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Duke Dynasty #2
The Bachelor
New York Times bestselling author Sabrina Jeffries features an irresistible family in a series to savor, as the grown children of a thrice-married dowager duchess piece together the stories of their fathers--while pursuing passions of their own . . .
Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family's reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it's Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate's gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. But as a man, it's torment to be so very close to the beauty he's fought to ignore . . .
With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater deflecting a scoundrel's attempts to sabotage her--or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can't resist . . .
Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family's reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it's Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate's gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. But as a man, it's torment to be so very close to the beauty he's fought to ignore . . .
With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater deflecting a scoundrel's attempts to sabotage her--or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can't resist . . .
195 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 25, 2020
1139 people are currently reading
4025 people want to read
About the author
Sabrina Jeffries
86 books4,796 followersSabrina Jeffries is the NYT bestselling author of over 50 novels and works of short fiction (some written under the pseudonyms Deborah Martin and Deborah Nicholas). Whatever time not spent writing in a coffee-fueled haze of dreams and madness is spent traveling with her husband and adult autistic son or indulging in one of her passions—jigsaw puzzles, chocolate, and music. With over 11 million books published in print and electronically in 25 different languages, the North Carolina author never regrets tossing aside a budding career in academics for the sheer joy of writing fun fiction, and hopes that one day a book of hers will end up saving the world.
She always dreams big.
She always dreams big.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 565 reviews
February 29, 2020
***4 STARS***
I greatly anticipated the second book in the Duke Dynasty series. Lady Gwyn Drake is being blackmailed by an old paramour, Lionel Malet, of a secret she does not want revealed. Believing that she is in danger of being abducted Gwyn’s brother, the Duke of Thornstock, enlists Major Joshua Wolfe to be her bodyguard. Joshua is somehow related to the family (I’m still confused over the family dynamics) and is the gamekeeper. He is also “semi-retired” from military service and suffers from PTSD. It is a lot to keep up with...lol.
Although trying to keep up with who is related to whom, this was quite an enjoyable read. I loved Joshua’s tough, broody, grumpy nature and how Gwyn draws him out of his shell. The sparks definitely shoot between these two...who knew archery was so seductive? I loved the characterization including secondary characters and the camaraderie among the siblings. I believe Ms. Jeffries wrote another gem.
I highly recommend. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I greatly anticipated the second book in the Duke Dynasty series. Lady Gwyn Drake is being blackmailed by an old paramour, Lionel Malet, of a secret she does not want revealed. Believing that she is in danger of being abducted Gwyn’s brother, the Duke of Thornstock, enlists Major Joshua Wolfe to be her bodyguard. Joshua is somehow related to the family (I’m still confused over the family dynamics) and is the gamekeeper. He is also “semi-retired” from military service and suffers from PTSD. It is a lot to keep up with...lol.
Although trying to keep up with who is related to whom, this was quite an enjoyable read. I loved Joshua’s tough, broody, grumpy nature and how Gwyn draws him out of his shell. The sparks definitely shoot between these two...who knew archery was so seductive? I loved the characterization including secondary characters and the camaraderie among the siblings. I believe Ms. Jeffries wrote another gem.
I highly recommend. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
February 10, 2020
SWEET ROMANCE AND A LOVABLE HERO
Reading the first in this series made me really look forward to Gwyn and Joshuas' story. They had such fun chemistry, with Gwyn being the aggressor and Joshua being the shy one, that was a nice twist.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Joshua: I loved the surly, grumpy Joshua who was insecure about his bad leg. He was a very likable and relatable hero, and quite original as compared to other HR male protagonists.
Gwyn: Gwyn was not my favourite character in the first book. I felt like she was a bit of an airhead. So I really liked seeing a deeper more vulnerable side of her in this book.
Thorn and Gwyn: These twins have the sweetest, most disturbed relationship that ultimately is all about love for one another!
👎 WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE 👎
That something more: Honestly, this was a perfectly fine historical romance book - it had a sweet, lovable couple, a lot of chemistry, some originality as well. However, I lacked that certain something more, that deeper 'meaning' that would have made me love it instead of just liking it.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
Reading the first in this series made me really look forward to Gwyn and Joshuas' story. They had such fun chemistry, with Gwyn being the aggressor and Joshua being the shy one, that was a nice twist.
👍 WHAT I LIKED 👍
Joshua: I loved the surly, grumpy Joshua who was insecure about his bad leg. He was a very likable and relatable hero, and quite original as compared to other HR male protagonists.
Gwyn: Gwyn was not my favourite character in the first book. I felt like she was a bit of an airhead. So I really liked seeing a deeper more vulnerable side of her in this book.
Thorn and Gwyn: These twins have the sweetest, most disturbed relationship that ultimately is all about love for one another!
👎 WHAT I DIDN'T LIKE 👎
That something more: Honestly, this was a perfectly fine historical romance book - it had a sweet, lovable couple, a lot of chemistry, some originality as well. However, I lacked that certain something more, that deeper 'meaning' that would have made me love it instead of just liking it.
ARC provided by the publisher through NetGalley in exchange for an honest review
February 4, 2020
NB: ARC review – expected publication 25th Feb 2020
I really struggled with this one.
The hero is annoyingly gruff, moody, surly, quick to irritate and anger. I did not find many of the interactions romantic, the sex scenes are at times terribly cringy (lots of descriptions that involving, plunging, stabbing, groping and rubbing). I don't like how the hero "blames" the heroine for being attracted to her, and his jealousy is at times borderline disturbing.
Not SB finest.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
I really struggled with this one.
The hero is annoyingly gruff, moody, surly, quick to irritate and anger. I did not find many of the interactions romantic, the sex scenes are at times terribly cringy (lots of descriptions that involving, plunging, stabbing, groping and rubbing). I don't like how the hero "blames" the heroine for being attracted to her, and his jealousy is at times borderline disturbing.
Not SB finest.
I received an ARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
May 31, 2020
Five amazing wounded and healed stars!!! With a gruff, grumpy hero, a feisty heroine, drama and danger...this book had it all!
When Gwyn’s past rises up to threaten her, Joshua steps in to help out. He soon finds himself in her brother’s employ as her bodyguard, a position Gwyn is not happy about for a few reasons. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize that their preconceived notions about the other was not completely accurate. They each have a past filled with pain and uncertainty that has left it’s mark on their hearts and souls.
’Like the torn ligatures and muscles in Joshua’s leg that still ached after five years, her wound was hidden…’
Oh man, I absolutely adored Gwyn! She said what she thought without a moment’s hesitation but was still sweet and caring. Once riled up, she really let it fly, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the way she stood up to Joshua.
Joshua was exactly how I like my heroes. He rarely smiled, was often curt, and just wanted to be alone. Gwyn, however, was able to reach deep inside of him and watching him slowly rise up from the ashes of his previous pain and suffering was wonderful. His main priority was protecting her, even when she was determined to waylay him at times. She certainly kept him on his toes.
’She was holding his hand. She was complaining about her suitors. He liked both things better than he should, especially after an evening of being forced to watch her dance with every fool in creation. Of fighting to keep his jealousy under control when all he wanted was to punch her partners in the face.’
I loved watching this couple together! Their banter was quick and smart, their chemistry creating a tension that is felt throughout the book. And when they finally yielded, holy heck! I’m surprised my kindle didn’t go up in flames.
This plot has several layers to it and I was completely engrossed as each one was revealed. With just enough drama and danger, interspersed with the romance, I found myself turning the pages as quickly as possible. The angst is what I would consider mild as both Joshua and Gwyn have a lot of fears, distrust, and uncertainties to deal with but without consuming the story. While they totally clicked together, theirs is not an easy happy ever to obtain. Watching them get there was pure perfection.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
When Gwyn’s past rises up to threaten her, Joshua steps in to help out. He soon finds himself in her brother’s employ as her bodyguard, a position Gwyn is not happy about for a few reasons. But the more time they spend together, the more they realize that their preconceived notions about the other was not completely accurate. They each have a past filled with pain and uncertainty that has left it’s mark on their hearts and souls.
’Like the torn ligatures and muscles in Joshua’s leg that still ached after five years, her wound was hidden…’
Oh man, I absolutely adored Gwyn! She said what she thought without a moment’s hesitation but was still sweet and caring. Once riled up, she really let it fly, and I couldn’t help but laugh at the way she stood up to Joshua.
Joshua was exactly how I like my heroes. He rarely smiled, was often curt, and just wanted to be alone. Gwyn, however, was able to reach deep inside of him and watching him slowly rise up from the ashes of his previous pain and suffering was wonderful. His main priority was protecting her, even when she was determined to waylay him at times. She certainly kept him on his toes.
’She was holding his hand. She was complaining about her suitors. He liked both things better than he should, especially after an evening of being forced to watch her dance with every fool in creation. Of fighting to keep his jealousy under control when all he wanted was to punch her partners in the face.’
I loved watching this couple together! Their banter was quick and smart, their chemistry creating a tension that is felt throughout the book. And when they finally yielded, holy heck! I’m surprised my kindle didn’t go up in flames.
This plot has several layers to it and I was completely engrossed as each one was revealed. With just enough drama and danger, interspersed with the romance, I found myself turning the pages as quickly as possible. The angst is what I would consider mild as both Joshua and Gwyn have a lot of fears, distrust, and uncertainties to deal with but without consuming the story. While they totally clicked together, theirs is not an easy happy ever to obtain. Watching them get there was pure perfection.
Dual POV
Safe
Triggers
May 6, 2020
Sabrina Jeffries writes smart books, especially when she writes a small series. Too many of the HR books are just about the romance and sex. Not a problem for me, but I enjoy the smart stories better.
The The Bachelor is one of the smart books, filled with smart characters that usually make smart choices. But then there is always that someone who will make a true bonehead mistake.
I’m talking to you Lady Gwyn. What were you thinking? That you could outsmart the dashing Major Joshua Wolfe and your brothers The Duke of Thornstock and the Duke of Greycourt? Your other two half brothers are barely on-page, so they aren’t really a worry.
Major Wolfe is a Royal Marine on half-pay due to a serious injury. He is also the game-keeper on his cousin’s estate, Armitage Hall.
After Major Wolfe rescues Lady Gwyn from an ugly encounter, Lady Gwyn’s twin, The Duke of Thornstock asks Major Wolfe to be Lady Gwyn’s body-guard. Her upcoming debut in London and the social whirl that accompanies the debut would give a blackguard plenty of opportunity for harm.
There is a definite need for a bodyguard, as a seducer, and blackmailer from Lady Gwyn past has come back. Her bonehead mistake is lying to her twin Thorn and Major Wolfe. Thornstock’s bonehead mistake is also lying to Major Wolfe.
The intelligence is in how the story proceeds logically from there, with the characters behaving as they should, with not too many hare-brained actions. The romance is romantic; it is steamy but not seedy.
There is not an evil relative trying to prevent the romance from proceeding due to perceived class difference and/or terrible decisions of the past. The hero and heroine do all that themselves. (Aw come on Lady Gwyn, don’t be so hard on yourself and Major Wolfe, need I remind you that you are the grandson of a duke and a nephew of a duchess? Not to mention all of those cousins, half-cousins and courtesy cousins roaming around in your story)
A common enough trope, true; but in the The Bachelor it is handled with both sensitivity and humor. I mean how funny is it that the Major laces Lady Gwyn’s stays and buttons her dress as they have a knock down drag out argument?
Have I mentioned the Major Wolfe is rather a surly chap, who suffers from PTSD and his war injury presents true disability? The PTSD and disability prevent Major Wolfe from attaining one of his dreams, but open new pathways for him. See, smart writing.
There is also hints, as there was in the first book Project Duchess, of an on-going murder plot, with the entire family at risk. Just vague hints, but if true, a plot going back to the murder of all the Duchess of Armitage's ducal husbands.
Thank you to NetGalley for and ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review
The The Bachelor is one of the smart books, filled with smart characters that usually make smart choices. But then there is always that someone who will make a true bonehead mistake.
I’m talking to you Lady Gwyn. What were you thinking? That you could outsmart the dashing Major Joshua Wolfe and your brothers The Duke of Thornstock and the Duke of Greycourt? Your other two half brothers are barely on-page, so they aren’t really a worry.
Major Wolfe is a Royal Marine on half-pay due to a serious injury. He is also the game-keeper on his cousin’s estate, Armitage Hall.
After Major Wolfe rescues Lady Gwyn from an ugly encounter, Lady Gwyn’s twin, The Duke of Thornstock asks Major Wolfe to be Lady Gwyn’s body-guard. Her upcoming debut in London and the social whirl that accompanies the debut would give a blackguard plenty of opportunity for harm.
There is a definite need for a bodyguard, as a seducer, and blackmailer from Lady Gwyn past has come back. Her bonehead mistake is lying to her twin Thorn and Major Wolfe. Thornstock’s bonehead mistake is also lying to Major Wolfe.
The intelligence is in how the story proceeds logically from there, with the characters behaving as they should, with not too many hare-brained actions. The romance is romantic; it is steamy but not seedy.
There is not an evil relative trying to prevent the romance from proceeding due to perceived class difference and/or terrible decisions of the past. The hero and heroine do all that themselves. (Aw come on Lady Gwyn, don’t be so hard on yourself and Major Wolfe, need I remind you that you are the grandson of a duke and a nephew of a duchess? Not to mention all of those cousins, half-cousins and courtesy cousins roaming around in your story)
A common enough trope, true; but in the The Bachelor it is handled with both sensitivity and humor. I mean how funny is it that the Major laces Lady Gwyn’s stays and buttons her dress as they have a knock down drag out argument?
Have I mentioned the Major Wolfe is rather a surly chap, who suffers from PTSD and his war injury presents true disability? The PTSD and disability prevent Major Wolfe from attaining one of his dreams, but open new pathways for him. See, smart writing.
There is also hints, as there was in the first book Project Duchess, of an on-going murder plot, with the entire family at risk. Just vague hints, but if true, a plot going back to the murder of all the Duchess of Armitage's ducal husbands.
Thank you to NetGalley for and ARC in exchange for a fair and honest review
February 28, 2020
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
The Bachelor is the latest release from Sabrina Jeffries and such a fun and sweet read this turned out to be. From the first book of the series "Project Duchess" we gain so much learning about this pairing and I was so happy to see that this author Sabrina Jeffries definitely crafted such beauty that is within this story. I wasn't sure quite what to expect from their story but I knew this author wouldn't disappoint me and she definitely endeared me even more with this story.
Lady Gwyn Drake has been keeping a secret from her family in order to protect them. But she is paying a heavy price for it. When her blackmailer, a man she once had a affair with, she is determined to stand up to and in so doing is in a difficult situation when he threatens and manhandles her and then Joshua Wolfe appears and satisfies the situation but realizes that Gwyn needs protection and an arrangement is agreed upon between Joshua and her brother the Duke. Gwyn and Joshua have had an attraction to each other and now that they are in such close proximity....that attraction between them is only expounded upon. But will Gwyn's secrets harm their relationship or will the unveiling only build their intimacy?
The Bachelor was such a charming and delightful romp of a romance, I truly had such a fun time with these characters and this family we got to see in book one. We see so much more depths to both of these characters. With Joshua, his temper and injuries from being in the military and new opportunities that rise up for him. Then we have lovely Gwyn, who is strong and passionate but tends to carry her loads on her shoulders alone and keeps secrets from those who love her the most. We see how Gwyn has to learn to truly trust. She has been hurt and betrayed and there are wounds that are still festering. What I truly became endeared most by was seeing her growth in discovering her own capabilities and learning to trust not only in Joshua but in love again.
Overall I found The Bachelor to be a sweet and sexy adventure of thrills, dares, delightful bantering that strikes a chord in the heart and delivers a beautiful story of redemption and healing!
The Bachelor is the latest release from Sabrina Jeffries and such a fun and sweet read this turned out to be. From the first book of the series "Project Duchess" we gain so much learning about this pairing and I was so happy to see that this author Sabrina Jeffries definitely crafted such beauty that is within this story. I wasn't sure quite what to expect from their story but I knew this author wouldn't disappoint me and she definitely endeared me even more with this story.
Lady Gwyn Drake has been keeping a secret from her family in order to protect them. But she is paying a heavy price for it. When her blackmailer, a man she once had a affair with, she is determined to stand up to and in so doing is in a difficult situation when he threatens and manhandles her and then Joshua Wolfe appears and satisfies the situation but realizes that Gwyn needs protection and an arrangement is agreed upon between Joshua and her brother the Duke. Gwyn and Joshua have had an attraction to each other and now that they are in such close proximity....that attraction between them is only expounded upon. But will Gwyn's secrets harm their relationship or will the unveiling only build their intimacy?
The Bachelor was such a charming and delightful romp of a romance, I truly had such a fun time with these characters and this family we got to see in book one. We see so much more depths to both of these characters. With Joshua, his temper and injuries from being in the military and new opportunities that rise up for him. Then we have lovely Gwyn, who is strong and passionate but tends to carry her loads on her shoulders alone and keeps secrets from those who love her the most. We see how Gwyn has to learn to truly trust. She has been hurt and betrayed and there are wounds that are still festering. What I truly became endeared most by was seeing her growth in discovering her own capabilities and learning to trust not only in Joshua but in love again.
Overall I found The Bachelor to be a sweet and sexy adventure of thrills, dares, delightful bantering that strikes a chord in the heart and delivers a beautiful story of redemption and healing!
March 14, 2020
The Bachelor by Sabrina Jeffries is book two in her Duke Dynasty series. Though part of a series, this novel reads well as a standalone.
Lady Gwyn Drake is a 30-yr-old spinster being presented at the royal court in London. She thinks fast on her feet and can talk her way around and/or out of a bad situation, skills she needs to protect her secrets. A shady character from her past is putting Gwyn in danger, so her brother hires Joshua Wolfe to protect her.
Joshua Wolfe is a major in the Royal Marines and the temporary gamekeeper at Armitage Hall, Gwyn’s current home. He’s grumpy and standoffish, but takes the job watching Gwyn out of a sense of duty, though he has secrets of his own to protect.
The Bachelor has a sound premise and plot. It grabs and keeps the reader’s attention. The characterization is strong with believable and likable characters. Overall the dialogue is witty and smart with interesting internal character dialogue. This is a 5 out of 5 star read. There is some explicit sexual content, but if you’re not sensitive I still recommend this novel to readers of contemporary romance.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
Lady Gwyn Drake is a 30-yr-old spinster being presented at the royal court in London. She thinks fast on her feet and can talk her way around and/or out of a bad situation, skills she needs to protect her secrets. A shady character from her past is putting Gwyn in danger, so her brother hires Joshua Wolfe to protect her.
Joshua Wolfe is a major in the Royal Marines and the temporary gamekeeper at Armitage Hall, Gwyn’s current home. He’s grumpy and standoffish, but takes the job watching Gwyn out of a sense of duty, though he has secrets of his own to protect.
The Bachelor has a sound premise and plot. It grabs and keeps the reader’s attention. The characterization is strong with believable and likable characters. Overall the dialogue is witty and smart with interesting internal character dialogue. This is a 5 out of 5 star read. There is some explicit sexual content, but if you’re not sensitive I still recommend this novel to readers of contemporary romance.
My thanks to Kensington Books and NetGalley for the opportunity to read an advance copy of this book. However, the opinions expressed in this review are 100% mine and mine alone.
February 18, 2020
Electric read!
This second in the Duke Dynasty series is as I suspected a cracking good five star read with all the mystery, energy and frustration one could wish for.
Lady Gwyn Drake is a person holding deep secrets. I was won with the opening description of Gwyn where she's pacing an "ornamental bridge like a tigress in a crate." Is that just not the perfect gambit sure to entice? With a malevolent blackmailer pursuing her, Gwyn finds herself in troubled waters. That's not a problem! She has a plan. Although not all plans run smoothly. Who better than a navy man to help rescue her? Even if it's at the request of her brother Thorn. The brooding Major Joshua Wolfe, injured in naval action and now the estate’s gamekeeper, is to be Gwyn's bodyguard in London after he'd rescued her from being manhandled by the odious Captain Malet.
Of course Gwyn wants none of this. She has secrets to keep and being followed by Joshua does not fit with those plans, even if she finds Joshua attractive.
Talk about strong reactions these two have to each other! Often explosive, and yet at other moments they are both quietly stunned by the effect each has on the other--not that either of them is about to let their guard down too much! Until they do!
I was riveted by the push and pull of the attraction between these two, the gradual acceptance of each other, in between the fireworks, and the way they complimented each other.
And the suspicion that the preceding Dukes of Armitage might have been murdered as posited by Sheridan Wolfe in the first of the series? That quietly bubbles to the surface towards the end, not forgotten, and now very much alive, along with the thought that these deaths might be centered around the Duchess of Armitage.
With two strong, passionate characters, witty dialogue and plenty of action this was a dynamic read!
A Kensington Press Invitation ARC via NetGalley
Teaser first chapter!
I must admit to being quite titilated by this 2020 release teaser, for the second title in the Duke Dynasty series by Sabrina Jeffries.
I always thought the brooding Major Joshua Wolfe, injured in naval action and now the estate’s gamekeeper, together with Thorn's sister Lady Gwn Drake, would have a tale to tell. If this first chapter is any indication I can hardly wait for the rest. Lady Gwyn and Joshua were certainly "aware" of each other, when Bea first introduced them in the beginning story of the series, Project Duchess. Consider Bea's reflections,
"To Beatrice’s surprise—and delight—Gwyn gazed at Joshua with more curiosity than anything else. And perhaps a little attraction? Beatrice had always considered her brother relatively handsome, despite his limp and the straight black hair he kept unfashionably long. Gwyn’s reaction to him proved her right. Nor was there any mistaking the blatant survey he made of Gwyn’s figure. Her brother never looked at any woman that way . . . or at least he hadn’t since before the war. How very interesting.. "
Mmmm! Where will this go?
I did not realize that Gwyn is a person holding deep secrets. Add to this the malevolency of her blackmailer and the truculency of Joshua, and fireworks are in the offing.
This first chapter displays all the mystery, energy and frustration that promises to lead into a cracking good five star tale!
A Kensington Books chapter preview via NetGalley
This second in the Duke Dynasty series is as I suspected a cracking good five star read with all the mystery, energy and frustration one could wish for.
Lady Gwyn Drake is a person holding deep secrets. I was won with the opening description of Gwyn where she's pacing an "ornamental bridge like a tigress in a crate." Is that just not the perfect gambit sure to entice? With a malevolent blackmailer pursuing her, Gwyn finds herself in troubled waters. That's not a problem! She has a plan. Although not all plans run smoothly. Who better than a navy man to help rescue her? Even if it's at the request of her brother Thorn. The brooding Major Joshua Wolfe, injured in naval action and now the estate’s gamekeeper, is to be Gwyn's bodyguard in London after he'd rescued her from being manhandled by the odious Captain Malet.
Of course Gwyn wants none of this. She has secrets to keep and being followed by Joshua does not fit with those plans, even if she finds Joshua attractive.
Talk about strong reactions these two have to each other! Often explosive, and yet at other moments they are both quietly stunned by the effect each has on the other--not that either of them is about to let their guard down too much! Until they do!
I was riveted by the push and pull of the attraction between these two, the gradual acceptance of each other, in between the fireworks, and the way they complimented each other.
And the suspicion that the preceding Dukes of Armitage might have been murdered as posited by Sheridan Wolfe in the first of the series? That quietly bubbles to the surface towards the end, not forgotten, and now very much alive, along with the thought that these deaths might be centered around the Duchess of Armitage.
With two strong, passionate characters, witty dialogue and plenty of action this was a dynamic read!
A Kensington Press Invitation ARC via NetGalley
Teaser first chapter!
I must admit to being quite titilated by this 2020 release teaser, for the second title in the Duke Dynasty series by Sabrina Jeffries.
I always thought the brooding Major Joshua Wolfe, injured in naval action and now the estate’s gamekeeper, together with Thorn's sister Lady Gwn Drake, would have a tale to tell. If this first chapter is any indication I can hardly wait for the rest. Lady Gwyn and Joshua were certainly "aware" of each other, when Bea first introduced them in the beginning story of the series, Project Duchess. Consider Bea's reflections,
"To Beatrice’s surprise—and delight—Gwyn gazed at Joshua with more curiosity than anything else. And perhaps a little attraction? Beatrice had always considered her brother relatively handsome, despite his limp and the straight black hair he kept unfashionably long. Gwyn’s reaction to him proved her right. Nor was there any mistaking the blatant survey he made of Gwyn’s figure. Her brother never looked at any woman that way . . . or at least he hadn’t since before the war. How very interesting.. "
Mmmm! Where will this go?
I did not realize that Gwyn is a person holding deep secrets. Add to this the malevolency of her blackmailer and the truculency of Joshua, and fireworks are in the offing.
This first chapter displays all the mystery, energy and frustration that promises to lead into a cracking good five star tale!
A Kensington Books chapter preview via NetGalley
October 7, 2020
Giunta al secondo volume, ribadisco il consiglio che già avevo elargito in occasione del primo: fate tesoro del mini-albero genealogico iniziale, perché vi sarà più che utile per orientarvi tra tutti i figli di lady Lydia Fletcher, ovvero: Fletcher, quinto duca di Greycourt (già protagonista iniziale e ora sposato con Beatrice Wolfe), Drake, duca di Thornstock, con la sorella gemella Gwyn; Sheridan, duca di Armitage, e il fratello cadetto Heywood, militare di carriera, già unitosi a Cassandra.
Ribadisco pure il tratto distintivo dei vari fratellastri, ovvero una notevole prestanza fisica, occhi in variazione tra il verde screziato e l'azzurro da visibilio, nonché un grande affiatamento e protezione tra loro, pur essendo generati da padri diversi (Maman la duchessa, 3 volte vedova, invece, non si tocca!).
Stavolta parliamo dei gemelli, Thorne e Gwyn, tanto legati tra loro, quanto separati da un rancore ormai decennale, per via di un fatto accaduto quand'erano giovani e sognatori a Berlino.
Adesso quel fatto torna prepotentemente alla ribalta, in occasione di un ricatto ai danni di Gwyn, e cosa s'inventa il gemellone? Le affibbia un bodyguard, nella persona di Joshua Wolf (sì, proprio il fratello zoppo e introverso di Beatrice, il guardiacaccia con il soprabito stazzonato e l'atteggiamento sexy e scontroso che avevamo già incontrato in precedenza).
Ecco, se avete un debole per i personaggi "imperfetti" (a titolo esemplificativo, sfregiati, claudicanti, pure con un occhio solo, stile reduce eroico...), Joshua sarà una delizia per la vostra lettura. Ufficiale di marina a riposo forzato, vuole a tutti i costi ritornare a rendersi utile, nonostante la ferita, ed è conscio di non rappresentare chissà che partito.
Ovviamente Gwyn (un po' fuori età rispetto alle solite debuttanti, ma figlia e sorella di duchi) ha le idee molto più chiare.
Carina la storia, carini loro due, bello e divertente il parentado intorno.
In più anche stavolta la Jeffries inserisce un paio di sottotrame investigative (oltre al ricatto, c'è un certo complotto/intrigo non ancora risolto) che rendono la lettura scorrevole e appassionante.
Ok, segnalo anche qualche scena un po' bollente, ma con Joshua non stona affatto.
In conclusione: sono assolutamente certa di voler proseguire questa serie "ducale".
Ribadisco pure il tratto distintivo dei vari fratellastri, ovvero una notevole prestanza fisica, occhi in variazione tra il verde screziato e l'azzurro da visibilio, nonché un grande affiatamento e protezione tra loro, pur essendo generati da padri diversi (Maman la duchessa, 3 volte vedova, invece, non si tocca!).
Stavolta parliamo dei gemelli, Thorne e Gwyn, tanto legati tra loro, quanto separati da un rancore ormai decennale, per via di un fatto accaduto quand'erano giovani e sognatori a Berlino.
Adesso quel fatto torna prepotentemente alla ribalta, in occasione di un ricatto ai danni di Gwyn, e cosa s'inventa il gemellone? Le affibbia un bodyguard, nella persona di Joshua Wolf (sì, proprio il fratello zoppo e introverso di Beatrice, il guardiacaccia con il soprabito stazzonato e l'atteggiamento sexy e scontroso che avevamo già incontrato in precedenza).
Ecco, se avete un debole per i personaggi "imperfetti" (a titolo esemplificativo, sfregiati, claudicanti, pure con un occhio solo, stile reduce eroico...), Joshua sarà una delizia per la vostra lettura. Ufficiale di marina a riposo forzato, vuole a tutti i costi ritornare a rendersi utile, nonostante la ferita, ed è conscio di non rappresentare chissà che partito.
Ovviamente Gwyn (un po' fuori età rispetto alle solite debuttanti, ma figlia e sorella di duchi) ha le idee molto più chiare.
Carina la storia, carini loro due, bello e divertente il parentado intorno.
In più anche stavolta la Jeffries inserisce un paio di sottotrame investigative (oltre al ricatto, c'è un certo complotto/intrigo non ancora risolto) che rendono la lettura scorrevole e appassionante.
Ok, segnalo anche qualche scena un po' bollente, ma con Joshua non stona affatto.
In conclusione: sono assolutamente certa di voler proseguire questa serie "ducale".
February 23, 2020
3.25 stars - Reviewed for
Wit and Sin
A vibrant lady and a wounded war hero are a match just waiting to happen in The Bachelor . After seeing sparks fly between Gwyn and Joshua in the first Duke Dynasty book, I couldn't wait to read their story. The result was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
At thirty, Gwyn would definitely be on the shelf (even as the daughter of a deceased duke and sister of three current dukes) if it weren’t for her fortune. But Gwyn has a secret she believes might keep her from the love she dreams of and when her past comes back to haunt her in the form of a blackmailing villain, it’s clear she’s in over her head. Help comes in the form of Joshua Wolfe, a wounded war hero determined to regain his position in the military even though he’s injured. Gwyn is bright and lively, but secretly vulnerable and Joshua is grumpy, hurting, and unhappy with his current place in the world. They’re clearly begging for a wonderful love story and I did like them together. Their romance ticked all the boxes, but there was a bit of the usual Sabrina Jeffries magic missing in their story.
Gwyn’s former suitor who is now blackmailing her adds an edge to the story. Malet is a villain worth loathing and I wanted to see Gwyn free of him. There’s an added twist to the Malet storyline to further draw Joshua into it that I’m not sure was absolutely necessary, but I was game to go along with it if only to see our protagonists bring Malet down. But the tension Malet brought to the story had nothing on the push-pull between Gwyn and Joshua. Joshua doesn’t want to be attracted to Gwyn and she doesn’t care for it when he runs hot and cold. Class differences aren’t really an issue; Joshua may be the impoverished cousin of a duke, but since that duke is Gwyn’s half-brother (and Joshua’s sister is married to one of Gwyn’s other half-brothers) nobody has to worry about their family approving of the match. And speaking of their muddled family tree, the family dynamics at play in The Bachelor were a delight. The love, frustration, and interference siblings bring is on full display in this book and adds depth to the story. I loved watching Gwyn and Joshua interact with their family members, so even though this book was just an ok read for me, I really cannot wait to read the next Duke Dynasty book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*********************
Post-Preview Thoughts:
Sometimes it's a terrible idea to read a book preview when it's a long wait until the book comes out. This is one of those instances. Gwyn and Joshua had fantastic chemistry in Project Duchess and I couldn't resist even a peek into their story. A gruff hero, a bold heroine with a secret, and a villain I already want to punch? Sign me up. I can't wait to see how Gwyn and Joshua will thwart her blackmailer in The Bachelor . More importantly, I can't wait to see how those two will find their happily ever after. They promise to be an absolutely delicious couple.
A vibrant lady and a wounded war hero are a match just waiting to happen in The Bachelor . After seeing sparks fly between Gwyn and Joshua in the first Duke Dynasty book, I couldn't wait to read their story. The result was a bit of a mixed bag for me.
At thirty, Gwyn would definitely be on the shelf (even as the daughter of a deceased duke and sister of three current dukes) if it weren’t for her fortune. But Gwyn has a secret she believes might keep her from the love she dreams of and when her past comes back to haunt her in the form of a blackmailing villain, it’s clear she’s in over her head. Help comes in the form of Joshua Wolfe, a wounded war hero determined to regain his position in the military even though he’s injured. Gwyn is bright and lively, but secretly vulnerable and Joshua is grumpy, hurting, and unhappy with his current place in the world. They’re clearly begging for a wonderful love story and I did like them together. Their romance ticked all the boxes, but there was a bit of the usual Sabrina Jeffries magic missing in their story.
Gwyn’s former suitor who is now blackmailing her adds an edge to the story. Malet is a villain worth loathing and I wanted to see Gwyn free of him. There’s an added twist to the Malet storyline to further draw Joshua into it that I’m not sure was absolutely necessary, but I was game to go along with it if only to see our protagonists bring Malet down. But the tension Malet brought to the story had nothing on the push-pull between Gwyn and Joshua. Joshua doesn’t want to be attracted to Gwyn and she doesn’t care for it when he runs hot and cold. Class differences aren’t really an issue; Joshua may be the impoverished cousin of a duke, but since that duke is Gwyn’s half-brother (and Joshua’s sister is married to one of Gwyn’s other half-brothers) nobody has to worry about their family approving of the match. And speaking of their muddled family tree, the family dynamics at play in The Bachelor were a delight. The love, frustration, and interference siblings bring is on full display in this book and adds depth to the story. I loved watching Gwyn and Joshua interact with their family members, so even though this book was just an ok read for me, I really cannot wait to read the next Duke Dynasty book.
FTC Disclosure: I received this book for free from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. This does not affect my opinion of the book or the content of my review.
*********************
Post-Preview Thoughts:
Sometimes it's a terrible idea to read a book preview when it's a long wait until the book comes out. This is one of those instances. Gwyn and Joshua had fantastic chemistry in Project Duchess and I couldn't resist even a peek into their story. A gruff hero, a bold heroine with a secret, and a villain I already want to punch? Sign me up. I can't wait to see how Gwyn and Joshua will thwart her blackmailer in The Bachelor . More importantly, I can't wait to see how those two will find their happily ever after. They promise to be an absolutely delicious couple.
February 24, 2020
Safety warning:
This is the second book in the Duke Dynasty series. A Duchess was married 3 times and had 5 children, so 3 of her sons are inheriting a dukedom. I love this concept so much!!! But, I wasn't a fan of the first book. Neither character really pulled me, probably just a personality disconnect or something. Still, I love Sabrina Jeffries and will always give her a try. I enjoyed this book a little more, but it still fell flat for me :( This book is about Gwyn, (before mentioned Duchess's daughter), and Joshua. Joshua is the brother of Beatrice, who is the heroine of book 1. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it would be better if you read the first book for a few reasons. First of all, there seems to be a series long mystery going on, possibly with the mother's past? We didn't find out in the first book, and are also left hanging in this book without much information. Secondly, the first book does a good job of explaining all the family dynamics and establishing character personalities, many of whom are this book as well.
I think you would enjoy this story if you like
a war hero, soldier, wounded hero (he does suffer from PTSD)
plenty of plot/mystery/action going on
plenty of secrets held by characters
an 'older' heroine, she is 30 people, break out the cane
bodyguard trope
This book had a few things going on that usually aren't my favorite which is probably why it wasn't a high star rating for me. I think plenty of others will love it. I don't love when the heroine has a past, and much of the book covers this, what has happened in the past and how it's affecting the current situation. I don't really love the war/spy theme woven in the book, it's just not my thing. This book didn't have much tension to me, kisses and sexual encounters kept happening but I didn't feel the build up or the wanting necessarily. It just felt more mechanical to me. I guess I just couldn't see why or how they were falling in love. The dialogue didn't make me feel their pasts. Oh yes, they have pasts and baggage but it was more like it was just stated, I saw it, I didn't feel it. They didn't worm their way into my hearts like some characters do. It wasn't an unpleasant read for me, but it didn't have anything standing out that brought it above pleasant for me. It was okay.
I am loving the covers for this series though. I adore this cover and it portrays a scene from the story which I love even more.
I give 3 stars.
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This is the second book in the Duke Dynasty series. A Duchess was married 3 times and had 5 children, so 3 of her sons are inheriting a dukedom. I love this concept so much!!! But, I wasn't a fan of the first book. Neither character really pulled me, probably just a personality disconnect or something. Still, I love Sabrina Jeffries and will always give her a try. I enjoyed this book a little more, but it still fell flat for me :( This book is about Gwyn, (before mentioned Duchess's daughter), and Joshua. Joshua is the brother of Beatrice, who is the heroine of book 1. This book can be read as a standalone, but I think it would be better if you read the first book for a few reasons. First of all, there seems to be a series long mystery going on, possibly with the mother's past? We didn't find out in the first book, and are also left hanging in this book without much information. Secondly, the first book does a good job of explaining all the family dynamics and establishing character personalities, many of whom are this book as well.
I think you would enjoy this story if you like
a war hero, soldier, wounded hero (he does suffer from PTSD)
plenty of plot/mystery/action going on
plenty of secrets held by characters
an 'older' heroine, she is 30 people, break out the cane
bodyguard trope
This book had a few things going on that usually aren't my favorite which is probably why it wasn't a high star rating for me. I think plenty of others will love it. I don't love when the heroine has a past, and much of the book covers this, what has happened in the past and how it's affecting the current situation. I don't really love the war/spy theme woven in the book, it's just not my thing. This book didn't have much tension to me, kisses and sexual encounters kept happening but I didn't feel the build up or the wanting necessarily. It just felt more mechanical to me. I guess I just couldn't see why or how they were falling in love. The dialogue didn't make me feel their pasts. Oh yes, they have pasts and baggage but it was more like it was just stated, I saw it, I didn't feel it. They didn't worm their way into my hearts like some characters do. It wasn't an unpleasant read for me, but it didn't have anything standing out that brought it above pleasant for me. It was okay.
I am loving the covers for this series though. I adore this cover and it portrays a scene from the story which I love even more.
I give 3 stars.
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
July 19, 2020
I love a good romance and this is a good one. The characters were very likable and the villain was not. I enjoyed getting to know the characters. They each had great histories to learn and personalities that were diverse.
The romance itself was so well written. There are some authors, and Sabrina Jeffries is definitely one of them, that can write about a kiss and make you melt into the floor. It is an amazing talent to be able to create a scene that really moves you.
I thoroughly enjoyed these characters, I loved the story and the romance was fantastic. I was very impressed with Sabrina Jeffries writing and how she could really bring you into a scene. This was a fantastic book and if you love romance I would recommend.
The romance itself was so well written. There are some authors, and Sabrina Jeffries is definitely one of them, that can write about a kiss and make you melt into the floor. It is an amazing talent to be able to create a scene that really moves you.
I thoroughly enjoyed these characters, I loved the story and the romance was fantastic. I was very impressed with Sabrina Jeffries writing and how she could really bring you into a scene. This was a fantastic book and if you love romance I would recommend.
February 14, 2021
Ever since she and her family moved back to England from Prussia, Lady Gwyn Drake has been hiding the folly of a youthful affair in order to protect her family. When the same former suitor comes to her family's country home to blackmail Gwyn by threatening to reveal her secret, his manhandling is quickly put to an end by the estate gamekeeper, Major Joshua Wolfe. It is clear to Gwyn's twin brother, the Duke of Thornstock, that she needs protection during her upcoming London season, so he hires the Major to act as her bodyguard. War hero Joshua feels he must accept the request given that Thorn and Gwyn's mother is his aunt by marriage and he hopes to use the trip to London to facilitate a meeting with the War Secretary so he can petition to return to full duty in the Royal Marines. He takes his job protecting Gwyn seriously, but ignoring his ever growing attraction to her becomes increasingly difficult in such close proximity. Though he knows he's beneath Gwyn socially, despite being the grandson of a duke himself, Joshua can't stop his mind wondering what a future with her might be like.
Gwyn is used to being sought only for her money and would prefer to avoid suitors both old and new, as all have been fortune hunters thus far, but with danger closing in on her, and her feelings for Joshua growing, a reckoning between them fast becomes inevitable.
I really loved this book. It was a fast read, but I couldn't put it down; it really held my attention and I was rooting for Joshua and Gwyn the whole way. Joshua is used to rejections and snide remarks because of his ruined leg and his experiences have only enhanced the natural gruffness of his personality. Both Gwyn and Joshua were afraid of being hurt and rejected by the other, each believing themselves unworthy of the other. Joshua was genuinely sweet and adorable beneath his grumpy exterior and I loved him and Gwyn as a couple. At first I thought Gwyn's attitude and poor decision making would ruin it for me, but I came to understand and like her and she also grew quite a bit. The villain was a nice addition to the story, as well as the ongoing mystery subplot flowing through this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for Thorn's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
Gwyn is used to being sought only for her money and would prefer to avoid suitors both old and new, as all have been fortune hunters thus far, but with danger closing in on her, and her feelings for Joshua growing, a reckoning between them fast becomes inevitable.
I really loved this book. It was a fast read, but I couldn't put it down; it really held my attention and I was rooting for Joshua and Gwyn the whole way. Joshua is used to rejections and snide remarks because of his ruined leg and his experiences have only enhanced the natural gruffness of his personality. Both Gwyn and Joshua were afraid of being hurt and rejected by the other, each believing themselves unworthy of the other. Joshua was genuinely sweet and adorable beneath his grumpy exterior and I loved him and Gwyn as a couple. At first I thought Gwyn's attitude and poor decision making would ruin it for me, but I came to understand and like her and she also grew quite a bit. The villain was a nice addition to the story, as well as the ongoing mystery subplot flowing through this series. I thoroughly enjoyed this one and can't wait for Thorn's story.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
March 8, 2020
DNF at 54%.
I really liked the premise of this series about an oft-married woman whose male children have each inherited a Dukedom, the first book contained a murder which was not solved and I was looking forward to the murder forming an arc over the series.
This second novel concerns the woman's daughter, Lady Gwyn Drake. She has had some kind of youthful indiscretion with Captain Lionel Malet and he is blackmailing her as a result. Malet is the sort of bounder who has previously attempted to kidnap a wealthy young woman and force her to marry him. Gwyn fabricated a story that Malet is following her when she and Malet were seen by the estate’s gamekeeper, Joshua Wolfe, to cover up the blackmail threat. Gwyn's brother Thorn then decides that Gwyn must be accompanied everywhere by either himself or Wolfe as protection. At this point I struggled to understand why Thorn wouldn't just warn Malet to stay away from his sister and therefore what merit there was in Gwyn keeping her "secret".
Anyway, Gwyn and Joshua have a secret attraction but she thinks he would reject her when he finds out her "secret" and he thinks that, as a wounded marine and an illegitimate son, he isn't good enough for her, yawn.
They go to London for Gwyn's debut, she is trying to see Malet to pay him off (because that always works, not!), Joshua is keeping an eye on Gwyn and also trying to get put back on active duty. There's a lot of kissing each other because they are angry, or to prove something, or to hide their faces from saboteurs.
I had some issues with the first book in this series and I'm afraid that they were also present here, unfortunately I didn't warm to either Gwyn or Joshua and therefore what led to a low rating for the first book just led me to give up on this book instead. What spoiled it for me was page, after page, after page of heavy petting and sexual encounters with little to no plot development. There seemed to be no furtherance of the murder from the previous book and I found it frankly inconceivable that a young society woman could have done something which could ruin her if anyone ever found out and then continues to behave inappropriately with another man eg fondling and kissing and assignations alone.
Anyway, I stopped and started this novel several times but it didn't engage me and I eventually decided to DNF at 54%.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
I really liked the premise of this series about an oft-married woman whose male children have each inherited a Dukedom, the first book contained a murder which was not solved and I was looking forward to the murder forming an arc over the series.
This second novel concerns the woman's daughter, Lady Gwyn Drake. She has had some kind of youthful indiscretion with Captain Lionel Malet and he is blackmailing her as a result. Malet is the sort of bounder who has previously attempted to kidnap a wealthy young woman and force her to marry him. Gwyn fabricated a story that Malet is following her when she and Malet were seen by the estate’s gamekeeper, Joshua Wolfe, to cover up the blackmail threat. Gwyn's brother Thorn then decides that Gwyn must be accompanied everywhere by either himself or Wolfe as protection. At this point I struggled to understand why Thorn wouldn't just warn Malet to stay away from his sister and therefore what merit there was in Gwyn keeping her "secret".
Anyway, Gwyn and Joshua have a secret attraction but she thinks he would reject her when he finds out her "secret" and he thinks that, as a wounded marine and an illegitimate son, he isn't good enough for her, yawn.
They go to London for Gwyn's debut, she is trying to see Malet to pay him off (because that always works, not!), Joshua is keeping an eye on Gwyn and also trying to get put back on active duty. There's a lot of kissing each other because they are angry, or to prove something, or to hide their faces from saboteurs.
I had some issues with the first book in this series and I'm afraid that they were also present here, unfortunately I didn't warm to either Gwyn or Joshua and therefore what led to a low rating for the first book just led me to give up on this book instead. What spoiled it for me was page, after page, after page of heavy petting and sexual encounters with little to no plot development. There seemed to be no furtherance of the murder from the previous book and I found it frankly inconceivable that a young society woman could have done something which could ruin her if anyone ever found out and then continues to behave inappropriately with another man eg fondling and kissing and assignations alone.
Anyway, I stopped and started this novel several times but it didn't engage me and I eventually decided to DNF at 54%.
I received a free copy of this book from the publisher via NetGalley in return for an honest review.
May 24, 2021
'Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family's reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it's Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate's gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. But as a man, it's torment to be so very close to the beauty he's fought to ignore . . .
With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater risk: deflecting a scoundrel's attempts to sabotage her--or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can't resist . . .'
______________________________
The Bachelor is the second book in Sabrina Jefferies Duke Dynasty series. I had seen this book a lot around Goodreads recently and people seemed to be really enjoying it. So when I passed it at the store a few weeks back, I picked up my own copy and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this book. Plus it's a very quick read too, less than 300 pages.
I didn't really like Gwyn at first, her naivety and poor decision making were really bothering me. But as I continued to read, the reasoning behind her actions began to seem more logical and I understood why she was making the choices she was. Then I was really on board and was more invested in the storyline and the developing feelings between Gwyn and Joshua. I will say though that I just didn't really see the connection between these two as much as in other books.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but that did not detract from my understanding or enjoyment of this book. But it did appear at the end of the book that a mystery is being introduced which might carry throughout the rest of the series, so I would say that the book doesn't really serve as a stand-alone.
The Bachelor is the first book that I have read by Sabrina Jefferies and I wasn't sure what I'd think of it, but I really enjoyed it. I do believe that I will be going back to read the first in the series and look forward to the next. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books by this author.
With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out. But Joshua is unmoved by her attempts at flirtation, and the threat of blackmail still hangs over her. With danger closing in, Gwyn must decide which is the greater risk: deflecting a scoundrel's attempts to sabotage her--or revealing her whole heart to the rugged bodyguard she can't resist . . .'
______________________________
The Bachelor is the second book in Sabrina Jefferies Duke Dynasty series. I had seen this book a lot around Goodreads recently and people seemed to be really enjoying it. So when I passed it at the store a few weeks back, I picked up my own copy and I'm glad I did. I really enjoyed this book. Plus it's a very quick read too, less than 300 pages.
I didn't really like Gwyn at first, her naivety and poor decision making were really bothering me. But as I continued to read, the reasoning behind her actions began to seem more logical and I understood why she was making the choices she was. Then I was really on board and was more invested in the storyline and the developing feelings between Gwyn and Joshua. I will say though that I just didn't really see the connection between these two as much as in other books.
I didn't read the first book in the series, but that did not detract from my understanding or enjoyment of this book. But it did appear at the end of the book that a mystery is being introduced which might carry throughout the rest of the series, so I would say that the book doesn't really serve as a stand-alone.
The Bachelor is the first book that I have read by Sabrina Jefferies and I wasn't sure what I'd think of it, but I really enjoyed it. I do believe that I will be going back to read the first in the series and look forward to the next. I will be keeping my eyes out for more books by this author.
October 1, 2022
LADYENS LIVVAGT af Sabrina Jeffries. Udgivet 2022. @flamingobooks
En vidunderlig, medrivende, rørende og dampende hed historisk romance med masser af spænding, mystik, lyssky forbrydelser og store hemmeligheder. Der er fængende, fortryllende og farlig flirten, intens lidenskab og forførelse, som får temperaturen til at stige og kinderne til at blusse. Allerede fra de første sider var spændingen og dramaet højt, idet en ondskabsfuld og pengegrisk mand, fra Lady Gwyns fortid, truer med at afsløre hendes dybeste hemmeligheder og dermed forårsage en gigantisk skandale og ødelægge hendes gode ry og fremtid. Hun er bogstaveligt talt presset helt op i et hjørne og må snarest forsøge at give manden sin betaling, for ingen må kende hendes hemmelighed. Krigshelten, Major Wulfe ser og melder hændelsen til Gwyns tvillingebror Thorne, som straks hyrer Wulfe til at beskytte hende. Wulfe tager situationen meget alvorlig og virker umiddelbart meget professionel og kølig, men indeni knitrer tiltrækningen og længslen i så høj grad,at han ikke kan ignorere den meget længere. Deres skønne drillerier, ping pong spillet, de flirtende bemærkninger og dialogen er så underholdende, romantisk, humoristisk og hed, at jeg ikke kunne undgå at få et stort smil på læben, rødmende kinder og glemme alt omkring mig. Jeg blev suget ind i bogen og så handlingen udspille sig for mit indre blik. Man kommer helt tæt på begge karakterers tanker og mærker deres varme kærlighed vokse, men samtidig afsløres det også, at de begge har en hjerteskærende fortid, som har fået dem til at føle sig ødelagte og mindreværd. Deres nedsættende tanker om dem selv er mærkbare og smertefulde og giver masser af stof til eftertanke. Det får en til at tænke over de begrænsninger vi sætter op for os selv, så vi ikke tør følge vores sande drømme og leve livet fuldt ud. Dette aspekt ved bogen rørte mig meget og berigede bogen med dybde og eftertænksomhed. Begge karakterer kom helt ind under huden på mig og ind i mit hjerte. Joshua, hans personlighed og måde at behandle en kvinde slog benene væk under mig og jeg blev helt fortryllet af ham og ville slet ikke have, at bogen endte. Læs kommentarer, anmeldelse på blog : www.youlooklikeabook.blogspot.com
Bogen er et anmeldereksemplar fra Forlaget.
Jeg kan også varmt anbefale lydbogen indlæst af dygtige Kristine Brendstrup
En vidunderlig, medrivende, rørende og dampende hed historisk romance med masser af spænding, mystik, lyssky forbrydelser og store hemmeligheder. Der er fængende, fortryllende og farlig flirten, intens lidenskab og forførelse, som får temperaturen til at stige og kinderne til at blusse. Allerede fra de første sider var spændingen og dramaet højt, idet en ondskabsfuld og pengegrisk mand, fra Lady Gwyns fortid, truer med at afsløre hendes dybeste hemmeligheder og dermed forårsage en gigantisk skandale og ødelægge hendes gode ry og fremtid. Hun er bogstaveligt talt presset helt op i et hjørne og må snarest forsøge at give manden sin betaling, for ingen må kende hendes hemmelighed. Krigshelten, Major Wulfe ser og melder hændelsen til Gwyns tvillingebror Thorne, som straks hyrer Wulfe til at beskytte hende. Wulfe tager situationen meget alvorlig og virker umiddelbart meget professionel og kølig, men indeni knitrer tiltrækningen og længslen i så høj grad,at han ikke kan ignorere den meget længere. Deres skønne drillerier, ping pong spillet, de flirtende bemærkninger og dialogen er så underholdende, romantisk, humoristisk og hed, at jeg ikke kunne undgå at få et stort smil på læben, rødmende kinder og glemme alt omkring mig. Jeg blev suget ind i bogen og så handlingen udspille sig for mit indre blik. Man kommer helt tæt på begge karakterers tanker og mærker deres varme kærlighed vokse, men samtidig afsløres det også, at de begge har en hjerteskærende fortid, som har fået dem til at føle sig ødelagte og mindreværd. Deres nedsættende tanker om dem selv er mærkbare og smertefulde og giver masser af stof til eftertanke. Det får en til at tænke over de begrænsninger vi sætter op for os selv, så vi ikke tør følge vores sande drømme og leve livet fuldt ud. Dette aspekt ved bogen rørte mig meget og berigede bogen med dybde og eftertænksomhed. Begge karakterer kom helt ind under huden på mig og ind i mit hjerte. Joshua, hans personlighed og måde at behandle en kvinde slog benene væk under mig og jeg blev helt fortryllet af ham og ville slet ikke have, at bogen endte. Læs kommentarer, anmeldelse på blog : www.youlooklikeabook.blogspot.com
Bogen er et anmeldereksemplar fra Forlaget.
Jeg kan også varmt anbefale lydbogen indlæst af dygtige Kristine Brendstrup
March 15, 2020
Gwyn is 30 and unmarried. She's about to have her debut in society and be presented at court by her mother's friend. That doesn't mean she knows nothing about men. She's the twin of the Duke of Thornstock and a former suitor is currently blackmailing her. She hasn't been completely honest with her family but they know that the man is an enemy. That's why Gwyn's brother hired Major Joshua Wolfe, former war hero and now the estate's gamekeeper, to be her bodyguard while she'll be in London. The gruff but oh so attractive man also have his reason to want to go to London. If protecting the bold and confident lady, teaching her how to shoot and arguying with her is the way to do it, he'll gladly do it. But what if his budding feelings for her were the true danger?
Okay so even with the diagram, Im still a bit lost with all this blended family so I decided I won't try to make the link anymore. I love that despite her age and being unmmaried, Gwyn doesn't second guess her worth, even if a decision she made in the past made her see herself as something she's not. Sound contradictory I know but I don't see no other way to explain it. I love how Joshua and her were at ease with each other. I don't think the whole thing with the suitor/blackmail was the most thrilling element but I'm there for the romance anyway😜.
Okay so even with the diagram, Im still a bit lost with all this blended family so I decided I won't try to make the link anymore. I love that despite her age and being unmmaried, Gwyn doesn't second guess her worth, even if a decision she made in the past made her see herself as something she's not. Sound contradictory I know but I don't see no other way to explain it. I love how Joshua and her were at ease with each other. I don't think the whole thing with the suitor/blackmail was the most thrilling element but I'm there for the romance anyway😜.
Read
March 1, 2020READ (audio) 28 Feb 2020
**ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley**
RTC… flip-flopping b/n 3-4 rating; need to let thoughts tumble a bit.
————————
14 Nov 2019: Thoughts on single-chapter preview (via NetGalley)
Been languishing—seemingly for *months*—in hold limbo for PROJECT DUCHESS, book #1 in Duke Dynasty series. To maintain interest, decided to take peek at ARC preview of book #2, THE BACHELOR.
Thought newspaper article & opening chapter were really well-written, both technically & creatively. In just a few pages, lots of background info conveyed, refreshing memories for those who read #1 & establishing basic foundation for those who haven’t.
And story opens w/ h being blackmailed! Immediate interest caught as to who, how & why. From bits revealed, easy enough to guess at basis, but gotta wait for actual book for confirmation. Felt pistol use bit TSTL, but that’s just me & weapons :)
So yeah, now left w/ 2 basic Qs (due to h being 30yo) & itch to read rest of THE BACHELOR.
Excuse me as I check *again* on hold status for PROJECT DUCHESS. Need to do some... *cough* research on H, who is 31yo grandson of a duke & former soldier (lame leg). *And* recently became in-law to h...
**ARC provided by Kensington Books via NetGalley**
RTC… flip-flopping b/n 3-4 rating; need to let thoughts tumble a bit.
————————
14 Nov 2019: Thoughts on single-chapter preview (via NetGalley)
Been languishing—seemingly for *months*—in hold limbo for PROJECT DUCHESS, book #1 in Duke Dynasty series. To maintain interest, decided to take peek at ARC preview of book #2, THE BACHELOR.
Thought newspaper article & opening chapter were really well-written, both technically & creatively. In just a few pages, lots of background info conveyed, refreshing memories for those who read #1 & establishing basic foundation for those who haven’t.
And story opens w/ h being blackmailed! Immediate interest caught as to who, how & why. From bits revealed, easy enough to guess at basis, but gotta wait for actual book for confirmation. Felt pistol use bit TSTL, but that’s just me & weapons :)
So yeah, now left w/ 2 basic Qs (due to h being 30yo) & itch to read rest of THE BACHELOR.
Excuse me as I check *again* on hold status for PROJECT DUCHESS. Need to do some... *cough* research on H, who is 31yo grandson of a duke & former soldier (lame leg). *And* recently became in-law to h...
August 9, 2019
This was disappointing. I was expecting the whole book but only received the first chapter. I reread the first book in the series expecting to go right into the second. I feel I can’t really review a book based on the first chapter.
February 23, 2020
Lady Gwyn Drake has a history with Lionel Malet that goes back much further than their recent encounter when he tried to abduct a heiress. He is blackmailing her and if she doesn't pay, he says he will tell the press about the affair they had ten years ago and ruin her. Gwyn never told anyone about the one night she spent in his bed or the consequences and will do anything to keep her secrets. Thinking she can intimidate him, she pulls a gun, but is quickly disarmed and would have been in trouble if she wasn't saved from him by Major Joshua Wolfe. A man she has long been attracted to and who clearly doesn't feel the same, or so she thinks.
Joshua is the current Duke of Armitage's cousin and acting estate gamekeeper. Joshua was gravely wounded in battle years ago and is desperate to return to active duty. His letters to the War Office have been ignored, so when Gwyn's brother the Duke of Thornstock asks him to act as her bodyguard in London, he agrees and hopes that he can finally get some answers from the War Office and keep his attraction to Gwyn a secret. He feels unworthy of her, even though he is the grandson of a duke and a war hero.
He is not sure what is going on with Gwyn and Malet, but he thinks there is more than what Thorn and Gwyn have told him and when there is an attempt to sabotage their coach, he is sure of it. He is determined to get answers and keep Gwyn at arm's length - but she won't make it easy!
I thought this was a great addition to the series. Gwyn and Joshua are both a little broken and both have trust issues, they are clearly perfect for each other, but neither is going to make the journey to HEA a smooth ride! The book has some amusing dialogue, a lot of secrets, a bit of intrigue, some steamyish love scenes, a great supporting cast of characters, a nasty villain and finally HEA. I did feel like the book dragged a bit towards the end and I was disappointed that Gwyn never actually says "I love you" to Joshua - it is implied, but for me - it's not the same. This is the second book in the series, but there is also a linked novella in the anthology Seduction on a Snowy Night that is Heywood and Cass's story and the events in that book are closely linked to this story - so while this book is easily read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the novella "A Perfect Match" if you want a bit more backstory. Overall, I am happy to recommend this book and I look forward to the next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
Joshua is the current Duke of Armitage's cousin and acting estate gamekeeper. Joshua was gravely wounded in battle years ago and is desperate to return to active duty. His letters to the War Office have been ignored, so when Gwyn's brother the Duke of Thornstock asks him to act as her bodyguard in London, he agrees and hopes that he can finally get some answers from the War Office and keep his attraction to Gwyn a secret. He feels unworthy of her, even though he is the grandson of a duke and a war hero.
He is not sure what is going on with Gwyn and Malet, but he thinks there is more than what Thorn and Gwyn have told him and when there is an attempt to sabotage their coach, he is sure of it. He is determined to get answers and keep Gwyn at arm's length - but she won't make it easy!
I thought this was a great addition to the series. Gwyn and Joshua are both a little broken and both have trust issues, they are clearly perfect for each other, but neither is going to make the journey to HEA a smooth ride! The book has some amusing dialogue, a lot of secrets, a bit of intrigue, some steamyish love scenes, a great supporting cast of characters, a nasty villain and finally HEA. I did feel like the book dragged a bit towards the end and I was disappointed that Gwyn never actually says "I love you" to Joshua - it is implied, but for me - it's not the same. This is the second book in the series, but there is also a linked novella in the anthology Seduction on a Snowy Night that is Heywood and Cass's story and the events in that book are closely linked to this story - so while this book is easily read as a standalone, I would recommend reading the novella "A Perfect Match" if you want a bit more backstory. Overall, I am happy to recommend this book and I look forward to the next installment.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher.*
July 16, 2022
A really entertaining novel from this author complete with very funny situations, but also a fair amount of suspense and spies and skulduggery!
Injured Royal Marine with a sulky personality falls in love with a bubbly gal with a past. Miscommunication, sabotage on the road to London, espionage. What's not to love?
Injured Royal Marine with a sulky personality falls in love with a bubbly gal with a past. Miscommunication, sabotage on the road to London, espionage. What's not to love?
April 11, 2024
I've given this a B for narration and a D for content at AudioGals
The Bachelor is book two in Sabrina Jeffries’ Duke’s Dynasty series, which features the offspring of a duchess who was married three times, to three different dukes. I’d planned to review book one, Project Duchess, when it came out last year, but problems with my review copy meant I wasn’t able to finish it. I believe there are overarching plotlines relating to a mystery begun in book one, but those don’t come into play here until fairly late on and don’t have any real bearing on the central storyline or romance.
I’ve read and listened to a number of books by this author and have enjoyed them, but unfortunately, I can’t say the same of The Bachelor, which is short on plot, shorter on romantic chemistry and long on boredom.
The heroine of this book is Lady Gwyn Drake, twin sister of the Duke of Thornstock and the only female of the duchess’ five children. Gwyn and her brother have spent most of their lives in Berlin and returned to England only recently; she is thirty-years-old and doesn’t expect to marry, but as the sister of a newly-minted duke, is preparing to make her début in London society. When the book opens, she has agreed to meet with a former… er… acquaintance, Lionel Malet, in response to the letter he sent demanding money to keep quiet about the secrets which could ruin her good name. It’s not explicitly stated at this stage what those secrets are, but it’s easy to guess.
Her meeting is witnessed by Joshua Wolfe, a Major in the Royal Marines who, owing to a leg injury, is currently working as gamekeeper on the estate of his (and Gwyn’s) cousin, the Duke of Armitage. He intervenes when Malet’s behaviour becomes threatening and then escorts Gwyn home; when they arrive and Joshua makes her brother aware of what he saw – even though Gwyn had asked him not to – Thornstock has the brilliant idea of asking Joshua to accompany them when they remove to London and act as Gwyn’s bodyguard. Gwyn is not at all keen – she had hoped, once in London, to be able to sneak away in order to meet with Malet to give him the money he’s demanded – but can’t find a way to refuse. And Joshua has his own reasons for wanting to go to London, so even though he suspects there is something either Thornstock or his sister aren’t telling him, he agrees to the duke’s request.
And that’s pretty much the entire plot. There are TWENTY-SIX chapters in this book (including prologue and epilogue), and what I’ve described takes place in the first chapter. Once Gwyn and Joshua arrive in London, he foils what may have turned into an attempt to kidnap her, but otherwise not much happens, other than lots of mental lusting and a fair amount of snogging, fondling, groping and shagging. Oh, and then we have “If he discovers my secret, he will abandon me forever!” on Gwyn’s part and “I am but a lowly half-pay officer and am not worthy of the lady” on Joshua’s (even though he’s a duke’s grandson). I didn’t feel any connection or chemistry between Gwyn and Joshua, and while I do love a grumpy hero, I didn’t like the way he kept ‘blaming’ Gwyn for the fact that he was attracted to her; at one point (after their first make-out session in the woods), he even accuses her of not really being interested in him and just using her “womanly wiles” on him so she can get her own way. And Gwyn was quite brattish at times for a woman in her early thirties.
Alrighty, then.
Beverley A. Crick is an excellent narrator and a personal favourite, but even her lively, intelligent performance couldn’t make listening to this less of a chore. Her pacing is just right, and she employs a good variety of timbre and accent to differentiate between all the characters, so it’s easy to identify them all without having to refer to the dialogue tags (or not very often, anyway). Joshua’s speech is appropriately gruff and has just a hint of a northern accent, which makes him easy to pick out, and the supercilious, nasal tone she gives to Malet makes him sound every bit the smarmy git he is. I always enjoy the amount of emotion and expression Ms. Crick injects into her performances, but whereas I’ve often said that poor narration can detract from a story, the reverse is rarely (if ever) true. I found the dullness of the story meant I kept zoning out (to discover not much had happened in the meantime!) which meant I never quite connected with the performance either.
Ms. Crick does her best, but even a narrator as talented as she is can’t disguise the stilted dialogue, tissue-thin plot, bland characters and lacklustre romance that comprise The Bachelor. Leave this one on the shelf.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
The Bachelor is book two in Sabrina Jeffries’ Duke’s Dynasty series, which features the offspring of a duchess who was married three times, to three different dukes. I’d planned to review book one, Project Duchess, when it came out last year, but problems with my review copy meant I wasn’t able to finish it. I believe there are overarching plotlines relating to a mystery begun in book one, but those don’t come into play here until fairly late on and don’t have any real bearing on the central storyline or romance.
I’ve read and listened to a number of books by this author and have enjoyed them, but unfortunately, I can’t say the same of The Bachelor, which is short on plot, shorter on romantic chemistry and long on boredom.
The heroine of this book is Lady Gwyn Drake, twin sister of the Duke of Thornstock and the only female of the duchess’ five children. Gwyn and her brother have spent most of their lives in Berlin and returned to England only recently; she is thirty-years-old and doesn’t expect to marry, but as the sister of a newly-minted duke, is preparing to make her début in London society. When the book opens, she has agreed to meet with a former… er… acquaintance, Lionel Malet, in response to the letter he sent demanding money to keep quiet about the secrets which could ruin her good name. It’s not explicitly stated at this stage what those secrets are, but it’s easy to guess.
Her meeting is witnessed by Joshua Wolfe, a Major in the Royal Marines who, owing to a leg injury, is currently working as gamekeeper on the estate of his (and Gwyn’s) cousin, the Duke of Armitage. He intervenes when Malet’s behaviour becomes threatening and then escorts Gwyn home; when they arrive and Joshua makes her brother aware of what he saw – even though Gwyn had asked him not to – Thornstock has the brilliant idea of asking Joshua to accompany them when they remove to London and act as Gwyn’s bodyguard. Gwyn is not at all keen – she had hoped, once in London, to be able to sneak away in order to meet with Malet to give him the money he’s demanded – but can’t find a way to refuse. And Joshua has his own reasons for wanting to go to London, so even though he suspects there is something either Thornstock or his sister aren’t telling him, he agrees to the duke’s request.
And that’s pretty much the entire plot. There are TWENTY-SIX chapters in this book (including prologue and epilogue), and what I’ve described takes place in the first chapter. Once Gwyn and Joshua arrive in London, he foils what may have turned into an attempt to kidnap her, but otherwise not much happens, other than lots of mental lusting and a fair amount of snogging, fondling, groping and shagging. Oh, and then we have “If he discovers my secret, he will abandon me forever!” on Gwyn’s part and “I am but a lowly half-pay officer and am not worthy of the lady” on Joshua’s (even though he’s a duke’s grandson). I didn’t feel any connection or chemistry between Gwyn and Joshua, and while I do love a grumpy hero, I didn’t like the way he kept ‘blaming’ Gwyn for the fact that he was attracted to her; at one point (after their first make-out session in the woods), he even accuses her of not really being interested in him and just using her “womanly wiles” on him so she can get her own way. And Gwyn was quite brattish at times for a woman in her early thirties.
Alrighty, then.
Beverley A. Crick is an excellent narrator and a personal favourite, but even her lively, intelligent performance couldn’t make listening to this less of a chore. Her pacing is just right, and she employs a good variety of timbre and accent to differentiate between all the characters, so it’s easy to identify them all without having to refer to the dialogue tags (or not very often, anyway). Joshua’s speech is appropriately gruff and has just a hint of a northern accent, which makes him easy to pick out, and the supercilious, nasal tone she gives to Malet makes him sound every bit the smarmy git he is. I always enjoy the amount of emotion and expression Ms. Crick injects into her performances, but whereas I’ve often said that poor narration can detract from a story, the reverse is rarely (if ever) true. I found the dullness of the story meant I kept zoning out (to discover not much had happened in the meantime!) which meant I never quite connected with the performance either.
Ms. Crick does her best, but even a narrator as talented as she is can’t disguise the stilted dialogue, tissue-thin plot, bland characters and lacklustre romance that comprise The Bachelor. Leave this one on the shelf.
This review originally appeared at AudioGals.
April 7, 2021
Review originally published at Romancing Romances.
I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
I’m starting by saying I really like meeting Joshua in the previous book of this series, so I was very happy to see that he was the hero of this new book.
Joshua is hired as the “bodyguard” of Lady Gwyn Drake. But Gwyn has her own secrets that make it very hard for Joshua to protect her. I really enjoyed as Joshua wanted to protect her but didn’t invalidate her experiences, and believed her but not judged her.
They have a bit of a rough time in the beginning, but their attraction grows, and when they open up to each other everything falls into place.
Joshua clearly has PTS from the war, and his temper is not the best. Gwyn wants things done her way, and they collide until they start seeing the others’ perspective. When they both learn to trust, all the romance and sexy times get better.
It was a great romance, with characters that made you care about their outcome.
I received an eARC at no cost from the publisher, and I am leaving a voluntary and honest review. Thank you.
I’m starting by saying I really like meeting Joshua in the previous book of this series, so I was very happy to see that he was the hero of this new book.
Joshua is hired as the “bodyguard” of Lady Gwyn Drake. But Gwyn has her own secrets that make it very hard for Joshua to protect her. I really enjoyed as Joshua wanted to protect her but didn’t invalidate her experiences, and believed her but not judged her.
They have a bit of a rough time in the beginning, but their attraction grows, and when they open up to each other everything falls into place.
Joshua clearly has PTS from the war, and his temper is not the best. Gwyn wants things done her way, and they collide until they start seeing the others’ perspective. When they both learn to trust, all the romance and sexy times get better.
It was a great romance, with characters that made you care about their outcome.
January 20, 2021
2.5 stars for the second entry in the Duke Dynasty series. We have loved some Jeffries books in the past, and unfortunately this does not live up to her best efforts. This is a short read that doesn't do much in the way of developing compelling characters. Gwyn and Joshua end up together after she's lied to him about her past and he's lied to her about his present.
All that said, the sex is pretty hot and that cover is GORGEOUS!
15-Word Summaries:
Meg: Gentlemen, Gwyn, this is the final rose tonight. Take a moment and say your goodbyes.
Laine: Gwyn is being blackmailed by a former lover and is RUINED and that's basically it.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
All that said, the sex is pretty hot and that cover is GORGEOUS!
15-Word Summaries:
Meg: Gentlemen, Gwyn, this is the final rose tonight. Take a moment and say your goodbyes.
Laine: Gwyn is being blackmailed by a former lover and is RUINED and that's basically it.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
February 11, 2020
I love Sabrina Jeffries and her writing, so naturally I went into this expecting a lot from it! But, sadly it ended up disappointing me.
This series features the various children of a duchess who was married thrice -to different dukes- and all three of them are dead.
The Bachelor focuses on Lady Gwyn Drake, the daughter from her mother's second marriage! She's thirty years old and pretty much on the shelf, but after spending most of her years in Berlin she's back in London and she's to be presented at court. But she's being blackmailed due to a mistake during her youth, which she wishes to hide from her family.
Joshua Wolfe is an injured war-hero, who is currently working as the gamekeeper at her brother's estate. When Gwyn's blackmailer comes to threaten her at the estate, Joshua intervenes and saves her, but she doesn't give him the full details on the incident.
So, when her twin brother finds out about this, he decides to hire Joshua to keep her safe during the London season. And Joshua has his own reason for going to London, as he wants to get back to working in the Navy but his injuries have damaged his leg quite badly!
Plus, there's the attraction between him and Gwyn, though he doesn't want to immediately act on it!
The book had a really good plot and amazing potential, but I ended up hating the main characters - especially Joshua! It had a great start and I was hooked from the first few chapters itself. In the beginning, I just saw him as a grumpy hero who is annoyed with everything due to his injury. But, as we got to know more about him, his interactions with Gwyn really began to annoy me! Because he was basically holding Gwyn responsible her for using her "feminine wiles" on him, to attract him.
I'm not kidding!
"I know better than to think you actually desire me." He scowled at her. "You merely want to wrap me around your finger so you can do as you please while we're in London-not let me know where you're going, not allow me to accompany you, head off on walks and rides without any escort but a groom." She gaped at him. "That's what you think of me? That I'm the worst sort of flirt, the worst sort of woman, who could manipulate a man by using my 'feminine wiles' to get my way? No wonder you have no wish to marry me, if that's how you see me. And that's precisely why I have no wish to marry a suspicious fellow like you, Joshua Wolfe!"
.
.
....."So now you think it's logical to assume I'm toying with your affections? Is that it? Or is it that you simply don't like the idea of a woman like me having a say in such things as her own desires?"
.
.
"I don't know what you're worried about", he said testily. "Everywhere you go you make another conquest. First Malet and now the groom. And you haven't even had your debut yet."
"I notice you don't include yourself in that number of conquests. Apparently, I'm very bad at using my feminine wiles. You saw right through them."
And I've seen my fair share of rude heroes in many HR books, but Joshua never really apologizes to her for these comments and she doesn't ask for one either. Gwyn is pretty tough and independent at the start, and she argues back when he comments like this, but later she doesn't really seem to mind. She has more issues with herself and her supposed 'harlotry' than anyone else does. Atleast Joshua was decent to her in those parts! Their relationship just had this quick jump from physical attraction to the let's-talk-about-marriage stage that I found it a little hard to believe.
The last few chapters show that the deaths of the duchess' husbands might not have been accidents at all, so I'm mildly intrigued. I might end up checking the next book just to see how the author takes the mystery plot, but I do hope that the characters are better than the ones in this book!
* An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
This series features the various children of a duchess who was married thrice -to different dukes- and all three of them are dead.
The Bachelor focuses on Lady Gwyn Drake, the daughter from her mother's second marriage! She's thirty years old and pretty much on the shelf, but after spending most of her years in Berlin she's back in London and she's to be presented at court. But she's being blackmailed due to a mistake during her youth, which she wishes to hide from her family.
Joshua Wolfe is an injured war-hero, who is currently working as the gamekeeper at her brother's estate. When Gwyn's blackmailer comes to threaten her at the estate, Joshua intervenes and saves her, but she doesn't give him the full details on the incident.
So, when her twin brother finds out about this, he decides to hire Joshua to keep her safe during the London season. And Joshua has his own reason for going to London, as he wants to get back to working in the Navy but his injuries have damaged his leg quite badly!
Plus, there's the attraction between him and Gwyn, though he doesn't want to immediately act on it!
The book had a really good plot and amazing potential, but I ended up hating the main characters - especially Joshua! It had a great start and I was hooked from the first few chapters itself. In the beginning, I just saw him as a grumpy hero who is annoyed with everything due to his injury. But, as we got to know more about him, his interactions with Gwyn really began to annoy me! Because he was basically holding Gwyn responsible her for using her "feminine wiles" on him, to attract him.
I'm not kidding!
"I know better than to think you actually desire me." He scowled at her. "You merely want to wrap me around your finger so you can do as you please while we're in London-not let me know where you're going, not allow me to accompany you, head off on walks and rides without any escort but a groom." She gaped at him. "That's what you think of me? That I'm the worst sort of flirt, the worst sort of woman, who could manipulate a man by using my 'feminine wiles' to get my way? No wonder you have no wish to marry me, if that's how you see me. And that's precisely why I have no wish to marry a suspicious fellow like you, Joshua Wolfe!"
.
.
....."So now you think it's logical to assume I'm toying with your affections? Is that it? Or is it that you simply don't like the idea of a woman like me having a say in such things as her own desires?"
.
.
"I don't know what you're worried about", he said testily. "Everywhere you go you make another conquest. First Malet and now the groom. And you haven't even had your debut yet."
"I notice you don't include yourself in that number of conquests. Apparently, I'm very bad at using my feminine wiles. You saw right through them."
And I've seen my fair share of rude heroes in many HR books, but Joshua never really apologizes to her for these comments and she doesn't ask for one either. Gwyn is pretty tough and independent at the start, and she argues back when he comments like this, but later she doesn't really seem to mind. She has more issues with herself and her supposed 'harlotry' than anyone else does. Atleast Joshua was decent to her in those parts! Their relationship just had this quick jump from physical attraction to the let's-talk-about-marriage stage that I found it a little hard to believe.
The last few chapters show that the deaths of the duchess' husbands might not have been accidents at all, so I'm mildly intrigued. I might end up checking the next book just to see how the author takes the mystery plot, but I do hope that the characters are better than the ones in this book!
* An ARC was provided via Netgalley in exchange for an honest review*
October 16, 2021
Actual rating 4.5 ⭐ rounded up. This was delightful though it did take me four days to finish! It wasn't that it was slow paced-the opposite. I just kept unfortunately having to put it down due to RealLife making itself known which was annoying but this made for a perfect escape for a few hours.
RTC
RTC
February 20, 2020
Lady Gwyn Drake has long protected her family's reputation by hiding an imprudent affair from her youth. But when her former suitor Malet appears at Armitage Hall, manhandling the heiress and threatening to go public with her secrets, it's Gwyn who needs protecting. Her twin brother, Thorn, hires Joshua Wolfe, the estate's gamekeeper, to keep her safe in London during her debut. As a war hero, Joshua feels obligated to fulfill the assignment he has accepted. With handsome Joshua monitoring her every move, Gwyn would prefer to forget both the past and the parade of money-seeking bachelors at her coming out.
This is the second book in the series about the five children of Lydia who married three dukes. Yes it could be read on its own but seriously why would you & miss out on a brilliant series. I make no bones about the author's books being must reads for me, they never disappoint, they are well written, very well researched, characters who jump out of the page at you & lovely romances. I'd loved both Joshua & Gwyn in the previous book & absolutely loved the road to their HEA, it wasn’t smooth but it made for a first class read. I can't wait for Thorn's story, which is next & there's also the mystery as to who is targeting the family
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
This is the second book in the series about the five children of Lydia who married three dukes. Yes it could be read on its own but seriously why would you & miss out on a brilliant series. I make no bones about the author's books being must reads for me, they never disappoint, they are well written, very well researched, characters who jump out of the page at you & lovely romances. I'd loved both Joshua & Gwyn in the previous book & absolutely loved the road to their HEA, it wasn’t smooth but it made for a first class read. I can't wait for Thorn's story, which is next & there's also the mystery as to who is targeting the family
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
January 22, 2020
Anyone that knows me or has read enough of my reviews knows I love a good grouchy hero. Joshua just didn’t do it for me though, and I wasn’t a huge fan of Gwyn. The issue with the old suitor wasn’t overly enthralling, either. Did feel like I was missing some information, even after reading the first book but it’s been a while. I’ll give the third book a try.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
*I received an eARC from NetGalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.
February 4, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed this one. Fantastic slow burn romance with witty dialogue and beautiful imagery.
Gwynn is a strong female character who knows her own mind and survives every obstacle life throws her way. Joshua - the wounded war hero is just perfect. Together they are HR gold.
Plenty of action and subplots hinting at future books made this a fast paced read that I definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book.
Gwynn is a strong female character who knows her own mind and survives every obstacle life throws her way. Joshua - the wounded war hero is just perfect. Together they are HR gold.
Plenty of action and subplots hinting at future books made this a fast paced read that I definitely recommend.
I received an arc of this book.
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