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Marrying for Love #1
The Duke's Secret
A woman determined to hide, a duke determined to fulfill his duty, and a London Season where neither expects to fall in love.
Miss Emma Gray has always known she is a burden to her aunt and uncle. Her only source of comfort is her sweet cousin for whom she acts as chaperone and companion. Enduring a London Season seems daunting, but with matrimony far from her mind, she is content to hide in the shadows until the season is over.
James Berkeley, Duke of Cheshire, is the most eligible bachelor in London. At least, he would be if he had any intention to wed. Before he can think about matrimony, he has a secret and solemn duty he must fulfill. The last two London Seasons have come to naught; he is hoping a third will hold more promise, allowing him to solve a mystery and regain his freedom once and for all.
James is intrigued when he meets the beautiful Miss Gray; she is elusive, mysterious, and cares little that he is a duke. But when James discovers Miss Gray could be the very woman he is honor-bound to find, he is torn between duty and desire. She might be the key to solving all of his problems, but he’d rather she be the key to his heart. And one thing is certain: she cannot be both.
Miss Emma Gray has always known she is a burden to her aunt and uncle. Her only source of comfort is her sweet cousin for whom she acts as chaperone and companion. Enduring a London Season seems daunting, but with matrimony far from her mind, she is content to hide in the shadows until the season is over.
James Berkeley, Duke of Cheshire, is the most eligible bachelor in London. At least, he would be if he had any intention to wed. Before he can think about matrimony, he has a secret and solemn duty he must fulfill. The last two London Seasons have come to naught; he is hoping a third will hold more promise, allowing him to solve a mystery and regain his freedom once and for all.
James is intrigued when he meets the beautiful Miss Gray; she is elusive, mysterious, and cares little that he is a duke. But when James discovers Miss Gray could be the very woman he is honor-bound to find, he is torn between duty and desire. She might be the key to solving all of his problems, but he’d rather she be the key to his heart. And one thing is certain: she cannot be both.
392 pages, Kindle Edition
Published June 1, 2021
158 people are currently reading
298 people want to read
About the author
Allie Kensington
11 books130 followersOnce upon a time Allie fell in love, quite by accident. She was blinded by a deep friendship, which happened to be the perfect recipe for a love match to grow right under her nose, without her noticing.
The Regency era speaks to her with its rules, etiquette, and charm. Of course, the top hats and cravats are sure winners. She can quote the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with 98% accuracy, plays the pianoforte with moderate proficiency, and has an affinity for the beneficial exercise of walking.
Allie is a famous author--at least in her own home--where her very own Mr. Darcy dotes on her and where their children play without the supervision of a governess.
Claim a FREE book from Allie - exclusively for her Regency Reader's Club at https://smarturl.it/akfreebookgr
The Regency era speaks to her with its rules, etiquette, and charm. Of course, the top hats and cravats are sure winners. She can quote the BBC version of Pride and Prejudice with 98% accuracy, plays the pianoforte with moderate proficiency, and has an affinity for the beneficial exercise of walking.
Allie is a famous author--at least in her own home--where her very own Mr. Darcy dotes on her and where their children play without the supervision of a governess.
Claim a FREE book from Allie - exclusively for her Regency Reader's Club at https://smarturl.it/akfreebookgr
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 89 reviews
June 3, 2021
This book was exactly what I was looking for—romance, witty banter, some unexpected plot twists that kept me turning pages. I loved the characters, especially the swoon-worthy duke. I can’t wait to read more by this author!
September 10, 2023
This was quite disappointing if i’m being honest with myself. The buildup for the big secret lasted for 95% of the book which just didn’t sit right with me
May 14, 2024
Enjoyed this one quite a bit! I liked both James and Emma, and I found both of their motivations compelling, without coming off as just stubbornness for the sake of stubbornness or drama for the sake of drama. I felt bad for Emma with everything she'd endured in her uncle's house, and I loved the way Mary treated her like an equal and a friend in spite of everything. I enjoyed the interactions we got to see between James and his sister, and I loved his friendship with Charles. There were a few grammar issues that I noticed, but I thought the period feel was done really well, which I appreciated a lot. :D
October 7, 2024
I enjoyed this regency romance. The Duke in this story was ambiguous, as it appeared at first he was gracious and kind, then we learn he was malicious and vengeful. When he forms an attachment to the heroine, he nonetheless wreaks his revenge on her father, which of course affects her. It takes time, and rightly so, for the heroine to learn to trust that he has had a change of heart, a spiritual awakening to the fruitlessness of revenge, and a repentance.
March 2, 2022
3.5* This will have spoilers for not only, The Dukes Secret, but also for, A Spy’s Devotion by Melanie Dickerson.
Before I begin, I would like to say I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought it was well written, if not a bit over detailed at times. But over all, it was a sweet, clean, romance.
However, when I first read the blurb for The Dukes Secret, I couldn’t help feeling like I’d read the story before. I went back to other books in my list and remembered A Spy’s Devotion, by Melanie Dickerson (written a few years earlier than The Duke’s Secret). In both books there were the following similarities:
💠Both main female characters were named Miss Gray. (Different first names)
💠Both had Miss Gray living with her aunt and uncle as a companion to her cousin and having her an orphan.
💠Both had an uncle that treated Miss Gray with disdain. The uncle even forced Miss Gray to try and convince the main male character to fall in love with her cousin in both books, but they ended up falling in love with each other in the process.
💠Both had the cousin and Miss Gray as the best of friends. Miss Gray did everything to make her cousin happy, and her cousin did everything to get Miss Gray nice things from her father. One had them remain close throughout the entirety of the story, while the other had them never speaking to each other again once all was revealed.
💠Both books had a main male character that “supposedly” had financial problems. The only difference was one was a Duke and the other a Lieutenant in the Kings Army. The Duke ended up having money, where the Lieutenant got a reward at the end making him rich.
💠Both had Miss Gray as poor with no dowry to speak of and nothing to offer a suitor.
💠They each had some kind of search for someone. The Duke was looking for Miss Gray, the Lieutenant was trying to find a spy for the French army. This was where the story veered off on its own, which was great.
💠Both have Miss Gray ending with a small fortune. One from inheritance, one from a reward from the prince regent.
💠Both had Miss Gray leaving London to become a teacher in a girls school. Although in A Spy’s Devotion, she becomes a Governess instead of a teacher, but then tries to get a job as a teacher when she is pursued by the man of the house.
💠The main male character chased after Miss Gray a few weeks after she left London.
💠Miss Gray was a phenomenal pianist in both books .
There were a few more similarities, but also some differences. The main storyline ended up with enough differences that I found myself enjoying the book, even though I kept comparing the two throughout. The main point of The Dukes Secret was that he needed to find Miss Gray to give her her fathers inheritance that had been kept a secret from everyone because the uncle, who was in debt, would have stolen it. A Spy’s Devotion was about the Lieutenant discovering Miss Gray’s uncle was a spy, had no money, and the Lieutenant ended up needing to rescue her from some kind of hardship.
All in all, I would recommend, The Duke’s Secret, to others. Like I said before, it had enough differences to mostly make it its own story. I do look forward to the next book in the series and have added it to my TBR list.
Before I begin, I would like to say I enjoyed the story and the characters. I thought it was well written, if not a bit over detailed at times. But over all, it was a sweet, clean, romance.
However, when I first read the blurb for The Dukes Secret, I couldn’t help feeling like I’d read the story before. I went back to other books in my list and remembered A Spy’s Devotion, by Melanie Dickerson (written a few years earlier than The Duke’s Secret). In both books there were the following similarities:
💠Both main female characters were named Miss Gray. (Different first names)
💠Both had Miss Gray living with her aunt and uncle as a companion to her cousin and having her an orphan.
💠Both had an uncle that treated Miss Gray with disdain. The uncle even forced Miss Gray to try and convince the main male character to fall in love with her cousin in both books, but they ended up falling in love with each other in the process.
💠Both had the cousin and Miss Gray as the best of friends. Miss Gray did everything to make her cousin happy, and her cousin did everything to get Miss Gray nice things from her father. One had them remain close throughout the entirety of the story, while the other had them never speaking to each other again once all was revealed.
💠Both books had a main male character that “supposedly” had financial problems. The only difference was one was a Duke and the other a Lieutenant in the Kings Army. The Duke ended up having money, where the Lieutenant got a reward at the end making him rich.
💠Both had Miss Gray as poor with no dowry to speak of and nothing to offer a suitor.
💠They each had some kind of search for someone. The Duke was looking for Miss Gray, the Lieutenant was trying to find a spy for the French army. This was where the story veered off on its own, which was great.
💠Both have Miss Gray ending with a small fortune. One from inheritance, one from a reward from the prince regent.
💠Both had Miss Gray leaving London to become a teacher in a girls school. Although in A Spy’s Devotion, she becomes a Governess instead of a teacher, but then tries to get a job as a teacher when she is pursued by the man of the house.
💠The main male character chased after Miss Gray a few weeks after she left London.
💠Miss Gray was a phenomenal pianist in both books .
There were a few more similarities, but also some differences. The main storyline ended up with enough differences that I found myself enjoying the book, even though I kept comparing the two throughout. The main point of The Dukes Secret was that he needed to find Miss Gray to give her her fathers inheritance that had been kept a secret from everyone because the uncle, who was in debt, would have stolen it. A Spy’s Devotion was about the Lieutenant discovering Miss Gray’s uncle was a spy, had no money, and the Lieutenant ended up needing to rescue her from some kind of hardship.
All in all, I would recommend, The Duke’s Secret, to others. Like I said before, it had enough differences to mostly make it its own story. I do look forward to the next book in the series and have added it to my TBR list.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 19, 2024
This was a very sweet story. Though I felt like the effort and prolonging of keeping the secret of Emma’s identity from her was played out way too long and hindered the story in several places. I was only half way through the book when I started wanting to scream at each and every chapter for the Duke to hurry up and TELL HER! And when he finally did it was anticlimactic because of the extreme effort taken to keep it secret for the entirety of the book.
August 14, 2023
Cute regency fluff, perfect palate cleanser for a Sunday read
November 27, 2023
I love a nice historical romance
When you're looking for one thing but you find something else you needed all along. With a great twist, too & HEA ending
When you're looking for one thing but you find something else you needed all along. With a great twist, too & HEA ending
April 10, 2025
Very sweet characters, but overall a bit slow to really keep
my attention.
my attention.
July 8, 2021
This new author has done a phenomenal job with her Regency story The Duke's Secret. I love the Regency period and so have read books by many authors for that time period. As I started this book - it literally just grabbed my attention from the first pages. The author is very good at her descriptions of places and of her characters so that as you continue to read, you become immersed in the story. She also does a wonderful job at witty banter between the H and h.
This story starts off with some mystery as James Berkeley, Duke of Cheshire, seems to be searching for a woman. He has no idea who she is but only that she is red haired so he has made it his aim to meet every new red haired woman he comes across during a Season. When he meets Miss Emma Gray she fits the description of the woman he is searching for but he needs more information. Unfortunately this woman is very close lipped and won't reveal anything about herself.
Miss Emma Gray is an orphan and has been living with her aunt and uncle for many years. Her uncle always makes sure she is aware of what a burden she has been to him. Her sweet cousin Mary has always intervened to make sure that she has had everything she needs including a wonderful wardrobe. Tasked by her uncle to be her cousin's companion during their London Season, she just wants to stay in the shadows.
That is until a very inquisitive Duke begins to show her lots of attention causing many rumors to spread about who she may be.
I look forward to what's coming next from this author as she has already introduced some wonderful secondary characters in this first book.
I read this book through KU and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good clean regency story.
This story starts off with some mystery as James Berkeley, Duke of Cheshire, seems to be searching for a woman. He has no idea who she is but only that she is red haired so he has made it his aim to meet every new red haired woman he comes across during a Season. When he meets Miss Emma Gray she fits the description of the woman he is searching for but he needs more information. Unfortunately this woman is very close lipped and won't reveal anything about herself.
Miss Emma Gray is an orphan and has been living with her aunt and uncle for many years. Her uncle always makes sure she is aware of what a burden she has been to him. Her sweet cousin Mary has always intervened to make sure that she has had everything she needs including a wonderful wardrobe. Tasked by her uncle to be her cousin's companion during their London Season, she just wants to stay in the shadows.
That is until a very inquisitive Duke begins to show her lots of attention causing many rumors to spread about who she may be.
I look forward to what's coming next from this author as she has already introduced some wonderful secondary characters in this first book.
I read this book through KU and would recommend it to anyone who loves a good clean regency story.
July 21, 2021
Emma has always felt unwanted by all except her cousin, whose companion she now is in London, and as a result, she's used to staying in the background. James, Duke of Cheshire, has been hunting for a certain red-headed lady ever since his father's death, to fulfil a promise made to his father. He first dances with Emma because of her hair colour, but soon finds her intriguing enough that he spends time with her for her own sake, though he does not feel free to marry until he can fulfil his promise. But Emma's uncle is pushing for her cousin to marry the duke, and is therefore determined to separate Emma from the duke. Can they overcome his machinations? And even if they do, will their relationship survive the duke's secret?
I loved the vast majority of this book - the characters felt like real people and I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them get to know each other. We get hints of the secret spread throughout, but when it finally comes to light, it's unexpected but not unreasonable (mostly - it seems an unnecessarily complex solution to the original problem, but that's beside the point). The problem for me was that when we got to the actual unveiling of the secret to Emma, I felt like I didn't have a clue what she was thinking or feeling, and whether what she said was serious or mocking/ironic/sarcastic. So that sort of took away from my enjoyment of the story right at the crux of the tale. Nevertheless, it's hopefully just me and I definitely hope to read more by author in future. All in all, it's an enjoyable, clean, well-written story.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
I loved the vast majority of this book - the characters felt like real people and I enjoyed getting to know them and watching them get to know each other. We get hints of the secret spread throughout, but when it finally comes to light, it's unexpected but not unreasonable (mostly - it seems an unnecessarily complex solution to the original problem, but that's beside the point). The problem for me was that when we got to the actual unveiling of the secret to Emma, I felt like I didn't have a clue what she was thinking or feeling, and whether what she said was serious or mocking/ironic/sarcastic. So that sort of took away from my enjoyment of the story right at the crux of the tale. Nevertheless, it's hopefully just me and I definitely hope to read more by author in future. All in all, it's an enjoyable, clean, well-written story.
Note that I received a complimentary copy of the book from the author. I was not required to write a positive review and this is my considered opinion of the book.
November 20, 2024
Such a fun story! Well written with a refreshingly original plot. The author does a fantastic job of keeping the reader engaged and wondering how it’s going to end. I adore the James, the Duke; Emma is a bit outspoken/unkind to the poor man but the ending is very satisfying. I look forward to reading more by this author.
I received a digital copy of this story. This is my honest opinion.
I received a digital copy of this story. This is my honest opinion.
October 25, 2021
3.5 stars. Solid story, a little too simplistic.
December 12, 2022
Wonderful story from beginning to end
The story has a slight Cinderella feel to it, but instead of a stepmother and stepsisters, Emma lives with her uncle, aunt, and cousin.
Emma has no memories of who her parents were. All she knows is that her uncle and aunt have told her they were gamblers and died with loads of unpaid debts. They changed her last name so she wouldn't bring her parents' shame on her uncle.
While in London for Season, Emma accompanies her cousin, Mary, to the balls, musicales, and other events. Emma and Mary have a very close relationship, regardless of her uncle's displeasure concerning Emma.
The Duke, James, is looking for a redheaded woman. There is a secret about the mystery woman that only he, his late father, and his solicitor have any knowledge about. He meets Emma at the opening ball of the Season, but instead of being able to dismiss her as being the mystery woman, she is a mystery herself.
Emma and James have many witty and thought-provoking interactions over the course of the season. They develop an attraction based on friendship.
The story was very enjoyable from start to finish. It was clean, brilliant, and still held within the expectations of a Regency Era story. Well done.
The story has a slight Cinderella feel to it, but instead of a stepmother and stepsisters, Emma lives with her uncle, aunt, and cousin.
Emma has no memories of who her parents were. All she knows is that her uncle and aunt have told her they were gamblers and died with loads of unpaid debts. They changed her last name so she wouldn't bring her parents' shame on her uncle.
While in London for Season, Emma accompanies her cousin, Mary, to the balls, musicales, and other events. Emma and Mary have a very close relationship, regardless of her uncle's displeasure concerning Emma.
The Duke, James, is looking for a redheaded woman. There is a secret about the mystery woman that only he, his late father, and his solicitor have any knowledge about. He meets Emma at the opening ball of the Season, but instead of being able to dismiss her as being the mystery woman, she is a mystery herself.
Emma and James have many witty and thought-provoking interactions over the course of the season. They develop an attraction based on friendship.
The story was very enjoyable from start to finish. It was clean, brilliant, and still held within the expectations of a Regency Era story. Well done.
October 28, 2024
Overall, this is a good, sweet Regency romance. I liked the character development of all the main characters. The pacing was great and the ending was brilliant. It is probably the best ending I've read in a very long time.
The reason I am not giving this a 5 star rating? The first reason is the repetition of ideas. I can't tell you how many times in exactly the same the FMC says that she's worthless. Or that the MMC feels bad about his secret. I get that these are major issues carried throughout the book, but I think finding other ways to express them would have made it better.
The second reason is that I feel the hints to the Duke's secret were too small and far between. I feel like there was just this amazing info dump at the end when the secret is revealed, and there could have been more information given along the way. The reader is given some, and the scenes between the Duke and his solicitor are good, but there was not enough information given as to what they were talking about for me.
The reason I am not giving this a 5 star rating? The first reason is the repetition of ideas. I can't tell you how many times in exactly the same the FMC says that she's worthless. Or that the MMC feels bad about his secret. I get that these are major issues carried throughout the book, but I think finding other ways to express them would have made it better.
The second reason is that I feel the hints to the Duke's secret were too small and far between. I feel like there was just this amazing info dump at the end when the secret is revealed, and there could have been more information given along the way. The reader is given some, and the scenes between the Duke and his solicitor are good, but there was not enough information given as to what they were talking about for me.
May 26, 2021
Romance, sweet, period;
Lovely sweet romance between Emma and James (the Duke!). James' determination to fulfill a secret duty from his father was a lovely sweet romance. Emma's duty to her domineering Uncle, Aunt, and her cousin had them both dancing around each other as James gradually discovers Emma's true identity. Emma as she tries to steer James towards her cousin at her Uncle's commands, can't keep her heart from falling. James, held back by his duty to his station and title, watches, waits, and hopes. Social niceties, balls, stolen moments, and a sweet HEA.
I know I'll read more by this author. A subtle period romance, with well-drawn characters and beautiful settings made this a perfect read for me.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
Lovely sweet romance between Emma and James (the Duke!). James' determination to fulfill a secret duty from his father was a lovely sweet romance. Emma's duty to her domineering Uncle, Aunt, and her cousin had them both dancing around each other as James gradually discovers Emma's true identity. Emma as she tries to steer James towards her cousin at her Uncle's commands, can't keep her heart from falling. James, held back by his duty to his station and title, watches, waits, and hopes. Social niceties, balls, stolen moments, and a sweet HEA.
I know I'll read more by this author. A subtle period romance, with well-drawn characters and beautiful settings made this a perfect read for me.
I received an ARC from the author in exchange for a fair and honest review. My opinions are my own.
September 13, 2021
In some ways this story is typical for it's genre, but there is a secret lurking in the background that we really have no idea of until the end of the story - so sit back and be ready to try and figure it out and see if you are right - and no fair reading the ending!!!
The Duke has a duty left him by his father and he doesn't want to look for a wife and love until he completes his duty - but he doesn't count of this red-headed beauty with a sharp wit to come into his life and hopefully fulfill both his duty and desire for a love match!
She's a no-body, or so her uncle continuously tells her. She is a burden and he can't wait to get her off of his hands. So when a Duke pays her special attention she is resistant and keeps pushing her towards her cousin who is the worthy one - but her cousin wants someone else.
Oh yeah, a fun read as well as a clean read.
The Duke has a duty left him by his father and he doesn't want to look for a wife and love until he completes his duty - but he doesn't count of this red-headed beauty with a sharp wit to come into his life and hopefully fulfill both his duty and desire for a love match!
She's a no-body, or so her uncle continuously tells her. She is a burden and he can't wait to get her off of his hands. So when a Duke pays her special attention she is resistant and keeps pushing her towards her cousin who is the worthy one - but her cousin wants someone else.
Oh yeah, a fun read as well as a clean read.
July 6, 2023
4.25 stars💫 love the tension during their time in London and pacing of the book, i read it in one sitting.
Lowered the rating because of the end of the book. i hate the miscommunication trope but i understand the reasoning for the characters ig. It got a little boring after Emma went to the countryside and i wish we got to see Emma and James, along with Mary and Charles in London together and confronting her uncle or something, but that might be in Mary's book.
Anyhow now the good: the best part of the book was definitely their chemistry. He was obsessed before he even knew it himself, we love to see it. The writing was great with unexpected plot twists and shoutout Aunt Margaret and Mary, luvs u.
Lowered the rating because of the end of the book. i hate the miscommunication trope but i understand the reasoning for the characters ig. It got a little boring after Emma went to the countryside and i wish we got to see Emma and James, along with Mary and Charles in London together and confronting her uncle or something, but that might be in Mary's book.
Anyhow now the good: the best part of the book was definitely their chemistry. He was obsessed before he even knew it himself, we love to see it. The writing was great with unexpected plot twists and shoutout Aunt Margaret and Mary, luvs u.
May 3, 2025
2/5 ⭐️
0/5 🌶️
This book follows Emma Gray and the Duke as they go through the London Season harboring secrets while trying to get the other person to open up.
.
Let me say I am a hard core mood reader. Will that change? Probably not. After reading The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell and LOVING IT, I really wanted to stay in the historical fiction for another book. This book, however, missed the mark. With Regency era books, there is always this decorum that they follow, which I am fine with and do not mind, but this was a let down. The secrets the two main characters were harboring and revealed around 90% in? I couldn’t care any less.
.
This book was a let down because I wanted more from it.
0/5 🌶️
This book follows Emma Gray and the Duke as they go through the London Season harboring secrets while trying to get the other person to open up.
.
Let me say I am a hard core mood reader. Will that change? Probably not. After reading The Austen Affair by Madeline Bell and LOVING IT, I really wanted to stay in the historical fiction for another book. This book, however, missed the mark. With Regency era books, there is always this decorum that they follow, which I am fine with and do not mind, but this was a let down. The secrets the two main characters were harboring and revealed around 90% in? I couldn’t care any less.
.
This book was a let down because I wanted more from it.
June 8, 2021
I loved this story! The interactions between the main characters are sweet and comical at times. I enjoyed their instant attraction and how they are drawn to each other, though they use their friends as an excuse. Emma was raised a lady, was torn down by her uncle, but remains a kind and loyal person who stands up for herself. James is duty bound and a loyal son, who is thoughtful with a heart of gold. I enjoy the side characters and look forward to, hopefully, reading their stories. What a wonderful storyteller Allie Kensington is and I look forward to reading her future stories! She will definitely be an author that her books will automatically end up on my bookshelf.
June 1, 2022
clean romance
I enjoyed this book immensely!
I love Regency period stories and this one is a great example of that.
A Duke who is honor bound and has a secret to keep.
A lady with a past full of mystery and a family that is troubled.
The characters as they journey to discover love and to find trust that they can be loved for themselves is a sweet path with several twists and turns and complications that keep the reader guessing as to how they will all resolve.
Plenty of wit, romance and drama to keep you engaged. I look forward to reading the next is the series to see the story between the other characters.
I enjoyed this book immensely!
I love Regency period stories and this one is a great example of that.
A Duke who is honor bound and has a secret to keep.
A lady with a past full of mystery and a family that is troubled.
The characters as they journey to discover love and to find trust that they can be loved for themselves is a sweet path with several twists and turns and complications that keep the reader guessing as to how they will all resolve.
Plenty of wit, romance and drama to keep you engaged. I look forward to reading the next is the series to see the story between the other characters.
July 6, 2023
The story dragged on a bit.
The characters were nicely developed, and not just props for the storyline, but the premise was weak. It took too long to know why he was searching for one woman and why it was so difficult to find her when it was known that she was with a relative, not in an orphanage or something. The story might have been more interesting if who she was had been revealed earlier and some sort of devious plot developed with the Uncle.
That neither character was interested in society and that they were very authentic was refreshing. The growing romance was sweet, and the last quarter of the book was the most interesting.
The characters were nicely developed, and not just props for the storyline, but the premise was weak. It took too long to know why he was searching for one woman and why it was so difficult to find her when it was known that she was with a relative, not in an orphanage or something. The story might have been more interesting if who she was had been revealed earlier and some sort of devious plot developed with the Uncle.
That neither character was interested in society and that they were very authentic was refreshing. The growing romance was sweet, and the last quarter of the book was the most interesting.
October 1, 2021
Just didn’t like the style of writing, not a pull me in and keep me there.. too many things just didn’t jive. I love a good story and can expand truth and let things roll, but this was just too much. Lots of extra repeating of the same thoughts between the characters… and the whole taking forever to find the right redhead… they knew the uncles name that she was living with, so the whole plot was for naught…. Skimmed it to find out what the big secret was.. some might like the book, as we are all different in tastes, but it just didn’t hit it for me
April 3, 2022
Convoluted farce
The Duke and a lawyer could not find the heroine for years??? The letter left to her was read by them, it stated she was to live with her uncle. The entire premise was to hide her inheritance from her uncle so they knew where she was all along. Why all the secrets and lies?? It dragged on and on like it was some horrible secret. Did not make sense at all. The Will could have been set up that the uncle had no rights and he could have received money for her living with his family then he would have treated her better. Facts did not line up.
The Duke and a lawyer could not find the heroine for years??? The letter left to her was read by them, it stated she was to live with her uncle. The entire premise was to hide her inheritance from her uncle so they knew where she was all along. Why all the secrets and lies?? It dragged on and on like it was some horrible secret. Did not make sense at all. The Will could have been set up that the uncle had no rights and he could have received money for her living with his family then he would have treated her better. Facts did not line up.
April 18, 2022
This stand alone book is such a lovely sweet, romance…with just a touch of mystery. James and Emma’s story has great characters that you want to get to know. Their relationship is developed as a mystery weaves throughout the book, giving it a little something extra to puzzle out. I recommend this story by new author Allie Kensington to anyone who loves a good, clean, romance. I can’t wait to see where the series goes from here. As an added bonus, Allie is giving away a prequel novella for this series to those who join her email newsletter group.
April 22, 2023
Great clean read
I enjoyed Emma and James, both were very likeable qmd Emma especially captured my sympathy. Kensington leaves just the right amount of suspense in the book, but for anxiety ridden people likeable just know it'll be ok and there are good twists in the story. I definitely recommend this book the only thing I'd change would be having to click a site at the end to get an extended epilogue. I've found that usually involves giving my email out and I'd prefer not too.
I enjoyed Emma and James, both were very likeable qmd Emma especially captured my sympathy. Kensington leaves just the right amount of suspense in the book, but for anxiety ridden people likeable just know it'll be ok and there are good twists in the story. I definitely recommend this book the only thing I'd change would be having to click a site at the end to get an extended epilogue. I've found that usually involves giving my email out and I'd prefer not too.
June 18, 2023
A Grand Romance
Emma Gray is a miss of no consequence. She lives her life with relatives, but only her cousin, Mary, truly cares for her.
In a way this is a cute retelling of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Not an exact replica, thank goodness, but it does have a bit of mix-and-match going on.
James and Emma are met with a seemingly insurmountable task, but manage to work things out. It’s the way in which that is done that makes this book so enjoyable. I look forward to the next in this series.
Emma Gray is a miss of no consequence. She lives her life with relatives, but only her cousin, Mary, truly cares for her.
In a way this is a cute retelling of “The Importance of Being Earnest.” Not an exact replica, thank goodness, but it does have a bit of mix-and-match going on.
James and Emma are met with a seemingly insurmountable task, but manage to work things out. It’s the way in which that is done that makes this book so enjoyable. I look forward to the next in this series.
October 1, 2022
Boring, primitive, repetitious
The book is boring, primitive, repetitious. Seems writing for as young as 10-12 years old audience. Definitely, it is not an adult reading. The author has an issue with words, emotions, description. The story itself does not have enough to put in writing. Never mind to read about. Surprised to see good reviews. Unable to put anything good about this novel. Immature and childish in and out.
The book is boring, primitive, repetitious. Seems writing for as young as 10-12 years old audience. Definitely, it is not an adult reading. The author has an issue with words, emotions, description. The story itself does not have enough to put in writing. Never mind to read about. Surprised to see good reviews. Unable to put anything good about this novel. Immature and childish in and out.
May 5, 2023
I like this author. She does a great job building a story. I like the duel points of view. I like that she sticks to the history and does a good job of making this real. I love the underdog characters. I wish we had a little more romance, I want to really feel it. Overall good stories that I am enjoying.
These have a little bit of a religious element but I wouldn't call them Christian historical.
These have a little bit of a religious element but I wouldn't call them Christian historical.
July 19, 2021
This book was absolutely lovely to read. The plot was unique and intriguing.
I loved the characters and enjoyed the interactions between the main characters.
Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I had to figure out the mystery behind Miss Gray and her red hair.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
I loved the characters and enjoyed the interactions between the main characters.
Once I started reading I couldn’t stop. I had to figure out the mystery behind Miss Gray and her red hair.
I can’t wait to read more from this author!
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