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Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings #1
Trapped with the Duke
Miss Collette Jones, as the illegitimate daughter of a baron, is determined to become a respectable teacher.
The Duke of Bedwell isn’t interested in respectable teachers. He’s interested in being proper, honorable, and fulfilling his duties to his title.
So what is Bedwell to do when honor demands he show more than a little interest in one particular respectable teacher? Why, marry the chit, that’s what.
Trapped with the Duke was initially published in this year's anthology, The Young and the Ruined: Compromised.
This edition includes exclusive bonus content and is book 1 of Annabelle Anders' newest series, Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings.
The Duke of Bedwell isn’t interested in respectable teachers. He’s interested in being proper, honorable, and fulfilling his duties to his title.
So what is Bedwell to do when honor demands he show more than a little interest in one particular respectable teacher? Why, marry the chit, that’s what.
Trapped with the Duke was initially published in this year's anthology, The Young and the Ruined: Compromised.
This edition includes exclusive bonus content and is book 1 of Annabelle Anders' newest series, Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings.
246 pages, Kindle Edition
First published March 22, 2021
775 people are currently reading
864 people want to read
About the author
Annabelle Anders
142 books1,325 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 136 reviews
August 5, 2021
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
💋💋
Absolutely Stunning peace of writing, Annabelle has once more taken my breath away with one of her books.
Some of the passages she’s written had me sighing with pleasure and enjoyment.
“You, my love.” His voice reached inside and squeezed her heart. “You are the sunshine on my soul. All my life I’ve felt a darkness inside and since the moment we met, you’ve been bringing me light.”
So beautiful and emotional.
This is Addison Duke Of Bedwell and Collette Jones who is the sister of Chase from Cocky Baron.
It’s a wonderful love story, one of Denial, passion, acceptance and a lot of emotional experiences.
It’s a great addition and side story to Baron Chase and Bethany’s book.
💋💋
Absolutely Stunning peace of writing, Annabelle has once more taken my breath away with one of her books.
Some of the passages she’s written had me sighing with pleasure and enjoyment.
“You, my love.” His voice reached inside and squeezed her heart. “You are the sunshine on my soul. All my life I’ve felt a darkness inside and since the moment we met, you’ve been bringing me light.”
So beautiful and emotional.
This is Addison Duke Of Bedwell and Collette Jones who is the sister of Chase from Cocky Baron.
It’s a wonderful love story, one of Denial, passion, acceptance and a lot of emotional experiences.
It’s a great addition and side story to Baron Chase and Bethany’s book.
September 2, 2022
This is my 2nd book from Ms. Anders, and I think she might not be for me. It isn't a bad book per se. It's just it has a 'been there, done there' vibe which means nothing really stood out. The writing is decent. I think she tends to make the plot melodramatic. The characters do not observe the social etiquette and norms, which is, unfortunately, a major pet peeve of mine. I'm usually okay with this if the story has something else that can distract my attention from it. This was just an okay read. The heroine's sister, Sarah, who is blind, sounds like an interesting character, so I might just give her book a go before forming a final opinion.
July 22, 2022
Preface
Collette Jones wanted to be a teacher and that lasts long enough for her to meet the Duke of Bedwell - lol I can’t help but giggle at his surname, especially because if you take into account surnames originated based on what the family did good enough to warrant notice…😏😏😏. He is completely… anoyed at her existence and then enamored and then annoyed again. (Hot and cold by Katy Perry was written for him). How will the Duke and an illegitimate daughter make it work with all these conflicting feelings?
Anyways, it was a R-I-D-E, not in the sense it was crazy but in the sense it was romantic and swoon enough to warrant enrapture.
————————————————————————————
The Good Place:
▫️The Duke. A major white flag.
What. A. Man.
▫️The whole scene in the stairwell where they get trapped together, he has a panic attack and then Collette calms him down by being the love of his life.
▫️The Duke (Addison) describing bogs in detail in order to help the heroine warn her blind sister.
▫️When Collette rejected the hero’s marriage proposal for first time ( and the fact the hero was completely peeved by it)
▫️Zeus and Athena, the loyal doggos + Rowan the brother
▫️Collette’s brother and sister-in-law. They both faced a good deal of risk by claiming her and her sisters. Yet, they never even acknowledged the dangers, simply understanding that was the right thing to do and that their were not to blame for the sins of their parents.
▫️A whole house collapsing on them while they were consummating their relationship? Comic. I can’t write nor think about it without laughing.
▫️Having a whole conversation under it that very same collapsed house that was very touching, but the hero latching onto the fact his future wife didn’t hate his stories made me laugh and filled my eyes with a tiny bit of tears.
The Bad Place:
▪️the Duke’s father. What a piece of crap.
▪️The Duke’s mother was a piece of work too! Trying to set him up in his own engagement dinner. She kinda made up for it but I needed a lot more grovel.
▪️Whomever decided to SAW A HOUSE DOWN!
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 2.5 📚📚💫 Some + some more
World Building(Immersion): 3 🌎🌎🌎
Submerged
Angst : 1.5 👹💫
Slapping the mosquito dead and scratching the itch.
Funniness: 4.5 🌝🌝🌝🌝💫
Laughed enough to wake up my dog.
Scariness: ❎ not scary
(Unless you are afraid of enclosed spaces…and ACOTAR’S Rhysand’s sexual prowess).
Romance: 3.5 💖💖💖💫
Adorable.
Spice: 2.5 🌶🌶💫
Between poetic and Explicit
Goriness: 1🫀
some descriptions of blood
Sadness: 1.5 🥲💫
A twinge
Overall star rating : 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly enjoyable.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Some (Sometimes Very Random) Moments of Notice Along With My Very Live Reactions Straight From My Notes App to You:
📌 “And she wouldn’t be a teacher if she wasn’t at least a little annoying.”
Talk about a first impression.
📌“He dragged his fingertips slowly from her shoulder to cover her hand—where it rested on her heart. “The heart wants to belong.” They might as well have been the only two people in the world. The air surrounding them was thick, preventing other souls from entering. “Sometimes,” he smiled sadly, “the brain doesn’t allow it.”
“I know.” Her voice caught.
“If belonging is a state of mind, Collette, we need to alter your thinking.”
Marry this man. Rn.
📌 “He’d written books! Books that had been published by a legitimate publishing house—a publishing house who had no idea that they were distributing stories written by one of England’s very own dukes.”
You still didn’t put a ring on his finger?!? Girl what are you doing?!?
📌“He’d never told Collette he loved her. He liked kissing her. He enjoyed her company. But even if he did love her, how long before he resented her for tearing apart his family?”
All valid thoughts…dang it. 🙃
📌“You, my love.” His voice caught. “You are the sunshine on my soul. All my life, there has been this shadow… but since the day we met, I’ve felt your light.”
He is so tender 😭, give him a chance Collette.
📌“…and the most exquisite pleasure struck her like lightning.
The universe tipped and then swirled into a vortex, and rather than join the stars, she became one of them.
She shuddered, and cried out, the roaring in her ears sounding like thunder.
‘What the hell?’Addison lifted his head.
The roaring was not in her ears. It was coming from overhead. And there were other earthly, very real crashing sounds mixed with it.
Something was horribly, horribly wrong. At the same time snapping wood shook the room, Addison rolled both of them onto the floor and under the frame of the metal cot.
DID THE HOUSE JUST FALL DOWN?!!? WHILE THEY WERE DOING IT ?!??? 😭🤣 I can’t. Not even Rhysand High Lord of the Night Court Shaker of Mountains and Naked Painter can claim this bahahahahahahs
📌“Collette, sweetheart, are you hurt?”
“I don’t think so. Mostly,” she answered, her voice a little shaky. “I always wondered what it would be like, but I never expected it to be earth shattering.”
I know this is meant to be a tense moment but all I can do it laugh Omg 🙊
Collette Jones wanted to be a teacher and that lasts long enough for her to meet the Duke of Bedwell - lol I can’t help but giggle at his surname, especially because if you take into account surnames originated based on what the family did good enough to warrant notice…😏😏😏. He is completely… anoyed at her existence and then enamored and then annoyed again. (Hot and cold by Katy Perry was written for him). How will the Duke and an illegitimate daughter make it work with all these conflicting feelings?
Anyways, it was a R-I-D-E, not in the sense it was crazy but in the sense it was romantic and swoon enough to warrant enrapture.
————————————————————————————
The Good Place:
▫️The Duke. A major white flag.
What. A. Man.
▫️The whole scene in the stairwell where they get trapped together, he has a panic attack and then Collette calms him down by being the love of his life.
▫️The Duke (Addison) describing bogs in detail in order to help the heroine warn her blind sister.
▫️When Collette rejected the hero’s marriage proposal for first time ( and the fact the hero was completely peeved by it)
▫️Zeus and Athena, the loyal doggos + Rowan the brother
▫️Collette’s brother and sister-in-law. They both faced a good deal of risk by claiming her and her sisters. Yet, they never even acknowledged the dangers, simply understanding that was the right thing to do and that their were not to blame for the sins of their parents.
▫️A whole house collapsing on them while they were consummating their relationship? Comic. I can’t write nor think about it without laughing.
▫️Having a whole conversation under it that very same collapsed house that was very touching, but the hero latching onto the fact his future wife didn’t hate his stories made me laugh and filled my eyes with a tiny bit of tears.
The Bad Place:
▪️the Duke’s father. What a piece of crap.
▪️The Duke’s mother was a piece of work too! Trying to set him up in his own engagement dinner. She kinda made up for it but I needed a lot more grovel.
▪️Whomever decided to SAW A HOUSE DOWN!
————————————————————————————
RATINGS:
Plot : 2.5 📚📚💫 Some + some more
World Building(Immersion): 3 🌎🌎🌎
Submerged
Angst : 1.5 👹💫
Slapping the mosquito dead and scratching the itch.
Funniness: 4.5 🌝🌝🌝🌝💫
Laughed enough to wake up my dog.
Scariness: ❎ not scary
(Unless you are afraid of enclosed spaces…and ACOTAR’S Rhysand’s sexual prowess).
Romance: 3.5 💖💖💖💫
Adorable.
Spice: 2.5 🌶🌶💫
Between poetic and Explicit
Goriness: 1🫀
some descriptions of blood
Sadness: 1.5 🥲💫
A twinge
Overall star rating : 4 ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Highly enjoyable.
————————————————————————————
🚨🚨🚨🚨 SPOILERS 🚨🚨🚨🚨
Some (Sometimes Very Random) Moments of Notice Along With My Very Live Reactions Straight From My Notes App to You:
📌 “And she wouldn’t be a teacher if she wasn’t at least a little annoying.”
Talk about a first impression.
📌“He dragged his fingertips slowly from her shoulder to cover her hand—where it rested on her heart. “The heart wants to belong.” They might as well have been the only two people in the world. The air surrounding them was thick, preventing other souls from entering. “Sometimes,” he smiled sadly, “the brain doesn’t allow it.”
“I know.” Her voice caught.
“If belonging is a state of mind, Collette, we need to alter your thinking.”
Marry this man. Rn.
📌 “He’d written books! Books that had been published by a legitimate publishing house—a publishing house who had no idea that they were distributing stories written by one of England’s very own dukes.”
You still didn’t put a ring on his finger?!? Girl what are you doing?!?
📌“He’d never told Collette he loved her. He liked kissing her. He enjoyed her company. But even if he did love her, how long before he resented her for tearing apart his family?”
All valid thoughts…dang it. 🙃
📌“You, my love.” His voice caught. “You are the sunshine on my soul. All my life, there has been this shadow… but since the day we met, I’ve felt your light.”
He is so tender 😭, give him a chance Collette.
📌“…and the most exquisite pleasure struck her like lightning.
The universe tipped and then swirled into a vortex, and rather than join the stars, she became one of them.
She shuddered, and cried out, the roaring in her ears sounding like thunder.
‘What the hell?’Addison lifted his head.
The roaring was not in her ears. It was coming from overhead. And there were other earthly, very real crashing sounds mixed with it.
Something was horribly, horribly wrong. At the same time snapping wood shook the room, Addison rolled both of them onto the floor and under the frame of the metal cot.
DID THE HOUSE JUST FALL DOWN?!!? WHILE THEY WERE DOING IT ?!??? 😭🤣 I can’t. Not even Rhysand High Lord of the Night Court Shaker of Mountains and Naked Painter can claim this bahahahahahahs
📌“Collette, sweetheart, are you hurt?”
“I don’t think so. Mostly,” she answered, her voice a little shaky. “I always wondered what it would be like, but I never expected it to be earth shattering.”
I know this is meant to be a tense moment but all I can do it laugh Omg 🙊
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 18, 2021
It was a cute read but too much internal struggle to the point where it felt repetitive for me.
November 13, 2021
Will they let Society’s unforgiving lenses decide for them ...
I just loved Collette and Addison, those are two persons who have to adapt with their birth circumstances.
Addison is the obedient son but he would have loved to never be the heir of a dukedom, he had to learn to hide his true persona for self preservation but also because it was in total opposition with his duties.
So he goes out always wearing his societal mask until a fated encounter which he lets slip there is more to him than his title.
From there, he is determined, when fate plays him a new trick, to make Collette see him for the man he is and not his rank.
Collette grew up knowing she would never be like any other ton miss. She was born ruined, bearing her parents sins. Why she always was in search for a secured position because nothing is guaranteed in life, and even less when you are from on the wrong side of the blanket. And marriage is definitely not on her list of achieved goals.
They should never have meet and they should have nothing in common. Yet from the first moment, something clicked right for both of them. But will she have the courage to face society’s scorn and will he stand by her side.
5 stars
I just loved Collette and Addison, those are two persons who have to adapt with their birth circumstances.
Addison is the obedient son but he would have loved to never be the heir of a dukedom, he had to learn to hide his true persona for self preservation but also because it was in total opposition with his duties.
So he goes out always wearing his societal mask until a fated encounter which he lets slip there is more to him than his title.
From there, he is determined, when fate plays him a new trick, to make Collette see him for the man he is and not his rank.
Collette grew up knowing she would never be like any other ton miss. She was born ruined, bearing her parents sins. Why she always was in search for a secured position because nothing is guaranteed in life, and even less when you are from on the wrong side of the blanket. And marriage is definitely not on her list of achieved goals.
They should never have meet and they should have nothing in common. Yet from the first moment, something clicked right for both of them. But will she have the courage to face society’s scorn and will he stand by her side.
5 stars
August 15, 2021
The H is an introvert and the sweet h is determined to be a teacher. They each know they are out of step in society, yet when they are together they feel right. I loved the H's determination to marry her and how she became braver with him. She was a good person, aware of the challenges they face and I loved how he made her stronger. Loved it.
December 22, 2021
I loved this story. Twists and turns - will he, won't he, of course he will. I hated the Duke's mother, she was so horrid. I very much enjoyed reading this book, although I was, in my head, biting my nails at the point when they visited his brother's house. Loved it! 5☆
September 18, 2022
This was just okay ngl, I didn't go into this expecting anything truly exceptional in the first place so I don't have many feelings about it but yes, this didn't have any element which would make it stand out from other regency romances.
I had hoped for a bit more angst and drama than the book provided, Addison and Colette's romance had that bit of spark missing. I could not understand exactly how Addison fell for Colette so soon, a bit more of an exploration of the budding connection between the two would have made it more appeasing in my eyes.
Colette's sister Sarah though was an interesting addition to the character cast and I am more inclined towards reading her story.
I had hoped for a bit more angst and drama than the book provided, Addison and Colette's romance had that bit of spark missing. I could not understand exactly how Addison fell for Colette so soon, a bit more of an exploration of the budding connection between the two would have made it more appeasing in my eyes.
Colette's sister Sarah though was an interesting addition to the character cast and I am more inclined towards reading her story.
October 13, 2021
Trapped with the Duke is the first book in the Miss Primm’s Secret School for Budding Bluestockings series by Annabelle Anders, and it’s a story that links well with the author’s Regency Cocky Gents series. Although it is not necessary to have read the other series to enjoy this one, it certainly adds to this story.
Trapped with the Duke was a story that grabbed me right away and had me unable to put it down until I saw how everything came together. I adored the characters and the way their story developed, unable to get enough of the way things developed between them. Although not my favourite Annabelle Anders read, it was certainly one I adored.
All in all, I’m eager to see what else this series offers.
Trapped with the Duke was a story that grabbed me right away and had me unable to put it down until I saw how everything came together. I adored the characters and the way their story developed, unable to get enough of the way things developed between them. Although not my favourite Annabelle Anders read, it was certainly one I adored.
All in all, I’m eager to see what else this series offers.
August 3, 2021
All Miss Collette Jones wants to be is a teacher, but an accident that could be seen as a compromising position with Addison, the Duke of Bedwell may be the end of that dream. Loved these characters and felt like I was there in the stairwell with them and loved their blossoming attraction. Highly recommend.
December 10, 2021
Loved it!
I originally read this book as part of the 'The Young & the Ruined: Compromised' Anthology. Loved every moment of it then and loved every moment of it now!
Ths is what I had to say back back in April 2021 in my original review of the Anthology:
"These are six of the most enjoyable short stories that I have recently read. "Each one tells of different young people who are ruined in one way or the other and all the angst and trauma that goes with it before they reach their happy ever after.
"All are very well written and oh those delightful characters!
"This is most definitely a box set I recommend!"
My voluntary review is unbiased and is given freely.
I originally read this book as part of the 'The Young & the Ruined: Compromised' Anthology. Loved every moment of it then and loved every moment of it now!
Ths is what I had to say back back in April 2021 in my original review of the Anthology:
"These are six of the most enjoyable short stories that I have recently read. "Each one tells of different young people who are ruined in one way or the other and all the angst and trauma that goes with it before they reach their happy ever after.
"All are very well written and oh those delightful characters!
"This is most definitely a box set I recommend!"
My voluntary review is unbiased and is given freely.
August 4, 2021
I originally read this great story from Annabelle when it was part of The Young and The Ruined it was incredible then but with the extended epilogue it makes for an amazing series starter.. I definitely look forward to more of this series..
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
August 29, 2021
Trapped with the Duke
Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings, Book 1
Annabelle Anders, author
Another beautiful story from an amazingly talented writer. Ms. Anders weaves together a piece of art, as she takes a side character from one series and begins another.
Miss Collette Jones, illegitimate half sister of Lord Triston Corbet, Baron of Chaswick is determined to make herself a respected educator of young ladies. However, the tables are turned when Lord Addison Brierton, the Duke of Bedwell enters her classroom when Collette is embracing a moment of solitude. Then, all is forever lost, as the two find themselves trapped in a world wind romance neither expected. Unfortunately the road ahead of them is a bit rough around the edges. Will they make it through with their heart in one piece?
This touches deeply on topic of equality. While individuals of royalty are treated differently than the commoner; are they really any different from others? For me, this reminds me of the scripture in the Bible, Matthew 7:12.
I highly recommend this book. It was quite enjoyable with a bit of angst from a secondary female character. Likewise, there's another male secondary character that I'd quite like to see the author explore with a story of his own.
I was gifted an advanced reader copy of this novel and I chose to leave this review voluntarily.
Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings, Book 1
Annabelle Anders, author
Another beautiful story from an amazingly talented writer. Ms. Anders weaves together a piece of art, as she takes a side character from one series and begins another.
Miss Collette Jones, illegitimate half sister of Lord Triston Corbet, Baron of Chaswick is determined to make herself a respected educator of young ladies. However, the tables are turned when Lord Addison Brierton, the Duke of Bedwell enters her classroom when Collette is embracing a moment of solitude. Then, all is forever lost, as the two find themselves trapped in a world wind romance neither expected. Unfortunately the road ahead of them is a bit rough around the edges. Will they make it through with their heart in one piece?
This touches deeply on topic of equality. While individuals of royalty are treated differently than the commoner; are they really any different from others? For me, this reminds me of the scripture in the Bible, Matthew 7:12.
I highly recommend this book. It was quite enjoyable with a bit of angst from a secondary female character. Likewise, there's another male secondary character that I'd quite like to see the author explore with a story of his own.
I was gifted an advanced reader copy of this novel and I chose to leave this review voluntarily.
August 3, 2021
Trapped with the Duke by Annabelle Anders
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely enjoyed this story with well developed characters. It’s a great story about the Duke and a very unlikely choice for his duchess. Colette is the illegitimate daughter of a baron, but once her father passed away and her half brother discovers Colette and her sisters, he helps them. This is a great story!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I absolutely enjoyed this story with well developed characters. It’s a great story about the Duke and a very unlikely choice for his duchess. Colette is the illegitimate daughter of a baron, but once her father passed away and her half brother discovers Colette and her sisters, he helps them. This is a great story!
August 11, 2021
I had been waiting for Collette’s story since I read the previous book of the Regency Cocky Gents series, Cocky Marquess, where she stood out among the side characters. In that book she was a sweet girl, so supportive of her sister, and she definitely deserved a love story of her own. And she got it! Collette is really adorable. She’s eager to have a life of her own, because she doesn’t want to be a burden for his half-brother. So she is determined to become a teacher, but Fate has other plans for her...
There comes the proper, rigid and bound-to-duty Duke of Bedwell, who harbours a little secret...
Addison, the said Duke, is a very honorable man that always wants to do the right thing. He’s very “duchy”, like Collette calls him, but he soon reveals a vulnerable side...
Their love story is really wonderful, poignant and exceedingly well developed. Collette and Addison are perfect together, real soul mates. And the author is really very good at fleshing out her characters. She always writes stories that appeals to my heart and this is no exception.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
There comes the proper, rigid and bound-to-duty Duke of Bedwell, who harbours a little secret...
Addison, the said Duke, is a very honorable man that always wants to do the right thing. He’s very “duchy”, like Collette calls him, but he soon reveals a vulnerable side...
Their love story is really wonderful, poignant and exceedingly well developed. Collette and Addison are perfect together, real soul mates. And the author is really very good at fleshing out her characters. She always writes stories that appeals to my heart and this is no exception.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
August 1, 2021
Miss Collette Jones, as the illegitimate daughter of a baron, is determined to become a respectable teacher. Addison Holden Brierton,The Duke of Bedwell isn’t interested in respectable teachers. He’s interested in being proper, honourable, and fulfilling his duties to his title. They meet at Miss Primm's school where Collette is beginning her teaching career & Addison is escorting his sister Fiona to the school.
Another brilliant read, strong characters plus it links to the Cocky Gents series. I loved both Addison & Collette, their verbal banter was hugely entertaining as she's outspoken & treats him as Addison not Bedwell. The attraction between them sizzles & they can both honestly say the earth did move!! I first read this engrossing book in the Young & Ruined box set but it's been added to, which added to my enjoyment. Also the start of a new series so I’m looking forward to more
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Another brilliant read, strong characters plus it links to the Cocky Gents series. I loved both Addison & Collette, their verbal banter was hugely entertaining as she's outspoken & treats him as Addison not Bedwell. The attraction between them sizzles & they can both honestly say the earth did move!! I first read this engrossing book in the Young & Ruined box set but it's been added to, which added to my enjoyment. Also the start of a new series so I’m looking forward to more
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
August 5, 2021
Trapped with the Duke, by Annabelle Anders. I loved reading this story about a young unmarried woman, Collette, who did care what the ton said or thought about her. Collette is determined to make decisions about herself on her own. Collette and Bedwell unbeknownst to them find themselves trapped in a stairwell. I liked that the writer uses this moment for the two to get to know one another. The story focused primarily on Collette and what was best for her. Bedwell, being the gentleman that he is tried on numerous occasions to be her savior, but in time things seem to change for him. I enjoyed reading the romance and the story of a man who loves a woman who stands for herself without help from the people around her.
August 5, 2021
FANTASTIC!!! What a great and original story form Annabelle!!! I have read most of her books and have never been disappointed and I always get so excited when she has a new release coming out. What I loved about this book is that the hero and heroine are trapped in a stair well together and he is claustrophobia so you can only imagine how this turns out. I absolutely love a damaged hero, no one is perfect and it makes a much more interesting read. Annabelle is truly one of the most gifted writers of today and this book is very very well written. This story has a women that is a teacher, a duke that is claustrophobic, losing one’s job because they are a bastard, a mother that is prejudice, a loving half brother and sister-in-law, honor and duty, a scandal that no one knows about, liking each others company, a writer, an horrific incident, over coming one’s fear, rescue, two wonderful dogs and love at first sight. It has it all and I am highly recommending you read this book. It is really that good!!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
September 9, 2023
I didn’t dislike this book but it just was very unrealistic. In no world would a duke offer for the illegitimate daughter of a baron when literally no one even knew they kissed in the first place. Especially with that mother of his, no way in hell was he even raised to believe that that idea made any sense. Don’t get me wrong I love a bit of chaos and slightly illogical plot lines but the ones in this story just felt silly. Like Rowans house collapsing on them when they were in the middle of having sex, like whatttt.
August 3, 2021
“Trapped with a Duke” is a story about seeing past the facade in order to uncover the true person. How can you not love a couple that thumbs their noses at society and chooses to put their happiness first.
Addison to Collette:
-You are the sunshine on my soul. All my life I’ve felt darkness inside and since the moment we met, you’ve been bringing me light……
That says it all my romance reading friends. Yet another winning read from Annabelle Anders.
Addison to Collette:
-You are the sunshine on my soul. All my life I’ve felt darkness inside and since the moment we met, you’ve been bringing me light……
That says it all my romance reading friends. Yet another winning read from Annabelle Anders.
December 29, 2024
Read if you like: ptsd rep, forced proximity, class differences, MIL drama
A cute story that I finished in a few hours!
I liked Collette and Addison together 🫶🏻 I thought it was super sweet that he kept pursuing her and he believed in her, even when she doubted herself. A man who was willing to go against his mother and didn’t care about public opinion is exactly the man I would want too!
A cute story that I finished in a few hours!
I liked Collette and Addison together 🫶🏻 I thought it was super sweet that he kept pursuing her and he believed in her, even when she doubted herself. A man who was willing to go against his mother and didn’t care about public opinion is exactly the man I would want too!
July 31, 2021
I enjoyed this story. Addison and Collette’s story has so much depth. Anders does a great job of peeling back the layers of her characters. It was a little bit slow at first but quickly picked up the pace. There are a few steamy scenes too.
March 14, 2024
Collette’s life was all planned out! But fate had a different course for her. Along comes Duke Bedwell and everything changes for both of them!
This was a nice read and I throughly enjoyed it. If you like strong characters, then you should enjoy this book.
This is my honest review.
This was a nice read and I throughly enjoyed it. If you like strong characters, then you should enjoy this book.
This is my honest review.
February 3, 2022
I first read this book as part of the anthology The Young and the Ruined: Compromised and loved the romance. The second reading gave me even more enjoyment with the additional epilogue. Annabelle Anders has a knack for writing books that draw you in, not only to the story, but into the characters. We meet Collette Jones on her first day as a newly minted teacher at Miss Primm’s school. In turn she meets one of her student’s guardian and brother Addison the Duke of Bedwell. Their meeting is less than ideal. Both of the central characters of this story have learned to adjust to their stations in life, Addison as the Duke instead of his eldest brother and Collette because she is illegitimate but neither believes that they are truly worthy of the life they want. I loved the chemistry that developed between Addison and Collette and was so hoping that they could get past their troubles to a happily ever after ending. For a romance that delves into the real people; faults, family and all, and grabs your emotions and imagination this book is hard to beat. I am so looking forward to reading the second book in this new series.
July 9, 2023
**Trigger Warnings Below**
Heroine: Colette Jones, 22. Illegitimate half-sister of Baron Chaswick. She’s a teacher at a girls boarding school.
Hero: Addison Holden Brierton, 27. Duke of Bedwell.
Date: about 1828
How they meet: Addison’s sister is a new student at the boarding school where Colette has just started working as a teacher. He walks into her classroom wanting to know where he can find his sister.
What happens: Addison isn’t the friendliest to Colette--he thinks his sister would be better served learning from a private tutor at home. When she takes him up the back stairs to his sister’s room, they find themselves locked in the stairwell, which is problematic because Addison is claustrophobic. Despite their rocky start, Colette notices his discomfort and works to distract him. Once he has calmed down, Addison realizes he will have to marry Colette because their time in the stairwell leaves her compromised. She has no interest in marriage and since no one knows they were together she wants to go on with her life as if nothing happened.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: I really appreciated how the hero and heroine got to know one another in a non-superficial way prior to their engagement. I liked how the hero defended his heroine from his snob of a mother. There was not much going on in the story aside from the romance--the plot is fairly simple so it is an easy read. Despite two epilogues, the story felt incomplete to me, although I’m not sure exactly why. It was an enjoyable read, although I don’t see myself wanting to re-read this one (one of my criteria for a 4 or 5 star rating). I read this as a standalone, although I believe the heroine’s half-brother and wife, who appeared throughout much of the book, are featured in another book by this author.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
Heroine: Colette Jones, 22. Illegitimate half-sister of Baron Chaswick. She’s a teacher at a girls boarding school.
Hero: Addison Holden Brierton, 27. Duke of Bedwell.
Date: about 1828
How they meet: Addison’s sister is a new student at the boarding school where Colette has just started working as a teacher. He walks into her classroom wanting to know where he can find his sister.
What happens: Addison isn’t the friendliest to Colette--he thinks his sister would be better served learning from a private tutor at home. When she takes him up the back stairs to his sister’s room, they find themselves locked in the stairwell, which is problematic because Addison is claustrophobic. Despite their rocky start, Colette notices his discomfort and works to distract him. Once he has calmed down, Addison realizes he will have to marry Colette because their time in the stairwell leaves her compromised. She has no interest in marriage and since no one knows they were together she wants to go on with her life as if nothing happened.
Trigger Warnings:
Verdict: I really appreciated how the hero and heroine got to know one another in a non-superficial way prior to their engagement. I liked how the hero defended his heroine from his snob of a mother. There was not much going on in the story aside from the romance--the plot is fairly simple so it is an easy read. Despite two epilogues, the story felt incomplete to me, although I’m not sure exactly why. It was an enjoyable read, although I don’t see myself wanting to re-read this one (one of my criteria for a 4 or 5 star rating). I read this as a standalone, although I believe the heroine’s half-brother and wife, who appeared throughout much of the book, are featured in another book by this author.
Steam-level: steamy and explicit
Rating: 3 stars
October 30, 2022
I really liked this historical romance. And I thought the title clever and appropriate, but the series name, Miss Primm's Secret School for Budding Bluestockings was unwieldy. No, insta-love was great, and I enjoyed the progression of the romance. It happened in a relatively short time frame, but it felt like their love grew bit by bit.
Next-in-series ~ Educated by The Earl is currently $3.99 on Amazon and not available through the library, so I don't know if I'll be reading the rest of the series. A shame, because I liked the writing and the characters.
Dismissal ~
Saboteurs ~
Collette's younger sister, Sarah ~
Next-in-series ~ Educated by The Earl is currently $3.99 on Amazon and not available through the library, so I don't know if I'll be reading the rest of the series. A shame, because I liked the writing and the characters.
Dismissal ~
Saboteurs ~
Collette's younger sister, Sarah ~
May 8, 2023
Teacher’s Need Love Too
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Collette Jones…illegitimate daughter of Lord Chadwick, new language teacher at girls refinement school, often confused by society and its rules. Addison Brierton…Duke of Bedwell, older brother to Lady Fiona Brierton, believes honor is very important. The h is so funny with her curiosity, it takes over her manners at times. The initial meeting between the MCs is not love at first sight, LOL. The H is shocked and intrigued by the refusal of the h to his proposal. The mother of the H is searching for a wife for her son and plans a house party. The h has just learned what her half-brother experienced by acknowledging her and her sisters. Oh the H just shared a very big secret with the h. I understand the reluctance of the h but I think she is letting fear guide her decision. LOL the sister-in-law came to the same conclusion I did and she confronted the h with it. The H is determined to make the h his wife but his mother is not having it. Oh my the mother of the H is not acting like a duchess at all. Ahh now I understand the H’s fear. Nothing like nearly dying to put things into perspective the MCs were triumphant. I enjoyed reading this story. I found myself rooting for the h to see herself as she really was. The H was not perfect and had his own on trial to overcome. Together they naturally brought out the best qualities in one another. I was also pleased that it was a generally good story about crossing social lines for love. Overall, a good read. Yes there is adult language and some steam.
The following are my thoughts as I read this book. Collette Jones…illegitimate daughter of Lord Chadwick, new language teacher at girls refinement school, often confused by society and its rules. Addison Brierton…Duke of Bedwell, older brother to Lady Fiona Brierton, believes honor is very important. The h is so funny with her curiosity, it takes over her manners at times. The initial meeting between the MCs is not love at first sight, LOL. The H is shocked and intrigued by the refusal of the h to his proposal. The mother of the H is searching for a wife for her son and plans a house party. The h has just learned what her half-brother experienced by acknowledging her and her sisters. Oh the H just shared a very big secret with the h. I understand the reluctance of the h but I think she is letting fear guide her decision. LOL the sister-in-law came to the same conclusion I did and she confronted the h with it. The H is determined to make the h his wife but his mother is not having it. Oh my the mother of the H is not acting like a duchess at all. Ahh now I understand the H’s fear. Nothing like nearly dying to put things into perspective the MCs were triumphant. I enjoyed reading this story. I found myself rooting for the h to see herself as she really was. The H was not perfect and had his own on trial to overcome. Together they naturally brought out the best qualities in one another. I was also pleased that it was a generally good story about crossing social lines for love. Overall, a good read. Yes there is adult language and some steam.
April 5, 2024
Love beyond tradition!
4.5 Stars!!!!
This was my first by this author and certainly won't be the last. A brilliantly written historical romance....one with plenty of swoon and heat! I absolutely loved Colette. She represented grace and a trueness to herself. Her birth and societal status was not of her own fault but she took it in stride and it was evident in the way she carried and conducted herself in public eye. Sure she probably could've used some lessons on a more proper etiquette in her interactions with someone higher in society but she still had an elegance and grace in her honesty. And I absolutely held her brother Chase in such high esteem in what he did for Colette and her other illegitimate sisters. Oh and don't get me started on Addison...or His Highness the Duke. He had a grumpy initial exterior but once Colette was able to sneak under his carefully crafted walls, he was an absolute dream and romantic. He had such a tender and soft side that Colette was able to set free and I loved everything about their journey as a couple and discovering their true compatibility. Their chemistry was off the charts and I was rooted for them despite some familial setbacks. I appreciated that their story was not one of insta-lust or purely physical as the physical chemistry was definitely there but there was a deeper and emotional connection that made their love beautiful.
Over cleanly written....a few profane words (the 'd' word) and there were several open door intimate scenes -- not overly graphic or descriptive or crude language but definitely conveyed passion.
4.5 Stars!!!!
This was my first by this author and certainly won't be the last. A brilliantly written historical romance....one with plenty of swoon and heat! I absolutely loved Colette. She represented grace and a trueness to herself. Her birth and societal status was not of her own fault but she took it in stride and it was evident in the way she carried and conducted herself in public eye. Sure she probably could've used some lessons on a more proper etiquette in her interactions with someone higher in society but she still had an elegance and grace in her honesty. And I absolutely held her brother Chase in such high esteem in what he did for Colette and her other illegitimate sisters. Oh and don't get me started on Addison...or His Highness the Duke. He had a grumpy initial exterior but once Colette was able to sneak under his carefully crafted walls, he was an absolute dream and romantic. He had such a tender and soft side that Colette was able to set free and I loved everything about their journey as a couple and discovering their true compatibility. Their chemistry was off the charts and I was rooted for them despite some familial setbacks. I appreciated that their story was not one of insta-lust or purely physical as the physical chemistry was definitely there but there was a deeper and emotional connection that made their love beautiful.
Over cleanly written....a few profane words (the 'd' word) and there were several open door intimate scenes -- not overly graphic or descriptive or crude language but definitely conveyed passion.
September 16, 2023
DNF 67% If I had to describe this book with one word it would be “silly”. Inner monologues both H and h had were mostly silly and tedious and it didn’t feel like historical romance at all.
This book had too much telling instead of showing. Heroine wondering (the silly inner monologue) “Why did she sound so breathless?” While talking to the duke who sat next to him in a carriage. It was written to tell that she was affected by the nearness of the duke. These questions and monologue made her feel less intelligent than I wanted to think she is.
The duke was concerned about Miss Jones reputation, felt he’d compromise her but then he took her to drive without a chaperone. Their outing sounded like a modern day date, but instead of a car the duke drove them around with a carriage. He helped her down from the carriage lingering touches on her waist. Her hands on this shoulder. They wanted to kiss, on the pavement in front of her brother’s house!!! This isn’t how they should behave. And Miss Jones was all at loss why people thought they were behaving wrong, and she was a teacher. She knew the way if things in society.
“I’m going to gove it a go.” Answers Collette when her sister asks if she and the duke are going to marry. Like she tires and if she decides nah, don’t like this, leaves the poor bastard. This was where my patience ended and I skimmed it till the end.
Disappointing since I liked the first book of Anders’ I’ve ever read. This was a silly book.
This book had too much telling instead of showing. Heroine wondering (the silly inner monologue) “Why did she sound so breathless?” While talking to the duke who sat next to him in a carriage. It was written to tell that she was affected by the nearness of the duke. These questions and monologue made her feel less intelligent than I wanted to think she is.
The duke was concerned about Miss Jones reputation, felt he’d compromise her but then he took her to drive without a chaperone. Their outing sounded like a modern day date, but instead of a car the duke drove them around with a carriage. He helped her down from the carriage lingering touches on her waist. Her hands on this shoulder. They wanted to kiss, on the pavement in front of her brother’s house!!! This isn’t how they should behave. And Miss Jones was all at loss why people thought they were behaving wrong, and she was a teacher. She knew the way if things in society.
“I’m going to gove it a go.” Answers Collette when her sister asks if she and the duke are going to marry. Like she tires and if she decides nah, don’t like this, leaves the poor bastard. This was where my patience ended and I skimmed it till the end.
Disappointing since I liked the first book of Anders’ I’ve ever read. This was a silly book.
February 3, 2022
Starring Miss Collette Jones and Addison Brierton, Duke of Bedwell.
Tropes: Wrong side of the blanket, peer and working class, and almost compromised.
Addison and Collette are two people trying to fit in their role in the world... knowing that they wouldn’t be where they are if their respective parents chose different paths. I love that these two actually had insightful conversations during the “getting to know you” phase in their relationship. Collette is naturally inquisitive which actually helps Addison to loosen up and be more open with her. I love that this is a nice slow burn story that picks up heat as the chapters go by. I always start to sweat when I think I’m reading a “clean” book... but don’t worry, Collette and Addison definitely bring on the steam. This was a totally enjoyable story and I loved reading about their HEA.
I’m hoping that Mr. Rowan Stewart, Addison’s illegitimate older brother, gets a story too.
Annabelle Anders continues to pull me into her world and introduces me to characters that I can’t help but fall in love with. She is amazing and will always be one of my keeper shelf author.
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!!
Tropes: Wrong side of the blanket, peer and working class, and almost compromised.
Addison and Collette are two people trying to fit in their role in the world... knowing that they wouldn’t be where they are if their respective parents chose different paths. I love that these two actually had insightful conversations during the “getting to know you” phase in their relationship. Collette is naturally inquisitive which actually helps Addison to loosen up and be more open with her. I love that this is a nice slow burn story that picks up heat as the chapters go by. I always start to sweat when I think I’m reading a “clean” book... but don’t worry, Collette and Addison definitely bring on the steam. This was a totally enjoyable story and I loved reading about their HEA.
I’m hoping that Mr. Rowan Stewart, Addison’s illegitimate older brother, gets a story too.
Annabelle Anders continues to pull me into her world and introduces me to characters that I can’t help but fall in love with. She is amazing and will always be one of my keeper shelf author.
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!!
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