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Regency Cocky Gents #6
Cocky Butler
A duke pretending to be a butler and a very suspicious spinster realize that choosing love isn’t as easy as one might think…
“The loser must perform butler duties for the winner throughout the Season this spring.”
The Duke of Blackheart should never have accepted the wager. A foolish drunken night of games had led to an uncomfortable promise, but after considerable planning and a good deal of delegating, he’d found the charade almost too easy…
Or so he’d thought, until Lord Greystone’s spinster cousin arrives, lips pinched in disapproval, eyes filled with suspicion, with the potential to spoil everything.
Miss Violet Faraday had come to London for one reason only—to assist in launching her niece into society. She did not come in hopes of landing a husband for herself, nor had she expected to come face to face with her tragic past.
Most of all, she had not planned on becoming extraordinarily fascinated with Mr. Cockfield, her cousin’s charming, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking butler. He is a servant and she is a lady… anything beyond a mild flirtation can only lead to heartbreak…
“The loser must perform butler duties for the winner throughout the Season this spring.”
The Duke of Blackheart should never have accepted the wager. A foolish drunken night of games had led to an uncomfortable promise, but after considerable planning and a good deal of delegating, he’d found the charade almost too easy…
Or so he’d thought, until Lord Greystone’s spinster cousin arrives, lips pinched in disapproval, eyes filled with suspicion, with the potential to spoil everything.
Miss Violet Faraday had come to London for one reason only—to assist in launching her niece into society. She did not come in hopes of landing a husband for herself, nor had she expected to come face to face with her tragic past.
Most of all, she had not planned on becoming extraordinarily fascinated with Mr. Cockfield, her cousin’s charming, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking butler. He is a servant and she is a lady… anything beyond a mild flirtation can only lead to heartbreak…
340 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 10, 2021
131 people are currently reading
187 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Anders
115 books1,327 followersMarried to the same man for over 25 years, I am a mother to three children and two Miniature Wiener dogs.
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
www.annabelleanders.com
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: https://www.annabelleanders.com/newsl...
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Ande...
AND FACEBOOK: :https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
AND BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annab...
After owning a business and experiencing considerable success, my husband and I got caught in the financial crisis and lost everything in 2008; our business, our home, even our car.
At this point, I put my B.A. in Poly Sci to use and took work as a waitress and bartender (Insert irony). Unwilling to give up on a professional life, I simultaneously went back to college and obtained a degree in Energy Management.
And then the energy market dropped off.
And then my dog died.
I can only be grateful for this series of unfortunate events, for, with nothing to lose and completely demoralized, I sat down and began to write the romance novels which had until then, existed only my imagination.
After publishing over twenty novels now, with one having been nominated for RWA’s Distinguished ™RITA Award in 2019, I am happy to tell you that I have finally found my place in life.
Thank you so much for being a part of my journey!
To find out more about my books, and also to download a free novella, get all the info at my website!
www.annabelleanders.com
JOIN MY NEWSLETTER: https://www.annabelleanders.com/newsl...
FOLLOW ME ON AMAZON: https://www.amazon.com/Annabelle-Ande...
AND FACEBOOK: :https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
AND BOOKBUB: https://www.bookbub.com/profile/annab...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 102 reviews
April 5, 2022
This was a nice story to end this series.
After losing a bet Simon ends up being his friends butler for the season. Violet falls in love with her cousin butler. 5 stars ⭐️
After losing a bet Simon ends up being his friends butler for the season. Violet falls in love with her cousin butler. 5 stars ⭐️
September 12, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
If Simon doesn’t melt your heart, your never going to be a romantic that’s for sure.
This man is everything you could every want in a character,
He’s adorable.
Listens
Helps
Understands
Advises
Excepts people as they are
He’s got charisma that’s draws you in
Handsome
Title
Money
Damn, need I go on.
He’s a Butler for a bet, but can’t tell anyone, and that causes a few challenges, least of all when his heart becomes involved.
This is just one of those books you have to read, Annabelle is a fantastic writer, she’s excelled herself with this one .
Very highly recommended!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
💋💋
If Simon doesn’t melt your heart, your never going to be a romantic that’s for sure.
This man is everything you could every want in a character,
He’s adorable.
Listens
Helps
Understands
Advises
Excepts people as they are
He’s got charisma that’s draws you in
Handsome
Title
Money
Damn, need I go on.
He’s a Butler for a bet, but can’t tell anyone, and that causes a few challenges, least of all when his heart becomes involved.
This is just one of those books you have to read, Annabelle is a fantastic writer, she’s excelled herself with this one .
Very highly recommended!
I received an Arc copy of this book and chose to post this review
February 7, 2023
This was quite entertaining, I couldn't stop reading!
This is the story of Mr. Cockfield, a butler with aristocratic tics and Violet, Greystone's cousin, who finds him too comfortable for a simple butler. The dialogue between the MCs are quite fun and full of chemistry.
A light/steamy romance without major dramas and with witty characters, 5 stars!
This is the story of Mr. Cockfield, a butler with aristocratic tics and Violet, Greystone's cousin, who finds him too comfortable for a simple butler. The dialogue between the MCs are quite fun and full of chemistry.
A light/steamy romance without major dramas and with witty characters, 5 stars!
September 15, 2021
Cocky Butler, by Annabelle Anders. What an awesome way to round out a series! I was so engaged into the romantic love story. Simone, his character was magnificent. Violet’s character was perfect for him.
In a way her personality exudes as a Duchess. The writer did a wonderful job at telling the story to the readers. The played out as though I was watching a movie through my imagination and it was great. Everything was fantastic about this book. Bringing all the characters together to support Simon and Violet was very heart warming.
Each character seemed to play off one another making the entertainment even more fun to read. I loved the fact that nothing was boring about this book. The conversations between the characters was passionate, emotional and caring, this goes the same or Violet and Simon. I really loved the romantic parts of the story. Violet and Simon’s story was awesomely written.
The love and passion that they share was so beautiful. I loved how at each step in their relationship the writer took the time to have the readers explore and get swallowed up into how the cocky Duke attends to his Duchess.
In a way her personality exudes as a Duchess. The writer did a wonderful job at telling the story to the readers. The played out as though I was watching a movie through my imagination and it was great. Everything was fantastic about this book. Bringing all the characters together to support Simon and Violet was very heart warming.
Each character seemed to play off one another making the entertainment even more fun to read. I loved the fact that nothing was boring about this book. The conversations between the characters was passionate, emotional and caring, this goes the same or Violet and Simon. I really loved the romantic parts of the story. Violet and Simon’s story was awesomely written.
The love and passion that they share was so beautiful. I loved how at each step in their relationship the writer took the time to have the readers explore and get swallowed up into how the cocky Duke attends to his Duchess.
December 4, 2021
Oh, I liked Simon. Every so often I cringed, because I thought he was going to be found out, especially early on in the book. I was on tenterhooks until the end. This was so enjoyable to read. Loved it!
5☆
5☆
January 12, 2025
Cocky Butler is the sixth, and final, book in the Regency Cocky Gents series by Annabelle Anders, and it is one that spent far too long sitting on my to-read list. I adored the prior books in the series and was super excited to dive into this final book, only for it to fall off my radar when it was released as I was submitting my Ph.D. thesis. It did cross my mind on a number of occasions to read it, but something always seemed to come up. Years later, I finally finished the series.
Although a long time had passed between my reading of book five and book six, Cocky Bulter immediately sucked me back into the world. I fell for the characters and the story with ease, and I could not get enough of them. I will be honest and say that there were a handful of things I wish had been explored or explained a little more, but that could have been a result of the amount of time that passed between my reading of the books in the series. Other than these few small details, I was hooked. Once I started, I found myself unable to put the book down and completed it in no time. It was a great reminder of how much I enjoy the author’s work and has left me eager to read more.
All in all, Cocky Bulter was a wonderful conclusion to a great series. Thanks to the spin-off story that started a new series – Miss Primm’s Secret School for Budding Bluestockings – I know where I am going for more of the author’s work.
Although a long time had passed between my reading of book five and book six, Cocky Bulter immediately sucked me back into the world. I fell for the characters and the story with ease, and I could not get enough of them. I will be honest and say that there were a handful of things I wish had been explored or explained a little more, but that could have been a result of the amount of time that passed between my reading of the books in the series. Other than these few small details, I was hooked. Once I started, I found myself unable to put the book down and completed it in no time. It was a great reminder of how much I enjoy the author’s work and has left me eager to read more.
All in all, Cocky Bulter was a wonderful conclusion to a great series. Thanks to the spin-off story that started a new series – Miss Primm’s Secret School for Budding Bluestockings – I know where I am going for more of the author’s work.
March 13, 2025
3.5 I really liked this book. I liked that violet stood on business. She was like butler act right and he is all make me. lol. The sex is very hot, I cannot argue with that. And I felt really empathetic for Violet and her first time, I can imagine how torn she had to feel.
I just didn’t connect to angst in this book, so that is what makes it not a 4 star for me but I like this series a lot and recommend this book.
I just didn’t connect to angst in this book, so that is what makes it not a 4 star for me but I like this series a lot and recommend this book.
September 15, 2021
The Duke of Blackheart is pretending to be a butler for the Marquess of Greystone on a bet. The prim and proper Lady Violet Faraday, Greystone's cousin, disapproves of his behavior. Keeping his identity secret for the season, Simon Cockfield plays the part of a butler enough to get by. He doesn't act like any butler she's known. Suddenly they're sharing kisses and meeting in secret. Is love all on Violet's side or will Simon acknowledge she's the one? Then her fiance who disappeared, years ago shows up. A hilarious romp of a Duke falling in love with a woman who loves him as a butler.
September 12, 2021
I have mixed feelings about Cocky Butler. I enjoyed the romantic tension building between the hero and heroine. Blackheart has been a bit of a mystery figure in the other “Cocky” books, so I was excited to read his story. There are quite a few steamy scenes. Here’s a shortened section that is one of my favorites:
“You want to kiss me?” Her voice came out thready...needy. “Who would not wish to kiss you? A beautiful, willing woman.” He was leaning even closer. She parted her lips and could almost taste the whiskey now. She lowered her lashes. “You would be surprised.” her answer held all the self-derision she’d fought over the past decade. He had not kissed her earlier that afternoon - not even after she’d essentially propositioned him. For Posy’s sake. Don’t be a hypocrite. Violet chastised herself. If this had been for Posy’s sake, she would have returned to her chamber ten minutes ago. Alone. “It’s late. We should go to bed. I should go to bed. And you should go to bed. Both of us - but separately.” She stepped backward… “Not quite yet.” He followed her, dropping his good hand to her waist, his other remaining trapped in the sling. And then he dipped his head, not quite kissing her but close. Very close.”
I think this book is well written; however, there is a particular social issue that is introduced that I wasn’t comfortable with and that I thought was unnecessary. But overall, a good romance.
“You want to kiss me?” Her voice came out thready...needy. “Who would not wish to kiss you? A beautiful, willing woman.” He was leaning even closer. She parted her lips and could almost taste the whiskey now. She lowered her lashes. “You would be surprised.” her answer held all the self-derision she’d fought over the past decade. He had not kissed her earlier that afternoon - not even after she’d essentially propositioned him. For Posy’s sake. Don’t be a hypocrite. Violet chastised herself. If this had been for Posy’s sake, she would have returned to her chamber ten minutes ago. Alone. “It’s late. We should go to bed. I should go to bed. And you should go to bed. Both of us - but separately.” She stepped backward… “Not quite yet.” He followed her, dropping his good hand to her waist, his other remaining trapped in the sling. And then he dipped his head, not quite kissing her but close. Very close.”
I think this book is well written; however, there is a particular social issue that is introduced that I wasn’t comfortable with and that I thought was unnecessary. But overall, a good romance.
September 13, 2021
The Duke of Blackheart should never have accepted the wager. A foolish drunken night of games had led to an uncomfortable promise, but after considerable planning and a good deal of delegating, he’d found the charade almost too easy or so he’d thought, until Lord Greystone’s spinster cousin arrives, lips pinched in disapproval, eyes filled with suspicion, with the potential to spoil everything.
Miss Violet Faraday had come to London for one reason only to assist in launching her niece Posy into society. Most of all, she had not planned on becoming extraordinarily fascinated with Mr. Cockfield, her cousin’s charming, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking butler.
This is the sixth & final book in the series & yes it’s the book I've been waiting for since we first met Mr Cockfield & the wager he’s trying to fulfil. As with all highly anticipated books they sometimes don't live up to your expectations, was this the case? - No way it lived up to its expectations & surpassed them. Oh Simon, what a hero! & then there's Violet the spinster who saw the man. If you've read any of the other books in the series or if you want to read an entertaining, humorous, charming, tender as well as steamy romance with wonderful characters then don’t pass this book by. I loved it & the epilogue rounded off the series superbly
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Miss Violet Faraday had come to London for one reason only to assist in launching her niece Posy into society. Most of all, she had not planned on becoming extraordinarily fascinated with Mr. Cockfield, her cousin’s charming, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking butler.
This is the sixth & final book in the series & yes it’s the book I've been waiting for since we first met Mr Cockfield & the wager he’s trying to fulfil. As with all highly anticipated books they sometimes don't live up to your expectations, was this the case? - No way it lived up to its expectations & surpassed them. Oh Simon, what a hero! & then there's Violet the spinster who saw the man. If you've read any of the other books in the series or if you want to read an entertaining, humorous, charming, tender as well as steamy romance with wonderful characters then don’t pass this book by. I loved it & the epilogue rounded off the series superbly
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
September 13, 2021
Sometimes friends lead you down a path in life that you otherwise would have never chosen. Each of the heroes in the Cocky Series are affected by a bet made one drunken night. For Simon, the Duke of Blackheart, that night led him to secretly pose as a butler for his Friend , the Marquess of Greystone. He has to fill the role for the length of the season and cannot be found out or tell anyone or he loses and Greystone can pick his wife. It’s a game for a time, but then Simon meets Violet, Greys spinster cousin. Violet knows something is off with Greys new butler, but her cousin is adamant in keeping the best butler he has ever had. Violet disapproves at first, but comes to actually like her cousin’s butler, and decides that he might just be the perfect person with which to have a secret affair. Simon is all for it until he realizes she may be the best thing to ever happen to him. Will his secret and lies destroy the one chance he has at love? Each of the heroes in this series are great and their heroines equally fun and strong women. Excellent stories and Annabelle Anders always entertains. Highly recommend each one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 15, 2021
Let me start by saying that I liked the Butler in the beginning of this series and I've been anxiously awaiting his story and let me tell you, this story deserves a 10 star.. I went from liking the Butler to falling head over heels in love with Simon. This was the perfect way to end a series. You can't help but fall in love with both characters.. I can't say enough about this book..
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
I received this as a gift from the Author in exchange for an honest review and these are purely my thoughts and no one else's views
September 14, 2021
Simon & Violet! A great way to end the series! I’ve been waiting for the “butler” and he did not disappoint. I giggled, I swooned, and I enjoyed every moment of this book. His love interest was a surprise to me, but I loved that he was attracted to the very proper spinster. They are lovely together! Yay, yay, yay for flirty sensual happy endings! I received an ARC of this book and chose to post my review!
September 17, 2021
If I could give this book more than 5 stars I would.
This was by far my favorite in the series.
I loved it from beginning to end.
Simon and Violet were such an awesome couple. I imagine they were such fun to write.
Great read. I highly recommend but I would definitely recommend reading the whole series. All very good reads.
This was by far my favorite in the series.
I loved it from beginning to end.
Simon and Violet were such an awesome couple. I imagine they were such fun to write.
Great read. I highly recommend but I would definitely recommend reading the whole series. All very good reads.
October 10, 2021
Cocky Butler is the final installation in the Regency Cocky Gents Series by Annabelle Anders. Miss Violet Faraday suspects something is amiss with her cousin’s butler Simon, but finds herself falling for him anyway. Simon, somewhat mysterious from the beginning of the series, fully lived up to my expectations. The additional epilogue ties the series up in a beautiful shiny bow.
April 12, 2024
Best of the series! The Duke is the best of men!
September 13, 2021
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an advance readers copy of this story.
What fun. Finally, and sadly, the last of the Cocky guys is here. 9-14-2021 is the release date for Cocky Butler. The last man standing is Simon Cockfield (giggle here), the Duke of Blackheart is working out a losing bet with his friend. Playing butler for an entire season It seems extreme to me, a month maybe but an entire season? How drunk was he? He's actually doing a good job & isn't too upset about it all. Enter Violet Faraday and it all turns upside down. An on-the-shelf spinster and a Duke/butler are a strange pairing but it all works out in the end. Blackheart's friends are having way too much fun with his predicament.
There's good news, the next series - Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings (that's a mouthful) will feature Collette from this story. She's a side character but she out to flesh out nicely in her own HEA.
#AnnabellAnders #CockyButler #RegencyCockyGents #historicalromance #series #romance
What fun. Finally, and sadly, the last of the Cocky guys is here. 9-14-2021 is the release date for Cocky Butler. The last man standing is Simon Cockfield (giggle here), the Duke of Blackheart is working out a losing bet with his friend. Playing butler for an entire season It seems extreme to me, a month maybe but an entire season? How drunk was he? He's actually doing a good job & isn't too upset about it all. Enter Violet Faraday and it all turns upside down. An on-the-shelf spinster and a Duke/butler are a strange pairing but it all works out in the end. Blackheart's friends are having way too much fun with his predicament.
There's good news, the next series - Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings (that's a mouthful) will feature Collette from this story. She's a side character but she out to flesh out nicely in her own HEA.
#AnnabellAnders #CockyButler #RegencyCockyGents #historicalromance #series #romance
September 13, 2021
🎭 Cocky Butler 🎭
Regency Cocky Gents Book 7
✒️ Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
Release Date 09/14/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LVQJNK1/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A duke pretending to be a butler and a very suspicious spinster realize that choosing love isn’t as easy as one might think…
“The loser must perform butler duties for the winner throughout the Season this spring.”
The Duke of Blackheart should never have accepted the wager. A foolish drunken night of games had led to an uncomfortable promise, but after considerable planning and a good deal of delegating, he’d found the charade almost too easy…
Or so he’d thought, until Lord Greystone’s spinster cousin arrives, lips pinched in disapproval, eyes filled with suspicion, with the potential to spoil everything.
Miss Violet Faraday had come to London for one reason only—to assist in launching her niece into society. She did not come in hopes of landing a husband for herself, nor had she expected to come face to face with her tragic past.
Most of all, she had not planned on becoming extraordinarily fascinated with Mr. Cockfield, her cousin’s charming, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking butler. He is a servant and she is a lady… anything beyond a mild flirtation can only lead to heartbreak…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she be able to retain her heart when he is so much beguiling and charming …
As most who have followed this series from the beginning, I was much eager to finally read Blackheart’s story. Even if it means alas to say goodbye to this group of friends.
But knowing the author, they will make some appearance in upcoming stories.
Still I can not picture how difficult for an author it must be to conclude a series, even more when there are a lot of expectations about this long awaited installment, as the tension increased with each new book to finally reach its peak with this one story.
At first I found Violet quite straight-laced, so rigid. Still, she has just the normal attitude from her status perspective, peers and those in their service. But of course, my opinion was a bit biased as I knew who was hiding under the butler’s suit.
And as some of her past is explained, I comes to understanding her pains and scars. Why she hides behind her mask of aloofness. She lost so much, she is overprotective about those she holds dear.
And if she reacts so violently to Blackheart, it is also because she internally senses something is amiss. Only trying to protect those she cares about from being misled.
Simon was a shadow during the whole series as he was globally absent, excused by the wager. Until the previous book as it starred Greystone thus put him at time under the limelights.
He is no abusive lofty peer, like Violet he has known loss and hurt. And while he could not undo the dramatic event which saw him appointed Duke at the early age of seventeen, he rose from the ashes and moved to be the best brother, peer, employer he could be, becoming the rock of his family and a respected Duke. But outside his full of mischiefs bunch of friends, he is viewed by everyone as the Duke of Blackheart, only the title, never the man. When he longs for something else.
Still, he is now embroiled in a wager he did not foresaw the consequences if…
I loved them together, Simon raises Violet’s temper while she intrigues him, she sees the man, he understands her reserves. Together they dance a slow pas de deux, taking time to tune their pace, stepping in the other’s footprint to get a whole view of the other.
A lively charming sensual tale of seing beyond appearances and setting one’s heart free from society’s and one own’s constraints.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpJF4-j_...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
Regency Cocky Gents Book 7
✒️ Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/Annabelle.An...
Release Date 09/14/2021
➪ https://www.amazon.com/dp/B08LVQJNK1/...
𝗕𝗹𝘂𝗿𝗯
A duke pretending to be a butler and a very suspicious spinster realize that choosing love isn’t as easy as one might think…
“The loser must perform butler duties for the winner throughout the Season this spring.”
The Duke of Blackheart should never have accepted the wager. A foolish drunken night of games had led to an uncomfortable promise, but after considerable planning and a good deal of delegating, he’d found the charade almost too easy…
Or so he’d thought, until Lord Greystone’s spinster cousin arrives, lips pinched in disapproval, eyes filled with suspicion, with the potential to spoil everything.
Miss Violet Faraday had come to London for one reason only—to assist in launching her niece into society. She did not come in hopes of landing a husband for herself, nor had she expected to come face to face with her tragic past.
Most of all, she had not planned on becoming extraordinarily fascinated with Mr. Cockfield, her cousin’s charming, arrogant, and ridiculously good-looking butler. He is a servant and she is a lady… anything beyond a mild flirtation can only lead to heartbreak…
𝗥𝗲𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
Will she be able to retain her heart when he is so much beguiling and charming …
As most who have followed this series from the beginning, I was much eager to finally read Blackheart’s story. Even if it means alas to say goodbye to this group of friends.
But knowing the author, they will make some appearance in upcoming stories.
Still I can not picture how difficult for an author it must be to conclude a series, even more when there are a lot of expectations about this long awaited installment, as the tension increased with each new book to finally reach its peak with this one story.
At first I found Violet quite straight-laced, so rigid. Still, she has just the normal attitude from her status perspective, peers and those in their service. But of course, my opinion was a bit biased as I knew who was hiding under the butler’s suit.
And as some of her past is explained, I comes to understanding her pains and scars. Why she hides behind her mask of aloofness. She lost so much, she is overprotective about those she holds dear.
And if she reacts so violently to Blackheart, it is also because she internally senses something is amiss. Only trying to protect those she cares about from being misled.
Simon was a shadow during the whole series as he was globally absent, excused by the wager. Until the previous book as it starred Greystone thus put him at time under the limelights.
He is no abusive lofty peer, like Violet he has known loss and hurt. And while he could not undo the dramatic event which saw him appointed Duke at the early age of seventeen, he rose from the ashes and moved to be the best brother, peer, employer he could be, becoming the rock of his family and a respected Duke. But outside his full of mischiefs bunch of friends, he is viewed by everyone as the Duke of Blackheart, only the title, never the man. When he longs for something else.
Still, he is now embroiled in a wager he did not foresaw the consequences if…
I loved them together, Simon raises Violet’s temper while she intrigues him, she sees the man, he understands her reserves. Together they dance a slow pas de deux, taking time to tune their pace, stepping in the other’s footprint to get a whole view of the other.
A lively charming sensual tale of seing beyond appearances and setting one’s heart free from society’s and one own’s constraints.
5 stars
𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 onscreen foreplays and lovemaking scenes.
I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.instagram.com/p/CTpJF4-j_...
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
#bookstagram #historicalromance #romance #romancebookblog #romancebookblogger #bookblog #romanceauthor #bookblogger #2021read #bookstagrammer #bookreview #romancebookreviewer #arcreader #bookquote #romancestagram #readersofinstagram
September 13, 2021
Starring Miss Miss Violet Faraday and Simon Cockfield, Duke of Blackheart.
Trope: In Disguise, Close Proximity, Enemies to lovers-ish, and Spinster.
The Regency Cocky Gents series has my heart… each and everyone of of the heroes!! But Blackheart’s story was my most anticipated book… and this one did not disappoint!! I wanted to savor it coz it was the last… but I gobbled it up word for word until the wee hours of the morning. I couldn’t put it down!! And at the end I was a blubbering, puffy eyed, ugly cry mess… but I didn’t care because it was such a beautiful book hangover!! Le sigh… great ending to an amazing series.
Simon… aka Mr Cockfield… aka Duke of Blackheart… Omigosh I am so in love with this hero. In the other books he was so beautifully stoic that I knew it would take a special lady to loosen him up a bit… and Violet definitely kept him on his toes. He is a man who has endured a lot, but has a lot of love to give. It makes me happy that Violet loves Simon, first and foremost, and doesn’t give a fig about his title.
Violet was an interesting heroine. She hasn’t given up on herself per se… but she put taking care of her niece and aunt as a priority, and her wants and dreams were placed on the back burner. She was so suspicious of Simon at first, and it was hilarious. But Simon eventually draws her out of her shell and reminds her what a sensual and beautiful woman she is. I’m gonna ugly cry again just thinking about it.
Honestly, you’ll laugh, cry and sigh for Simon and Violet!!
Annabelle Anders writes another story that made me feel all the feels!! I love the all fabulous couples she gives life to, and her storylines always pulls at my heartstrings. Totally the reason why she’s one of my keeper shelf authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
Trope: In Disguise, Close Proximity, Enemies to lovers-ish, and Spinster.
The Regency Cocky Gents series has my heart… each and everyone of of the heroes!! But Blackheart’s story was my most anticipated book… and this one did not disappoint!! I wanted to savor it coz it was the last… but I gobbled it up word for word until the wee hours of the morning. I couldn’t put it down!! And at the end I was a blubbering, puffy eyed, ugly cry mess… but I didn’t care because it was such a beautiful book hangover!! Le sigh… great ending to an amazing series.
Simon… aka Mr Cockfield… aka Duke of Blackheart… Omigosh I am so in love with this hero. In the other books he was so beautifully stoic that I knew it would take a special lady to loosen him up a bit… and Violet definitely kept him on his toes. He is a man who has endured a lot, but has a lot of love to give. It makes me happy that Violet loves Simon, first and foremost, and doesn’t give a fig about his title.
Violet was an interesting heroine. She hasn’t given up on herself per se… but she put taking care of her niece and aunt as a priority, and her wants and dreams were placed on the back burner. She was so suspicious of Simon at first, and it was hilarious. But Simon eventually draws her out of her shell and reminds her what a sensual and beautiful woman she is. I’m gonna ugly cry again just thinking about it.
Honestly, you’ll laugh, cry and sigh for Simon and Violet!!
Annabelle Anders writes another story that made me feel all the feels!! I love the all fabulous couples she gives life to, and her storylines always pulls at my heartstrings. Totally the reason why she’s one of my keeper shelf authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My Star Rating: 5 stars
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were freaken amazeballs. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will definitely be reading this story over and over and over again!!
February 3, 2023
The book was on the way to be another 5 star read by Annabelle Anders, lots of banter, funny situations, funny plot with the duke acting as butler - but then the author's bad research messed up.
My pet-peeve is failing or not researched timelines. Around 1820 Violet's fiancé sets off to India to fight.... is missed in action, cannot be found, and 3 months later she and his parents are informed of his death. THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE. In those times he would travel by ship and that took 6 months one way. So after 6 months the soldiers would arrive in Mumbay/India, go into battle, he disappears, searchparty, not found, a missive to England takes another 6 months. One year at the earliest the news of his missing/death would have arrived in London.
In 1835 a mailservice was established, that delivered mail from London to Mumbay in 90 days, even nowadays the sea route from Europe to India takes 48 days + 48 back = 96 days = more than three months and that without being dependent on good wind.
Later in the book around 1830 the Duke of Coventry (her former fiancé's uncle) is making inquiries into his nephew's death (he needs an heir as his two sons died), a former soldier comes forward and reports on having seen him two years ago in India, a week later the "dead" fiancé appears in her cousin's garden and comes calling on Violet the next day. That is fast even for our time and travelling by plane.
Another issue was her getting deflowered by her fiancé a day before he left for India. Even a virgin was aware she might get pregnant and with the fiancé out of reach a swift wedding was not possible. When she does the deed with Simon ....??? she was willing to marry the butler.
Otherwise it was an entertaining read with several side plots, not one but two HEA, and several loose ends. What happened to the former fiancé, the cocky gents suspected him to be an imposter? Did Posy get her HEA, living in London or in the country?
I especially liked how the author broaches the issue of classes, servants and masters, the development from stuck-up spinster to loving, caring spinster who was willing to trade her lonely spinsterhood for a live with a butler.
My pet-peeve is failing or not researched timelines. Around 1820 Violet's fiancé sets off to India to fight.... is missed in action, cannot be found, and 3 months later she and his parents are informed of his death. THAT IS NOT POSSIBLE. In those times he would travel by ship and that took 6 months one way. So after 6 months the soldiers would arrive in Mumbay/India, go into battle, he disappears, searchparty, not found, a missive to England takes another 6 months. One year at the earliest the news of his missing/death would have arrived in London.
In 1835 a mailservice was established, that delivered mail from London to Mumbay in 90 days, even nowadays the sea route from Europe to India takes 48 days + 48 back = 96 days = more than three months and that without being dependent on good wind.
Later in the book around 1830 the Duke of Coventry (her former fiancé's uncle) is making inquiries into his nephew's death (he needs an heir as his two sons died), a former soldier comes forward and reports on having seen him two years ago in India, a week later the "dead" fiancé appears in her cousin's garden and comes calling on Violet the next day. That is fast even for our time and travelling by plane.
Another issue was her getting deflowered by her fiancé a day before he left for India. Even a virgin was aware she might get pregnant and with the fiancé out of reach a swift wedding was not possible. When she does the deed with Simon ....??? she was willing to marry the butler.
Otherwise it was an entertaining read with several side plots, not one but two HEA, and several loose ends. What happened to the former fiancé, the cocky gents suspected him to be an imposter? Did Posy get her HEA, living in London or in the country?
I especially liked how the author broaches the issue of classes, servants and masters, the development from stuck-up spinster to loving, caring spinster who was willing to trade her lonely spinsterhood for a live with a butler.
January 26, 2026
🌶️ Okay, the main series ends on a high note… though I still wonder what’s up with Blackheart’s network of spies and bodyguards that he utilizes so effectively, because that’s not answered.
Violet is charming, if horribly disbelieving she has worth. The reason, however, is very weak- a previous fiancé who supposedly died while serving in the Army who made a crappy comment? I’m sure he’d been debasing to her more than just that one demeaning sentence spoken.
The dead fiancé and that side plot is poorly done and laughable- and barely a blip in the story, when it’s hinted at being part of some big dramatic arc but nope, it could have easily be left out and you’d not even notice it missing. It’s a shame because the big third act “misunderstanding” is also pretty weak. As we have no real fallout there is no weight to the characters gaining their happily ever after. Especially as this series likes to throw some higher stakes into the mix (like in Mantis and Felicity’s story and how often their lives were at risk). Blackheart and Violet’s biggest hurdle is Blackheart’s loss of honor if he were to break the terms of his stint as Greys’s butler yet still demand to marry the woman he wanted rather than allow Greys to choose for him.
Yeah… reach the end and it’s just a bit lackluster. Still, I do love Simon and Violet as a couple more than most of the other pairings.
Will I go to read the last few books now that the cocky gents have all been covered? Nope. Not interested. Not that the last couple of books (consisting of side characters met or are mentioned along the way) are not worth taking a chance on, but I’ve no interest in those character’s stories and, after binging the series up to this point, I am overloaded with stories sharing how every guy in this friend group each compromised the honor of the girl they wind up marrying in the end. For each gent insisting how duty-bound they are and how a lady isn’t treated thusly, they each manage to step over that line in one form or another. At least Chase and Bethany’s story was due to an actual mistake, but yeah, it’s too much of a rinse/repeat formula in the end.
Violet is charming, if horribly disbelieving she has worth. The reason, however, is very weak- a previous fiancé who supposedly died while serving in the Army who made a crappy comment? I’m sure he’d been debasing to her more than just that one demeaning sentence spoken.
The dead fiancé and that side plot is poorly done and laughable- and barely a blip in the story, when it’s hinted at being part of some big dramatic arc but nope, it could have easily be left out and you’d not even notice it missing. It’s a shame because the big third act “misunderstanding” is also pretty weak. As we have no real fallout there is no weight to the characters gaining their happily ever after. Especially as this series likes to throw some higher stakes into the mix (like in Mantis and Felicity’s story and how often their lives were at risk). Blackheart and Violet’s biggest hurdle is Blackheart’s loss of honor if he were to break the terms of his stint as Greys’s butler yet still demand to marry the woman he wanted rather than allow Greys to choose for him.
Yeah… reach the end and it’s just a bit lackluster. Still, I do love Simon and Violet as a couple more than most of the other pairings.
Will I go to read the last few books now that the cocky gents have all been covered? Nope. Not interested. Not that the last couple of books (consisting of side characters met or are mentioned along the way) are not worth taking a chance on, but I’ve no interest in those character’s stories and, after binging the series up to this point, I am overloaded with stories sharing how every guy in this friend group each compromised the honor of the girl they wind up marrying in the end. For each gent insisting how duty-bound they are and how a lady isn’t treated thusly, they each manage to step over that line in one form or another. At least Chase and Bethany’s story was due to an actual mistake, but yeah, it’s too much of a rinse/repeat formula in the end.
September 11, 2021
Like everyone who has been reading this series, I was eagerly awaiting this particular installment. We already knew why Simon, the Duke of Blackheart was playing butler for his friend, but we didn’t really know him very well.
There were clues in the last installment, since it took place in the household Blackheart was butlering at—he was heading for his HEA with Violet Faraday, prickly spinster cousin to Greystone. Signs pointed in that direction, but the story of Greys and Diana didn’t give more than a peek.
Well, the full story of Simon and Violet was much sweeter than I expected. Violet is prickly for a few reasons and Simon has more depth than we had seen in previous books. He was always an intriguing character, and that’s why we were so impatient for his book. At the end of the last book, some of us might have wondered “Violet? Really?”
Yes, really. I’m not going to spoil the book by detailing the story, since it’s such a lovely story you should experience it in real time, without the preview. However, I’ll tell you that this was a satisfying wrap up to this cast of characters, and I’m really hoping that they make guest appearances in future books. There are certainly some unexplored possibilities in Simon’s sister Lucinda and Lord Captain Christopher Donovan’s story is too fishy to just abandon.
As usual with this author, the characters have sex. If you prefer clean, you probably haven’t read any of the other books, so don’t read this one either. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you’ll be better of starting at the start so you can follow all of the relationships between the characters. There are a lot of them (this is book 6 in the series, but there are a couple of other stories set among this group too), but it’s worth starting at the beginning, with Cocky Earl. You’ll enjoy them all, and bonus, you won’t have to wait months for the grand finale like I did!
There were clues in the last installment, since it took place in the household Blackheart was butlering at—he was heading for his HEA with Violet Faraday, prickly spinster cousin to Greystone. Signs pointed in that direction, but the story of Greys and Diana didn’t give more than a peek.
Well, the full story of Simon and Violet was much sweeter than I expected. Violet is prickly for a few reasons and Simon has more depth than we had seen in previous books. He was always an intriguing character, and that’s why we were so impatient for his book. At the end of the last book, some of us might have wondered “Violet? Really?”
Yes, really. I’m not going to spoil the book by detailing the story, since it’s such a lovely story you should experience it in real time, without the preview. However, I’ll tell you that this was a satisfying wrap up to this cast of characters, and I’m really hoping that they make guest appearances in future books. There are certainly some unexplored possibilities in Simon’s sister Lucinda and Lord Captain Christopher Donovan’s story is too fishy to just abandon.
As usual with this author, the characters have sex. If you prefer clean, you probably haven’t read any of the other books, so don’t read this one either. If you haven’t read the previous books in the series, you’ll be better of starting at the start so you can follow all of the relationships between the characters. There are a lot of them (this is book 6 in the series, but there are a couple of other stories set among this group too), but it’s worth starting at the beginning, with Cocky Earl. You’ll enjoy them all, and bonus, you won’t have to wait months for the grand finale like I did!
September 14, 2021
His Grace the butler chases the starchy spinster
Steamy romance; affair between His Grace Simon Cockfield, Duke of Blackheart, butler of Greys with Miss Violet Faraday, a spinster whose fiance never returned from war; Violet is visiting her cousin Marquess of Greystone to chaperone Posy with their aunt Idris. Violet immediately notices that the butler Mr. Cockfield seems either too proper or too improper. He is altogether too charming, too efficient and knows too much. They get to know each other more at the One-Legged Duck pub after she is more comfortable with him. Violet decides to have a discreet affair with the butler although it would be totally scandalous. Simon Cockfield enjoys interacting with a woman who accepts him without knowledge of his title. He is posing as a butler after losing a bet with Greys saying that Lord Jules (first name), Earl of Westerley, would secure Charley's consent to marriage within a day. Charley is a redheaded woman. Violet worries about Posy and what to do about Violet's fiance Christopher who suddenly returns. Simon wants to offer for her since Violet and Simon have started an affair. The wager, Posy's dilemma with a love that cannot say its name, and Christopher's return. Matters are finally resolved. His Grace Blackheart proposes to Violet at statue of Achilles with the bare naked truth. The extended epilogue contains a lot of wrapups from preceding books. Miss Collette Jones' future husband is revealed. Naturally there is a big Christmas party with everybody showing up with children. Simon, his siblings, Greys with the former Miss Diana Jones, Lord and Lady Westerley (Jules and Charley),Lord and Lady Chadwick (Chase and Bethany), Stone and Tabatha (sister to Bethany), Peter Stone (brother-in-law of Tabetha ) and Minerva , Mantis and Felicity, etc (Character name misspellings and confusion are mine and good and bad help of the dinky keyboard). 🙃
Steamy romance; affair between His Grace Simon Cockfield, Duke of Blackheart, butler of Greys with Miss Violet Faraday, a spinster whose fiance never returned from war; Violet is visiting her cousin Marquess of Greystone to chaperone Posy with their aunt Idris. Violet immediately notices that the butler Mr. Cockfield seems either too proper or too improper. He is altogether too charming, too efficient and knows too much. They get to know each other more at the One-Legged Duck pub after she is more comfortable with him. Violet decides to have a discreet affair with the butler although it would be totally scandalous. Simon Cockfield enjoys interacting with a woman who accepts him without knowledge of his title. He is posing as a butler after losing a bet with Greys saying that Lord Jules (first name), Earl of Westerley, would secure Charley's consent to marriage within a day. Charley is a redheaded woman. Violet worries about Posy and what to do about Violet's fiance Christopher who suddenly returns. Simon wants to offer for her since Violet and Simon have started an affair. The wager, Posy's dilemma with a love that cannot say its name, and Christopher's return. Matters are finally resolved. His Grace Blackheart proposes to Violet at statue of Achilles with the bare naked truth. The extended epilogue contains a lot of wrapups from preceding books. Miss Collette Jones' future husband is revealed. Naturally there is a big Christmas party with everybody showing up with children. Simon, his siblings, Greys with the former Miss Diana Jones, Lord and Lady Westerley (Jules and Charley),Lord and Lady Chadwick (Chase and Bethany), Stone and Tabatha (sister to Bethany), Peter Stone (brother-in-law of Tabetha ) and Minerva , Mantis and Felicity, etc (Character name misspellings and confusion are mine and good and bad help of the dinky keyboard). 🙃
September 12, 2021
I've read all the stories in the series and I was looking forward to this one most of all. To think a Duke having to perform as a Butler during the whole Season because he lost a bet.
I must admit I've looked forward to other series books by other author's to be very disappointed. Many times it's like the character had a personality change - BUT NOT IN THIS ONE! This was everything I hoped for in this story and more.
The Butler/Duke performs his duties but can't help but give his opinion all the time - because that is what Duke's do. He runs up against the cousin of his friend he is playing Butler too. She thinks he is the worse Butler ever, but her cousin thinks he is absolutely the best Butler he's had. Oh, the banter is exceptional and kept me laughing throughout.
We do have a side story of a fiancé of the h lost in a war and presumed dead. That was the only lose end for me. Nothing was mentioned of his reaction or what was in the Will to make him seek the h out.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5 and described a few times. Since I loved this couple, it was filled with passion and love.
There is a misunderstanding and I liked how it was handled. If you read the series, it was nice having cross over character's come back and interact at the end. We are treated to 2 epilogues. This needed the second epilogue 2.5 years in the future. Plus you didn't have to download the second epilogue - oh how I dislike when I have to do that. This is a stand alone story but you'll enjoy the whole series.
Great character's, humor, suspense, twists - especially with the niece, romance, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA and spice.
I was given an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
I must admit I've looked forward to other series books by other author's to be very disappointed. Many times it's like the character had a personality change - BUT NOT IN THIS ONE! This was everything I hoped for in this story and more.
The Butler/Duke performs his duties but can't help but give his opinion all the time - because that is what Duke's do. He runs up against the cousin of his friend he is playing Butler too. She thinks he is the worse Butler ever, but her cousin thinks he is absolutely the best Butler he's had. Oh, the banter is exceptional and kept me laughing throughout.
We do have a side story of a fiancé of the h lost in a war and presumed dead. That was the only lose end for me. Nothing was mentioned of his reaction or what was in the Will to make him seek the h out.
There is lovemaking outside of marriage, heat level 5 out of 5 and described a few times. Since I loved this couple, it was filled with passion and love.
There is a misunderstanding and I liked how it was handled. If you read the series, it was nice having cross over character's come back and interact at the end. We are treated to 2 epilogues. This needed the second epilogue 2.5 years in the future. Plus you didn't have to download the second epilogue - oh how I dislike when I have to do that. This is a stand alone story but you'll enjoy the whole series.
Great character's, humor, suspense, twists - especially with the niece, romance, no cheating, no cliffhanger, HEA and spice.
I was given an advanced copy. All opinions are my own and freely given. (ljb)
September 13, 2021
The sparkling ending of a wonderful series!
Being a big fan of this awesome series, I was waiting for the “butler” book very anxiously… And I wasn’t disappointed at all! The “duke turned butler” may be the best hero of the entire Cocky Gents series. He was already an intriguing character in the previous book, Cocky Marquess, but of course he sparkles in this one. Simon is witty, strong and above all honorable, and he’s always hoped to be loved for himself, not for his title. So maybe this ruse can be eye-opening for him… The heroine, Violet, is a spinster who has given up hope to be loved and have a family of her own, so she’s dedicated her life to rising her niece, Posy (By the way, Posy’s side story is quite interesting in its own right). That is, until she feels an alarming attraction to her cousin’s butler…
Annabelle Anders is definitely one of my favorite writers. She is so very good at analyzing her characters’ minds, their worries, their inner lives! They come alive in the page and you start suffering with them, loving with them, feeling what they feel. And I simple ADORE the world she built in this series, the interwoven stories, the characters that popped up in various books waiting to have their happily ever after… And I know she’s not done with it. Her new series, Miss Primm’s Secret School for Budding Bluestockings, is linked to this one and I really hope to see some of the characters I’ve learned to love make an appearance…
Just one last thing: yes, this is a series, but each book can be truly read as a stand-alone. I read some of them out of order and I loved them all the same.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Being a big fan of this awesome series, I was waiting for the “butler” book very anxiously… And I wasn’t disappointed at all! The “duke turned butler” may be the best hero of the entire Cocky Gents series. He was already an intriguing character in the previous book, Cocky Marquess, but of course he sparkles in this one. Simon is witty, strong and above all honorable, and he’s always hoped to be loved for himself, not for his title. So maybe this ruse can be eye-opening for him… The heroine, Violet, is a spinster who has given up hope to be loved and have a family of her own, so she’s dedicated her life to rising her niece, Posy (By the way, Posy’s side story is quite interesting in its own right). That is, until she feels an alarming attraction to her cousin’s butler…
Annabelle Anders is definitely one of my favorite writers. She is so very good at analyzing her characters’ minds, their worries, their inner lives! They come alive in the page and you start suffering with them, loving with them, feeling what they feel. And I simple ADORE the world she built in this series, the interwoven stories, the characters that popped up in various books waiting to have their happily ever after… And I know she’s not done with it. Her new series, Miss Primm’s Secret School for Budding Bluestockings, is linked to this one and I really hope to see some of the characters I’ve learned to love make an appearance…
Just one last thing: yes, this is a series, but each book can be truly read as a stand-alone. I read some of them out of order and I loved them all the same.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
September 12, 2021
What can we learn from this story?
Lesson 1 - Never make a crazy bet when you and your friends are drunk.
Lesson 2 - Never let a jerk of a fiancé make you feel bad about yourself.
Simon Cockfield (aka the Duke of Blackheart) must pose as the butler to his friend Greystone. This comes at a time when Greys is also hosting his cousins and aunt to bring out Posy, his young cousin's come out. Posy has come to London with her aunt Violet, a spinster since her fiancé had disappeared in India.
Violet, has accepted her status as a spinster, never even trying to find a husband after losing her fiancé. She is uptight and only concerned with making sure her niece Posy finds a good match. When Posy seems to be spending too much time with Mr Cockfield, the butler, Violet gets concerned and tries to separate them
Mr Cockfield is in a unique situation, he finds himself attracted to Violet and she seems to return the affection and he is able to actually interact with a woman who is interested in the man and not the title.
This is a lovely ending story to this entire series. Two people who hoped for love but never thought they'd find it come together with a secret romance that could never happen if Simon was really a butler. The only question was, would Violet walk away once she finds that she has been lied to (even if it was a lie of omission).
I loved this story between two people who find love and get their happily ever after.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
Lesson 1 - Never make a crazy bet when you and your friends are drunk.
Lesson 2 - Never let a jerk of a fiancé make you feel bad about yourself.
Simon Cockfield (aka the Duke of Blackheart) must pose as the butler to his friend Greystone. This comes at a time when Greys is also hosting his cousins and aunt to bring out Posy, his young cousin's come out. Posy has come to London with her aunt Violet, a spinster since her fiancé had disappeared in India.
Violet, has accepted her status as a spinster, never even trying to find a husband after losing her fiancé. She is uptight and only concerned with making sure her niece Posy finds a good match. When Posy seems to be spending too much time with Mr Cockfield, the butler, Violet gets concerned and tries to separate them
Mr Cockfield is in a unique situation, he finds himself attracted to Violet and she seems to return the affection and he is able to actually interact with a woman who is interested in the man and not the title.
This is a lovely ending story to this entire series. Two people who hoped for love but never thought they'd find it come together with a secret romance that could never happen if Simon was really a butler. The only question was, would Violet walk away once she finds that she has been lied to (even if it was a lie of omission).
I loved this story between two people who find love and get their happily ever after.
I received an advanced copy of this book in return for an honest review.
September 13, 2021
I want to start by saying I've read every book (and spin-off) in the Regency Cocky Gents series and loved them all. Needless to say, I was anxiously awaiting Cocky Butler. While I definitely think you can read this as a standalone, I highly suggest you start at the beginning. It was because of Simon, the "butler"/duke's advice and presence in the first books that had me dying for a happy ending for him, too!
That being said, this story was an incredibly entertaining read. You as the reader are in on the joke from the very beginning - Simon, Duke of Blackheart, lost a wager and is now acting as his friend Greys' butler (in secret) for the season. Violet, Greys' cousin is in town for the season launching her niece, Posy. Violet is hilariously skeptical of the butler. Sometimes with tropes like these, I get frustrated - "Just tell them the truth already!" - but in this one, the secret is so important to their coming together that it was just perfect.
There are all the usual perks to reading an Annabelle Anders story - impeccable writing, engaging characters, tons of chemistry. And for those who have read the entire series, she's added a "bonus epilogue" for the series, too. I highly recommend you read this one!
That being said, this story was an incredibly entertaining read. You as the reader are in on the joke from the very beginning - Simon, Duke of Blackheart, lost a wager and is now acting as his friend Greys' butler (in secret) for the season. Violet, Greys' cousin is in town for the season launching her niece, Posy. Violet is hilariously skeptical of the butler. Sometimes with tropes like these, I get frustrated - "Just tell them the truth already!" - but in this one, the secret is so important to their coming together that it was just perfect.
There are all the usual perks to reading an Annabelle Anders story - impeccable writing, engaging characters, tons of chemistry. And for those who have read the entire series, she's added a "bonus epilogue" for the series, too. I highly recommend you read this one!
September 14, 2021
SPECTACULAR!!! MY FAVORITE IN THE SERIES!!!!! Cocky Butler by Annabelle Anders is book 7 in the Cocky Gents series and is my very favorite to date. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. Simon has to be the sexist of all the characters and is my new heart throb! Annabelle is such an amazing writer and her book are just a true joy to read. They are witty, romantic and they give you the true feeling of the regency era. They are also so very east to read. What I loved most was the chemistry between Simon and Violet but also the chemistry between all the female characters that Simon had in contact. His wisdom, no nonsense, mystery and wit is defiantly one of the greatest of all time. Can you tell how much I loved this book?! This story has a duke playing a butler, a losing bet, a lady that lost her fiancé years ago, taking in her sister’s orphaned daughter to be debuted, the debutant that does not want a husband and has a secret, a loving family, misunderstandings, thinking the worst, secret rendezvous and yes, falling in love with a butler!!!! This book has it all and I am highly recommending you read this book. Annabelle Anders never disappoints!!!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
September 16, 2021
Gah, I’ve been waiting and waiting for Cocky Butler, but, in a way I’m sad because this is the final novel in this series and I will miss my Cocky Gents! They are so dear to me!
I enjoyed so much about this story and Mr. Simon Cockfield (AKA Duke of Blackheart) as Grey’s butler has taken caring for Grey’s family very seriously and cares for Grey’s elderly Aunt Iris, Grey’s spinster cousin, Miss Violet Faraday and Violet’s niece Lady Posey Marsden. He’s a caretaker, but very much a commanding man who lost a bet and being Grey’s butler is his lot for the season.
I love Violet and Simon together. Even though there is a bit of deception on Simon’s part because of the wager, I LOVE that Violet kind of knows that Simon isn’t just a butler and I love that Simon asks Violet to trust him. Also, a big shout out to this author for Posy’s side story! I felt it was amazing and positive and Violet’s love shone through, but her worries were valid, but all in all, it was a beautiful and inclusive addition to the story. This ending was just the best thing ever and the bonus bonus epilogue warmed my heart, but I’ll still miss my gents, their ladies and the whole family!
I enjoyed so much about this story and Mr. Simon Cockfield (AKA Duke of Blackheart) as Grey’s butler has taken caring for Grey’s family very seriously and cares for Grey’s elderly Aunt Iris, Grey’s spinster cousin, Miss Violet Faraday and Violet’s niece Lady Posey Marsden. He’s a caretaker, but very much a commanding man who lost a bet and being Grey’s butler is his lot for the season.
I love Violet and Simon together. Even though there is a bit of deception on Simon’s part because of the wager, I LOVE that Violet kind of knows that Simon isn’t just a butler and I love that Simon asks Violet to trust him. Also, a big shout out to this author for Posy’s side story! I felt it was amazing and positive and Violet’s love shone through, but her worries were valid, but all in all, it was a beautiful and inclusive addition to the story. This ending was just the best thing ever and the bonus bonus epilogue warmed my heart, but I’ll still miss my gents, their ladies and the whole family!
September 14, 2021
Romance to the nth degree. WOW! I wondered how Annabelle was going to pull off Simon because I thought of him as a bit arrogant. Well, let me say that she did an amazing job and really blew me away with his caring and kindness towards everyone. He cannot let on that he is a duke (you know, gentleman’s word and all) so he is torn between his attraction to Violet and his duties as a duke. I was brought into this world where dukes can be butlers and spinsters learn that love is always over the horizon. Simon and Violet’s interactions are so wonderfully written and elegantly told. Their love grew naturally and even though Violet was confused by him, she loved him with all that she had. One of my favorite scenes is at the statue of Achilles with Violet and Simon talking while he is…well you will have to read it to see how romantic it is. I thought I would get through a book without tears flowing but damn it Annabelle, you slew me again. An amazing book to end the series.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
I received a complimentary copy from the author.
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