and offers her advice and friendship. Reeve’s slowly comes to realize his girls need him and maybe he just might need Caroline as well. A captivating story of a wounded warrior who doesn’t quite know how to carry on by himself and shuts out the people who most love him. There’s two old biddies who you just want to strangle for their hateful words and actions. A captivating story of love blossoming as these two wills battle and come to realize they both want the same thing, love happiness and family. 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 29, 2020
This was a very good book. Reeve Malliston the Duke of Havoc as his detractors call him is easy to like despite not really caring about anything after an explosion in the Napoleonic war leaves him near deaf and with two fingers missing. He was very musical and the two losses combined have taken a toll on him. His wife dies (suicide) shortly after his return from the war leaving him with two young children that you will love. The governess and her housekeeper sisters (leftover's from his late wife) are horrible to the children and he finally sees he needs a new governess for them. He has basically left them alone as he really does not know how to take care of them and is mostly away from the estate at parties and gambling nites.
The new governess is the daughter of an army comrade and is the breath of life his children are in desperate need of. Caroline Sedgwyck is not docile as he had expected but her affection for his children and her constant testing of his lifestyle (he brings the party to the estate and she lets him know just what could happen to his children if he puts them close to that lifestyle) make for a very interesting story. It was fun to watch him come back to life and be the father and good man he was meant to be all along. Caroline could see it in him but he needed to be shown.
The new governess is the daughter of an army comrade and is the breath of life his children are in desperate need of. Caroline Sedgwyck is not docile as he had expected but her affection for his children and her constant testing of his lifestyle (he brings the party to the estate and she lets him know just what could happen to his children if he puts them close to that lifestyle) make for a very interesting story. It was fun to watch him come back to life and be the father and good man he was meant to be all along. Caroline could see it in him but he needed to be shown.
February 12, 2019
Thoroughly entertaining.
Young, educated Caroline needs a position. Her father is a music teacher by trade, but after his return from the war with France he just isn’t the man he once was, and she worries for him. A result of his time as a soldier, Caroline is offered employment as a tutor to the two small daughters of a duke. But she must decide carefully, as the duke has a dark reputation.
Reeve, the duke, came back from war a bit damaged and quite unhappy. His wife has died, although they weren’t exactly fond of each other, and he’s spending his time with three other titled men, making debauchery into an art form. Unfortunately it’s started to affect his two daughters, and he’s feeling a bit guilty over that, so he’s hiring a tutor, because the one he has is a real witch.
Enter Caroline, and something begins to change. But she’s not just pretty, or kind, she’s willful and opinionated and smart.
The two begin a respectful relationship that moves in to much more.
This is a really good story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and plot, but it’s the interaction between the two, Caroline and Reeve, that is so well written. Their dialog is especially entertaining. The author gives special attention to the effects of war on the men in Caroline’s life in a sensitive and thoughtful way as well.
This is the first in a series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next few books too.
Young, educated Caroline needs a position. Her father is a music teacher by trade, but after his return from the war with France he just isn’t the man he once was, and she worries for him. A result of his time as a soldier, Caroline is offered employment as a tutor to the two small daughters of a duke. But she must decide carefully, as the duke has a dark reputation.
Reeve, the duke, came back from war a bit damaged and quite unhappy. His wife has died, although they weren’t exactly fond of each other, and he’s spending his time with three other titled men, making debauchery into an art form. Unfortunately it’s started to affect his two daughters, and he’s feeling a bit guilty over that, so he’s hiring a tutor, because the one he has is a real witch.
Enter Caroline, and something begins to change. But she’s not just pretty, or kind, she’s willful and opinionated and smart.
The two begin a respectful relationship that moves in to much more.
This is a really good story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and plot, but it’s the interaction between the two, Caroline and Reeve, that is so well written. Their dialog is especially entertaining. The author gives special attention to the effects of war on the men in Caroline’s life in a sensitive and thoughtful way as well.
This is the first in a series, and I am definitely looking forward to the next few books too.
March 26, 2019
Lord Reeve Malliston, Duke of Nidderdale, has returned from the war bearing two less fingers & damaged hearing. Shortly after he returns, his wife dies & rumors fly around the Ton that he murdered her; even though he was found innocent by the magistrate. He has taken up a life of debauchery drinking, gambling, womanizing & partying - now society has dubbed him"the Duke of Havoc". Lord Reeve realizes a change is needed & he contacts a fellow soldier who he remembered had a very intelligent daughter & he needs a tutor for his two daughters who are 5 & 6 years old.
Miss Caroline Sedgwyck, who really needs the money for her & her father, accepts the Duke's offer & arrives quickly to start her new position. There may be problems, as she challenges the Duke regarding his behavior, the company he keeps & his lack of attention toward his daughters.
I enjoyed Whitney Blake's building of characters - both main & secondary & I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I highly recommend this enjoyable & entertaining story.
Miss Caroline Sedgwyck, who really needs the money for her & her father, accepts the Duke's offer & arrives quickly to start her new position. There may be problems, as she challenges the Duke regarding his behavior, the company he keeps & his lack of attention toward his daughters.
I enjoyed Whitney Blake's building of characters - both main & secondary & I look forward to reading more from her in the future. I highly recommend this enjoyable & entertaining story.
February 22, 2021
The Duke of Destiny series are 4 short novels each featuring a duke who was injured at the Battle of Salamanca in 1812 and upon returning home, had to adapt to changed lives. Each also addresses the marriage of nobility and commoner.
First up is the Duke of Havoc who is partially deaf and lost 2 fingers on his left hand. He returns home no longer able to play the piano, to 2 young daughters he barely knows, and a wife who dies shortly after his return. Rumor is rampant as to the circumstances of her death, which when coupled with his endless rounds of gambling, drinking and whoring with friends, have him dubbed the Duke of Havoc. Into this arrives Miss Caroline Sedgewick, the daughter of a music tutor, who is hired to tutor his young daughters. Can healing for all and romance be far behind?
This was a pretty tame romance and frankly could have benefited from some steamy sex scenes. I'm not sure I would have read any the rest in the series had this been the only one, but I had a full set so moved on. I did find Caroline herself to be spunky and more than a match for the grumpy duke. The author's use of deafness was also an interesting change from the usual war injuries suffered by heros in regency romance.
First up is the Duke of Havoc who is partially deaf and lost 2 fingers on his left hand. He returns home no longer able to play the piano, to 2 young daughters he barely knows, and a wife who dies shortly after his return. Rumor is rampant as to the circumstances of her death, which when coupled with his endless rounds of gambling, drinking and whoring with friends, have him dubbed the Duke of Havoc. Into this arrives Miss Caroline Sedgewick, the daughter of a music tutor, who is hired to tutor his young daughters. Can healing for all and romance be far behind?
This was a pretty tame romance and frankly could have benefited from some steamy sex scenes. I'm not sure I would have read any the rest in the series had this been the only one, but I had a full set so moved on. I did find Caroline herself to be spunky and more than a match for the grumpy duke. The author's use of deafness was also an interesting change from the usual war injuries suffered by heros in regency romance.
May 19, 2025
Can Caroline save the injured and traumatised Reeve from his darkness?
Reeve Mallison, third Duke of Nidderdale has been injured, deafened and traumatised by the Napoleonic wars.
Following his return from battle his wife dies unexpectedly (we discover the truth behind this death during the book).
His two daughters are at the mercy of two female members of staff his wife bought with her into the house.
Caroline Sedgwyck is the daughter of a former comrade in arms and has taken up a post in his household as tutor to the two girls.
Caroline soon realises that Reeve is in as much need of help as the two girls.
Gradually she gets Reeve to accept his responsibilities to his daughters and the estate.
I very much enjoyed the steady development of the relationship between all the characters.
Reeve is not wallowing in self pity as one or two of the reviews I have previously seen - he is clearly suffering from what would now be described as PTSD.
Reeve Mallison, third Duke of Nidderdale has been injured, deafened and traumatised by the Napoleonic wars.
Following his return from battle his wife dies unexpectedly (we discover the truth behind this death during the book).
His two daughters are at the mercy of two female members of staff his wife bought with her into the house.
Caroline Sedgwyck is the daughter of a former comrade in arms and has taken up a post in his household as tutor to the two girls.
Caroline soon realises that Reeve is in as much need of help as the two girls.
Gradually she gets Reeve to accept his responsibilities to his daughters and the estate.
I very much enjoyed the steady development of the relationship between all the characters.
Reeve is not wallowing in self pity as one or two of the reviews I have previously seen - he is clearly suffering from what would now be described as PTSD.
February 6, 2019
Having lost his wife to suicide, raising two daughters to whom he cannot relate, and the burden of the sisters, Reeve Malliston is overwhelmed. He contacts his former comrade to hire his daughter as a Governess for his children. Caroline Sedgwyck receives, reads and agrees to the terms of his letter. Upon arrival, she realizes that she doesn’t agree with him on many levels. His neglect of his children, his unseemly friends and their cavorting in the presence of his impressionable daughters. As they work together to rid his home of the sisters, better his relationship with his darling daughters, they find that they enjoy the company of each other. When Reeve receives a summons to war, he realizes that he must make a decision.
One very flawed man, an understanding woman and two very precocious daughters, makes for a very enjoyable read.
One very flawed man, an understanding woman and two very precocious daughters, makes for a very enjoyable read.
August 31, 2020
Necessity
Reeve returns from the Napoleonic wars to find his house filled with tension. The housekeeper and nanny sisters, that had come with his wife upon their marriage, were at the heart of the discontent. His daughters were unhappy and seemed frightened, but he didn't know how to handle their concerns, having been away at the war. He returned scared and changed, unable to face his daughter's issue when he was having a difficult time adjusting to the changes within himself.
When finally the seriousness of his little ones' lives finally sinks into his mind, he decided to approach an old colleague, one he guessed to be in a diminished financial condition, hoping to hire the man's brilliant daughter as a tutor for his girls.
A lovely story about hardships and hope with amazing characters! Enjoy!
Reeve returns from the Napoleonic wars to find his house filled with tension. The housekeeper and nanny sisters, that had come with his wife upon their marriage, were at the heart of the discontent. His daughters were unhappy and seemed frightened, but he didn't know how to handle their concerns, having been away at the war. He returned scared and changed, unable to face his daughter's issue when he was having a difficult time adjusting to the changes within himself.
When finally the seriousness of his little ones' lives finally sinks into his mind, he decided to approach an old colleague, one he guessed to be in a diminished financial condition, hoping to hire the man's brilliant daughter as a tutor for his girls.
A lovely story about hardships and hope with amazing characters! Enjoy!
February 6, 2019
Lord Reeve Malliston has returned from the war damaged both physically and mentally. Spending his time gambling, drinking wine and women to forget his pain and guilt of not being there for his daughters. He hires an old friends daughter to be a governess for his daughters and things don’t go quite the way he expects. Caroline Sedgwyck is not what he expects and she definitely has a mind of her own. I loved this story and definitely loved Caroline, she is not afraid to take Reeve to task for his behavior which is exactly what he needs to overcome his guilt and be the father he needs to be. This was also the first time I have read a book from Whitney Blake and I really enjoyed reading it. This definitely won’t be my last to read if hers.
August 11, 2019
How the Duke finds himself
Love the story line. Very engaging characters. Well written. The duke comes home from war a damaged man due to severe injuries. What he encounters as he walks in his home is total chaos. His wife has become an addict, who no longer knows him and his daughters are afraid of him, and terrified of the witch sisters. How he brings his home back to normalcy is really quite admirable. This a wonderful story of how a man rises through the depths of hell bringing the much needed respect, love and support his family craves. There are twists and turns and romance. A must read. I read the 2nd book first and was captivated by it. Looking forward to a 3rd book.
Love the story line. Very engaging characters. Well written. The duke comes home from war a damaged man due to severe injuries. What he encounters as he walks in his home is total chaos. His wife has become an addict, who no longer knows him and his daughters are afraid of him, and terrified of the witch sisters. How he brings his home back to normalcy is really quite admirable. This a wonderful story of how a man rises through the depths of hell bringing the much needed respect, love and support his family craves. There are twists and turns and romance. A must read. I read the 2nd book first and was captivated by it. Looking forward to a 3rd book.
August 27, 2020
An Interesting Read
This is a first book for me by this author and I must say I wasn't disappointed. The book was well written, and the plot interesting, the main characters were endearing, particularly the Duke's daughters Sophie and Phoebe. The poor sweet hearts had to endure the care of The 'Witch sister's' as they were called, aka Miss Ball (Governess,) and Mrs Humphey's (House Keeper,) who cared not one iota for the girls, and it wasn't until their father came upon uproar in his home that he did something about them. Enter Caroline Sedgewick who became Governess to the girls and their advocate when their father still ignored them. The interviews between Reeves, The Duke and Caroline were amusing at times, heated at other times but slowly Caroline chipped away at the annoying issues in the home. When it came for Reeves to do a second tour in the war, his leaving was quite heart wrenching for all, and the waiting for his safe return was even worse, but eventually a Happy Ending was achieved.
All in all an excellent read and I look forward to the other books in the series. I thoroughly recommend the book.
This is a first book for me by this author and I must say I wasn't disappointed. The book was well written, and the plot interesting, the main characters were endearing, particularly the Duke's daughters Sophie and Phoebe. The poor sweet hearts had to endure the care of The 'Witch sister's' as they were called, aka Miss Ball (Governess,) and Mrs Humphey's (House Keeper,) who cared not one iota for the girls, and it wasn't until their father came upon uproar in his home that he did something about them. Enter Caroline Sedgewick who became Governess to the girls and their advocate when their father still ignored them. The interviews between Reeves, The Duke and Caroline were amusing at times, heated at other times but slowly Caroline chipped away at the annoying issues in the home. When it came for Reeves to do a second tour in the war, his leaving was quite heart wrenching for all, and the waiting for his safe return was even worse, but eventually a Happy Ending was achieved.
All in all an excellent read and I look forward to the other books in the series. I thoroughly recommend the book.
February 5, 2020
Battle worn and scarred physically and mentally Reeves returns to a wife that is emotionally unattached to him or their daughters. Her servants are battling with his servants and his wife overdosed on narcotics. Everyone believes he is the cause since that is the tale spread by he nasty servants.
He soon discovers the same servants are spanking his children. He cannot abide this since he ordered them not to spank the girls.
He hires a new governess whom the girls adore. She is young, intelligent, and extremely outspoken. She challenges him about his outrageous behavior in the presence of his daughter’s and he thanks her for her honesty.
He comes to admire her and too soon love blooms.
He soon discovers the same servants are spanking his children. He cannot abide this since he ordered them not to spank the girls.
He hires a new governess whom the girls adore. She is young, intelligent, and extremely outspoken. She challenges him about his outrageous behavior in the presence of his daughter’s and he thanks her for her honesty.
He comes to admire her and too soon love blooms.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
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