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Never #1
Never Doubt a Duke
Take an arranged marriage, add a damaged duke who doesn’t wish to marry, and an independent lady intent on her own pursuits. Stir in an explosive, passionate attraction. Sparks fly!
Welcome to book one in this exciting new series by Maggi Andersen! Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Nellie Dountry, and Charles, His Grace, Duke of Shewsbury have had their hearts broken in the past. Neither is prepared to chance love again. When they are compelled to marry because of an agreement made long ago by their fathers, they are both determined to resist falling in love. Convinced that it’s mere desire which draws them together, both are surprised by their jealousy.
Nellie finds Charles irresistibly attractive, but other women do too. They circle like sharks. Aware that Charles’s former fiancée, who had broken his heart some years ago, is now a widow and on the hunt for a lover, Nellie struggles to trust him while she fears she is falling in love with him.
Charles was more than pleased with his choice of bride, but he wishes she wasn’t so difficult to understand. One minute she’s hot for him, the next as remote from him as a chalet in the Alps. Why he wants to get close surprises him; he planned for his marriage to be little more than one of polite indifference. But Nellie is so dashed beguiling!
Welcome to book one in this exciting new series by Maggi Andersen! Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Nellie Dountry, and Charles, His Grace, Duke of Shewsbury have had their hearts broken in the past. Neither is prepared to chance love again. When they are compelled to marry because of an agreement made long ago by their fathers, they are both determined to resist falling in love. Convinced that it’s mere desire which draws them together, both are surprised by their jealousy.
Nellie finds Charles irresistibly attractive, but other women do too. They circle like sharks. Aware that Charles’s former fiancée, who had broken his heart some years ago, is now a widow and on the hunt for a lover, Nellie struggles to trust him while she fears she is falling in love with him.
Charles was more than pleased with his choice of bride, but he wishes she wasn’t so difficult to understand. One minute she’s hot for him, the next as remote from him as a chalet in the Alps. Why he wants to get close surprises him; he planned for his marriage to be little more than one of polite indifference. But Nellie is so dashed beguiling!
247 pages, Kindle Edition
First published June 4, 2020
581 people are currently reading
377 people want to read
About the author
Maggi Andersen
88 books327 followersUSA TODAY bestselling author of Regency romance, and winner of the RONE award, Maggi Andersen wrote her first book for publication after gaining a BA in English and an MA in Creative Writing. She lives on a farm in the beautiful Yarra Valley in Victoria, Australia. She wrote her first adventure story at 8 years old. Her novels are mostly adventure stories, but also sensual romances. Georgette Heyer and Jane Austen inspired her Regencies and Victoria Holt, her Gothic Victorian mysteries She also writes contemporary romantic suspense and young adult novels.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
Maggi supports the RSPCA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to animals) and animals often feature in her books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 93 reviews
May 17, 2021
Bad and boring!!! A dull courtship where they don't get know each other. Then a dull clean marriage. No romance and no chemistry. You need a least one in a hr.
May 29, 2020
❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Enjoyable reading that’s got a wonderful plot and believable characters.
Unfortunately for Nellie she feels she has no choice in her choice of husband , a decision was made by her parents and his .
Never having met him, she is intrigued as to his appearance.
From her knowledge throughout the gossip columns, this meeting won’t be a good one.
Charles Is a Duke, yes he has his faults , but the title was never meant to be his , and the duty falls heavy on his shoulders.
Meeting his arranged betrothed, he realises she could be a good choice.
The two slowly begin to become content with the choices they agreed too, but can they settle into a happy marriage or are past decisions always going to come between them?
A great read, one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Full of angst and passion, it keeps you hooked and turning pages.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Sent from my iPhone
💋💋
Enjoyable reading that’s got a wonderful plot and believable characters.
Unfortunately for Nellie she feels she has no choice in her choice of husband , a decision was made by her parents and his .
Never having met him, she is intrigued as to his appearance.
From her knowledge throughout the gossip columns, this meeting won’t be a good one.
Charles Is a Duke, yes he has his faults , but the title was never meant to be his , and the duty falls heavy on his shoulders.
Meeting his arranged betrothed, he realises she could be a good choice.
The two slowly begin to become content with the choices they agreed too, but can they settle into a happy marriage or are past decisions always going to come between them?
A great read, one I thoroughly enjoyed.
Full of angst and passion, it keeps you hooked and turning pages.
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
Sent from my iPhone
June 9, 2020
1,5 ★
A quick read, but one I sadly found rather dull.
I really didn't care for the writing. It felt flat and lacked nuance as well as tension, and the plot did as well. The only thing that created any sort of flimsy tension was the characters' inability to talk openly with each other, which I never really sympathized with. Honestly, when Charles was like "hey girl, what's bothering you about our upcoming wedding?" Nellie could just have told him, they'd talk it out and the book would be over. It wasn't for me.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted my review.
A quick read, but one I sadly found rather dull.
I really didn't care for the writing. It felt flat and lacked nuance as well as tension, and the plot did as well. The only thing that created any sort of flimsy tension was the characters' inability to talk openly with each other, which I never really sympathized with. Honestly, when Charles was like "hey girl, what's bothering you about our upcoming wedding?" Nellie could just have told him, they'd talk it out and the book would be over. It wasn't for me.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted my review.
May 28, 2020
Never Doubt a Duke
The Never Series Series #1
Maggi Andersen
https://www.facebook.com/maggianderse...
Release date 06/04/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Take an arranged marriage, add a damaged duke who doesn’t wish to marry, and an independent lady intent on her own pursuits. Stir in an explosive, passionate attraction. Sparks fly!
Welcome to book one in this exciting new series by Maggi Andersen! Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Nellie Dountry, and Charles, His Grace, Duke of Shewsbury have had their hearts broken in the past. Neither is prepared to chance love again. When they are compelled to marry because of an agreement made long ago by their fathers, they are both determined to resist falling in love. Convinced that it’s mere desire which draws them together, both are surprised by their jealousy.
Nellie finds Charles irresistibly attractive, but other women do too. They circle like sharks. Aware that Charles’s former fiancée who had broken his heart some years ago is now a widow and on the hunt for a lover, Nellie struggles to trust him while she fears she is falling in love with him.
Charles was more than pleased with his choice of bride, but he wishes she wasn’t so difficult to understand. One minute she’s hot for him, the next as remote from him as a chalet in the alps. Why he wants to get close surprises him, he planned for his marriage to be little more than one of polite indifference. But Nellie is so dashed beguiling!
My review :
Will their secrets come between them and tear them apart ...
This is my first read by Mrs Maggi Andersen, and with talent she demonstrates how assumptions and conjectures can hurt more than true offense.
I do not think I liked much Nellie for half of the book, she holds on too much, letting nothing go.
Yet it is the way of the ton, whispers and gossips and rare true and honest conversations.
This is the perfect story to show how naysays, gossips and false tales can hurt. And the uptight bored peers love to wallow in them, it is a sport they are top-notch in. Add to it miscommunications and misinterpretations, then touch by touch, doubt is insinuated and you have everything to turn a couple against one another without even something going truly between them to prove them right.
Nellie is the personnification of how distrust and rampant mind can lead to disaster, because she chose to believe gossips rags over asking honest answers, she dooms her marriage to a sad future.
And while Charles never really lied to her, in thinking he must keep things under silence, he will spare her some distress. He in fact took part of the setting to tear them apart.
I was upset at Nellie for always thinking the worst, but Charles could have cleared their path too. Both had the upper hand on their happiness and misery, hopefully for them, feelings and forgiveness found a way to reach them.
While it is not a steamy read, most of the sensual scenes while faded in the dark or non graphic, are still very tender and tense.
4 stars for this moving tale of the cruelty of the mind, how one person can lie to one’s self and be sole responsible of its own misery.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Never Series Series #1
Maggi Andersen
https://www.facebook.com/maggianderse...
Release date 06/04/2020
Publisher Dragonblade Publishing
Blurb :
Take an arranged marriage, add a damaged duke who doesn’t wish to marry, and an independent lady intent on her own pursuits. Stir in an explosive, passionate attraction. Sparks fly!
Welcome to book one in this exciting new series by Maggi Andersen! Read for Free in Kindle Unlimited!
Lady Nellie Dountry, and Charles, His Grace, Duke of Shewsbury have had their hearts broken in the past. Neither is prepared to chance love again. When they are compelled to marry because of an agreement made long ago by their fathers, they are both determined to resist falling in love. Convinced that it’s mere desire which draws them together, both are surprised by their jealousy.
Nellie finds Charles irresistibly attractive, but other women do too. They circle like sharks. Aware that Charles’s former fiancée who had broken his heart some years ago is now a widow and on the hunt for a lover, Nellie struggles to trust him while she fears she is falling in love with him.
Charles was more than pleased with his choice of bride, but he wishes she wasn’t so difficult to understand. One minute she’s hot for him, the next as remote from him as a chalet in the alps. Why he wants to get close surprises him, he planned for his marriage to be little more than one of polite indifference. But Nellie is so dashed beguiling!
My review :
Will their secrets come between them and tear them apart ...
This is my first read by Mrs Maggi Andersen, and with talent she demonstrates how assumptions and conjectures can hurt more than true offense.
I do not think I liked much Nellie for half of the book, she holds on too much, letting nothing go.
Yet it is the way of the ton, whispers and gossips and rare true and honest conversations.
This is the perfect story to show how naysays, gossips and false tales can hurt. And the uptight bored peers love to wallow in them, it is a sport they are top-notch in. Add to it miscommunications and misinterpretations, then touch by touch, doubt is insinuated and you have everything to turn a couple against one another without even something going truly between them to prove them right.
Nellie is the personnification of how distrust and rampant mind can lead to disaster, because she chose to believe gossips rags over asking honest answers, she dooms her marriage to a sad future.
And while Charles never really lied to her, in thinking he must keep things under silence, he will spare her some distress. He in fact took part of the setting to tear them apart.
I was upset at Nellie for always thinking the worst, but Charles could have cleared their path too. Both had the upper hand on their happiness and misery, hopefully for them, feelings and forgiveness found a way to reach them.
While it is not a steamy read, most of the sensual scenes while faded in the dark or non graphic, are still very tender and tense.
4 stars for this moving tale of the cruelty of the mind, how one person can lie to one’s self and be sole responsible of its own misery.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Dragonblade Publishing, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
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September 2, 2020"This historical romance shows that love is a promise for the future, but trust is a key ingredient."
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
Check out my full review at InD'Tale Magazine:
http://magazine.indtale.com/magazine/...
July 12, 2021
This Regency had potential. Nearly 3 stars.
Charles & Nellie were matched by their parents as children.
Before they wed, she assumed he'd challenge her independ
-ence. They both held in their feelings. He prided himself
on containing his emotions.
Hero had 3 women pursue him (2 from his past) & then he
invalidated Nellie, his wife's concern RE the 3. She started
to fear the rift in their marriage was her fault. She regretted
confronting Charles/ speaking up! If Nellie had 3 men who
wanted to seduce her, Chas.would not tolerate this! What is
good for the goose is...
She refused to join the fox hunt, until she did. Hero's aunt
shamed her into participating. Nellie later claimed it was her
own choice (not!)
Why didn't Nellie assert herself more and compromise less?
She engaged in people pleasing episodes and nearly lost her
true self. Was this her future? After awhile, a person tends to
resent being a people pleaser?
Charles & Nellie were matched by their parents as children.
Before they wed, she assumed he'd challenge her independ
-ence. They both held in their feelings. He prided himself
on containing his emotions.
Hero had 3 women pursue him (2 from his past) & then he
invalidated Nellie, his wife's concern RE the 3. She started
to fear the rift in their marriage was her fault. She regretted
confronting Charles/ speaking up! If Nellie had 3 men who
wanted to seduce her, Chas.would not tolerate this! What is
good for the goose is...
She refused to join the fox hunt, until she did. Hero's aunt
shamed her into participating. Nellie later claimed it was her
own choice (not!)
Why didn't Nellie assert herself more and compromise less?
She engaged in people pleasing episodes and nearly lost her
true self. Was this her future? After awhile, a person tends to
resent being a people pleaser?
March 23, 2021
Maggi has an amazing talent for bringing the past to life in three dimensions. This story is about Nellie and Charles. Theirs is an arranged marriage. Both have loved and had their heart broken in the past so are reluctant to love again. It is so much fun as we watch their caring, jealousy, humour and drama take them through their engagement and marriage. I enjoyed this book very much.
August 7, 2023
Dnf'd at 50 pages. Long winded, boring chemistry. I gave it my best. 2 ⭐.
September 10, 2021
Charles the Duke of Shewsbury deceased father has arranged for him to marry Lady Cornelia/Nellie Dounby daughter of a Marquess.
The story has a host of lively characters. The growing love between Charles and Nellie is done well. The story moves a little slow but it was a good read.
The story has a host of lively characters. The growing love between Charles and Nellie is done well. The story moves a little slow but it was a good read.
September 1, 2020
Rating: 4.5/5.0
This historical romance shows that love is a promise for the future, but trust is a key ingredient.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
This historical romance shows that love is a promise for the future, but trust is a key ingredient.
Read full review in the 2020 September issue of InD'tale Magazine.
June 6, 2020
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
After their father's made an agreement that their children should marry, both Nellie and Charles have known that an engagement was in the cards. The first time they meet, after Nellie has heard many things about Charles, they are pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoy one another's company, but know that they've both been burned in love in the past, and aren't willing to let themselves be vulnerable. Nellie knows that her hatred for fox hunting, and wish to host a literary salon will likely cause strife between herself and Charles, but she can't give up her beliefs, even if she is falling in love. And falling in love, she is. Charles' romantic past with the now-widowed Drusilla, and his long time French mistress, Angelique, are appearing everywhere, and her jealousy is off the charts. She knows she'll be hurt, but Charles seems so stoic and unbothered by it all. Charles, on the other hand, was never meant to be the Duke, but after his older brother's early death, and then his father's not long after, he had to learn very quickly. Yes, he cared for Drusilla and Angelique in the past, but as soon as he met Nellie, he was gone, even if he hadn't realised it. Will they overcome their walls, or will the past come back to haunt them.
This was a good read, and I liked Nellie in particular. She was both confident in herself, but vulnerable with Charles, especially as she found herself falling more and more. To let herself be so open with someone seemed wholly unnatural to her, especially after she had seen how husbands can be in the marriages of her acquaintances, and she never wanted to be with someone who would keep up mistresses while the Duchess was at home. Her jealousy was understandable, but I did wish at time she would just have a conversation with Charles, as the angst could've been sorted out so much earlier! I liked the resolution, and especially the time they spent in the countryside with Charles family, and particularly the Dowager Duchess, Catherine. An enjoyable regency romance.
After their father's made an agreement that their children should marry, both Nellie and Charles have known that an engagement was in the cards. The first time they meet, after Nellie has heard many things about Charles, they are pleasantly surprised by how much they enjoy one another's company, but know that they've both been burned in love in the past, and aren't willing to let themselves be vulnerable. Nellie knows that her hatred for fox hunting, and wish to host a literary salon will likely cause strife between herself and Charles, but she can't give up her beliefs, even if she is falling in love. And falling in love, she is. Charles' romantic past with the now-widowed Drusilla, and his long time French mistress, Angelique, are appearing everywhere, and her jealousy is off the charts. She knows she'll be hurt, but Charles seems so stoic and unbothered by it all. Charles, on the other hand, was never meant to be the Duke, but after his older brother's early death, and then his father's not long after, he had to learn very quickly. Yes, he cared for Drusilla and Angelique in the past, but as soon as he met Nellie, he was gone, even if he hadn't realised it. Will they overcome their walls, or will the past come back to haunt them.
This was a good read, and I liked Nellie in particular. She was both confident in herself, but vulnerable with Charles, especially as she found herself falling more and more. To let herself be so open with someone seemed wholly unnatural to her, especially after she had seen how husbands can be in the marriages of her acquaintances, and she never wanted to be with someone who would keep up mistresses while the Duchess was at home. Her jealousy was understandable, but I did wish at time she would just have a conversation with Charles, as the angst could've been sorted out so much earlier! I liked the resolution, and especially the time they spent in the countryside with Charles family, and particularly the Dowager Duchess, Catherine. An enjoyable regency romance.
June 4, 2020
Beautifully written, emotional and romantic, this novel hit all the right notes for me. Having been promised in marriage to a Duke she had never met, but only read about in the scandal sheets, Lady Nellie realises that she needs to do her duty for her family's sake, but she has no intention of having her heart broken a second time. Charles, the Duke of Shewsbury, was thrown over by a woman he thought he loved in favour of someone who seemed more auspicious at the time. However, faced with Nellie's gentle charm and kind heart, the memory of his past quickly fades in favour of winning her over. Charles has a commanding presence throughout the plot and his sense of responsibility towards those under his care makes him a wonderful hero. Nellie is a woman one can easily identify with and as she learns to trust Charles, her damaged heart once more opens to the possibility of love. This novel is easy to read and interaction between the various parties makes it interesting and held my attention. I received a copy of this book through NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.
June 4, 2020
One should never doubt a Duke. On no, they always are beyond reproach, present themselves as impeccable and never shame the title. Well, aren't they?
Maggi Andersen's writing guarantees a story that is a page turner with memorable characters that pull at your heart! I always look forward to her releases and am never disappointed!
An arranged marriage centering around Nellie, a beautiful, intelligent young lady who loves her independence and Charles, Duke of Shrewsbury who attracts the women like flies to honey.
Can this arrangement work since they seem to have an almost instant attraction?
Both have been hurt and are feel insecure, but they do ignite sparks between them.. Follow their journey to happiness and see where it leads them!
Maggi Andersen's writing guarantees a story that is a page turner with memorable characters that pull at your heart! I always look forward to her releases and am never disappointed!
An arranged marriage centering around Nellie, a beautiful, intelligent young lady who loves her independence and Charles, Duke of Shrewsbury who attracts the women like flies to honey.
Can this arrangement work since they seem to have an almost instant attraction?
Both have been hurt and are feel insecure, but they do ignite sparks between them.. Follow their journey to happiness and see where it leads them!
June 16, 2020
A books cover
Charles is a Duke who has mistresses and affairs but is engaged to Nellie! Jealousy and gossip are hard on a relationship! Nellie and Charles survive courtship and then marriage but it's hard on a Duchess when the ex is sending red roses to the Duke! Charles can't figure Nellie out one minute she's all over him and the next she's dancing with a poet! As Nellie and Charles navigate their marriage and life feelings emerge and friendship grows! Will they have an HEA?
Charles is a Duke who has mistresses and affairs but is engaged to Nellie! Jealousy and gossip are hard on a relationship! Nellie and Charles survive courtship and then marriage but it's hard on a Duchess when the ex is sending red roses to the Duke! Charles can't figure Nellie out one minute she's all over him and the next she's dancing with a poet! As Nellie and Charles navigate their marriage and life feelings emerge and friendship grows! Will they have an HEA?
October 5, 2020
An enjoyable read..
May 28, 2020
Thank you to the publisher for the ARC given through NetGalley for review. All opinions are my own.
This is the first book I read by this author. It was an good, slow paced romance. We see Nellie and Charles's relationship build slowly. They are attracted to each other very early on, but their feelings for each other deepen as the story unfolds. Their main conflict of the story is that they fail to talk to each other about themselves. Especially Charles, whose former conquests come to haunt his new relationship. There were many times when they could of talked about it but something always held them back and because of this they had to learn to trust each other.
I look forwards to the next one.
This is the first book I read by this author. It was an good, slow paced romance. We see Nellie and Charles's relationship build slowly. They are attracted to each other very early on, but their feelings for each other deepen as the story unfolds. Their main conflict of the story is that they fail to talk to each other about themselves. Especially Charles, whose former conquests come to haunt his new relationship. There were many times when they could of talked about it but something always held them back and because of this they had to learn to trust each other.
I look forwards to the next one.
June 28, 2020
This is a rather dull book and not one I can recommend. There was little plot aside from the heroine being jealous and past lovers making nuisances of themselves. Once again, we have a romance where everything would have been resolved by the characters sitting down and having an honest conversation.
I also suffered reader whiplash from how quickly Nellie went from refusing to marry Charles, and during their first encounter, they're planning their wedding. Made absolutely no sense and served to show what a weak character Nellie was. She had no follow-through and thought herself independent when she was an idiot.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
I also suffered reader whiplash from how quickly Nellie went from refusing to marry Charles, and during their first encounter, they're planning their wedding. Made absolutely no sense and served to show what a weak character Nellie was. She had no follow-through and thought herself independent when she was an idiot.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
October 10, 2021
Never Doubt a Duke, Book 1 of the Never series, was about Lady Cornelia "Nellie" Dountry, second daughter (and third child) to the Marquess of Dountry, and His Grace Charles Glazebrook, the Duke of Shewsbury.
The betrothal between Nellie and Charles had been arranged by both of their fathers before either of them were born, though they had never met until they attended a house party held by her parents. While Nellie was not at all impressed by what little she knew about the Duke from newspapers, rumors, and conjectures, she did think him handsome. Charles, upon seeing her for the first time from across the room and then being introduced by her father, was pleasantly pleased by her. After arranging to view the estate with Nellie, Charles settled the matter of their marriage in an agreeable fashion, and they determined to make the announcement at the ball. Nellie and Charles had each suffered from being unlucky in love in their pasts and both were reluctant to offer their hearts up to be disappointed in love a second time. Though they were to be married, they were aware that it was not a love match.
Once Nellie and her family arrived in London and started attending events, she eventually ran into Charles' former fiancee who had been recently widowed. Word had gotten out that the woman was seeking a lover...and Charles was on her list of men to consider.
I'll not go into too great detail about the story. Suffice it to say, it was an excellent read. The characters were well-rounded and fleshed out, the storyline was well written even though there were some grammatical errors, and the emotions were plentiful. The attraction between the two main characters was evident from the first meeting to the end of the book. The passion was gentle and not overly hot...more subtle than volcanic. The angst and drama were easily handled. All in all, a good book.
The betrothal between Nellie and Charles had been arranged by both of their fathers before either of them were born, though they had never met until they attended a house party held by her parents. While Nellie was not at all impressed by what little she knew about the Duke from newspapers, rumors, and conjectures, she did think him handsome. Charles, upon seeing her for the first time from across the room and then being introduced by her father, was pleasantly pleased by her. After arranging to view the estate with Nellie, Charles settled the matter of their marriage in an agreeable fashion, and they determined to make the announcement at the ball. Nellie and Charles had each suffered from being unlucky in love in their pasts and both were reluctant to offer their hearts up to be disappointed in love a second time. Though they were to be married, they were aware that it was not a love match.
Once Nellie and her family arrived in London and started attending events, she eventually ran into Charles' former fiancee who had been recently widowed. Word had gotten out that the woman was seeking a lover...and Charles was on her list of men to consider.
I'll not go into too great detail about the story. Suffice it to say, it was an excellent read. The characters were well-rounded and fleshed out, the storyline was well written even though there were some grammatical errors, and the emotions were plentiful. The attraction between the two main characters was evident from the first meeting to the end of the book. The passion was gentle and not overly hot...more subtle than volcanic. The angst and drama were easily handled. All in all, a good book.
June 4, 2020
Never Doubt a Duke
Life, Death, & All the messiness in between, This Book has it All!!!
Author Maggi Andersen wants you to Never Doubt her Duke and believe me you won’t be let down by him, her writing, or the outcome of the book!
Bullying & innuendo with deception keeps Charles, the Duke of Shrewsbury busy trying to uphold his honor while he is trying to get rid of a mistress, defend a friend, beat off potential lovers, and trying to woo a bride Lady “Nellie”! Sounds to me he would have to have a Superman Powers! 😂
During all of this craziness of course everyone is perpetuating shenanigans and Lady Nellie instead of listening to the advice of her sister Lady Marian of course like we are all known to do in our young lives she lets supposition cloud her mind and those bullies with razor sharp harpy tongues edge out the voice of reason!! She gets mad and makes accusatory remarks and the Duke who believes his honor should not be impugned goes on his own tirade!!
It’s these life journeys that the author adds within the book that gives such sage advice and sound reasoning and the comical side flutterings she infuses within the pages add even more to the characters and the book! This book will make you laugh and you may even see tidbits of yourself as a young newlywed or dating couple! The mistakes we make and the people we let influence us , but we all hope as this author who has written a cohesive book opened the eyes of our world to look beyond what’s in front of it and listen to reason & forgive and pray for a HEA! (Happily ever after)
I was given a copy from Netgally but this is my own personal opinion and definitely my own words!!! Enjoy your book and this author she has many more great books!!
Life, Death, & All the messiness in between, This Book has it All!!!
Author Maggi Andersen wants you to Never Doubt her Duke and believe me you won’t be let down by him, her writing, or the outcome of the book!
Bullying & innuendo with deception keeps Charles, the Duke of Shrewsbury busy trying to uphold his honor while he is trying to get rid of a mistress, defend a friend, beat off potential lovers, and trying to woo a bride Lady “Nellie”! Sounds to me he would have to have a Superman Powers! 😂
During all of this craziness of course everyone is perpetuating shenanigans and Lady Nellie instead of listening to the advice of her sister Lady Marian of course like we are all known to do in our young lives she lets supposition cloud her mind and those bullies with razor sharp harpy tongues edge out the voice of reason!! She gets mad and makes accusatory remarks and the Duke who believes his honor should not be impugned goes on his own tirade!!
It’s these life journeys that the author adds within the book that gives such sage advice and sound reasoning and the comical side flutterings she infuses within the pages add even more to the characters and the book! This book will make you laugh and you may even see tidbits of yourself as a young newlywed or dating couple! The mistakes we make and the people we let influence us , but we all hope as this author who has written a cohesive book opened the eyes of our world to look beyond what’s in front of it and listen to reason & forgive and pray for a HEA! (Happily ever after)
I was given a copy from Netgally but this is my own personal opinion and definitely my own words!!! Enjoy your book and this author she has many more great books!!
June 6, 2020
This is a charming historical romance with 2 interesting and introspective characters that really reflect the delicacy of interactions of the era. Nellie is the well-bred and independently-minded lady, Charles the Duke, and the marriage are arranged by her father and his now-deceased father. Both of the intendeds have qualms, to put it mildly. I liked the hesitancy each exhibited and tried to overcome, at least initially, until the past catches up with both of them and strains the relationship. This book is filled with lovely settings, costumes, and mannerisms, the descriptions well written. Even the secondary characters are well rounded. The sexual attraction between Nellie and Charles is a thread throughout that expands as the story proceeds. I loved this book and enjoyably followed it, caught in the fantasy...until close to the end. I felt the story should have stopped earlier, right after the outcome of the fox hunt. What came after that bored me considerably—it was predictable and most of it did not need to be said or shown. This long denouement went on and on for too many pages, too much wrapping up in a way that wasn't necessary to see, but I guess a certain number of pages are needed. I'm being vague so as not to give away plot details.
Having said that, I really did love the story until after the outcome of the fox hunt. However, that's me, and mileage varies. I think it's a great start to a new series. I'm curious to read the next book because most of the big and obvious reasons for conflict are in the tropes in this book so I'd like to see how the author creates fresh and different problems as she moves into her series.
Having said that, I really did love the story until after the outcome of the fox hunt. However, that's me, and mileage varies. I think it's a great start to a new series. I'm curious to read the next book because most of the big and obvious reasons for conflict are in the tropes in this book so I'd like to see how the author creates fresh and different problems as she moves into her series.
March 18, 2021
Never Doubt a TRUE Duke! Lady Nellie Dountry, & Charles, His Grace, Duke of Shewsbury have had their hearts broken in the past. The Duke when the love he proposed to choose a suiter that had a higher title over love.
Lady Nellie deceived.
How can either party try to trust in love when they had their hearts torn out from believing in trul love. Falling in love out ways anything else. Duty, obligation, prestige & society.
This is why the Duke & Lady Nellie were fine with having a wedding arrangement? Husband & Wife in public but continue their lives separately in private. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh right... how to fight attraction!
Little did they know that their jealousy of past relationships, & gossip really meant that they were falling for each other. What does that mean? That cannot mean LOVE?
The Duke is intrigued by his beautiful, kind, intelligent wife. Lady Nellie doesn't ant to believe that he is still with his mistress & could possibly have a child with her. But she doesn't want to ask, just accuse her husband of deeds based on gossip. Then actually communication with her spouse.
Humm. … why? Could it be she is physically & emotionally attracted to her Duke. She will fight quietly to find out the truth about those past indiscretions. Win her husband for herself. She knows they have great chemistry together. Will that physical bond win over the people who are trying to separate them. Will it allow them to communicate their true feelings toward each other. So they can have that happier ever after marriage they both so desperately want.
Lady Nellie deceived.
How can either party try to trust in love when they had their hearts torn out from believing in trul love. Falling in love out ways anything else. Duty, obligation, prestige & society.
This is why the Duke & Lady Nellie were fine with having a wedding arrangement? Husband & Wife in public but continue their lives separately in private. What could possibly go wrong?
Oh right... how to fight attraction!
Little did they know that their jealousy of past relationships, & gossip really meant that they were falling for each other. What does that mean? That cannot mean LOVE?
The Duke is intrigued by his beautiful, kind, intelligent wife. Lady Nellie doesn't ant to believe that he is still with his mistress & could possibly have a child with her. But she doesn't want to ask, just accuse her husband of deeds based on gossip. Then actually communication with her spouse.
Humm. … why? Could it be she is physically & emotionally attracted to her Duke. She will fight quietly to find out the truth about those past indiscretions. Win her husband for herself. She knows they have great chemistry together. Will that physical bond win over the people who are trying to separate them. Will it allow them to communicate their true feelings toward each other. So they can have that happier ever after marriage they both so desperately want.
June 5, 2020
4.25 STARS
The story starts out with the h getting ready to meet her betrothed. This is an arranged marriage and they haven't seen each other. The h discovers prior to the meeting, the H has a broken heart from a women he once loved who married someone else. Then he had a mistress and she hears another story on him. So obviously she has trust issues where the H is concerned.
This was a 5 star review for me UNTIL, the h acted out of character. Her brother is having an affair and when his wife discovers it, she leaves him. The h announces to her sister, she would never run because she would confront her husband. Well, she doesn't do that and it ruined the story for me. Two things happen and she retreats to herself and doesn't ask the H what the truth is. She doesn't do this until way into the book.
There is lovemaking, within marriage and heat level maybe 2.5 out of 5. Doesn't get very descriptive until the very end and it is mild. It was heat level of 1 out of 5 until the very end so easy to skip it if that isn't your cup of tea.
There are two villains who cause trouble. Great main and secondary character's. I enjoyed the H and he was flawed but had a great and caring heart. Once they started to express their feelings and truth their relationship worked.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a small tad of spice. I enjoy the writing style of this author and own 9 books by her and do recommend this story. (ljb)
The story starts out with the h getting ready to meet her betrothed. This is an arranged marriage and they haven't seen each other. The h discovers prior to the meeting, the H has a broken heart from a women he once loved who married someone else. Then he had a mistress and she hears another story on him. So obviously she has trust issues where the H is concerned.
This was a 5 star review for me UNTIL, the h acted out of character. Her brother is having an affair and when his wife discovers it, she leaves him. The h announces to her sister, she would never run because she would confront her husband. Well, she doesn't do that and it ruined the story for me. Two things happen and she retreats to herself and doesn't ask the H what the truth is. She doesn't do this until way into the book.
There is lovemaking, within marriage and heat level maybe 2.5 out of 5. Doesn't get very descriptive until the very end and it is mild. It was heat level of 1 out of 5 until the very end so easy to skip it if that isn't your cup of tea.
There are two villains who cause trouble. Great main and secondary character's. I enjoyed the H and he was flawed but had a great and caring heart. Once they started to express their feelings and truth their relationship worked.
No cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA, romance and a small tad of spice. I enjoy the writing style of this author and own 9 books by her and do recommend this story. (ljb)
June 4, 2020
Never Doubt a Duke by Maggi Andersen is the first offering in her new Never Series. Nellie is to be betrothed to the Duke of Shrewsbury. She has never met the man but she has read about him in the gossip columns...and none of it is good. Then she meets him and all is lost. He is handsome. He is genial. He is kind. She decides to give him a chance. He fell for her as well. Then the trouble started: his mistress approached her on the street. She had with her a son! She was no longer sure of him. After the wedding her feelings got more unsteady. He begged, but she was never able to tell him why she had become so standoffish. It was early in their marriage, but they were barely speaking.
Andersen does a good job, both with plot and with characterization. She has a knack in making you feel in sympathy with opposing characters...there are always two sides to the story. The romance is hot. The emotions are heartbreaking. She writes endearing characters. For the readers of historical romance, she can't be beat. For others, give her a shot. It might be a new beginning. I recommend you try.
I received a free ARC of Never Doubt a Duke from Dragonblade through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #neverdoubtaduke
Andersen does a good job, both with plot and with characterization. She has a knack in making you feel in sympathy with opposing characters...there are always two sides to the story. The romance is hot. The emotions are heartbreaking. She writes endearing characters. For the readers of historical romance, she can't be beat. For others, give her a shot. It might be a new beginning. I recommend you try.
I received a free ARC of Never Doubt a Duke from Dragonblade through Netgalley in exchange for a fair and honest review. All opinions and interpretations contained herein are solely my own. #netgalley #neverdoubtaduke
July 6, 2020
Never Doubt a Duke is the first book in the new Never series. It was a short but charming book to read. The characters were developed and the book was easy to read. Nellie Dountry and Charles, Duke of Shewsbury both agreed to marry because of an agreement made several years before by their fathers. Both had been hurt in the past and didn’t believe in love. Nellie thought she wanted a marriage where they would each do their own interests but the more time, she spends with Charles the more she realizes she wishes for a real marriage and for Charles to remain faithful. Her fears are not helped when his previous fiancée becomes widowed and tries to encourage him to come back to her. Charles realizes something is wrong with Nellie, but their miscommunication becomes a problem for them. I enjoyed the book, but I felt like Nellie worried too much and it took some of the enjoyment out of the book. The characters were good and easy to connect with, but Nellie’s doubts became tedious after awhile.
June 4, 2020
Nellie Dountry knows she is expected to marry the Duke of Shewsbury. Having had a broken heart of her own she has hers the rumors of the Duke and his love for another lady who has broken his heart. Afraid of a marriage to someone who won’t love her scares her. When she meets Charles she has hope that they will at least make a marriage of convenience tolerable, but her heart will never be involved. Charles is definitely attracted to Nellie and is looking forward to a new start with her but can tell she is hiding something.
Nellie finds herself very attracted to Charles but realizes that a lot of other women are including his ex-fiancé who makes it very apparent she wants him. Both Charles and Nellie will have to come to terms with each other if they want to have a life together and find love.
This is a new series for Maggi Andersen and I was very excited to read it. I have loved her other books and definitely could not put this one down!
Nellie finds herself very attracted to Charles but realizes that a lot of other women are including his ex-fiancé who makes it very apparent she wants him. Both Charles and Nellie will have to come to terms with each other if they want to have a life together and find love.
This is a new series for Maggi Andersen and I was very excited to read it. I have loved her other books and definitely could not put this one down!
June 30, 2021
Won’t read again 🤷🏾♀️ sorry.
I generally that reviews with a dusty grain of salt. I read them and form my own opinion unless they’re all positive or negative.
I should have taken the reviews on this one more seriously.
It was boring. It had potential but the first 60 plus pages dragged through the engagement. The next section continued to drag the reader through insecurities and misunderstandings.
I was so done with the h and h, I wanted to yell at the book or simultaneously slap them both upside their respective heads for not expressing their thoughts. I guess that happens when your marriage has been arranged before you were born!
I did skip to the end to see if the storyline picked up? Nope it continued to be plagued by petty, inconsiderate people who should have been dusted off the guest list at the beginning of the story.
Sorry, I cannot recommend this book to anyone.
I generally that reviews with a dusty grain of salt. I read them and form my own opinion unless they’re all positive or negative.
I should have taken the reviews on this one more seriously.
It was boring. It had potential but the first 60 plus pages dragged through the engagement. The next section continued to drag the reader through insecurities and misunderstandings.
I was so done with the h and h, I wanted to yell at the book or simultaneously slap them both upside their respective heads for not expressing their thoughts. I guess that happens when your marriage has been arranged before you were born!
I did skip to the end to see if the storyline picked up? Nope it continued to be plagued by petty, inconsiderate people who should have been dusted off the guest list at the beginning of the story.
Sorry, I cannot recommend this book to anyone.
June 3, 2020
Lady Nellie Dountry, and Charles, Duke of Shewsbury have had their hearts broken in the past. Neither is prepared to chance love again. When they are compelled to marry because of an agreement made long ago by their fathers, they are both determined to resist falling in love. Convinced that it’s mere desire, which draws them together, both are surprised by their jealousy.
A well written series starter that drew me in from the start. I loved both Charles & Nellie their attraction was apparent from the start but misunderstanding & wrong assumptions made the road to their HEA very rocky but also very entertaining. Their verbal sparring had me engrossed & I read the book in two sittings & finished it with a smile on my face. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A well written series starter that drew me in from the start. I loved both Charles & Nellie their attraction was apparent from the start but misunderstanding & wrong assumptions made the road to their HEA very rocky but also very entertaining. Their verbal sparring had me engrossed & I read the book in two sittings & finished it with a smile on my face. I look forward to more in the series
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 7, 2020
Thoroughly Enjoyable Read
Enjoyable start to a new series, I really do like books by Maggie Andersen. The plot was good, although an often used one, an arranged marriage between two people at an early age, neither wanting to marry the other, The two central characters, Charles, Duke of Shrewsbury, and Lady Cordelia (Nellie ) are pleasant, as are the secondary characters Nellie's sisters Marian and Alice, and Charles brother Jason and his wife Beverly, as well as his mother. Charles aunt was a termanent, and needed putting in her place, I thought Nellie was the one to do it,but alas not, leaving herself in a precarious position. An ex mistress, a previous fiancee and a 'lustful' widow, caused misunderstandings, and problems for the couple but a Happy Ending was gleaned.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, and look forward to the next in the series.
Enjoyable start to a new series, I really do like books by Maggie Andersen. The plot was good, although an often used one, an arranged marriage between two people at an early age, neither wanting to marry the other, The two central characters, Charles, Duke of Shrewsbury, and Lady Cordelia (Nellie ) are pleasant, as are the secondary characters Nellie's sisters Marian and Alice, and Charles brother Jason and his wife Beverly, as well as his mother. Charles aunt was a termanent, and needed putting in her place, I thought Nellie was the one to do it,but alas not, leaving herself in a precarious position. An ex mistress, a previous fiancee and a 'lustful' widow, caused misunderstandings, and problems for the couple but a Happy Ending was gleaned.
I would thoroughly recommend this book, and look forward to the next in the series.
June 2, 2020
The first book in the series ‘Never’ looks set to be the start of something good. Charles, the Duke of Shewsbury, has agreed to marry Lady Nellie Dountry, following through with an agreement made between their families. Whilst their attraction is obvious, whether it is enough to lead to a successful marriage is uncertain.
The misunderstandings between the couple and their inability to communicate shows both Charles and Nellie to be strongminded and stubborn. Whilst the relationship takes time to develop, the impact of the ton, is quite apparent throughout this storyline. This was an enjoyable read, with an interesting storyline and two quite believable characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
The misunderstandings between the couple and their inability to communicate shows both Charles and Nellie to be strongminded and stubborn. Whilst the relationship takes time to develop, the impact of the ton, is quite apparent throughout this storyline. This was an enjoyable read, with an interesting storyline and two quite believable characters. I look forward to the next book in this series.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.
June 16, 2020
I recieved a free copy from netgalley in exchange for an honest review. Honestly, this book felt extremely dull. Nothing happened in the book. Nellie and Charles have an arranged marriage because their father's had a boyhood pact from Eton to unite their families. Nellie almost ran away with an Irish poet when she was 18 and Charles had his heart broken when the woman he loved married someone else before he was in line for a title. Nellie sends the entire book worried that Charles is cheating on her. While Charles lust after his wife but doesn't actually talk to her. The book was a complete miss for me and was boring.
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