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Once Upon a Duchy #3
Rumpled Rhett
Rhett is a Huntsman, skilled, secretive, and mysterious. A wanted man, he spends his life on the move. His sole retreat is the outskirts of an isolated village in the northern reaches of the duchies. Then one fall, he arrives to find his hovel burned to the ground and the village reeve offering a new arrangement.
Catherine knows her father, the village miller, only cares about what she can bring him. The latest scheme of marrying her to the Huntsman is not the miller’s first attempt to sell her. Cat’s dread wanes when she meets the Huntsman. There is something honorable about him, and he treats her with respect, unlike her father or brother. Perhaps she can escape her father’s influence forever.
Despite his suspicions, Rhett agrees to the deal and frees Cat from her father’s tyranny, at least for a time. But can he protect her when enemies from his past catch up to him?
Inspired by Rumpelstiltskin.
Catherine knows her father, the village miller, only cares about what she can bring him. The latest scheme of marrying her to the Huntsman is not the miller’s first attempt to sell her. Cat’s dread wanes when she meets the Huntsman. There is something honorable about him, and he treats her with respect, unlike her father or brother. Perhaps she can escape her father’s influence forever.
Despite his suspicions, Rhett agrees to the deal and frees Cat from her father’s tyranny, at least for a time. But can he protect her when enemies from his past catch up to him?
Inspired by Rumpelstiltskin.
379 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 31, 2021
14 people are currently reading
142 people want to read
About the author
Rachel Rossano
26 books454 followersRachel Rossano is a happily married mother of three children. She spends her days teaching, mothering, and keeping the chaos at bay. After the little ones are in bed, she immerses herself in the fantasy worlds of her books. Tales of romance, adventure, and virtue set in a medieval fantasy world are her preference, but she also writes speculative fantasy and a bit of science fiction.
She loves to read, discuss, and listen to comments on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and non-fiction.
She loves to read, discuss, and listen to comments on a wide variety of topics, both fiction and non-fiction.
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
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July 17, 2021Review may come upon release.
February 20, 2023
I so enjoyed this story. Rachel Rossano does the best at marriage-of-convenience books and swoony romance without ever crossing into territory that feels dirty. This story was so good, rich, and a delight. I can't wait for the next book in the series!
December 22, 2021
My favorite in this series. Not quite my favorite EVER written by this author, but definitely makes the top three. Really enjoyed this story. It had deep characters and relationships. Felt like it pulled on some fairytales that really left a lot of room to play instead of falling back on all the same old ones everyone else does. Really loved that this story didn't shy away from facing some really hard topics, but still handled them gracefully.
July 8, 2022
4.5
To call this a fractured fairytale, would be a stretch. It does not resemble any fairytale that I’ve ever heard of. This was a very engaging story of romance, adventure, good vs evil. I loved it!
To call this a fractured fairytale, would be a stretch. It does not resemble any fairytale that I’ve ever heard of. This was a very engaging story of romance, adventure, good vs evil. I loved it!
November 5, 2021
Oh wow!!!! I have been expecting this book, since the author announced it and it has more than exceeded my expectations.
Three things right off the bat that I 💚LOVED was the storyline, characters, and chemistry between the two main characters. I know those are all things that are important in a book, and the author did them so well. This book is about turning the darkness into gold(light). Cat had a hard life until a man with a golden personality literally swept her off her feet.
Where to begin with Rhett and Cat..... Both of their personalities merged so well together. He was protective yet caring and she was also caring, but needed his protection. They both needed someone to love and give each other something to live for. Their banter made me smile more than once and I💚LOVED how they bonded over getting their place more suitable to live in.
The storyline just when you think it hit its peak something else happens that you don't expect. I did not expect them to resolve things with certain villagers like they did. It was perfect and neatly done. I💚LOVED how Rhett did all he could to make sure Cat had all the necessities including socks. I really LOVED💚 it when she asked him if he would burn the other socks as well 😂. Because he burned the ones she had on when they got married due to them being so worn and frayed. Another thing I💚LOVED and I must mention is the goat, Nagatha. No one wanted her, but she turned out to be a guard dog. Lol I am not going to spoil anything, but she sure gives intruders what they deserve. There were soooooo many neat quotes in this book. I have more than one that I 💚LOVED😍!!!! Also Ryda and Crispin make an appearance😍😍😍😍.
This is a Rumplestiltskin retelling and it is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VERSION OF IT!!!!
Here are the key points in the Rumple story that this retelling has;
✅the millers daughter
✅mention of GOLD
✅plenty of sewing ( I consider it alternative to the spinning)
✅mention of firstborn
✅AND the most important mentioning of his name🥰🥰🥰🥰. I don't know why, but I 💚LOVED his real last name. You will have to read it to find that out.
Also YOU HAVE TO READ TILL THE END!!! The mystery just explodes with answers you don't expect. I MOST VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
**** Disclaimer I recieved a free copy of this book to review from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not obligated to like or dislike this book.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
Three things right off the bat that I 💚LOVED was the storyline, characters, and chemistry between the two main characters. I know those are all things that are important in a book, and the author did them so well. This book is about turning the darkness into gold(light). Cat had a hard life until a man with a golden personality literally swept her off her feet.
Where to begin with Rhett and Cat..... Both of their personalities merged so well together. He was protective yet caring and she was also caring, but needed his protection. They both needed someone to love and give each other something to live for. Their banter made me smile more than once and I💚LOVED how they bonded over getting their place more suitable to live in.
The storyline just when you think it hit its peak something else happens that you don't expect. I did not expect them to resolve things with certain villagers like they did. It was perfect and neatly done. I💚LOVED how Rhett did all he could to make sure Cat had all the necessities including socks. I really LOVED💚 it when she asked him if he would burn the other socks as well 😂. Because he burned the ones she had on when they got married due to them being so worn and frayed. Another thing I💚LOVED and I must mention is the goat, Nagatha. No one wanted her, but she turned out to be a guard dog. Lol I am not going to spoil anything, but she sure gives intruders what they deserve. There were soooooo many neat quotes in this book. I have more than one that I 💚LOVED😍!!!! Also Ryda and Crispin make an appearance😍😍😍😍.
This is a Rumplestiltskin retelling and it is my ABSOLUTE FAVORITE VERSION OF IT!!!!
Here are the key points in the Rumple story that this retelling has;
✅the millers daughter
✅mention of GOLD
✅plenty of sewing ( I consider it alternative to the spinning)
✅mention of firstborn
✅AND the most important mentioning of his name🥰🥰🥰🥰. I don't know why, but I 💚LOVED his real last name. You will have to read it to find that out.
Also YOU HAVE TO READ TILL THE END!!! The mystery just explodes with answers you don't expect. I MOST VERY HIGHLY RECOMMEND THIS BOOK.
**** Disclaimer I recieved a free copy of this book to review from the author. All opinions and thoughts are my own and I was not obligated to like or dislike this book.I am disclosing this in accordance with the Federal Trade Commission's 16 CFR, Part 255: "Guides Concerning the Use of Endorsements and Testimonials in Advertising
October 2, 2021
I am a sucker for a well retold fairytale, especially when the fairytale offers the subtlest of seasoning to a beautifully laid out tale. Taken simply as historical fantasy fiction, it is worth the time to read. With the smallest touches that remind us of childhood bedtime stories, it is simply wonderful.
I was hooked on the Once Upon a Duchy series with Grace by Contract (book 1). Like in that first book, I immediately fell in love with the hero, In this case, the huntsman ( Rhett from the title). He is all business, gruff and overly solemn, but he takes his role as protector very seriously. When faced with a situation when he knows he is being manipulated for reasons as yet unknown, it is the role of protector that wins out over his reticence.
Cat has been abused her entire life. Far from being broken, she has an inner strength that has her doing what she feels is right regardless of the possible consequences. She is the perfect partner for Rhett, giving him something he didn’t know he needed. Though on the surface she is the one who needs to be rescued, she holds her own in surprising ways. Together they are formidable
There are bad guys aplenty in this story, from scheming tossers to full on brigands, but the pair, honorable, honest, and hardworking, manage to find allies as well. These friends (and enemies) make for some colorful and enjoyable-to-read characters.
I am loving how each new book, though seemingly only tenuously connected to each other, is laying the foundation for a larger story. Sign me up, these are fairytales after all. Grim, but hopeful. Epic and fantastic. Since I am a sucker for once upon a time there was a happily ever after, you’ll find me rooting for the heroes to win it all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Silver Dagger Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
I was hooked on the Once Upon a Duchy series with Grace by Contract (book 1). Like in that first book, I immediately fell in love with the hero, In this case, the huntsman ( Rhett from the title). He is all business, gruff and overly solemn, but he takes his role as protector very seriously. When faced with a situation when he knows he is being manipulated for reasons as yet unknown, it is the role of protector that wins out over his reticence.
Cat has been abused her entire life. Far from being broken, she has an inner strength that has her doing what she feels is right regardless of the possible consequences. She is the perfect partner for Rhett, giving him something he didn’t know he needed. Though on the surface she is the one who needs to be rescued, she holds her own in surprising ways. Together they are formidable
There are bad guys aplenty in this story, from scheming tossers to full on brigands, but the pair, honorable, honest, and hardworking, manage to find allies as well. These friends (and enemies) make for some colorful and enjoyable-to-read characters.
I am loving how each new book, though seemingly only tenuously connected to each other, is laying the foundation for a larger story. Sign me up, these are fairytales after all. Grim, but hopeful. Epic and fantastic. Since I am a sucker for once upon a time there was a happily ever after, you’ll find me rooting for the heroes to win it all.
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Rating: 5 out of 5.
I received an advance review copy for free through Silver Dagger Book Tours, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
September 16, 2024
4 1/2 stars. Rachel Rossano always tells a great story and, as always, this story as well as the setting and characters in Rumpled Rhett totally captured me. Cat (Catherine) is a young woman living in a terribly abusive situation with a despicable father and brother. Rhett is a wanderer who spends several months of each year in her village...for the price of his protection as requested by the village 'leader.' However upon returning at the beginning of this story, he finds his home/hovel burned to the ground. An arrangement is made for him to have better quarters if he will also marry Cat. I wasn't exactly sure 'why' they wanted him to marry Cat but she agrees and, in part to offer her protection, he agrees. Theirs is a very slow burn romance that develops over time, but very sweetly. Rhett easily won my heart for his kindness and consideration of her -- and she learns to trust him as she sees how different he is from the men she has known, and their love is precious. There are also some very interesting supporting characters, both good and bad.
Rhett is rightfully concerned throughout the story that his background and those who seek to hurt him put her at great risk. But the story ends in a promising way for both Rhett and Cat and with hope for their village. However, there is definitely a cliffhanger which leads the reader to believe that more stories will be coming. However this was written several years ago so I'm not sure whether to expect more now or not.
I did deduct a 1/2 star because of the amount of violence throughout the book. Some of it was hard to read about. But overall it was a great story.
Rhett is rightfully concerned throughout the story that his background and those who seek to hurt him put her at great risk. But the story ends in a promising way for both Rhett and Cat and with hope for their village. However, there is definitely a cliffhanger which leads the reader to believe that more stories will be coming. However this was written several years ago so I'm not sure whether to expect more now or not.
I did deduct a 1/2 star because of the amount of violence throughout the book. Some of it was hard to read about. But overall it was a great story.
October 1, 2021
Rumpled Rhett was AMAZING! I was so excited to read this book since I had had a little sneak peak of its first chapter a few months back. I cannot tell you how sad I was to learn that I had to wait MONTHS to get the rest of book.
When I finally got by hands on it I was pretty scared that there would be confusion concerning certain characters since this is part of a trilogy but I needn’t have feared Rachel Rossano made the book beautifully. I do believe that if I had read the previous novels it would have been a more enjoyable experience since I think there were a few references to some of the older books.
I obviously devoured the book whole in a single week. Which was quite stressful experience since I was trying to study for a very important test but Rumpled Rhett! I chose to read for that single week and I have no regrets (my grades might regret it but it’s fine!)
What first made me fall in love with the book was the obvious hero who was portrayed as some kind of bad guy saving a maiden suffering from abusive. I was immediately intrigued. Was this hero going to be turned good by the maiden like in beauty and the beast. Was he always good and she brought out the better in him. OR, my favorite one and the one that Rachel Rossano also chose, a hero mistaken for a villain coming to save the woman who didn’t know she needed saving.
Ok, so maybe I’m kind of romanizing this a tiny bit. But I can assure you that the devilishly handsome Rhett is in fact a good person with a very difficult job. Kit a lovely maiden mistreated horribly by her father and brother is saved by the very heroic Rhett from a difficult situation. Rhett decides to take the offer of marrying kit but he doesn’t know what he got himself into!
I thought this was the most beautiful love story filled interesting plot twists here and there. I loved the fact that the abusion that Kit endured was brought up many times and even confronted by them both. It was discussed and overcome instead of just sweeping the matter under the rug.
Both character growths were incredible but I especially liked how it felt natural. A lot of books rush trough the whole we fall in love part and we’re better for it. But the author stretched the plot over a few months so it became very believeable that Rhett and Kit slowly fell in love with each other and started to change together towards a different future.
Again I cannot recommend this book enough. Five stars out of five. 50 starts out of five if necessary. Go read this book ASAP.
P. S.: so just a little helpful warning that Goodreads sometimes has technical issues (or it might just be me being stupid), but I posted this entry a few weeks ago and I didn’t really that it never actually posted. Again it could be me but for someone the future I will be triple checking if it actually posted and I just wanted to recommend anyone else to the same
When I finally got by hands on it I was pretty scared that there would be confusion concerning certain characters since this is part of a trilogy but I needn’t have feared Rachel Rossano made the book beautifully. I do believe that if I had read the previous novels it would have been a more enjoyable experience since I think there were a few references to some of the older books.
I obviously devoured the book whole in a single week. Which was quite stressful experience since I was trying to study for a very important test but Rumpled Rhett! I chose to read for that single week and I have no regrets (my grades might regret it but it’s fine!)
What first made me fall in love with the book was the obvious hero who was portrayed as some kind of bad guy saving a maiden suffering from abusive. I was immediately intrigued. Was this hero going to be turned good by the maiden like in beauty and the beast. Was he always good and she brought out the better in him. OR, my favorite one and the one that Rachel Rossano also chose, a hero mistaken for a villain coming to save the woman who didn’t know she needed saving.
Ok, so maybe I’m kind of romanizing this a tiny bit. But I can assure you that the devilishly handsome Rhett is in fact a good person with a very difficult job. Kit a lovely maiden mistreated horribly by her father and brother is saved by the very heroic Rhett from a difficult situation. Rhett decides to take the offer of marrying kit but he doesn’t know what he got himself into!
I thought this was the most beautiful love story filled interesting plot twists here and there. I loved the fact that the abusion that Kit endured was brought up many times and even confronted by them both. It was discussed and overcome instead of just sweeping the matter under the rug.
Both character growths were incredible but I especially liked how it felt natural. A lot of books rush trough the whole we fall in love part and we’re better for it. But the author stretched the plot over a few months so it became very believeable that Rhett and Kit slowly fell in love with each other and started to change together towards a different future.
Again I cannot recommend this book enough. Five stars out of five. 50 starts out of five if necessary. Go read this book ASAP.
P. S.: so just a little helpful warning that Goodreads sometimes has technical issues (or it might just be me being stupid), but I posted this entry a few weeks ago and I didn’t really that it never actually posted. Again it could be me but for someone the future I will be triple checking if it actually posted and I just wanted to recommend anyone else to the same
January 16, 2022
Loved the characters
I really enjoyed Rhett and Cat's story. It is no surprise that Cat fell in love with Rhett, since she came from such extreme abuse her entire life. I loved how the villagers were trapped with some bad things they couldn't do much about, but when an opportunity to step up and act appeared, they consistently did so starting with Cat's "dowry". Rossano really showed the danger of Rhett being a huntsman with the repeated attempts of former clients attempting to kill him. From the beginning there are hints at deeper layers to his identity so the reveal at the end wasn't a surprise. It does, however, really make me want to read the next book to see what happens now. It is a HEA story, for now. I have the feeling that can change at any moment as Rhett, with Cat, embarks on their next adventure. The ties to Rumpelstiltskin are so slight that it isn't worth mentioning. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery and this is my voluntary, honest review.
I really enjoyed Rhett and Cat's story. It is no surprise that Cat fell in love with Rhett, since she came from such extreme abuse her entire life. I loved how the villagers were trapped with some bad things they couldn't do much about, but when an opportunity to step up and act appeared, they consistently did so starting with Cat's "dowry". Rossano really showed the danger of Rhett being a huntsman with the repeated attempts of former clients attempting to kill him. From the beginning there are hints at deeper layers to his identity so the reveal at the end wasn't a surprise. It does, however, really make me want to read the next book to see what happens now. It is a HEA story, for now. I have the feeling that can change at any moment as Rhett, with Cat, embarks on their next adventure. The ties to Rumpelstiltskin are so slight that it isn't worth mentioning. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery and this is my voluntary, honest review.
September 2, 2021
I don't think I've read anything by Rachel Rossano that I didn't like. I started this story and didn't want to put it down. Rachel has a way of drawing me into her stories and not wanting to leave.
Rumpled Rhett is a take on Rumpelstiltskin. The miller's daughter is given to Rhett as part of a bargain - he protects the city and he gets the ruins of a castle and a wife. He wasn't looking for a wife, but the castle is known to him and he wouldn't mind living there - he also sees the heavy hand of the miller on this woman and believes she will be safer with him than with her father and brother, even though he has many enemies. Rhett believes he can keep Cat safe (oh, and there is a play on her name more so than there being a cat (Puss-n-boots) in the fairy tale with the miller's daughter).
It's a clean read, mostly an easy read, but a read I very easily got into.
Rumpled Rhett is a take on Rumpelstiltskin. The miller's daughter is given to Rhett as part of a bargain - he protects the city and he gets the ruins of a castle and a wife. He wasn't looking for a wife, but the castle is known to him and he wouldn't mind living there - he also sees the heavy hand of the miller on this woman and believes she will be safer with him than with her father and brother, even though he has many enemies. Rhett believes he can keep Cat safe (oh, and there is a play on her name more so than there being a cat (Puss-n-boots) in the fairy tale with the miller's daughter).
It's a clean read, mostly an easy read, but a read I very easily got into.
January 29, 2022
Even though I have loved all the books in this series, this is my favorite one. Rhett is the huntsman hunting down missing people and missing objects. Rhett stays safe by staying on the go except for the winter months in a small village. When Rhett returns to the village, he finds himself having to move to a new place and unexpectedly marrying Cat. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily post this review. This is my honest review. While many are afraid of Rhett, I love how sweet and protective Rhett is towards Cat. I also love even though Cat is not strong physically due to her abusive family, she isn't afraid to voice her opinions. I enjoy visiting this medieval book through this series and I hope there will be more books added.
October 6, 2021
I truly loved Rumpled Rhett. This story captured me from page one. Rhett is such an honorable hero cloaked in mystery. Cat has such beautiful strengthen and fortitude. Both are betrayed and come together for the convenience that the other provides. Yet, what blossoms is a love for the ages. I absolutely adored going on this journey with Cat and Rhett. It was such a heartwarming ending, that was wrapped up yet left open for more. This is a must read series for any who enjoy stories with, mystery, love (closed door romance), and adventure! Highly recommend this fantastic read!!
January 8, 2022
I loved this book! The hero (Rhett) is a strong, honorable mystery man; the heroine (Cat) is a strong woman who has been physically and mentally abused by her father and brother. They enter a contractual marriage for the convenience that the other provides, have hardships aplenty, and learn over time to love and rely on each other. I received this book for free from eBook Discovery. I voluntarily review this book. This is my honest review.
January 31, 2022
I'm ready for the next one.
Rachel Rossano has become my favorite author. Her stories are always engaging. I like the unique flavor of them, and I especially love the cleanliness of her stories. I have long since acknowledged that most romance novels of the 20th century are soft pornography. She is a breath of fresh air!
Rachel Rossano has become my favorite author. Her stories are always engaging. I like the unique flavor of them, and I especially love the cleanliness of her stories. I have long since acknowledged that most romance novels of the 20th century are soft pornography. She is a breath of fresh air!
July 23, 2023
good story
I found this book well written and a good conclusion to the series. There were few grammatical errors and it was very easy to read & enjoy. It will be interesting to see how the story continues.
This is much more to my liking as a series & I can see how it might be possible even though it is fictional.
Well done and well worth reading
I found this book well written and a good conclusion to the series. There were few grammatical errors and it was very easy to read & enjoy. It will be interesting to see how the story continues.
This is much more to my liking as a series & I can see how it might be possible even though it is fictional.
Well done and well worth reading
September 12, 2021
Sooooo good!
Another great story in this series! I just really enjoy every facet of Ms.Rossano’s writing! The story, the characters, places- all woven together in such a wonderful way! Don’t miss this book!
Another great story in this series! I just really enjoy every facet of Ms.Rossano’s writing! The story, the characters, places- all woven together in such a wonderful way! Don’t miss this book!
June 13, 2022
Wonderful
A suspenseful, action packed story as secrets and truth are discovered. You will love Cat and the Huntsman as they discover something they didn’t believe they would ever have!
A suspenseful, action packed story as secrets and truth are discovered. You will love Cat and the Huntsman as they discover something they didn’t believe they would ever have!
September 8, 2021
The story and characters were interesting enough it just dragged at times.
September 8, 2021
Loved it
I've enjoyed most everything Ms Rossano has written. I love her stories. Her writing is clean. Her stories are interesting and very well edited.
I've enjoyed most everything Ms Rossano has written. I love her stories. Her writing is clean. Her stories are interesting and very well edited.
February 2, 2022
This was a good story. The characters were well developed and the story moved quickly. There was an equal amount of romance and suspense to keep me interested in what was going to happen next.
December 23, 2025
Rachel Rossanno does the best romances. They are always built on real things, not just how hot the other character is. I loved this, and can't wait to read the next!
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews