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Deceived #1
A Duke Deceived
Was Beauty to be Her Burden?
The unexpected and overwhelming proposal of marriage by Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff, was a dream come true to dowryless Bonny Barbara Allan—and her worst nightmare. For her reticent husband spoke endlessly of her beauty, yet never of her his love. And her clandestine visits to help her cousin weren’t easing matters at all . . .
His obsession with the fair Bonny Barbara allan was ruining the Duke of Radcliff’s heretofore orderly life. But how could he trust his new bride—and vow undying love—when she was secretly meeting another man?
The unexpected and overwhelming proposal of marriage by Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff, was a dream come true to dowryless Bonny Barbara Allan—and her worst nightmare. For her reticent husband spoke endlessly of her beauty, yet never of her his love. And her clandestine visits to help her cousin weren’t easing matters at all . . .
His obsession with the fair Bonny Barbara allan was ruining the Duke of Radcliff’s heretofore orderly life. But how could he trust his new bride—and vow undying love—when she was secretly meeting another man?
345 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 1, 1998
134 people are currently reading
143 people want to read
About the author
Cheryl Bolen
80 books1,675 followersSince being named Notable New Author for 1997, Cheryl Bolen has published more than 35 books with Kensington/Zebra, Harlequin, Love Inspired Historical, Montlake, and independently. She has broken into the top 5 on the New York Times and hit the USA Today bestseller list. Her 2005 One Golden Ring won Best Historical, Holt Medallion, and her 2011 My Lord Wicked was awarded Best Historical in the International Digital Awards, the same year her Christmas novella was chosen as Best Novella. Her books have been finalists for other awards, including the Daphne du Maurier, and have been translated into eight languages. She’s also been the number 1 bestselling historical romance author in Germany.
She holds a bachelor's degree in journalism and English from the University of Texas and a master's degree from the University of Houston. Her favorite pursuits are reading diaries of dead English women, traveling to England, and watching the Texas Longhorns play football and basketball. She and her recently retired professor husband are the parents of two sons. One is an attorney, the other a journalist.
Website: www.CherylBolen.com
Blog: www.cherylsregencyramblings.wordpress.co
Facebook: http://fbl.ink/Facebook
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 38 reviews
August 4, 2020
My thanks to NetGalley and Harper & Appleton for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.
This is a re-issue of the author's first book. I believe it came out in the 90s, and it does show. It is a tad dated in the behaviors of the H and h and is rather trope filled, but that is NOT a bad thing. Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned Regency romance to relax and forget the rest of the world for a while,
That being said, H is 34, h is 18. Kind of ew. His former mistress is age comparable to him, but of course, he has no interest in marrying her. Again, kind of ew. He has the classic male hero problem of being unable to share his feelings and declare his love to the h and she has a secret that she doesn't think to tell him, so he thinks she is cheating on him and is in a jealous rage all of the time. So classic, a simple, five minute conversation would fix any misunderstandings, but then there wouldn't be a book.
The subplot with the h's cousin was definitely interesting and NOT typical for the time, so that was a plus.
Oh, the H was a man-ho until he fell in love at first sight with the h, who was, of course, a virgin, never even been kissed! And while it's not very romantic, it would be refreshing if once in a while, someone who was a man-ho actually had some repercussions for it. There was a women mentioned who was the bicycle of Oxford and all of the men who went there became a man through her, to the extent than they had a ribald ditty about her. So if she literally slept with the ENTIRE college of students, I find it hard to believe that she wasn't spreading something to them all.
But romance books are fantasy, so no disease, except for consumption. Cuz nothing says tragic love like consumption. But that's a different type of romance I suppose. Oh, and there WAS consumption in this, only it was the h's mom, not the h herself. I almost forgot about that actually.
It may seem like I didn't like this book and while I didn't really enjoy the age gap and the tropes, it's not bad for a first book and I will definitely check out her other books and recommend her to our historical romance readers that come to the store. The book has good bones.
2.5 stars, rounded down to 2 because that age gap is just a bit too much for me. Also, the H should have known better. The h was only 18 and very sheltered, she couldn't be expected to be overly mature. The H's lack of maturity annoyed me.
So 2, not bad for a first book, stars.
This is a re-issue of the author's first book. I believe it came out in the 90s, and it does show. It is a tad dated in the behaviors of the H and h and is rather trope filled, but that is NOT a bad thing. Sometimes you just want a good old-fashioned Regency romance to relax and forget the rest of the world for a while,
That being said, H is 34, h is 18. Kind of ew. His former mistress is age comparable to him, but of course, he has no interest in marrying her. Again, kind of ew. He has the classic male hero problem of being unable to share his feelings and declare his love to the h and she has a secret that she doesn't think to tell him, so he thinks she is cheating on him and is in a jealous rage all of the time. So classic, a simple, five minute conversation would fix any misunderstandings, but then there wouldn't be a book.
The subplot with the h's cousin was definitely interesting and NOT typical for the time, so that was a plus.
Oh, the H was a man-ho until he fell in love at first sight with the h, who was, of course, a virgin, never even been kissed! And while it's not very romantic, it would be refreshing if once in a while, someone who was a man-ho actually had some repercussions for it. There was a women mentioned who was the bicycle of Oxford and all of the men who went there became a man through her, to the extent than they had a ribald ditty about her. So if she literally slept with the ENTIRE college of students, I find it hard to believe that she wasn't spreading something to them all.
But romance books are fantasy, so no disease, except for consumption. Cuz nothing says tragic love like consumption. But that's a different type of romance I suppose. Oh, and there WAS consumption in this, only it was the h's mom, not the h herself. I almost forgot about that actually.
It may seem like I didn't like this book and while I didn't really enjoy the age gap and the tropes, it's not bad for a first book and I will definitely check out her other books and recommend her to our historical romance readers that come to the store. The book has good bones.
2.5 stars, rounded down to 2 because that age gap is just a bit too much for me. Also, the H should have known better. The h was only 18 and very sheltered, she couldn't be expected to be overly mature. The H's lack of maturity annoyed me.
So 2, not bad for a first book, stars.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 1, 2019
This is a beautiful tale about two persons who were destined to be together but hurt each other by their inability to communicate their feelings and not clear their own misconceptions.
To add to their burden, their journey to love was littered by protagonists who sought only to torn them apart .
This story shows how with time and by instilling slowly tiny bits of this and that plus keeping, even if it is innocent, things secret, it can destroy a fragile truce and it brings the worse in anybody even a lover.
At time I was upset by both, she for keeping secrets from her husband that appear as if she betrayed him and him for thinking the worst first without even questioning his wife’s faithfulness.
Bonny and Richard are two very likable characters, they both are kind and honest but because of a minor gesture at the beginning of their relationship, everything is put in jeopardize and any new detail is turned the wrong way as they are unable to clear the water and have a real talk. Why they became easy prey for all those who want to split them up and their task is even easier as they are so easily deceived.
They were lucky despite their flaws and failure to trust the other, as they are both guilty, to be surrounded by caring people whom will help straighten things for them, as Bonny and Richard are blind to another’s sentiments.
My only complain is the lack of epilogue and the rushed conclusion. Sure Richard handled his marriage poorly and confined Bonny to their home, a bit of grovel would have been nice but Bonny by not acknowledging her supporting her cousin and doing things behind Richard’s back has only fueled his deception.
Hopefully, the reedition of this book announces its as being the first in a series, so we will get a kind of epilogue with the next book to come.
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher Harpen&Appleton, but I purchased my own copy and here is my true and unbiased opinion.
To add to their burden, their journey to love was littered by protagonists who sought only to torn them apart .
This story shows how with time and by instilling slowly tiny bits of this and that plus keeping, even if it is innocent, things secret, it can destroy a fragile truce and it brings the worse in anybody even a lover.
At time I was upset by both, she for keeping secrets from her husband that appear as if she betrayed him and him for thinking the worst first without even questioning his wife’s faithfulness.
Bonny and Richard are two very likable characters, they both are kind and honest but because of a minor gesture at the beginning of their relationship, everything is put in jeopardize and any new detail is turned the wrong way as they are unable to clear the water and have a real talk. Why they became easy prey for all those who want to split them up and their task is even easier as they are so easily deceived.
They were lucky despite their flaws and failure to trust the other, as they are both guilty, to be surrounded by caring people whom will help straighten things for them, as Bonny and Richard are blind to another’s sentiments.
My only complain is the lack of epilogue and the rushed conclusion. Sure Richard handled his marriage poorly and confined Bonny to their home, a bit of grovel would have been nice but Bonny by not acknowledging her supporting her cousin and doing things behind Richard’s back has only fueled his deception.
Hopefully, the reedition of this book announces its as being the first in a series, so we will get a kind of epilogue with the next book to come.
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher Harpen&Appleton, but I purchased my own copy and here is my true and unbiased opinion.
June 30, 2019
A Duke Received by Cheryl Bolen was her first-ever published book, published to quite a bit of acclaim back in 1998. It has been out of print for a while now, but it is being re-released with a stunning new cover.
Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff has always been an admirer of beautiful things. When he sees Bonny Barbara Allan at a ball he is instantly enamoured with her. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he is determined to make her his. She might only be a vicar's daughter and have no dowry but she is perfect for him.
When Bonny needs to urgently leave London to go to her mother's sickbed in the country Richard offers to take her and her cousin Emily. Going with him would be far quicker than trying to get there by normal transport, so Emily accepts his offer. Their journey together made both of them realise that they could easily fall in love with each other. It was no hardship then for Richard to offer a speedy marriage to Bonny so that her mother's last wish could be fulfilled, seeing Bonny wed.
After the wedding and her mother's funeral, Bonny and Richard settled into his country estate. Despite being in mourning Bonny enjoyed getting to know her new home and more importantly her new husband. They both found themselves falling deeply in love with each other, but neither of them wanted to admit it.
When Richard is called back to London, Bonny, of course, goes with him and all of their happy domesticity disappears. Bonny believes that Richard is seeing his old mistress again, and Richard believes that Bonny is having an affair. They both are very wrong, but their constant misunderstanding and total lack of communication could see them living separately and miserable.
At times I wished I could jump into the book and shake both Richard and Bonny. They really needed to learn to be more trusting of each other and to talk. You just know that they are perfect for each other if only they could stop their imaginations and insecurities claiming them. It didn't help that there were people in the book determined to keep the couple apart.
I really loved Richard and Bonny's story, frustrating as it was at times, but I also enjoyed Emily's story too. She could have had a book just for her story, but the author managed to run the two stories concurrently so they fit perfectly with each other. Thankfully there were happy endings to be had, and although I think an epilogue would have been good, I was just happy to finish the book smiling.
Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff has always been an admirer of beautiful things. When he sees Bonny Barbara Allan at a ball he is instantly enamoured with her. She is the most beautiful woman he has ever seen and he is determined to make her his. She might only be a vicar's daughter and have no dowry but she is perfect for him.
When Bonny needs to urgently leave London to go to her mother's sickbed in the country Richard offers to take her and her cousin Emily. Going with him would be far quicker than trying to get there by normal transport, so Emily accepts his offer. Their journey together made both of them realise that they could easily fall in love with each other. It was no hardship then for Richard to offer a speedy marriage to Bonny so that her mother's last wish could be fulfilled, seeing Bonny wed.
After the wedding and her mother's funeral, Bonny and Richard settled into his country estate. Despite being in mourning Bonny enjoyed getting to know her new home and more importantly her new husband. They both found themselves falling deeply in love with each other, but neither of them wanted to admit it.
When Richard is called back to London, Bonny, of course, goes with him and all of their happy domesticity disappears. Bonny believes that Richard is seeing his old mistress again, and Richard believes that Bonny is having an affair. They both are very wrong, but their constant misunderstanding and total lack of communication could see them living separately and miserable.
At times I wished I could jump into the book and shake both Richard and Bonny. They really needed to learn to be more trusting of each other and to talk. You just know that they are perfect for each other if only they could stop their imaginations and insecurities claiming them. It didn't help that there were people in the book determined to keep the couple apart.
I really loved Richard and Bonny's story, frustrating as it was at times, but I also enjoyed Emily's story too. She could have had a book just for her story, but the author managed to run the two stories concurrently so they fit perfectly with each other. Thankfully there were happy endings to be had, and although I think an epilogue would have been good, I was just happy to finish the book smiling.
August 25, 2019
A Duke Deceived by Cheryl Bolen is book One in The Deceived Series. This is the story of Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff and Bonny Barbara Allan.
Barbara father died about 6 years ago and now her mother has consumption that is getting worse each day. Always living in the country she has come to live with her cousin Emily and her family. The goal she has is to marry due to the circumstance she is in. Richard has decided that maybe it is time that he take a wife and move into the next part of his life. When he meets Barbara he starts to think she may be the one and due to her situation he may not have a choice.
Loved their story and can't wait for more in this series!!
Barbara father died about 6 years ago and now her mother has consumption that is getting worse each day. Always living in the country she has come to live with her cousin Emily and her family. The goal she has is to marry due to the circumstance she is in. Richard has decided that maybe it is time that he take a wife and move into the next part of his life. When he meets Barbara he starts to think she may be the one and due to her situation he may not have a choice.
Loved their story and can't wait for more in this series!!
June 12, 2019
SO TOUCHED BY THIS STORY, April 30, 2013
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Duke Deceived (March Madness) (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)
I don't know why this book made me cry but cried I did. I was so affected of Bonny Barbara's deep hurt when she one day came to terms that her husband, Richard, the Duke of Radcliff, does not love her and in love instead with his mistress Lady Heffington. The letter she wrote for him before she left was raw and full of love that I felt her pain and made me cry. She suffered more than enough humiliation by how Richard has treated her in just a few weeks after marrying her. The night of the first dinner party Bonny threw at their home, Lady Heffington came, apparently invited by the Duke himself that set the tons tongue wagging. All the weeks that followed was full of grief, the Duke does not even spend time at their home for days on at a time.
Richard Moncrief, the fifth Duke of Radcliff, is besotted with Bonny from the very first time he laid eyes on her. His thoughts were dominated by her beautiful angelic face that he sought her out in every soirees he thought she would be attending. An opportunity presented itself when Bonny received an urgent telegram that her mother is dying, so Richard offered to convey her and her cousin, Emily, in his ducal coach and accompany them on their journey to Bonny's hometown in the North Country. There he meets her mother, knowing it's her dying wish to see her daughter secured and married, Richard made an offer and married Bonny. After her mother passed, they moved to the duke's country ducal seat, stayed for a couple months and there, they fell in love. Until the time they moved back to London, neither one verbalized their deep feelings and love to one another
In an effort to help her cousin, Emily, to cover up having a baby out of wedlock and still keep seeing the baby, Bonny used her little inheritance money from her mother to put up Emily's baby in nearby private care so they can visit her almost everyday. She also took it upon herself to assist Lord Duns Ford ( Emily's daughter uncle ) to visit the child in that home to get to know his niece.
One day while out riding around the park, Richard saw his wife Bonny coming out from this house with Lord Duns Ford, put two and two together and was convinced his wife was having an affair with him.
So all was a big misunderstanding, because of his pride, Richard decided to keep it to himself instead of confronting his wife. So months passed by with the Duke treating Bonny in cold silence, he's out with his friends drinking in oblivion, spends day and night at his friend house, never bothered sending word to his wife on his whereabouts. One day, he came home to find Bonny is gone. He realized she left him, resolved to get to the bottom of it all, Richard confronted Lord Duns Ford, found out there was really nothing between his wife Bonny and Lord Duns Ford. The pain he felt for treating his wife the way he did, for all the hardship he put her through was so overwhelming he would rather accept her being unfaithful than not seeing her ever again.
This story focused mostly on Bonny's hardship, the misery and humiliation she was put through by her own husband. The daily struggle of physical pain from her everyday morning sickness and her husband's cold and devil may care attitude towards her carrying their first child. It's all the lack of trust and jumping to conclusions that turned this lovely couple cold and distant and ultimately, the fall out.
Although Richard eventually followed his wife to ask for forgiveness, it was so short and almost non existent, you would have missed it if you would have blinked your eye. The author decided to focus more on Richards experience on his trip to the country while trying to go see Bonny. There was really no follow up on their relationship, on how he made a complete ass of himself, Ms. Bolen should at least have ended this with an epilogue years later showing Richard grovelling and making up for all the misery he caused his wife, and perhaps show how happy they are together with their borne children.
Amazon Verified Purchase
This review is from: Duke Deceived (March Madness) (Harlequin Historical) (Paperback)
I don't know why this book made me cry but cried I did. I was so affected of Bonny Barbara's deep hurt when she one day came to terms that her husband, Richard, the Duke of Radcliff, does not love her and in love instead with his mistress Lady Heffington. The letter she wrote for him before she left was raw and full of love that I felt her pain and made me cry. She suffered more than enough humiliation by how Richard has treated her in just a few weeks after marrying her. The night of the first dinner party Bonny threw at their home, Lady Heffington came, apparently invited by the Duke himself that set the tons tongue wagging. All the weeks that followed was full of grief, the Duke does not even spend time at their home for days on at a time.
Richard Moncrief, the fifth Duke of Radcliff, is besotted with Bonny from the very first time he laid eyes on her. His thoughts were dominated by her beautiful angelic face that he sought her out in every soirees he thought she would be attending. An opportunity presented itself when Bonny received an urgent telegram that her mother is dying, so Richard offered to convey her and her cousin, Emily, in his ducal coach and accompany them on their journey to Bonny's hometown in the North Country. There he meets her mother, knowing it's her dying wish to see her daughter secured and married, Richard made an offer and married Bonny. After her mother passed, they moved to the duke's country ducal seat, stayed for a couple months and there, they fell in love. Until the time they moved back to London, neither one verbalized their deep feelings and love to one another
In an effort to help her cousin, Emily, to cover up having a baby out of wedlock and still keep seeing the baby, Bonny used her little inheritance money from her mother to put up Emily's baby in nearby private care so they can visit her almost everyday. She also took it upon herself to assist Lord Duns Ford ( Emily's daughter uncle ) to visit the child in that home to get to know his niece.
One day while out riding around the park, Richard saw his wife Bonny coming out from this house with Lord Duns Ford, put two and two together and was convinced his wife was having an affair with him.
So all was a big misunderstanding, because of his pride, Richard decided to keep it to himself instead of confronting his wife. So months passed by with the Duke treating Bonny in cold silence, he's out with his friends drinking in oblivion, spends day and night at his friend house, never bothered sending word to his wife on his whereabouts. One day, he came home to find Bonny is gone. He realized she left him, resolved to get to the bottom of it all, Richard confronted Lord Duns Ford, found out there was really nothing between his wife Bonny and Lord Duns Ford. The pain he felt for treating his wife the way he did, for all the hardship he put her through was so overwhelming he would rather accept her being unfaithful than not seeing her ever again.
This story focused mostly on Bonny's hardship, the misery and humiliation she was put through by her own husband. The daily struggle of physical pain from her everyday morning sickness and her husband's cold and devil may care attitude towards her carrying their first child. It's all the lack of trust and jumping to conclusions that turned this lovely couple cold and distant and ultimately, the fall out.
Although Richard eventually followed his wife to ask for forgiveness, it was so short and almost non existent, you would have missed it if you would have blinked your eye. The author decided to focus more on Richards experience on his trip to the country while trying to go see Bonny. There was really no follow up on their relationship, on how he made a complete ass of himself, Ms. Bolen should at least have ended this with an epilogue years later showing Richard grovelling and making up for all the misery he caused his wife, and perhaps show how happy they are together with their borne children.
July 1, 2019
The unexpected and overwhelming proposal of marriage by Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff, was a dream come true to dowryless Bonny Barbara Allan. For her reticent husband spoke endlessly of her beauty, yet never of her his love. And her clandestine visits to help her cousin weren’t easing matters at all. His obsession with the fair Bonny Barbara Allan was ruining the Duke of Radcliff’s orderly life.
If only they had talked! A well written book that has been re released. I liked both Richard & Barbara & enjoyed that we learned what each was thinking but my peeve was that they didn’t talk - however if they had communicated then there wouldn’t have been a story. The story did highlight how easy it is for misunderstandings & lack of a simple conversation can lead to distrust. I enjoyed the book & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
If only they had talked! A well written book that has been re released. I liked both Richard & Barbara & enjoyed that we learned what each was thinking but my peeve was that they didn’t talk - however if they had communicated then there wouldn’t have been a story. The story did highlight how easy it is for misunderstandings & lack of a simple conversation can lead to distrust. I enjoyed the book & look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 26, 2019
Book Title: A Duke Deceived (The Deceived Series #1)
Author: Cheryl Bolen
Pub Date: July 1, 2019
***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***
Overall rating: 2/5 It was okay, stories where the only internal conflict is based in a lack of basic communication are not for me.
Heroine (Bonny Barbara Allen): 2/5 Bonny is the daughter of a vicar and has little hope for finding a husband. She knows she’s pretty but hopes to find a husband that will love her for who she is and not just her pretty face. She wants to spend her life with someone to talk to, not someone that will just stare at her while she’s young and grow to resent her when she’s old. But she was also raised with the belief that women are more or less there to please their husbands.
Hero (Richard Moncreif, Duke of Radcliff): 1/5 Richard was raised on the belief that a strong man does not reveal his secrets or his feelings to anyone. Especially not to those he loves. So he comes across as an emotionally stunted, arrogant aristocrat. But is extremely sensitive and worried about how others feel about him. He seems to expect others to wear the emotions he would never display on their sleeves.
Plot: 3/5 Bonny is a beautiful young miss with no dowry and thus does not have high hopes for whom she will marry. But she must marry quickly so her mother can die contently knowing her future is secure. Richard first sees Bonny in a ballroom and decides then and there that she will be his. He escorts her back home in Northumbria to see her mother again and proposes marriage. The newlyweds are happy in the countryside but once back and London a few misunderstandings happen and both believe the other has broken their vows and is sleeping with other people. This breaks each of their hearts but both refuse to confront the other and just stew in their misery. Will they be able to save their marriage before it’s too late?
Personal Review: This is a story being rereleased from the 90’s and it hasn’t aged well in my opinion. Richard “can’t control himself” at one point and boarderline rapes Bonny while he’s very drunk, and it is this session that gets Bonny pregnant after months of happy coupling earlier getting them no where in the baby department. So that’s a little off color to me. I’m not saying these books need to be happy and cheerful all the time, I just don’t prefer them to have the heroine cowed into performing in bed and then getting pregnant from it.
If Bonny and Richard literally had one conversation about their feelings and their suspicions then there would be no conflict. I am a very blunt person so maybe I just have an inability to understand people like this but if you can’t talk to your spouse about your feelings then who can you talk to. In this story the answer is literally anyone else, even the household staff.
Would I read something from this author again? Most likely, the writing was good, the characters were distinct, I just didn’t particularly like how this one played out and hope other works are different.
Author: Cheryl Bolen
Pub Date: July 1, 2019
***ARC was provided to me by Net Galley and the Publisher for a fair and honest review***
Overall rating: 2/5 It was okay, stories where the only internal conflict is based in a lack of basic communication are not for me.
Heroine (Bonny Barbara Allen): 2/5 Bonny is the daughter of a vicar and has little hope for finding a husband. She knows she’s pretty but hopes to find a husband that will love her for who she is and not just her pretty face. She wants to spend her life with someone to talk to, not someone that will just stare at her while she’s young and grow to resent her when she’s old. But she was also raised with the belief that women are more or less there to please their husbands.
Hero (Richard Moncreif, Duke of Radcliff): 1/5 Richard was raised on the belief that a strong man does not reveal his secrets or his feelings to anyone. Especially not to those he loves. So he comes across as an emotionally stunted, arrogant aristocrat. But is extremely sensitive and worried about how others feel about him. He seems to expect others to wear the emotions he would never display on their sleeves.
Plot: 3/5 Bonny is a beautiful young miss with no dowry and thus does not have high hopes for whom she will marry. But she must marry quickly so her mother can die contently knowing her future is secure. Richard first sees Bonny in a ballroom and decides then and there that she will be his. He escorts her back home in Northumbria to see her mother again and proposes marriage. The newlyweds are happy in the countryside but once back and London a few misunderstandings happen and both believe the other has broken their vows and is sleeping with other people. This breaks each of their hearts but both refuse to confront the other and just stew in their misery. Will they be able to save their marriage before it’s too late?
Personal Review: This is a story being rereleased from the 90’s and it hasn’t aged well in my opinion. Richard “can’t control himself” at one point and boarderline rapes Bonny while he’s very drunk, and it is this session that gets Bonny pregnant after months of happy coupling earlier getting them no where in the baby department. So that’s a little off color to me. I’m not saying these books need to be happy and cheerful all the time, I just don’t prefer them to have the heroine cowed into performing in bed and then getting pregnant from it.
If Bonny and Richard literally had one conversation about their feelings and their suspicions then there would be no conflict. I am a very blunt person so maybe I just have an inability to understand people like this but if you can’t talk to your spouse about your feelings then who can you talk to. In this story the answer is literally anyone else, even the household staff.
Would I read something from this author again? Most likely, the writing was good, the characters were distinct, I just didn’t particularly like how this one played out and hope other works are different.
August 9, 2019
This is a reissue of Ms Bolen’s first book, and I did enjoy it, the Heroine was engaging, beautiful, yes, but not concerned with her looks, and generally quite sensible. Both the Hero, 34 year old Duke of Radcliff, who falls in love with eighteen year old Bonny Barbara Allen almost as soon as he sees her, and the heroine, do not confide in each other even after they are wed, and this obviously prolongs the agony for both of them.
Bonny is the daughter of an impoverished vicar, she has arrived in London with her Uncle and Aunt and cousin Emily. She has a mother on her deathbed, and is hoping to be married so that her mother know she will be cared for by a husband when she dies. Bonny knows she has no dowry to offer, but hopes to find someone who will marry her anyway. She is also supporting her cousin whose lover has died in battle, and who is carrying his baby.
The Duke of Radcliff is instantly fascinated with Bonny’s radiant beauty. He loses interest in his mistress immediately, and very soon is certain that he will make Bonny his duchess. They are thrown together when Bonny’s mother takes a turn for the worse, and the Duke volunteers to take Bonny and Emily to see her before she dies. The Duke falls more in love with Bonny on the journey, and marries her just before her mother dies.
They retire to his country home and have an idyllic interlude, but Stanley, the dukes cousin is incensed with this marriage and his potential displacement as the duke’s heir if Bonny has a son. He decides to trick Radcliff into returning to London, and then plots to undermine their relationship- which he manages quite successfully. Both Bonny and Radcliff are soon more uncertain of each other than ever, Bonny convinced the Duke married her out of a sense of honour and obligation, and that he loves his ex mistress more. Radcliff convinced Bonny is having an affair with the Earl of Dunstable, who is the brother of Mily’s dead lover. Bonnyis actually taking Dunstable to visit his baby niece, and is completely innocent, but Radcliffe assumes the worst. Wracked by jealousy Radcliff spends his time out with his cronies, drinking and gambling, and studiously ignoring his wife. Bonny is sadder and sadder over this state of affairs. How will they both pluck up the courage to admit their feeling for each other? How many obstacles can Moncrieff and Bonny’s aunt thro into their path.
Enjoyable , if a little too long, there were just too many misunderstandings, and I felt they should have been open with each other sooner.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own
Bonny is the daughter of an impoverished vicar, she has arrived in London with her Uncle and Aunt and cousin Emily. She has a mother on her deathbed, and is hoping to be married so that her mother know she will be cared for by a husband when she dies. Bonny knows she has no dowry to offer, but hopes to find someone who will marry her anyway. She is also supporting her cousin whose lover has died in battle, and who is carrying his baby.
The Duke of Radcliff is instantly fascinated with Bonny’s radiant beauty. He loses interest in his mistress immediately, and very soon is certain that he will make Bonny his duchess. They are thrown together when Bonny’s mother takes a turn for the worse, and the Duke volunteers to take Bonny and Emily to see her before she dies. The Duke falls more in love with Bonny on the journey, and marries her just before her mother dies.
They retire to his country home and have an idyllic interlude, but Stanley, the dukes cousin is incensed with this marriage and his potential displacement as the duke’s heir if Bonny has a son. He decides to trick Radcliff into returning to London, and then plots to undermine their relationship- which he manages quite successfully. Both Bonny and Radcliff are soon more uncertain of each other than ever, Bonny convinced the Duke married her out of a sense of honour and obligation, and that he loves his ex mistress more. Radcliff convinced Bonny is having an affair with the Earl of Dunstable, who is the brother of Mily’s dead lover. Bonnyis actually taking Dunstable to visit his baby niece, and is completely innocent, but Radcliffe assumes the worst. Wracked by jealousy Radcliff spends his time out with his cronies, drinking and gambling, and studiously ignoring his wife. Bonny is sadder and sadder over this state of affairs. How will they both pluck up the courage to admit their feeling for each other? How many obstacles can Moncrieff and Bonny’s aunt thro into their path.
Enjoyable , if a little too long, there were just too many misunderstandings, and I felt they should have been open with each other sooner.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own
December 5, 2024
Mmm
Ammetto che all’inizio ero presa,sentivo chimica fra loro e mi stavano pure un po’ emozionando ma appena si è iniziato a parlare, più e più volte, di amore ho un po’ perso la scintilla io. È vero che forse chiedevo la luna ma mi è capitato di leggere libri di questo genere dove l’amore tra i due protagonisti sembrava solido e reale, ed sono costruito nel tempo. Era quello che cercavo. È il secondo libro di questa autrice che leggo, il secondo libro con un inizio che mi prende ma che poi delude un po’ quelle che sono le mie aspettative.
Lady H. è stata piuttosto inutile mi aspettavo sicuramente più dramma da parte sua, come anche non è che posso dire di aver apprezzato la nuova storia d’amore di E. perché lo trovo un po’ strano in tutta onestà. Per me un grande no innamorarsi del fratello del tuo amato defunto dopo nemmeno tanto tempo dalla sua dipartita sorryz
Poi davvero la fine è orribile, penso di avere un’edizione sbagliata del libro perché non è possibile che finisca così ! Senza un epilogo o altro. Orribile gli avrei dato 2 stelle solo per quello ma ne prende quasi 3 perché l’inizio mi aveva preso e in un periodo in cui fatico a continuare una storia è quasi un miracolo di Natale che io sia riuscita a concludere questo libro.
Per tutta la lettura mi sono chiesta quanto potessero portare alle lunghe questa non comunicazione e … beh, fino alla fine.
Per non parlare che lui ci ha messo 3 giorni prima di andare dalla cugina e che di e fatto prima una bella dormita e poi è partito per poi ammalarsi e arrivare da lei dopo tipo due settimane se non di più pazzesco. Quasi peggio di quando l’ha quasi violentata.
Non c’è stata una grande comunicazione tra loro da mai, anche il loro “ti amo” è stato strano. Deludente
Ammetto che all’inizio ero presa,sentivo chimica fra loro e mi stavano pure un po’ emozionando ma appena si è iniziato a parlare, più e più volte, di amore ho un po’ perso la scintilla io. È vero che forse chiedevo la luna ma mi è capitato di leggere libri di questo genere dove l’amore tra i due protagonisti sembrava solido e reale, ed sono costruito nel tempo. Era quello che cercavo. È il secondo libro di questa autrice che leggo, il secondo libro con un inizio che mi prende ma che poi delude un po’ quelle che sono le mie aspettative.
Lady H. è stata piuttosto inutile mi aspettavo sicuramente più dramma da parte sua, come anche non è che posso dire di aver apprezzato la nuova storia d’amore di E. perché lo trovo un po’ strano in tutta onestà. Per me un grande no innamorarsi del fratello del tuo amato defunto dopo nemmeno tanto tempo dalla sua dipartita sorryz
Poi davvero la fine è orribile, penso di avere un’edizione sbagliata del libro perché non è possibile che finisca così ! Senza un epilogo o altro. Orribile gli avrei dato 2 stelle solo per quello ma ne prende quasi 3 perché l’inizio mi aveva preso e in un periodo in cui fatico a continuare una storia è quasi un miracolo di Natale che io sia riuscita a concludere questo libro.
Per tutta la lettura mi sono chiesta quanto potessero portare alle lunghe questa non comunicazione e … beh, fino alla fine.
Per non parlare che lui ci ha messo 3 giorni prima di andare dalla cugina e che di e fatto prima una bella dormita e poi è partito per poi ammalarsi e arrivare da lei dopo tipo due settimane se non di più pazzesco. Quasi peggio di quando l’ha quasi violentata.
Non c’è stata una grande comunicazione tra loro da mai, anche il loro “ti amo” è stato strano. Deludente
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 3, 2019
A Duke Deceived, the first book in the Deceived Series, is a well-written story with a familiar lesson: If you want to know something, Just Ask! Richard and Barbara are wonderful characters. They are both kind, caring, and (usually) quite honest. They are perfect for each other, or will be when they get to know each other. In her attempt to protect her cousin’s secrets, Barbara causes Richard to suspect she is in love with another. Rather than approaching her about his thoughts, he sulks, drinks, and stays out with his friends (mature, huh?). Not everyone is happy about the two of them being together, and their behavior make it easy for them to make trouble. They had a quick, but good start to build on. Can they come to trust each other and to share they feelings? Time will tell. A Duke Deceived was Cheryl Bolen’s first published book. It was great start for her career and a great start for the new series. I recommend it and look forward to the next book.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley. My review is voluntary.
June 18, 2019
A Duke Deceived The Deceived Series, Book 1 by Cheryl Bolen
Story about Bonnie and her cousin Emily. Book follows both of their lives and Bonnie ends up suddenly marrying Richard so her mother can see her wed before she passes.
Found sex scenes a bit on the erotic side-hadn't expected them to be so explicit. Like the story line and how secrets unfold and how others are kept quiet. Love hearing both sides of the same scenes: female vs the male and what they are thinking.
So many misunderstandings that lead others to act fast and health emergencies come into play and you wonder if they will ever be together. Like hearing of all the fashion besides the styles but the fabrics used.
Like all outside activities and the travel and the card playing. Topics of discussion are interesting.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from Harper & Appleton via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AdukeDeceived #NetGalley
Story about Bonnie and her cousin Emily. Book follows both of their lives and Bonnie ends up suddenly marrying Richard so her mother can see her wed before she passes.
Found sex scenes a bit on the erotic side-hadn't expected them to be so explicit. Like the story line and how secrets unfold and how others are kept quiet. Love hearing both sides of the same scenes: female vs the male and what they are thinking.
So many misunderstandings that lead others to act fast and health emergencies come into play and you wonder if they will ever be together. Like hearing of all the fashion besides the styles but the fabrics used.
Like all outside activities and the travel and the card playing. Topics of discussion are interesting.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from Harper & Appleton via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AdukeDeceived #NetGalley
June 26, 2019
Bonny Barbara Allan, has captivated many with her beauty but without a dowry, she is unsure of how many proposals she will have. However, she is determined to marry to please her dying mother. When Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff, proposes marriage she is thrilled yet cautious as she is uncertain of his feelings for her. Richard is also tormented by Barbara, believing her to love another man, as she has never spoken of her love for him.
I must admit to being quite frustrated with both Barbara and Richard, as they could never say what they actually felt. However, their inability to communicate did make for interesting reading with several secondary characters – Richard’s friend Twig and Bonny’s cousin Emily, providing their own great stories. There were also the Richard’s nasty cousin and his ex-mistress to spice up the storyline.
An overall enjoyable read!
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
I must admit to being quite frustrated with both Barbara and Richard, as they could never say what they actually felt. However, their inability to communicate did make for interesting reading with several secondary characters – Richard’s friend Twig and Bonny’s cousin Emily, providing their own great stories. There were also the Richard’s nasty cousin and his ex-mistress to spice up the storyline.
An overall enjoyable read!
I received an advanced review copy from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
October 26, 2019
The unexpected and overwhelming proposal of marriage by Richard Moncrief, the Duke of Radcliff, was a dream come true to dowryless Bonny Barbara Allan—and her worst nightmare. For her reticent husband spoke endlessly of her beauty, yet never of her his love. And her clandestine visits to help her cousin weren’t easing matters at all . . . His obsession with the fair Bonny Barbara Allan was ruining the Duke of Radcliff’s heretofore orderly life. But how could he trust his new bride—and vow undying love—when she was secretly meeting another man?
Overall, this book was ok. Both characters were decent enough. However, I really don’t care for books with these kinds of misunderstandings just to give it a twist before the HEA.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
Overall, this book was ok. Both characters were decent enough. However, I really don’t care for books with these kinds of misunderstandings just to give it a twist before the HEA.
**I voluntarily read and reviewed this book
June 17, 2019
The Duke of Radcliff marries the vicar's daughter just before her mother dies. What a surprise for everyone. Richard loves Barbara but is just unable to tell her. She is keeping a secret for her cousin, Emily. Richard thinks she is having an affair and she thinks he is seeing his o;d mistress. Life could be so good for them if they could just be completely honest with each other. Great love story.
April 13, 2020
Secrets
Bolen definitely writes an emotional rollercoaster. The Duke of Radcliff sees Bonny Barbara Allen at a ball. In no time at all they're married. Keeping secrets is only the beginning of their problems. A lot of pain on both sides and a lot of tears. Keep the tissues handy. They make an appearance in the next book that's three years later.
Bolen definitely writes an emotional rollercoaster. The Duke of Radcliff sees Bonny Barbara Allen at a ball. In no time at all they're married. Keeping secrets is only the beginning of their problems. A lot of pain on both sides and a lot of tears. Keep the tissues handy. They make an appearance in the next book that's three years later.
January 24, 2021
Started off weird
Seemed like they "fell in love" in like a week and it was super weird. Got better as the book progressed but the pacing of their relationship at the beginning was off. Also probably could've done with more of a resolution of their feelings or an epilogue of some sort but overall I enjoyed it
Seemed like they "fell in love" in like a week and it was super weird. Got better as the book progressed but the pacing of their relationship at the beginning was off. Also probably could've done with more of a resolution of their feelings or an epilogue of some sort but overall I enjoyed it
April 27, 2020
Wonderful
This was a great book. I enjoyed it and the characters. Radcliff and Bonny were both well-written. All the confusion and drama between them came to a wonderful conclusion. I do wish it had an epilogue.
This was a great book. I enjoyed it and the characters. Radcliff and Bonny were both well-written. All the confusion and drama between them came to a wonderful conclusion. I do wish it had an epilogue.
December 19, 2020
Very good
This was such a nice story. I love the couple's struggle with their feelings for one another. I do feel like the characters were somewhat underdeveloped, and should have had more depth. There were also some editing misses, which were annoying. Overall though, I liked it.
This was such a nice story. I love the couple's struggle with their feelings for one another. I do feel like the characters were somewhat underdeveloped, and should have had more depth. There were also some editing misses, which were annoying. Overall though, I liked it.
July 31, 2021
Would have given 4 stars if there was atleast a longer ending or an epilogue. A good story but there was much more longer scenes of misunderstanding between them than their short reconciliation at the end.
August 1, 2019
This book was originally released in 1998. For me, it fell flat and dated. It landed on the DNF pile.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.
I voluntarily reviewed an ARC provided by NetGalley.
November 25, 2023
História fraca, difícil de lembrar até para resenhar.
March 11, 2024
3.8 stars
June 21, 2025
Beach read left by previous renters. Wasn't terrible!
October 6, 2019
A Duke Deceived by Cheryl Bolen
Book #1: The Deceived Series
Source: Author
Rating: 4½/5 stars
At 34 years old, Richard Moncrief has never given much thought to the long term. As the Duke of Radcliff, his fortune was made and set long ago which has left him with time on his hands, money to burn, and a group of rowdy friends only interested in the pleasures life has to offer. In the blink of an eye, the life Richard Moncrief has so wholeheartedly and unabashedly lived comes into question the night he meets Bonny Barbara Allan. To his friends’ great surprise, Richard’s days of drunkenness and debauchery have come to an end as he sets his sights on marriage, family, and forever.
Bonnie Barbara Allan is beautiful, intelligent, kind, loyal, and from a titled family, but she has no money for a dowry and very little hope of making a love match. What wears on Barbara the most is not so much the idea of a loveless marriage, but the idea that some man will ask for her hand simply because of her beauty, that is, failing to see beyond the façade to her true character. When Richard Moncrief approaches Barbara she assumes it is because of her looks, but when he steps in to help her with her dying mother, Barbara hopes the Duke of Radcliff is a man capable of looking beneath the surface.
Overcome with desire and a deep sense of need to see Barbara happy, Richard proposes to and marries Barbara within weeks of meeting her. Both are deliriously happy with their marriage, but both also harbor secret concerns. Barbara is certain (without asking!) that Richard cannot possibly love her and only wants her for her beauty while Richard is certain (without asking!) that Barbara cannot possibly love him because her heart belongs to another. Though the first days and even weeks of their marriage are happy, events, people, and their own unfounded concerns conspire against the new couple and will stop at nothing to tear them apart.
As the weeks drag by, Barbara does her best to hide her fears and concerns and learn to fit into the esteemed role she has married into. She desperately loves Richard but simply cannot understand his erratic and often insensitive behavior. For Richard’s part, he his convinced his wife truly belongs to another and rather than asking questions and doing his own investigating, Richard reverts to his bachelor lifestyle hoping to shame or guilt his wife into changing her ways, missing, and loving him. Of course, life has a way of forcing the truth to come out and when it does, all hell breaks loose, hearts are broken, and some fences are never again going to be mended.
The Bottom Line: I’ve said it so many times before regarding Cheryl Bolen’s books and I’m saying it again, every book is like revisiting old friends. I fall into these books, these worlds, and these characters and simply don’t want to come out until the very last page. From the moment I met her, I liked Barbara and wanted nothing more than for her to be happy and fulfilled in her life. I very much liked Richard as well, even in his moments of prideful stupidity. What I liked more than anything else? Richard and Barbara together and married from early moments in the book. I liked knowing there was no way out of the marriage for either and all the angst and worry and frustration at their shared, though unrevealed, fears were going to be resolved and they would live happily ever after. The machinations of others to tear apart Barbara and Richard very nearly work, and I loved every minute of the drama, in all its time period appropriate politeness and propriety. I can’t imagine there will ever be a time when I won’t so enthusiastically adore on of Cheryl Bolen’s period pieces. I find them to be well-written, entertaining, authentic, and simply enjoyable.
Book #1: The Deceived Series
Source: Author
Rating: 4½/5 stars
At 34 years old, Richard Moncrief has never given much thought to the long term. As the Duke of Radcliff, his fortune was made and set long ago which has left him with time on his hands, money to burn, and a group of rowdy friends only interested in the pleasures life has to offer. In the blink of an eye, the life Richard Moncrief has so wholeheartedly and unabashedly lived comes into question the night he meets Bonny Barbara Allan. To his friends’ great surprise, Richard’s days of drunkenness and debauchery have come to an end as he sets his sights on marriage, family, and forever.
Bonnie Barbara Allan is beautiful, intelligent, kind, loyal, and from a titled family, but she has no money for a dowry and very little hope of making a love match. What wears on Barbara the most is not so much the idea of a loveless marriage, but the idea that some man will ask for her hand simply because of her beauty, that is, failing to see beyond the façade to her true character. When Richard Moncrief approaches Barbara she assumes it is because of her looks, but when he steps in to help her with her dying mother, Barbara hopes the Duke of Radcliff is a man capable of looking beneath the surface.
Overcome with desire and a deep sense of need to see Barbara happy, Richard proposes to and marries Barbara within weeks of meeting her. Both are deliriously happy with their marriage, but both also harbor secret concerns. Barbara is certain (without asking!) that Richard cannot possibly love her and only wants her for her beauty while Richard is certain (without asking!) that Barbara cannot possibly love him because her heart belongs to another. Though the first days and even weeks of their marriage are happy, events, people, and their own unfounded concerns conspire against the new couple and will stop at nothing to tear them apart.
As the weeks drag by, Barbara does her best to hide her fears and concerns and learn to fit into the esteemed role she has married into. She desperately loves Richard but simply cannot understand his erratic and often insensitive behavior. For Richard’s part, he his convinced his wife truly belongs to another and rather than asking questions and doing his own investigating, Richard reverts to his bachelor lifestyle hoping to shame or guilt his wife into changing her ways, missing, and loving him. Of course, life has a way of forcing the truth to come out and when it does, all hell breaks loose, hearts are broken, and some fences are never again going to be mended.
The Bottom Line: I’ve said it so many times before regarding Cheryl Bolen’s books and I’m saying it again, every book is like revisiting old friends. I fall into these books, these worlds, and these characters and simply don’t want to come out until the very last page. From the moment I met her, I liked Barbara and wanted nothing more than for her to be happy and fulfilled in her life. I very much liked Richard as well, even in his moments of prideful stupidity. What I liked more than anything else? Richard and Barbara together and married from early moments in the book. I liked knowing there was no way out of the marriage for either and all the angst and worry and frustration at their shared, though unrevealed, fears were going to be resolved and they would live happily ever after. The machinations of others to tear apart Barbara and Richard very nearly work, and I loved every minute of the drama, in all its time period appropriate politeness and propriety. I can’t imagine there will ever be a time when I won’t so enthusiastically adore on of Cheryl Bolen’s period pieces. I find them to be well-written, entertaining, authentic, and simply enjoyable.
September 17, 2016
This story shows exactly what happens when you have two people who are madly in love but who fail hopelessly in their communication of said love until it's almost too late. I guess we wouldn't have had this wonderful story if they had.
Cheryl Bolen has the wonderful ability of telling a tale that grabs one's attention so solidly that one just has to read the book to the very end in just about one sitting.
The words flow off the pages and into one's heart allowing the reader to feel the emotions as they are written.
I will admit to needing many a tissue to mop up my tears and then in the next sentence, laughing till my sides felt as if they were splitting.
Cheryl Bolen has the wonderful ability of telling a tale that grabs one's attention so solidly that one just has to read the book to the very end in just about one sitting.
The words flow off the pages and into one's heart allowing the reader to feel the emotions as they are written.
I will admit to needing many a tissue to mop up my tears and then in the next sentence, laughing till my sides felt as if they were splitting.
July 1, 2019
This is a beautiful tale about two persons who were destined to be together but hurt each other by their inability to communicate their feelings and not clear their own misconceptions.
To add to their burden, their journey to love was littered by protagonists who sought only to torn them apart .
This story shows how with time and by instilling slowly tiny bits of this and that plus keeping, even if it is innocent, things secret, it can destroy a fragile truce and it brings the worse in anybody even a lover.
At time I was upset by both, she for keeping secrets from her husband that appear as if she betrayed him and him for thinking the worst first without even questioning his wife’s faithfulness.
Bonny and Richard are two very likable characters, they both are kind and honest but because of a minor gesture at the beginning of their relationship, everything is put in jeopardize and any new detail is turned the wrong way as they are unable to clear the water and have a real talk. Why they became easy prey for all those who want to split them up and their task is even easier as they are so easily deceived.
They were lucky despite their flaws and failure to trust the other, as they are both guilty, to be surrounded by caring people whom will help straighten things for them, as Bonny and Richard are blind to another’s sentiments.
My only complain is the lack of epilogue and the rushed conclusion. Sure Richard handled his marriage poorly and confined Bonny to their home, a bit of grovel would have been nice but Bonny by not acknowledging her supporting her cousin and doing things behind Richard’s back has only fueled his deception.
Hopefully, the reedition of this book announces its as being the first in a series, so we will get a kind of epilogue with the next book to come.
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher Harpen&Appleton, but I purchased my own copy and here is my true and unbiased opinion.
To add to their burden, their journey to love was littered by protagonists who sought only to torn them apart .
This story shows how with time and by instilling slowly tiny bits of this and that plus keeping, even if it is innocent, things secret, it can destroy a fragile truce and it brings the worse in anybody even a lover.
At time I was upset by both, she for keeping secrets from her husband that appear as if she betrayed him and him for thinking the worst first without even questioning his wife’s faithfulness.
Bonny and Richard are two very likable characters, they both are kind and honest but because of a minor gesture at the beginning of their relationship, everything is put in jeopardize and any new detail is turned the wrong way as they are unable to clear the water and have a real talk. Why they became easy prey for all those who want to split them up and their task is even easier as they are so easily deceived.
They were lucky despite their flaws and failure to trust the other, as they are both guilty, to be surrounded by caring people whom will help straighten things for them, as Bonny and Richard are blind to another’s sentiments.
My only complain is the lack of epilogue and the rushed conclusion. Sure Richard handled his marriage poorly and confined Bonny to their home, a bit of grovel would have been nice but Bonny by not acknowledging her supporting her cousin and doing things behind Richard’s back has only fueled his deception.
Hopefully, the reedition of this book announces its as being the first in a series, so we will get a kind of epilogue with the next book to come.
I was provided a copy by Netgalley and the publisher Harpen&Appleton, but I purchased my own copy and here is my true and unbiased opinion.
July 1, 2019
A Duke Deceived The Deceived Series, Book 1 by Cheryl Bolen
Story about Bonnie and her cousin Emily. Book follows both of their lives and Bonnie ends up suddenly marrying Richard so her mother can see her wed before she passes.
Found sex scenes a bit on the erotic side-hadn't expected them to be so explicit. Like the story line and how secrets unfold and how others are kept quiet. Love hearing both sides of the same scenes: female vs the male and what they are thinking.
So many misunderstandings that lead others to act fast and health emergencies come into play and you wonder if they will ever be together. Like hearing of all the fashion besides the styles but the fabrics used.
Like all outside activities and the travel and the card playing. Topics of discussion are interesting.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from Harper & Appleton via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AdukeDeceived #NetGalley
Story about Bonnie and her cousin Emily. Book follows both of their lives and Bonnie ends up suddenly marrying Richard so her mother can see her wed before she passes.
Found sex scenes a bit on the erotic side-hadn't expected them to be so explicit. Like the story line and how secrets unfold and how others are kept quiet. Love hearing both sides of the same scenes: female vs the male and what they are thinking.
So many misunderstandings that lead others to act fast and health emergencies come into play and you wonder if they will ever be together. Like hearing of all the fashion besides the styles but the fabrics used.
Like all outside activities and the travel and the card playing. Topics of discussion are interesting.
Other works by the author are highlighted at the end.
Received this review copy from Harper & Appleton via NetGalley and this is my honest opinion.
#AdukeDeceived #NetGalley
January 5, 2022
A Duke Deceived was the first book this author had published and it will also be the first of the Deceived Series. It was a well written book and easy book to read. There was a lot of characters introduced in the book and hopefully they will have their own HEA. This book is Richard, the Duke of Radcliff, and Bonny Barbara Allan. Richard was enchanted with Bonny Barbara Allan’s beauty when he saw her across a ballroom. Bonny’s mother is seriously ill and wants to see Bonny settled. Once they are married and return to London, things begin to fall apart for them. There are so many confidences to be kept between characters that eventually the lack of communication between Richard and Bonny lead to many misunderstanding. I recommend this book and can’t wait to read the next book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an ARC of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 8, 2013
really enjoyed this book! Bonny Barbara Allen is a beautiful young lady, penniless daughter of a vicar taking her season with her cousin who has just returned from overseas...and with her (the cousin) brings a couple of secrets.... secrets that will all but destroy Bonny as she tried to help her hide them from the world as well as her new husband.... Richard the Duke of Radcliff. There are several characters that are out to destroy the new marriage the jealous cousin Stanley, Richard's former(?)mistress Lady Heffington, even the Duke's assistant has jealously betrayed the new Duchess. I love angst and alleged betrayal and it is all here...what a wonderful find.
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