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Kellington #5
Never Deny Your Heart
William (Liam) Kellington, the Duke of Lynwood, loves Rosalind Carson, the sister of an impoverished viscount. But while Lynwood was still coming to terms with his feelings -- dukes can be particularly dim-witted when it comes to love -- Rosalind's brother sold her into a lucrative betrothal to another nobleman. Liam vows to save Rosalind from a marriage she does not want, while also convincing her to become the Duchess of Lynwood.
The lady, however, is not one to wait to be rescued.
Rosalind has been in love with William Kellington much of her life. And it has been a rather one-sided romance. When her brother promises her to a man five decades her senior, Rosalind must find a way to live the life she wants and not the one that has been forced upon her.
NEVER DENY YOUR HEART is the fifth book in the Kellington romance series, The first was NEVER A MISTRESS, NO LONGER A MAID, followed by NEVER MISS A CHANCE, NEVER WAGER AGAINST LOVE and NEVER RUN FROM LOVE.
NEVER DENY YOUR HEART contains explicit language and adult situations. You won't like this book if you don't like explicit language and adult situations. And while it is an historical romance, it is 98% romance and a tiny bit of history. This book probably isn't your cup of British tea if you're looking for actual history or substance. But....it is a fun book. And if you're been reading the books from the beginning, it's the one you may have been waiting for.
The lady, however, is not one to wait to be rescued.
Rosalind has been in love with William Kellington much of her life. And it has been a rather one-sided romance. When her brother promises her to a man five decades her senior, Rosalind must find a way to live the life she wants and not the one that has been forced upon her.
NEVER DENY YOUR HEART is the fifth book in the Kellington romance series, The first was NEVER A MISTRESS, NO LONGER A MAID, followed by NEVER MISS A CHANCE, NEVER WAGER AGAINST LOVE and NEVER RUN FROM LOVE.
NEVER DENY YOUR HEART contains explicit language and adult situations. You won't like this book if you don't like explicit language and adult situations. And while it is an historical romance, it is 98% romance and a tiny bit of history. This book probably isn't your cup of British tea if you're looking for actual history or substance. But....it is a fun book. And if you're been reading the books from the beginning, it's the one you may have been waiting for.
256 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 16, 2013
374 people are currently reading
397 people want to read
About the author
Maureen Driscoll
29 books192 followersMaureen Driscoll is an Emmy-nominated writer/producer in Hollywood, whose writing credits include "MADtv," "Jimmy Kimmel Live," and Nickelodeon's "BrainSurge."
Maureen's latest project is a serialized novel, Fracked, available on Amazon's Vella platform. The paranormal romance is about what happens when fracking opens up a portal to hell and the only people able to save the Earth are the residents of an over-55 community.
She has two Regency romance series about the Kellington and Emerson families, and a series set in the early Victoria era about the residents of Jasmine Cottage. She is also the author of the Remington Mansion time-travel/cozy mystery trilogy and a contemporary romance series about the wealthy Carmichael family in Los Angeles.
She loves hearing from her readers at Maureen Driscoll Author on Facebook, as well as on Twitter @MaureenDriscoll. Her blog, MaureenDriscollRomance.Wordpress.com, is top secret because she never ever updates it.
She is very grateful to Mayhem Cover Creations for the book covers.
Maureen's latest project is a serialized novel, Fracked, available on Amazon's Vella platform. The paranormal romance is about what happens when fracking opens up a portal to hell and the only people able to save the Earth are the residents of an over-55 community.
She has two Regency romance series about the Kellington and Emerson families, and a series set in the early Victoria era about the residents of Jasmine Cottage. She is also the author of the Remington Mansion time-travel/cozy mystery trilogy and a contemporary romance series about the wealthy Carmichael family in Los Angeles.
She loves hearing from her readers at Maureen Driscoll Author on Facebook, as well as on Twitter @MaureenDriscoll. Her blog, MaureenDriscollRomance.Wordpress.com, is top secret because she never ever updates it.
She is very grateful to Mayhem Cover Creations for the book covers.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 103 reviews
September 21, 2020
1 star
childhood unrequited love is one of my favourite tropes but this book did absolutely nothing with it. no tension no drama no longing, all the development was completely skipped and it just turned into this super boring looking for rosalind plot.
most interesting character was olivia by far.
childhood unrequited love is one of my favourite tropes but this book did absolutely nothing with it. no tension no drama no longing, all the development was completely skipped and it just turned into this super boring looking for rosalind plot.
most interesting character was olivia by far.
February 27, 2020
I'm posting my updates instead of writing a review as such.
44.0% This is bad. A Duke who pretty nearly rapes a woman. A timeline that’s all over the place. Writing that is ponderous and full of info-dumps. Bad formatting, no doubt to pad out the page count. A plot that is just plain stupid. What a mess! The structure is dreadful! What happened to the author? This is just so poor.
59.0% Liam is absolutely repulsive. All he seems to want from Rosalind is sex. What a loathsome man.
60.0% Oh dear god. Now he wants to spank her. I am reading on simply to find out what happens to Olivia and Gabriel
62.0% Rotfl. Now we are into bdsm!
63.0% I am giving up. This is just .... laughably bad.
Afterthoughts: I wanted a romance. Instead I got a lecherous guy who forced kisses on a woman and molested her. (I don't give a damn if she ended up enjoying it - he NEVER asked if he could kiss her, and in that era men were allowed to do what they liked). The structure of the story was really 'off' - the main - will they, won't they get together - was over at the 60% mark after some incredibly clumsy account of her running away and opening a school for the local villagers (She is there for 6 weeks or so and manages to teach them to read!!!! Wonder of wonders!!!)
And then it all turned into an icky sex-fest with some BDSM to keep the story padded out. The 'plot' had so many holes in it I was surprised it wasn't used as a fishing net.
This was what I call a 'risotto' story - everything thrown in to bulk out the writing. And it failed, miserably.
44.0% This is bad. A Duke who pretty nearly rapes a woman. A timeline that’s all over the place. Writing that is ponderous and full of info-dumps. Bad formatting, no doubt to pad out the page count. A plot that is just plain stupid. What a mess! The structure is dreadful! What happened to the author? This is just so poor.
59.0% Liam is absolutely repulsive. All he seems to want from Rosalind is sex. What a loathsome man.
60.0% Oh dear god. Now he wants to spank her. I am reading on simply to find out what happens to Olivia and Gabriel
62.0% Rotfl. Now we are into bdsm!
63.0% I am giving up. This is just .... laughably bad.
Afterthoughts: I wanted a romance. Instead I got a lecherous guy who forced kisses on a woman and molested her. (I don't give a damn if she ended up enjoying it - he NEVER asked if he could kiss her, and in that era men were allowed to do what they liked). The structure of the story was really 'off' - the main - will they, won't they get together - was over at the 60% mark after some incredibly clumsy account of her running away and opening a school for the local villagers (She is there for 6 weeks or so and manages to teach them to read!!!! Wonder of wonders!!!)
And then it all turned into an icky sex-fest with some BDSM to keep the story padded out. The 'plot' had so many holes in it I was surprised it wasn't used as a fishing net.
This was what I call a 'risotto' story - everything thrown in to bulk out the writing. And it failed, miserably.
February 10, 2014
I Was Not Disappointed in reading "Never Deny Your Heart". Liam the Duke of Lynwood and Rosalind are a very hot and sexy and romantic couple. The love between them Sizzled. The whole story and all the characters were worth the wait. The storyline met all of my expectations. I Highly Recommend "Never Deny Your Heart". It is a stand alone but it is so much richer reading all of the previous book in the Kellington series. So I Highly Recommend you start from book 1 Never a Mistress No Longer a Maid.
March 28, 2013
Previous books in the series had me enthused about this one, how would Liam, The Dook and Rosalind, the wallflower, find their HEA? And boy, has this been a let down. Something critical was missing from this, almost as if in the hurry to produce a book as per a publishing schedule, the author denied her heart. I truly hope this is an aberration and Ms. Driscoll will roar back in full form soon.
Liam, serious minded, egalitarian, so focussed on work and family that he almost lost sight of the woman just right for him. And Rosalind, bespectacled wallflower, in love with Liam for the past decade, now betrothed to another for her family's financial gain. Left to brood alone before her wedding and sparked off by a kiss with Liam, Rosalind discovers her spine and decides to live life on her own terms, away from all that's familiar. And in the process finds herself. Liam, desperately in love and terribly scared for Rosalind, sets off to find her. And some stumbling later, does. A secondary cast of characters including a nasty woman trying to ensnare Liam, a robust farmer with strong shoulders sheltering Rosalind, sundry cute kids, a mouthy always in the right place maid, decrepit no-hoper of a fiance et al help move the story along. And Mr. preparing for the next sequel Bow Street Runner. Read on to discover how love conquers all and what Liam's deep dark (and wild) secret is.
The story just didn't flow, and seem to hop along from idea to idea. The author has to declare that Rosalind is a blue stocking (and then doesn't follow through on this aspect of her personality - teaching the 3 R's to village children doesn't cut it). She also wears spectacles, and other than as a code word, these find no place in her characterisation or experiences - did glasses not fog over when moving from cold to warm and vice versa? in mist? in rain? Even the sex scenes lacked that certain something that prevents one from skimming. In a scene where Rosalind is supposedly in control, its Liam who's issuing ducal orders...consistency, anyone? please?
Liam, serious minded, egalitarian, so focussed on work and family that he almost lost sight of the woman just right for him. And Rosalind, bespectacled wallflower, in love with Liam for the past decade, now betrothed to another for her family's financial gain. Left to brood alone before her wedding and sparked off by a kiss with Liam, Rosalind discovers her spine and decides to live life on her own terms, away from all that's familiar. And in the process finds herself. Liam, desperately in love and terribly scared for Rosalind, sets off to find her. And some stumbling later, does. A secondary cast of characters including a nasty woman trying to ensnare Liam, a robust farmer with strong shoulders sheltering Rosalind, sundry cute kids, a mouthy always in the right place maid, decrepit no-hoper of a fiance et al help move the story along. And Mr. preparing for the next sequel Bow Street Runner. Read on to discover how love conquers all and what Liam's deep dark (and wild) secret is.
The story just didn't flow, and seem to hop along from idea to idea. The author has to declare that Rosalind is a blue stocking (and then doesn't follow through on this aspect of her personality - teaching the 3 R's to village children doesn't cut it). She also wears spectacles, and other than as a code word, these find no place in her characterisation or experiences - did glasses not fog over when moving from cold to warm and vice versa? in mist? in rain? Even the sex scenes lacked that certain something that prevents one from skimming. In a scene where Rosalind is supposedly in control, its Liam who's issuing ducal orders...consistency, anyone? please?
July 29, 2016
(Rosalind Carson wishes for two things with equal fervency. The most imperative wish is to not become wife number 6 to the elderly Duke of Fallmoor and the second wish, equally imperative but not as time sensitive, is to become the wife of Liam Kellington, Duke of Lynwood. Marrying Liam has been a pipe dream for Rosalind for half of her life. Although attracted, Liam has stood by and tried to be honorable in his dealings with Rosalind but when an unexpected ally gives him information that would allow him to break Rosalind's betrothal and have Rosalind for his own, Liam can't act quickly enough. Unfortunately Rosalind is unaware of the change in circumstances and has run away to escape both the marriage and her odious family. The same family that was more than willing to sell her in marriage to the highest bidder and in fact had - twice!
Rosalind, happy on her adventure begins to settle into her new life as a tutor for tenant children and possibly finding romance with one of the local farmers. Unexpectedly two women of the Ton stop in the village and spot Rosaline but promise to not pass along her whereabouts. Much to Rosalind's chagrin one of those women is Liam's mistress. Meanwhile, Liam has not only put London's finest on the case of locating the wayward Miss, he has set his family to the task as well. Although much of London is to be aware and unbelieving of Liam's desire to marry Rosalind, Liam continues to receive and is obligated to appear at some house parties. When Liam arrives at one such party, where he has also be asked to provide some insight on land holder issues, he becomes immediately aware that the invitation is a ruse. He's actually been invited to provide his ex-mistress an opportunity to present herself to Liam once more. Said ex-mistress has inadvertently located Rosalind nearby and tries to ensure Liam remains unaware, especially since Liam broke things off in favor of courting Rosalind. The peer's ruse, and the ex-mistresses actions have infuriated Liam and he prepares to leave for home when he is told of Rosalind's whereabouts by a mistreated servant. Before Rosalind can flee, Liam arrives at the village. The Gabriel Mills family that shelters Rosalind on her adventure and Liam's new employee Olivia Morrison provided non-Ton entertainment as Liam and Rosalind got to really observe the daily life of tenant farmers and rediscover each other. These were good secondary characters that I would have liked more of at a later time.
A few things of this read didn't exactly work for me. The entire convoluted silliness of the "prove you love me and will never tire of me" conversation was a bit ridiculous, especially to get to such an unnecessary point, it felt contrived and I didn't like it. Rosalind's wastrel brother and money-grubbing mother were as despicable as promised in book one and after a scene or two completely disappeared from the read. The Duke of Fallmoor proved to be more determined than originally portrayed in his pursuit of Rosalind but somehow felt incomplete as a character. This read was different from the other siblings in that both Rosalind and Liam were already in love with each other at the start of the story so this was less about getting to know one another than dealing with outside forces. While I enjoyed this installment, none have reached the bar set by NEVER A MISTRESS, NO LONGER A MAID or NEVER MISS A CHANCE (Book 2) installments. This is not a series that must be read in order, by reading them haphazardly couples will be together that you may be unaware of, but there is no overreaching arc to interfere with reading enjoyment.
Original Read: March 8, 2014
Rating: 4.25 Stars Actually
More reviews can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
Rosalind, happy on her adventure begins to settle into her new life as a tutor for tenant children and possibly finding romance with one of the local farmers. Unexpectedly two women of the Ton stop in the village and spot Rosaline but promise to not pass along her whereabouts. Much to Rosalind's chagrin one of those women is Liam's mistress. Meanwhile, Liam has not only put London's finest on the case of locating the wayward Miss, he has set his family to the task as well. Although much of London is to be aware and unbelieving of Liam's desire to marry Rosalind, Liam continues to receive and is obligated to appear at some house parties. When Liam arrives at one such party, where he has also be asked to provide some insight on land holder issues, he becomes immediately aware that the invitation is a ruse. He's actually been invited to provide his ex-mistress an opportunity to present herself to Liam once more. Said ex-mistress has inadvertently located Rosalind nearby and tries to ensure Liam remains unaware, especially since Liam broke things off in favor of courting Rosalind. The peer's ruse, and the ex-mistresses actions have infuriated Liam and he prepares to leave for home when he is told of Rosalind's whereabouts by a mistreated servant. Before Rosalind can flee, Liam arrives at the village. The Gabriel Mills family that shelters Rosalind on her adventure and Liam's new employee Olivia Morrison provided non-Ton entertainment as Liam and Rosalind got to really observe the daily life of tenant farmers and rediscover each other. These were good secondary characters that I would have liked more of at a later time.
A few things of this read didn't exactly work for me. The entire convoluted silliness of the "prove you love me and will never tire of me" conversation was a bit ridiculous, especially to get to such an unnecessary point, it felt contrived and I didn't like it. Rosalind's wastrel brother and money-grubbing mother were as despicable as promised in book one and after a scene or two completely disappeared from the read. The Duke of Fallmoor proved to be more determined than originally portrayed in his pursuit of Rosalind but somehow felt incomplete as a character. This read was different from the other siblings in that both Rosalind and Liam were already in love with each other at the start of the story so this was less about getting to know one another than dealing with outside forces. While I enjoyed this installment, none have reached the bar set by NEVER A MISTRESS, NO LONGER A MAID or NEVER MISS A CHANCE (Book 2) installments. This is not a series that must be read in order, by reading them haphazardly couples will be together that you may be unaware of, but there is no overreaching arc to interfere with reading enjoyment.
Original Read: March 8, 2014
Rating: 4.25 Stars Actually
More reviews can be found at: http://www.ireadthatbook.com
February 28, 2013
Has it been almost two years since I read `Never A Mistress, No Longer A Maid', the first in Kellington romance series? Well it must be, but the time has passed quickly as Ms. Driscoll kept giving me `Never Miss A Chance', `Never Wager Against Love' and `Never Run From Love' and here comes much anticipated `Never Deny Your Heart' the fifth book and Liam's story. Oh and how sweet it is! Ms. Driscoll made Liam work hard for his happily ever after and had him sweat [and by default me as well!].
It was such a pure, unadulterated pleasure to finally find out what makes this man tick and find out what some of his deepest desires are! Throughout the series I kept an eye on this man who spent his early years of adulthood raising his siblings, making sure they are taken care of and safe, and I just knew that his story would be special, and it was.
Miss Rosalind Carson could not have been more perfect as his better half! She was a female to reckon with and as much as she tried to do the right thing, which was to submit and follow her families orders and do her duty, when faced with the brutal reality, this woman decides to take her life into her own hands and not depend on no one but herself. I appreciated her `chutzpah' and squirmed as His Grace did while she made him jump through some hoops.
By the time their story ended, we had caught up with all the Kellington brood and it was so good to see them all one more time. I can't tell you how much I loved each book in this series and highly recommend you read them in order because what this author does best is the characterization of them, of their deep love for each other, and you can't help but feel one of them.
*Book provided by the author.
It was such a pure, unadulterated pleasure to finally find out what makes this man tick and find out what some of his deepest desires are! Throughout the series I kept an eye on this man who spent his early years of adulthood raising his siblings, making sure they are taken care of and safe, and I just knew that his story would be special, and it was.
Miss Rosalind Carson could not have been more perfect as his better half! She was a female to reckon with and as much as she tried to do the right thing, which was to submit and follow her families orders and do her duty, when faced with the brutal reality, this woman decides to take her life into her own hands and not depend on no one but herself. I appreciated her `chutzpah' and squirmed as His Grace did while she made him jump through some hoops.
By the time their story ended, we had caught up with all the Kellington brood and it was so good to see them all one more time. I can't tell you how much I loved each book in this series and highly recommend you read them in order because what this author does best is the characterization of them, of their deep love for each other, and you can't help but feel one of them.
*Book provided by the author.
February 26, 2020
This book started with 7 pages of info dump. Not a single word of dialogue was spoken!
I get really frustrated when people pump out historical romances because they think the readers of it will accept anything with a duke in it.
I won’t.
I want depth and emotion and beautiful settings and situations that transport me through time.
This didn’t have any of those.
I get really frustrated when people pump out historical romances because they think the readers of it will accept anything with a duke in it.
I won’t.
I want depth and emotion and beautiful settings and situations that transport me through time.
This didn’t have any of those.
Want to read
February 23, 2020🎁 FREE on Amazon today (2/23/2020)! 🎁
November 15, 2013
Ok, so I wasn't going to read the rest if this series, but the kindle books *are* cheap & I *did* want to know how Liam & Rosalind got on... So, anyway, I skipped a few books & just went straight to this one. A few comments sort of filled me in on the books I skipped (which I might go back & re read at a later date).
Anyway, this book, then. This one was a smidge more graphic than the first one. Each to their own, but not my cup of tea. I was right though, it was obvious that they were meant for each other in book one, but no, they have to go through a convoluted, she likes him but thinks that he doesn't like her, when in fact he really likes her, but thinks that he is 'unworthy'... Then there's some level of danger, a kidnap, a couple of loathsome and manipulative 'toffs' out for their own ends with little consideration for anyone they deem beneath them.
It is a little less predictable than the first one, but I actually thought I was almost at the end & the kindle said I was only half way through, then, just as you think that things are starting to work out as they should, then it all turns upside down again!
Don't get too excited, it is, after all, an historical romance novel. It doesn't break the mould, but I didn't expect it to.
Again, whisky had that extra e, although there is no specification of it's origin, it irks me slightly. There were, however, fewer modern turns of phrase than in the first one, well, that I recognised anyway... When they started using safe words, I'll be honest, I stated skim reading!
Anyway, this book, then. This one was a smidge more graphic than the first one. Each to their own, but not my cup of tea. I was right though, it was obvious that they were meant for each other in book one, but no, they have to go through a convoluted, she likes him but thinks that he doesn't like her, when in fact he really likes her, but thinks that he is 'unworthy'... Then there's some level of danger, a kidnap, a couple of loathsome and manipulative 'toffs' out for their own ends with little consideration for anyone they deem beneath them.
It is a little less predictable than the first one, but I actually thought I was almost at the end & the kindle said I was only half way through, then, just as you think that things are starting to work out as they should, then it all turns upside down again!
Don't get too excited, it is, after all, an historical romance novel. It doesn't break the mould, but I didn't expect it to.
Again, whisky had that extra e, although there is no specification of it's origin, it irks me slightly. There were, however, fewer modern turns of phrase than in the first one, well, that I recognised anyway... When they started using safe words, I'll be honest, I stated skim reading!
March 10, 2013
I am a list maker. I have shopping lists, birthday lists and Christmas lists, but my favorite of all is my Anxiously Awaited list! That one book, that tells the tale of the character or characters that you have been wanting to read about, (in this case), since the series began. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Liam and Rosalind’s time has arrived! Then to put the cherry on top of the sundae, I was not disappointed in the least, in fact, I was quite the opposite!
Rosalind Carson fell in love with William Kellington, (Liam) the Duke of Lynwood at the age of 12 when he, at 18, rescued her doll and told her she had beautiful eyes. Now, a dozen years later, she was still madly in love with him. She knew everything about him; she knew who each of his mistresses were, every rumor of marriage and when he stopped those rumors. She was his sister’s best friend, and still he ignored her. It was probably because of her horrible spectacles. Rosalind’s brother and mother had sold her into marriage to a duke to pay off their debts. This duke however was NOT Liam and was five decades her senior and he only wanted her to produce an heir! She had to take matters into her own hands. She couldn’t live like this, loving one man who rejected her and used by another.
for full review follow this link:
http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
Rosalind Carson fell in love with William Kellington, (Liam) the Duke of Lynwood at the age of 12 when he, at 18, rescued her doll and told her she had beautiful eyes. Now, a dozen years later, she was still madly in love with him. She knew everything about him; she knew who each of his mistresses were, every rumor of marriage and when he stopped those rumors. She was his sister’s best friend, and still he ignored her. It was probably because of her horrible spectacles. Rosalind’s brother and mother had sold her into marriage to a duke to pay off their debts. This duke however was NOT Liam and was five decades her senior and he only wanted her to produce an heir! She had to take matters into her own hands. She couldn’t live like this, loving one man who rejected her and used by another.
for full review follow this link:
http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
March 10, 2013
I am a list maker. I have shopping lists, birthday lists and Christmas lists, but my favorite of all is my Anxiously Awaited list! The one book that tells the tale of the character or characters that you have been wanting to read about (in this case) since the series began. Finally, after what felt like an eternity, Liam and Rosalind’s time has arrived! Then to put the cherry on top of the sundae, I was not disappointed in the least, in fact, I was quite the opposite!
Rosalind Carson fell in love with William Kellington, (Liam) the Duke of Lynwood at the age of 12 when he, at 18, rescued her doll and told her she had beautiful eyes. Now, a dozen years later, she was still madly in love with him. She knew everything about him; she knew who each of his mistresses were, every rumor of marriage and when he stopped those rumors. She was his sister’s best friend, and still he ignored her. It was probably because of her horrible spectacles. Rosalind’s brother and mother had sold her into marriage to a duke to pay off their debts. This duke however was NOT Liam and was five decades her senior and he only wanted her to produce an heir! She had to take matters into her own hands. She couldn’t live like this, loving one man who rejected her and used by another.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
Rosalind Carson fell in love with William Kellington, (Liam) the Duke of Lynwood at the age of 12 when he, at 18, rescued her doll and told her she had beautiful eyes. Now, a dozen years later, she was still madly in love with him. She knew everything about him; she knew who each of his mistresses were, every rumor of marriage and when he stopped those rumors. She was his sister’s best friend, and still he ignored her. It was probably because of her horrible spectacles. Rosalind’s brother and mother had sold her into marriage to a duke to pay off their debts. This duke however was NOT Liam and was five decades her senior and he only wanted her to produce an heir! She had to take matters into her own hands. She couldn’t live like this, loving one man who rejected her and used by another.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2013/0...
July 24, 2014
I probably would have given it five stars except for a mistake that I caught:
74% of the way through "Never Run From Love" we first hear of Lady Valencia Elling. It is said that
"Her much older husband had died two years earlier, leaving her two sons who were now at Harrow and a sizable fortune."
next paragraph: "After the birth of her second son, she'd hinted at a willingness to have an affair."
Then in "Never Deny Your Heart" near the end of the book when she is speaking to Lady Elizabeth:
[Elizabeth] "I am not sure. Perhaps... do you have a son that I might have danced with, Lady Elling? Or perhaps a grandson?"
"No," Lady Elling bit out. "I have no children."
There was another reason that I lowered my rating of this book, but I can't remember now what it was. It still is a wonderful story and I am looking forward to reading Book 6 in the Kellington series.
74% of the way through "Never Run From Love" we first hear of Lady Valencia Elling. It is said that
"Her much older husband had died two years earlier, leaving her two sons who were now at Harrow and a sizable fortune."
next paragraph: "After the birth of her second son, she'd hinted at a willingness to have an affair."
Then in "Never Deny Your Heart" near the end of the book when she is speaking to Lady Elizabeth:
[Elizabeth] "I am not sure. Perhaps... do you have a son that I might have danced with, Lady Elling? Or perhaps a grandson?"
"No," Lady Elling bit out. "I have no children."
There was another reason that I lowered my rating of this book, but I can't remember now what it was. It still is a wonderful story and I am looking forward to reading Book 6 in the Kellington series.
September 11, 2021
I read this one before 3 or 4 in the series because I really wanted Rosalind's story. I love her character and it was nice to see her finally get her moment in the sun. It's also good to get Liam's perspective and see how determined he is once he realizes how he feels about her. I enjoyed the characters in the town that Rosalind goes to and it was nice to see the secondary love story that happens between two people that assist Rosalind and Liam. We don't get much of the other Kellingtons in this book, but that's okay because it's nice to get out of London. I really enjoyed this one, and it sets up the Kellingtons as the happy family that sticks together so well in the Emerson series.
September 8, 2016
4.5* I'm not a historical romance lover usually, just because the heroines are usually simpering idiots that irritate the life out of me, but Maureen Driscoll writes yummy heroes and strong, independent heroines.
One to the next book me thinks
One to the next book me thinks
April 29, 2018
This was the one story I really wanted to read and was so disappointed in it.
July 31, 2019
I thought the oldest Kellington deserves better. I kept this book to read last, what a disappointment.
January 24, 2019
Never Deny Your Heart is the fifth book in the Kellington series. Set in England 1822. There was a fair amount of anticipation for William’s historical romance - him being the Duke, and the head of one of England’s most powerful families after all. It’s my favourite book so far although it did have some pacing issues and a congruency mistake.
We meet the Kellington family whose parents named them after four kings and one queen of England. William Kellington, the Duke of Lynwood, is every inch the powerful aristocrat. Dedicated to his three brothers and only sister - Edward, Arthur, Henry, and Elizabeth - Lynwood has been the head of the family since the death of their parents from sudden fever more than a decade earlier in 1809. At nineteen, William took on ducal responsibilities and the care of his younger siblings.
Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid: 4- stars (Edward known as Ned)
Never Miss a Chance: 3- stars (Elizabeth known as Lizzie)
Never Wager Against Love: 3 stars (Arthur)
Never Run From Love: 4 stars (Henry known as Hal)
Never Deny Your Heart: 4+ stars (William known as Liam)
William Kellington, the Duke of Lynwood, was one of the marriage mart’s most sought after targets. Despite being a very powerful man, Liam is particularly dim witted when it comes to love. Unfortunately, I wanted him to be a better Hero than what he actually was.
Rosalind Carson, a Viscount’s daughter, was betrothed to a man of the Ton five decades her senior who had already buried five wives. The matrimonial deal was done by her brother and mother as an exchange of funds for flesh....and Rosalind was desperately against it. Having been in love with her best friend Lizzie’s eldest brother from the age of twelve, Rosalind takes drastic measures.
Liam and Rosalind’s sexy times are more up-to-par with the erotica genre. The way they are written though seemed emotionally lacking to me. I wasn’t particularly enraptured with the scenes. The thrill and naughtiness of their encounters could have been heightened but Rosalind was so focused on the negative narrative of refusing Liam, it was a real dampener. Also, Liam slept twice with Lady Elling after his heavy petting and honour-bound resistance with Rosalind because he was heartbroken over losing Rosalind? I didn’t believe that manoeuvre or his lame justification. He lost admirable man points on that one. Lastly, Liam’s sexual secret is over-rated.
Not many typos in this book compared to the previous books in this series which is better. However, a mistake is obvious when Lady Valencia Elling who had two sons and a sizeable fortune in previous stories now has no children in this story. Whoa.
I recommend this book.
We meet the Kellington family whose parents named them after four kings and one queen of England. William Kellington, the Duke of Lynwood, is every inch the powerful aristocrat. Dedicated to his three brothers and only sister - Edward, Arthur, Henry, and Elizabeth - Lynwood has been the head of the family since the death of their parents from sudden fever more than a decade earlier in 1809. At nineteen, William took on ducal responsibilities and the care of his younger siblings.
Never a Mistress, No Longer a Maid: 4- stars (Edward known as Ned)
Never Miss a Chance: 3- stars (Elizabeth known as Lizzie)
Never Wager Against Love: 3 stars (Arthur)
Never Run From Love: 4 stars (Henry known as Hal)
Never Deny Your Heart: 4+ stars (William known as Liam)
William Kellington, the Duke of Lynwood, was one of the marriage mart’s most sought after targets. Despite being a very powerful man, Liam is particularly dim witted when it comes to love. Unfortunately, I wanted him to be a better Hero than what he actually was.
Rosalind Carson, a Viscount’s daughter, was betrothed to a man of the Ton five decades her senior who had already buried five wives. The matrimonial deal was done by her brother and mother as an exchange of funds for flesh....and Rosalind was desperately against it. Having been in love with her best friend Lizzie’s eldest brother from the age of twelve, Rosalind takes drastic measures.
Liam and Rosalind’s sexy times are more up-to-par with the erotica genre. The way they are written though seemed emotionally lacking to me. I wasn’t particularly enraptured with the scenes. The thrill and naughtiness of their encounters could have been heightened but Rosalind was so focused on the negative narrative of refusing Liam, it was a real dampener. Also, Liam slept twice with Lady Elling after his heavy petting and honour-bound resistance with Rosalind because he was heartbroken over losing Rosalind? I didn’t believe that manoeuvre or his lame justification. He lost admirable man points on that one. Lastly, Liam’s sexual secret is over-rated.
Not many typos in this book compared to the previous books in this series which is better. However, a mistake is obvious when Lady Valencia Elling who had two sons and a sizeable fortune in previous stories now has no children in this story. Whoa.
I recommend this book.
May 25, 2020
Read the first book in the series and liked it. DNF-d the second book, and jumped to this one because I liked the promise of Liam and Rosalind. Hoo-boy, It can NOT be read as a standalone. Do you have to read all of the previous books for this to work?
They try to sum up at the beginning. They do ok with Rosalind, but NOT in any way, shape, or form, with Liam. He just LOVES HER. She is "his Rosalind".... Does the author realize that NOT ONCE does Liam ever say ONE THING in particular that he loves about her? On the LITERAL last page, he finally says that he fell in love with her when she gave his niece Vi a hair comb (in book one.) He loved her for showing kindness to a child. THAT'S IT. He never mentions any of her traits, her personality, her looks and features, nothing. He just has to have her because he "loves her". We know that he didn't express himself to her in the previous books. She doesn't believe him when he proposes, and he tells her nothing specific to convince her... Other than revealing his dark kinky secret (which is the tamest frickin secret. Why do they build that up so much?) When did this crazy passionate switch get flipped? I'm not going back to book 3 or 4 to find it.
Considering how this book is padded out with a full romance between two brand new side characters, I don't know why there wasn't time to properly address the main couple's romance. Honestly, I started liking the side characters more.
Also, this book has the annoying habits from the other books, where the characters have to act really stupid to get all of the plot beats to work. SPOILER-ISH: The kidnapping at the end? Whyyyyy? They knew that lots of people were looking for her. Rosalind even said out loud "Oh, Lady E is going to tell everyone I'm here, I have to leave before I'm tracked down to this tiny village."... Then she doesn't leave for days. Surprise! Lady E blabs, Rosalind is found and drug back to her evil first fiancee. Yeah, just like you said! You are realllly clever.
Let's not talk about the sex scenes. Just a bizarre mash up of things my mom would think were "kinky". Slightly BDSM-ish stuff. Quite intense for a Rosalind, who has only had sex once. These scenes were cringey to me.
They try to sum up at the beginning. They do ok with Rosalind, but NOT in any way, shape, or form, with Liam. He just LOVES HER. She is "his Rosalind".... Does the author realize that NOT ONCE does Liam ever say ONE THING in particular that he loves about her? On the LITERAL last page, he finally says that he fell in love with her when she gave his niece Vi a hair comb (in book one.) He loved her for showing kindness to a child. THAT'S IT. He never mentions any of her traits, her personality, her looks and features, nothing. He just has to have her because he "loves her". We know that he didn't express himself to her in the previous books. She doesn't believe him when he proposes, and he tells her nothing specific to convince her... Other than revealing his dark kinky secret (which is the tamest frickin secret. Why do they build that up so much?) When did this crazy passionate switch get flipped? I'm not going back to book 3 or 4 to find it.
Considering how this book is padded out with a full romance between two brand new side characters, I don't know why there wasn't time to properly address the main couple's romance. Honestly, I started liking the side characters more.
Also, this book has the annoying habits from the other books, where the characters have to act really stupid to get all of the plot beats to work. SPOILER-ISH: The kidnapping at the end? Whyyyyy? They knew that lots of people were looking for her. Rosalind even said out loud "Oh, Lady E is going to tell everyone I'm here, I have to leave before I'm tracked down to this tiny village."... Then she doesn't leave for days. Surprise! Lady E blabs, Rosalind is found and drug back to her evil first fiancee. Yeah, just like you said! You are realllly clever.
Let's not talk about the sex scenes. Just a bizarre mash up of things my mom would think were "kinky". Slightly BDSM-ish stuff. Quite intense for a Rosalind, who has only had sex once. These scenes were cringey to me.
March 8, 2020
What does a girl do when she is being basically sold to the highest bidder by her family and that bidder happens to be nearly five decades older than her? Our heroine, Rosalind Carson, runs off with Scotland as her destination and far off away that her scheming mother and brother will never be able to find her and drag her home to a loveless marriage. Before she makes it to Scotland, trouble ensues along the way and she meets two children who are on their way back to their home. They convince her to travel with them to their village and stay to live there. Rosalind thinks the village is in a desolate enough area that her family will not find her. She becomes the village teacher and is living a quiet but happy life in the village. She can't think about "the man she left behind," our hero Liam Kellington, the Duke of Lynwood, the man she has loved from afar for most of her life. She believes that "he doesn't really see her" as anything more than his best friend's little sister. So she settles in to live as the village teacher and a spinster. In the meantime, Liam comes to realize that he does love the lovely Rosalind and decides to end his bachelor days and persuade her to marry him instead of the aged Duke of Fallmoor. Upon arriving at Rosalind's home, he learns she has run off and no one knows where she's gone. He then takes it upon himself to find her and declare his love. Will these two ever have their HEA or will they be thwarted by outside characters that are bent on their own desires? The story's main characters are ones that you will enjoy as well as many of the secondary characters. A few steamy scenes makes the reading even better and a few villains along the way give you reason to root for the "good guys" and hope that "the bad guys" get their just rewards. Altogether an enjoyable book with a hot hero and a beautiful heroine.
May 3, 2021
Liam is a powerful Duke who is secretly in love with his little sister's best friend (who is actually also secretly in love with him), sigh.... There have been numerous hints throughout the series that these two would pair up, so it felt like a long wait for this story.
Rosalind's greedy family have basically sold her off against her will to be betrothed to an old lecherous Duke for 25,000 pounds. When Liam finds out that the evil Duke has nasty sexual habits which he plans to continue after his marriage to Rosalind, he finally mans up. He decides he definately can't allow his love to be used that way. When he goes to rescue her and propose he finds her gone. She's run away....
I enjoyed the parts where Rosalind escapes and starts out with a hidden identity as a teacher. It's a bonus that we also get to see all the other couples from the previous Kellington books make appearances.
This book contains descriptive love scenes, including bdsm-themed, which I thought were a little full on for a virginal girl to start out with, but you could skip them if preferred.
Rosalind's greedy family have basically sold her off against her will to be betrothed to an old lecherous Duke for 25,000 pounds. When Liam finds out that the evil Duke has nasty sexual habits which he plans to continue after his marriage to Rosalind, he finally mans up. He decides he definately can't allow his love to be used that way. When he goes to rescue her and propose he finds her gone. She's run away....
I enjoyed the parts where Rosalind escapes and starts out with a hidden identity as a teacher. It's a bonus that we also get to see all the other couples from the previous Kellington books make appearances.
This book contains descriptive love scenes, including bdsm-themed, which I thought were a little full on for a virginal girl to start out with, but you could skip them if preferred.
March 24, 2020
This is more like a 3.5 stars. Rosalind Carson has been in love with her best friend's oldest brother, William Kellington, Duke of Lynwood for years, but it appears to be pretty one-sided. When her evil mother and brother sell her hand to the obnoxious Earl of Fallmoor who's 50 years older than her, she takes the initiative to disappear rather than marry the Earl. On the mail coach, she befriends two young children who are travelling without an adult and is subsequently taken in by their father and village to be the local school mistress. Lynwood and Fallmoor have both sent out runners to find her, and Lynwood succeeds first, only to have her kidnapped by Fallmoor. Up to about this point, the story is relatively clean and a fun story. However, when Rosalind and Liam get together, the sex gets hot, heavy, and kinky. The author is up front with this in the Amazon blurb, which I failed to read until after reading the book, so beware!
March 3, 2020
Never Deny Your Heart
I’d have given five but it’s really naughty.
Liam and Rosalind have known each other for years. Rosalind and Liam’s sister are the best of friends.
Her brother and mother are in financial debt and the only way they can get out is to pretty much sell her off to some old man who has been married in the past but his wives are all dead.
He doesn’t have an heir and thinks he can get one with Rosalind. She isn’t going to marry the old goat.
She loves Liam but she thinks he doesn’t care for her, she runs away. Will he find her or will the old goat find her first.
Great story but really there was way to much adult content.
I’d have given five but it’s really naughty.
Liam and Rosalind have known each other for years. Rosalind and Liam’s sister are the best of friends.
Her brother and mother are in financial debt and the only way they can get out is to pretty much sell her off to some old man who has been married in the past but his wives are all dead.
He doesn’t have an heir and thinks he can get one with Rosalind. She isn’t going to marry the old goat.
She loves Liam but she thinks he doesn’t care for her, she runs away. Will he find her or will the old goat find her first.
Great story but really there was way to much adult content.
October 19, 2021
His love
I absolutely loved Liam and Rosalind’s story. Rosalind has loved Liam for years and he has only thought of her as a sister. When her family starts to negotiate her to the Duke of Fallmoor, Rosalind new she needed to escape.
Liam realized he love Rosalind and when her returns from Rivertons, he realizes he is too late as his Rosalind is betrothed to a man whose 5 decades older than she. He is an honorable man but he must stop this travesty.
When he decides to offer for her, Rosalind goes missing. Everyone in his family, Bow Street and Fallmoor are looking for her.
A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.
I absolutely loved Liam and Rosalind’s story. Rosalind has loved Liam for years and he has only thought of her as a sister. When her family starts to negotiate her to the Duke of Fallmoor, Rosalind new she needed to escape.
Liam realized he love Rosalind and when her returns from Rivertons, he realizes he is too late as his Rosalind is betrothed to a man whose 5 decades older than she. He is an honorable man but he must stop this travesty.
When he decides to offer for her, Rosalind goes missing. Everyone in his family, Bow Street and Fallmoor are looking for her.
A beautifully written story with a wonderful ending.
November 2, 2018
The Duke loses control.
The very efficient, capable, always in charge Duke finally blows it. He let's the woman he loves become fianceed to another ageing Duke who is mearly seeking to get a male heir. But since he makes no move to rescue her, she takes matters into her own hands and runs away. Now everyone is looking for her. Great conclusion to the series as this marries off the last Kellington.
On note: the intimate scenes are a bit more daring than the rest of the series if this would upset some people.
The very efficient, capable, always in charge Duke finally blows it. He let's the woman he loves become fianceed to another ageing Duke who is mearly seeking to get a male heir. But since he makes no move to rescue her, she takes matters into her own hands and runs away. Now everyone is looking for her. Great conclusion to the series as this marries off the last Kellington.
On note: the intimate scenes are a bit more daring than the rest of the series if this would upset some people.
March 5, 2021
I had been waiting to get to Liam's book since starting this series. He's the duke, so the oldest brother to his 4 other siblings. What a letdown.
There has been tension brewing between Liam and Rosalind since book 2. Rosalind is Liam's little sister's best friend and she has had a crush on him for years. Her brother sets her up to marry a man her grandfather's age, she runs away, Liam has to find her.
The Liam in this book doesn't seem consistent with the Liam in the other books. Rosalind is still likable. But the story is all over the place and not in a good way. Very disappointing.
There has been tension brewing between Liam and Rosalind since book 2. Rosalind is Liam's little sister's best friend and she has had a crush on him for years. Her brother sets her up to marry a man her grandfather's age, she runs away, Liam has to find her.
The Liam in this book doesn't seem consistent with the Liam in the other books. Rosalind is still likable. But the story is all over the place and not in a good way. Very disappointing.
March 7, 2021
Excellent series
I have really enjoyed this series featuring the Kellington siblings. They're all flawed, but protected from scandal within the ton because they're the family of a Duke and very rich. This last book, though, the Duke of Kellington's story, was the one I had been waiting for; he's been such a brother/father figure for the rest of his siblings that I wanted him to get his happy ending. Lots of good characters and plot twists in this series, recommend to those who like a steamy historical romance.
I have really enjoyed this series featuring the Kellington siblings. They're all flawed, but protected from scandal within the ton because they're the family of a Duke and very rich. This last book, though, the Duke of Kellington's story, was the one I had been waiting for; he's been such a brother/father figure for the rest of his siblings that I wanted him to get his happy ending. Lots of good characters and plot twists in this series, recommend to those who like a steamy historical romance.
April 22, 2021
A duke finds his duchess
This is Liam and Rosalind’s book and most definitely the one that I have been waiting to read and I LOVED it. All of the characters in this story make it the best of the series. Rosalind was sold to a horrible old fart by her miserable brother and mother so she took control of her life and ran away before Liam grabbed a brain and de died to save her. Liam did get his knight in shining armour moment but Rosalind was strong and for the most part saved herself. This is a must read.
This is Liam and Rosalind’s book and most definitely the one that I have been waiting to read and I LOVED it. All of the characters in this story make it the best of the series. Rosalind was sold to a horrible old fart by her miserable brother and mother so she took control of her life and ran away before Liam grabbed a brain and de died to save her. Liam did get his knight in shining armour moment but Rosalind was strong and for the most part saved herself. This is a must read.
February 25, 2020
Run, Run
This was a very well written book by Maureen Driscoll. And I really enjoyed read it. Sold into a marriage, in love with a Killington, running away, meeting new friends, a job and home, being found out, a house "party", finding your love, kidnapped, forced marriage, rescued, a happy ever after?? If any of this interest you, buy the book and enjoy reading it as much as I did. I would recommend this book to everyone. Enjoy.
This was a very well written book by Maureen Driscoll. And I really enjoyed read it. Sold into a marriage, in love with a Killington, running away, meeting new friends, a job and home, being found out, a house "party", finding your love, kidnapped, forced marriage, rescued, a happy ever after?? If any of this interest you, buy the book and enjoy reading it as much as I did. I would recommend this book to everyone. Enjoy.
May 27, 2020
NEVER DENY YOUR HEART : Kellington #5 I didn’t realize that I’ve read and reviewed 4 other books by this author, all excellent reads. This tale involves head of the family, Liam and mistreated and beleaguered blue stocking, Rosalinda, friend of his sister. It’s a rollicking story of running away, kidnapping, shooting and the bad guy (an Earl) getting his just desserts. Includes light bondage.
July 8, 2017
It wasn't bad initially but once they got near each other, it was mostly a romp in bed. There was a bit of a warning in the about... If you get all the way to the end, but it somewhat underestimates the explicitness of the sex scenes. Silly me prefers more romance and plot, less ravishing. What plot there is is decent.
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