Lady Chloe O’Shea lives life with her head in the clouds—or, rather, the stars. As a budding astrologer, she thinks the course of the world and her life is written in the stars, and if she just looks hard enough, she can see where the future will take her. But the last thing she saw coming was a handsome duke with a secret.
Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn, is in Ireland looking for a bride in a hurry. In a hurry, because he needs an heir within a year to fulfill the terms of an old and foolish bet, and in Ireland because, in spite of being a duke, he’s earned himself a reputation that has turned all of the eligible English maidens against him.
But what starts as a quick and easy deal between Deane and Lord Fergus O’Shea—who is still eager to marry off his scandalous sisters—turns into far more of an adventure than Deane bargained for. Can he keep up with Chloe’s wild ways and wilder way of seeing the world, or will she ruin his already shattered reputation even further?
A friends to lovers and marriage of convenience romance that will make you laugh and fan yourself and rush off to check your horoscope.
PLEASE BE ADVISED: Steam level – very spicy!
THAT WICKED O’SHEA FAMILY series is a spin-off of THE MAY FLOWERS series.
USA Today Bestselling author Merry Farmer lives in suburban Philadelphia with her two cats, Justine and Peter. She has been writing since she was ten years old and realized she didn't have to wait for the teacher to assign a creative writing project to write something. It was the best day of her life. Her books have reached the top of Amazon's charts, and have been named finalists for several prestigious awards, including the RONE Award for indie romance.
Quick Review - They say third time's the charm, and that is precisely what this novella was, charming. Ostentatious though it may have been, I enjoyed every page of this story. - The plot was cute in an exaggerative way, the book was paced well, and it was surprisingly full of sarcastic wit. - I enjoyed every single character, including the annoying ones. Deane & Chloe were sweet, sheepish and utterly cute. Their romance was a spoonful of sugar. - The "bad" characters irritated me just the right amount only to make sure that Deane and Chloe shined. - I really cannot stress it enough, I found D&C to be absolutely adorable, enough to say something I never say...totes adorbs!
Interesting Mentions - A duke nobody seems to give a crap about, apart from his title and is pushed around by society matrons. - Bitchy as F society matrons & desperate single ladies - Poor overlooked Chloe - Fergus O'Shea (I should really like to read his story) - Shannon & Colin (10 year age gap, Shannon is older!)
PS - There is an error in the blurb. It mentions a bet about begetting an heir in under a year, and there is nothing of the sort in the story. The scandalous reputation, yes, the bet, no.
My Recommendation - A delightful story, definitely worth reading.
With her interest in astronomy and astrology, Lady Chloe O’Shea believes she can predict her own future in the stars. Although, catching the attention of an English duke still comes as a surprise.
Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn, has taken his bride search to Ireland because a series of unfortunate decisions have given him a bad reputation. Dean is immediately attracted to Chloe but must battle his meddling aunt’s attempts to undermine him as she insists on Chloe’s ineligibility.
This blurb is very misleading as there is no deal between Fergus and Deane and no bet he is trying to fulfill but anyway. Chloe struck me as a rather air-headed heroine but her sweetness and refusal to let others put her down made her likable. I wanted Deane to man up and stand up for himself to his aunt and the other society ladies much sooner and more thoroughly than he did, but Chloe saved the day in style for both of them, with her family’s help. This one wasn’t terribly romantic, and it did get a bit frustrating, but it was also funny and sweet.
Another fun story featuring Chloe O'Shea, the youngest of the sisters. Her eyes are to the stars and Deane gets into her sights.
He is looking for a wife, far from his scandal in England. Unfortunately some of that follows him to Ireland and plots against him. But as he meets Chloe, they are eventually drawn together!
Humor off the charts, wonderful banter and characters, with an entertaining journey as they try to find a happy ever after!
It had everything a novela needs and it didn't felt lacking at the end.
It was kinda of insta love, but for a story such as this I wasn't mad with that idea. It's ok for a 140 pages to have an insta love and not in a 300 and something.
The blurb almost made me not to read this and I'm so glad I gave it a chance.
The story was sweet and it made me dream wide awake. 😏
As a rule I never rate a novela more than 4 stars. So this comes as close as it can to an absolute surprise for me.
And I can't wait to read Shannon's story, an older woman and younger man, yes please. I hope it comes as good as this one was.
Ms. Farmer delivers a historical twist to the 'what's your sign' line that will charm readers with unique, witty, and seductive characters as they once again experience the independent nature of another awesomely wicked O'Shea sister.
Lady Chloe O’Shea is a budding astrologer, she thinks the course of the world and her life is written in the stars. However the last thing she saw coming was a handsome duke with a secret. Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn, is in Ireland staying with his aunt & looking for a bride, he’s earned himself a reputation after getting himself involved with two widows. Chloe is the third O’Shea sister to find love, she's intelligent, a bit of a dreamer & of course feisty. Deane & Chloe were drawn to each other when they first met at her sister’s wedding, they meet again on a dark hillside where she’s hoping to see a meteor storm & he's escaping all the matchmaking mamas at a ball. I loved how their relationship grew from friends to lovers. Of course there were misunderstandings & a widow determined to win Deane. A fun, humorous read which I read in a sitting & which I thoroughly enjoyed. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
ADULT Historical Victorian 💕Romance. This is a lighthearted romp through the Irish🍀 countryside and shore. The O'Shea Girls just wanna have fun🎶🎶. Deane🐺🍆⛲ is The single British Duke who comes to visit his aunt in Ireland, only to be inundated with young women looking for wealth and title. He finds real interest and love 💘 with Lady Chloe💃💋, the outcast ,eccentric, and scandalous daughter of an Earl. The book follows the two young people through some of their antics that greatly displease Deane's aunt.
ARC Provided by Prolific Works📚 I also got this ebook with KU.
A Duke Is addressed as Duke, Duke Blackburn, or His Grace or your Grace, never as Lord something. The lack of proper address of Deane throughout the book was annoying!
This is an amazing story! Chloe and Deane are acceptable couple considering their own personalities. Merry Farmer writes an exceptional book this novella no exception.
I’ve been waiting patiently for Chloe’s story since the first book in the series. She always seemed so sweet and just the perfect woman for a very special happy ending. Chloe may seem to have her head in the clouds but that made her very likable to me.
Deane is the talk of the town – maybe all of London and Ireland actually. He has quite the reputation, recently acquired, because of a two cat-fighting widows who worked so hard to get him into both of their beds. He’s annoyed that he has ruined his reputation – which is a seriously funny turn since it’s usually women whose reputations are ruined – and tries to play dumb when another widow propositions him in Ireland. He is looking for a bride and Chloe caught his eye at a wedding earlier and he continues to look for her at social engagements.
All About That Duke is very funny and has some steamy scenes. Ms. Farmer writes lovely tales that are fun to read, and I always look forward to her new releases. I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.
I didn't get very far in this book, unfortunately, because I was immediately turned off by the terrifically long info dump at the book’s start. At least the author did have a little grace to interrupt this occasionally with dialogue, but it still was prodigiously long. I kept hoping the dialogue would break us out of the long narrative, but the author kept going back to telling us backstory. I don't understand why authors do this when they know readers dislike it so much. This author writes enough books that she should have the ability to artfully weave backstory into the main storyline. As the info dump kept going, with its layering of telling upon telling (not showing), I found myself growing increasingly frustrated with a book and ultimately stopped reading.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Wonderful, quick read to add to the Wicked O'Shea Family series. (Can be read a standalone, if you wish) Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn, has gotten himself mired in scandal in London and has come to his Aunt in Ireland for a reprieve. Little does he know there will be no peace there for him, except perhaps when he spends time with Lady Chloe O’Shea. Loved these characters and wished I could truly be friends with them. Side characters were also enjoyable, and conclusion was brilliantly done. Humorous and romantic read you won't want to miss.
Another hit in the Wicked O'Shea Series. It was funny romantic steamy and just caught my attention from the moment I started reading it. And that has happened with all of the books in this series. If you need a light funny romantic read. This book is definitely the one! I highly recommend it.. I look forward to Shannon's story.
As a red headed Texas girl of Irish decent, old woman now, I can truly relate to being different and yet straight forward and optimistic. Lots of mean people out there. Loved every bit of this story! Looking forward to the next wedding!
This story is hilarious, has a happy ending and a good amount of spice. Definitely an easy read as well, read it all in one night. Will definitely be reading the rest of the series 😏
Lord Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn.is hiding at his aunt's place in Ireland due to a stupid mistake caused by grief. After losing both of his parents he turned to someone he thought would help him through his grief but it just turned into one big scandal. So to appease his sister he left to visit his aunt.
Now his aunt has been taking him to one event after another to meet eligible women to choose one for his bride. He doesn't want any of them and just wants to stay away from people for a while.
Lady Chloe O’Shea loves the stars and astrology. As the youngest she is the most free spirited.She has mapped her future through her stars. After watching two of her sisters get their dream she knows she will get hers.
While trying to watch a meteor shower Deane stumbled upon Chloe. The two have a very enlightening conversation and talk constellations and astronomy and astrology. She promises to do his star chart and deliver it as soon as she is done.
With Chile's help Deane finally had some fun, gets to know her and thwarts his aunt. However, his aunt has a different plan for Deane. Enter the Dragon snob Lady Rathkenny, recently out of mourning. This will ensure his aunt's place in society and rank, but also in matchmaking.
Deane and Chloe have to find a way to navigate around her family's reputation and allow them to be together. Let the high minds begin. When push comes to shove Chile's family is there to help.
To say more would ruin all the fun and exciting obstacles that happen. This is one wild, hilarious ride. You will laugh, applaud, and want to help thwart his aunt and Lady Rathkenny. In the end you will cheer Chile's engineer of the outcome.
This is the third book in the Wicked O'Shea Family. It is the story of Chloe the youngest sister and Deane the Duke of Blackburn. Deane is in Ireland following the disgraceful behavior of two women of the ton who were fighting over his attentions. It was he who was disgraced in the eyes of the ton, as a rogue. He fled to Ireland to find himself a wife among the Irish aristocracy. His aunt played matchmaker and dragged him-sometimes unwillingly to one social affair after another, intending him to meet up with the cream of Irish society. She chose-above all the others-Lady Vanessa Rathkenny who was a widow and who coveted the title of duchess. Choe O'Shea is young and sweet natured and although she and her sisters are daughters and sisters of an earl, the Irish aristocrats look down their noses at this family. Her two older sisters have married well and her brother needs to marry off Chloe and her sister Shannon. Chloe is very much interested in sun signs, signs of the Zodiac, astronomy and is very knowledgeable about it. She meets Deane the Duke of Blackburn and begins to analyze his zodiac signs and star and sun signs. He is quite captivated with her because she is not like all the other women who are only interested in him as a duke. They all have matrimony on their minds and becoming his duchess. The friendship between Chloe and Deane progresses very quickly and it suddenly occurs to him that he would be quite happy if he and Chloe could marry. His scheming aunt and Lady Vanessa treat Chloe very shabbily and this angers Deane. This story gathers momentum and runs to a rollicking happy ending. Very enjoyable read!
Chloe, like all four of her sisters, has never planned to marry. The young ladies are too busy doing just about whatever they want, since their brother has been living in England on the family estate that was part of her dowry. After only a few weeks of being back in residence at his castle in Ireland, Fergus realizes the error of his ways. Leaving his five intelligent, strong willed sisters without his presence has opened the door for things like starting a brewery! Oh, dear.
In an attempt to get the sisters to move from their cottage by the ocean back into the castle, he offers each of them a bicycle. These are a gift designed to make the fact that he is insistent that they will marry more palatable. Instead, the gift only gives the girls more freedom and the chance to get into more scrapes!
Deane has come to stay with his aunt to avoid the ton for a while, after he's discovered to have been having affairs with rival widows at the same time. Now he almost wishes he were back in England. His aunt has great plans to find him a wife, and a large piece of the plan is to drag him to every garden party, musician, and ball within 20 miles. There's got to be a way to get out from under her thumb!
A fun and very entertaining read as have all the books in this series been. You won't want to miss one!
I have always enjoyed Merry Farmer’s work but I am particularly enjoying this series with the madcap antics of the O’Shea family. Contrary to their reputation that has led to them being outcasts of the local society this family really only wants love and to be able to enjoy the things they want, like bicycle riding or brewing beer even though society has deemed these to be things that good girls don’t do. As much as I an enjoying each book’s romance I love the way that this series is progressing as a whole. This series is set at a time when things were starting to change and exciting developments like bicycles were being invented and/or coming into more common use. Ms.Farmer illustrates these changes by not only having the O’Shea girls have bicycles and beer, but also with things like the loving attitudes they have towards each other and even by the way that they treat their servants with more consideration than the other local families do. It is this type of subtle attention to detail that Ms. Farmer has always been good at in my opinion and that creates a depth and honesty to her work that just keeps improving. I can’t wait to read the next story in this delightful series.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is the third book in the delightful and captivating That Wicked O'Shea Family series. I have had such fun reading this series and this newest addition did not disappoint! Chloe is a free-spirit and spends her days admiring and contemplating the stars. She believes she can see her own future in them. But she never saw the Duke of Blackburn coming! Deane Crenshaw, Duke of Blackburn, is in need of a wife. Since he has earned himself a bit of a bad reputation, he decides to take his search to Ireland. He is immediately taken with Chloe, and they quickly became friends and it was great fun to watch their friendship blossom into something more. Of course they had their share of misunderstandings and even a determined widow to deal with, adding to the humor and enjoyment of the story, but their growing relationship was lovely to see. I enjoyed this latest installment of the O'Shea sisters. Ms. Farmer always writes fun and witty tales with characters that really draw you in and the latest book of hers was just wonderful. Looking forward to reading her next one!
I was given a complimentary advanced reader's copy of this book from the author and am voluntarily leaving my review.
Deane, the Duke of Blackburn, is in Ireland after a scandal in London has meant that no suitable ladies would consider marrying him. His aunt is keen to be seen to be the one responsible for arranging his marriage to a someone suitable to become a Duchess. Lady Chloe, one of the O’Shea sisters, is a budding astrologer who doesn't fit that description, however she manages to catch Dean's eye as a refreshing change from the simpering ladies that he has been introduced to. I really look forward to a new book in this series and yet again I'm not disappointed. This series manages to combine some definitely spicy moments with what is basically a sweet romance. They cover the changing attitude to and by women following the Regency and Georgian periods into this Victorian era. Certainly in these books those class distinctions are still there, which certainly seem strange nowadays. In addition to the romance there is intrigue and humour that really keeps the story flowing. I received an advance copy of this book from the author, however this did not influence my review of the book.
It is so enjoyable to read stories that are all truly individual to the character and not the same old plots and That Wicked O'Shea Family is truly an enjoyable series to read! All About That Duke is a madcap romp in Ireland for the Duke of Blackburn, Deane Crenshaw as be flees England from a scandal. Now he's in Ireland looking for a bride and he finds himself being pursued by a marriage-minded widow, a room full of maidens, one determined aunt and a free spirit O'Shea sister! Merry Farmer weaves a story from beginning to end with threads of the bond of family love with appearances from characters from the previous novels. It's a fun romp the has tension-building twists, characters that come off the pages and pull you into their emotional ride, titillating sensual passion, clever and witty banter and with one fantastic plot. It leaves you eagerly anticipating the next in the series to see what business minded Shannon O'Shes and the rascal Lord Colin Crenshaw, Deane's cousin, has in-store for each other.
Such a delicious story! Deane, Duke of Blackburn, met Chloe at her sister’s wedding, and was quite taken with her. The feeling was mutual. He was in Ireland staying with his aunt and uncle, due to a scandalous situation that ocurred in London. Top on his aunt’s list was to find him a wife, and she was determined to marry him off to Lady Rathkenny. Deane and Chloe had other ideas. The characters are a masterful mix. Ermengarde and Vanessa are self-serving bullies and Lady Coyle is a grande dame wannabe. Chloe is refreshing, honest and quirky, with a family that is supportive, creative and slightly off-kilter…. while Deane reminds me of an adorable puppy trying to get his footing. Oh, and Colin is a wonderful teaser for the next book in the series. This book will have laughing out loud, shaking your head, gritting your teeth and holding your breath. It is fun, steamy and an absolute delight!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is amusing, romantic and sweet. After causing a scandal in London, Deane is sent to his aunt and uncle in Ireland to find a bride. As his aunt keeps throwing women at him, particularly a Lady Rathkenny, Deane is not impressed. He had met one lady who intrigued him, Lady Chloe, but he had not seen her since that one meeting. Then a chance meeting on a hill where they both went to watch a meteor shower changes everything. Deane is attracted to Chloe, but he's also fascinated by her mind, and her unassuming manner. Chloe was attracted to Deane, but never had a real thought of marrying him, because nobody had anything good to say about anyone in her family. But a friendship started that night beneath the stars, and from there they fall in love. But the whole time he must dodge Lady Rathkenny, and his aunt. Deane is a kind, caring and chivalrous, and not worldly at all. Chloe is gentle, strong and smart. They make the perfect couple and I enjoyed the storyline very much. I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.
I really can say enough about this series. The O'Shea Family is fantastic. Every story I read I say "this sister is my favorite". Then I read the next book. This time it's about Chloe and she is simply wonderful. Chloe is sweet and kind with her head on the stars in the sky. At the same time she is so witty and fierce. Deane is a newer Duke that unfortunately has a reputation for being a rogue. He leaves London, where he's involved in scandal, for Ireland. It's time he finds a wife and his aunt knows just who that will be and works hard to drive him to her. However after meeting Chloe he has an attraction to her much to his aunt's dismay. He can't marry one of the wicked O'Sheas. He must marry Lady Rathkenny and Lady Rathkenny and Deane's aunt will stop at nothing to make that happen..... I loved reading this story unfold. It was sweet, fun and spicy. Merry always weaves a story you'll not want to put down and characters you will love.
Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn, has taken his bride search to Ireland because a series of unfortunate decisions have given him a bad reputation in London. Deane is immediately attracted to Chloe but must battle his meddling aunt’s attempts to undermine him as she insists on Chloe’s ineligibility. This a quick read novella with love at first sight, but was an enjoyable read that had me laughing out loud at some parts like (SPOILER) when a mean girl gets her comeuppance. I found some of Deane's personality annoying as he is a 30 year old Duke being bossed around by his Aunt, but Chloe was a breath of fresh air and adorable. I love me an alpha male and this hero is not that.
I love the O'Shea series and can't wait for Shannon's story, which is next. The tropes in this novella are class difference and love at first sight
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Deane Crenshaw, Duke of Blackburn, has no idea why he is allowing his aunt to help him find a bride. It seemed like a good idea when he left London amidst some scandalous rumors, that just happened to be true. His good idea has turned to misery, and then he meets Chloe O’Shea. She is a free spirit, friendly, outgoing and loves astronomy and astrology. Of course, his aunt and prospective brides cannot believe he would fall for one of the scandalous O’Sheas, would he?
This is a witty and entertaining story filled with humor. I love the way Deane fends off the would-be duchesses, and the banter between Deane and Chloe is amusing and clever. The attraction is strong from the beginning. They understand are comfortable with each other. The is a hitch in their plans, but Shakespeare helped sort it out. After all, it’s hard to deny a happily ever after when it’s written in the stars. A good read; I enjoyed it.
I received an ARC of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I couldn't put this one down! Chloe is heavy into astrology and bases her whole life and her sisters on following the stars! Deane is a young English Duke! He loves sex and was flattered by the attention of older women while grieving his parents! The scandal forced him to leave England to find a wife! Chloe has been basically eliminated from all local society due to the behavior of her 2 sisters! Those scandalous O’Shea sisters! Deane really needs to have more backbone his aunt is so manipulative she chose a perspective Duchess as vile and grasping as she is! Chloe sees Deane as the man he is and could be and lets steam is definitely a factor between these two! When their romance and future is threatened by a vicious lie well its the whole O'shea family to the rescue! Love the way they look out for each other! This series is lit!! Finished in one night!!!
Truly a must-read! This was such a fun book to read in many areas I laugh out loud it was so funny. It was the banter that made this book. You could say it was the whole Ton that was the villains of the piece but Lady Vanessa Rathkenny was a head above the rest. Lord Deane Crenshaw, the Duke of Blackburn made a few mistakes you might say and it has followed him the only person who took the time to listen to why it happen was Lady Chloe O’Shea. They first met at Chloe's sister’s wedding but then again on a beautiful night on top of a hill. Merry Farmer has written a warm, full of humor piece and it is done in such a splendid manner. I am so happy I found the one on Boosprout. I highly recommend the book and the series. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.