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Scandalous House of Calydon #1
The Duke's Shotgun Wedding
Victorian Era England...
As far as rash decisions go, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne's will remains strong. If the only way to save her family's estate and reputation is by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it. For Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction - and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself... But she's made the first move against a very dangerous opponent... For Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand. Now it's his turn. For Sebastian is in need of a wife. And to find a wife with spirit and fire - even if she means to only marry for his money - would be a great prize indeed. And he intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her... and demands his own satisfaction in return.
As far as rash decisions go, it was formidable. But Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne's will remains strong. If the only way to save her family's estate and reputation is by aiming a small pistol at the Duke of Calydon, then so be it. For Lady Jocelyn demands satisfaction - and she will have it at any cost. Even if it means demanding the hand of the intense and foreboding Duke himself... But she's made the first move against a very dangerous opponent... For Sebastian Thornton is no stripling to be trifled with. The lady has played her hand. Now it's his turn. For Sebastian is in need of a wife. And to find a wife with spirit and fire - even if she means to only marry for his money - would be a great prize indeed. And he intends to thoroughly take his pleasure with her... and demands his own satisfaction in return.
Audiobook
First published April 14, 2014
318 people are currently reading
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About the author
Stacy Reid
91 books3,425 followersI am an unapologetic romance lover. I read it. I write it. Enough said. Well..I also have a warrior way "Never give up on my dreams." I spend a copious amount of time drooling over Rick Grimes from Walking Dead, watching Japanese anime and playing video games with my love, Dusean.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 357 reviews
September 4, 2020
Re-Read 4th Sep 2020 - note to self when a re-read has me frowning double check things on Goodreads. Review below stands.
2.5 Stars – I’m Left Feeling Unsatisfied
Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne is desperate, her father is impoverished and in danger of losing the family estate on top of which she has siblings with no decent future in sight unless she can do something to change their circumstances. The lady decides to hold a gun to the head of Sebastian, the Duke of Calydon, demanding satisfaction for what she states the Duke’s younger brother did. The Duke finds himself surprised and somewhat amused by the bold beauty that so fiercely enters his life, he also sees someone who he wants and will fit into his plans nicely. Sebastian on meeting Jocelyn feels she is a perfect contrast to the vapid and shallow ladies that exist in the Ton, and so he decides she would make him the perfect bride/wife. He needs a son but he does not want love.
The manifestation of love when it came to Jocelyn’s feelings for the Duke felt far too quick, the development of this almost insta-love could have worked if the author had fleshed it out a bit more. That being said the heat between the main characters was depicted well, and the main characters interested me.
The bones of this book as well as the two main characters had the potential to create something deliciously enticing but the manner in which the author depicted things, heightened the sense that the read was far too short and the potential of the tale and characters had not been realised. As a whole this book needed more fleshing out.
I feel like I opened up this book, blinked a few times and the next thing I knew I had finished it.
2.5 Stars – I’m Left Feeling Unsatisfied
Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne is desperate, her father is impoverished and in danger of losing the family estate on top of which she has siblings with no decent future in sight unless she can do something to change their circumstances. The lady decides to hold a gun to the head of Sebastian, the Duke of Calydon, demanding satisfaction for what she states the Duke’s younger brother did. The Duke finds himself surprised and somewhat amused by the bold beauty that so fiercely enters his life, he also sees someone who he wants and will fit into his plans nicely. Sebastian on meeting Jocelyn feels she is a perfect contrast to the vapid and shallow ladies that exist in the Ton, and so he decides she would make him the perfect bride/wife. He needs a son but he does not want love.
The manifestation of love when it came to Jocelyn’s feelings for the Duke felt far too quick, the development of this almost insta-love could have worked if the author had fleshed it out a bit more. That being said the heat between the main characters was depicted well, and the main characters interested me.
The bones of this book as well as the two main characters had the potential to create something deliciously enticing but the manner in which the author depicted things, heightened the sense that the read was far too short and the potential of the tale and characters had not been realised. As a whole this book needed more fleshing out.
I feel like I opened up this book, blinked a few times and the next thing I knew I had finished it.
February 9, 2020
4.75 Lady Done Wrong + Sexy Duke Stars
Lady Jocelyn Rathborne is desperate. The man she believed to her family's savior has betrayed her, and she demands restitution. While her father is an earl, Jocelyn has maintained a low profile as they did not have funds to provide her with a proper debut, and she fears that if she does not make a match with a man of means soon, not only will her father lose their home seat, but her younger sisters will never be able to have their own debuts or be able to choose their own husbands as they would be forced to settle for a provider instead of true love. Jocelyn herself had almost given up on the idea of love until she met Anthony when he was visiting a neighboring estate, and when he gave her his mother's treasured locket, she took that as a declaration of his intentions to wed her, but when she read the papers, she saw an engagement announcement that he was set to wed another woman in a couple of weeks. As time is running out for her to help save the family estate, she banked all of her hopes on this match to save her family, and now she is angry and refuses to go down without a fight... which is how she finds herself holding Anthony's older brother, the Duke of Calydon, at gunpoint in his own study.
Sebastian Jackson Thornton, the twelfth duke of Calydon, is intrigued by the lady who barged into his home wearing last season's style of riding habit and who then proceeded to pull a derringer from her purse and point it at his person. While she puts on a brave face, he knows she is not as committed to the idea of actually shooting him as her arm is shaky, and even though she is wearing a thick veil to conceal her features, he can see her desperation. Alas, he cannot give her what she wants as his younger brother actually eloped with the woman he decided to marry; the announcement was intended to cover any scandal and serve as the much more formal event. But it has been a long time since any woman stirred any feeling in Sebastian, and he cannot ignore the one that Jocelyn evokes. As he happens to be in need of a bride (he was in fact compiling a list of potentials when she burst in), he offers her marriage to him instead of his brother. And he wants her agreement immediately with the wedding to be held the very next morning.
Jocelyn is shocked when the duke offers himself in place of his brother as it was certainly not something she anticipated at all. But when she is in his presence, he seems to consume all of the air in the room and leaves her breathless. While she found Anthony to be attractive, she finds that there is something about Sebastian that goes much deeper than attraction; thus, she agrees to his ridiculous demands for an immediate wedding. At least she knows her family will be saved from ruin and her sisters will be able to have a future.
Sebastian has no intention of ever falling in love again - he has been betrayed by women all of his life, including by his own mother. He plans to beget his heir but keep his new wife at a comfortable distance, but that seems to be getting harder to do with every passing moment in her presence. Will he be able to set aside his anger and break his own rules to allow Jocelyn in, or will he push her away and destroy his own chance at happiness in the process?
What I liked:
--- Strong h who did what she had to do to save her family; swoon-worthy fixer up duke who can't resist the feisty lady who literally lands in his lap
--- Very fast moving plot line with more depth than I usually find in a novella length book
--- STEAMY GOODNESS
What I didn't like as much:
--- Too short! I wanted more!! :)
Overall, a quick but solid, steamy, and very worthwhile read!
Plot --- 4.75/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
Lady Jocelyn Rathborne is desperate. The man she believed to her family's savior has betrayed her, and she demands restitution. While her father is an earl, Jocelyn has maintained a low profile as they did not have funds to provide her with a proper debut, and she fears that if she does not make a match with a man of means soon, not only will her father lose their home seat, but her younger sisters will never be able to have their own debuts or be able to choose their own husbands as they would be forced to settle for a provider instead of true love. Jocelyn herself had almost given up on the idea of love until she met Anthony when he was visiting a neighboring estate, and when he gave her his mother's treasured locket, she took that as a declaration of his intentions to wed her, but when she read the papers, she saw an engagement announcement that he was set to wed another woman in a couple of weeks. As time is running out for her to help save the family estate, she banked all of her hopes on this match to save her family, and now she is angry and refuses to go down without a fight... which is how she finds herself holding Anthony's older brother, the Duke of Calydon, at gunpoint in his own study.
Sebastian Jackson Thornton, the twelfth duke of Calydon, is intrigued by the lady who barged into his home wearing last season's style of riding habit and who then proceeded to pull a derringer from her purse and point it at his person. While she puts on a brave face, he knows she is not as committed to the idea of actually shooting him as her arm is shaky, and even though she is wearing a thick veil to conceal her features, he can see her desperation. Alas, he cannot give her what she wants as his younger brother actually eloped with the woman he decided to marry; the announcement was intended to cover any scandal and serve as the much more formal event. But it has been a long time since any woman stirred any feeling in Sebastian, and he cannot ignore the one that Jocelyn evokes. As he happens to be in need of a bride (he was in fact compiling a list of potentials when she burst in), he offers her marriage to him instead of his brother. And he wants her agreement immediately with the wedding to be held the very next morning.
Jocelyn is shocked when the duke offers himself in place of his brother as it was certainly not something she anticipated at all. But when she is in his presence, he seems to consume all of the air in the room and leaves her breathless. While she found Anthony to be attractive, she finds that there is something about Sebastian that goes much deeper than attraction; thus, she agrees to his ridiculous demands for an immediate wedding. At least she knows her family will be saved from ruin and her sisters will be able to have a future.
Sebastian has no intention of ever falling in love again - he has been betrayed by women all of his life, including by his own mother. He plans to beget his heir but keep his new wife at a comfortable distance, but that seems to be getting harder to do with every passing moment in her presence. Will he be able to set aside his anger and break his own rules to allow Jocelyn in, or will he push her away and destroy his own chance at happiness in the process?
What I liked:
--- Strong h who did what she had to do to save her family; swoon-worthy fixer up duke who can't resist the feisty lady who literally lands in his lap
--- Very fast moving plot line with more depth than I usually find in a novella length book
--- STEAMY GOODNESS
What I didn't like as much:
--- Too short! I wanted more!! :)
Overall, a quick but solid, steamy, and very worthwhile read!
Plot --- 4.75/5
Main Characters --- 4.5/5
Supporting Cast --- 4.5/5
Steam Level* --- 4/5
Violence --- nothing graphic
Language --- not egregious
POV --- 3rd
*Note that steam level is not a rating so much as a how hot was it: 0/5 - clean; 1/5 - mild; 2/5 - sensual but nothing descriptive; 3/5 - now we're getting somewhere; 4/5 - yes please! ; 5/5 - they did EVERYTHING in this one, y'all
July 24, 2021
Story: 2.75 stars⭐
It was okay-ish, but on the plus side I finally read a historical romance after soooo many months!
Audio: 4 stars⭐
It was okay-ish, but on the plus side I finally read a historical romance after soooo many months!
Audio: 4 stars⭐
April 18, 2022
5 Freaking, Amazing Stars!
This was my first Stacy Reid book, and I loved it!
I am prone to writing structured, detailed reviews, but this one is going to be short, sweet & apt, just like this novella!
- I enjoyed the plot of marriage at a gunpoint, as it was so damn unique. It had me hooked.
- The subplot needed a little fleshing out, but since this is a novella, I am not complaining.
- Stacy Reid is a very talented author, and it shows in her writing. The book is constructed well, the main characters are individualistic, and the pacing is spot on.
- God, the chemistry! It's delicious.
- Jocelyn was a great heroine - strong, honest, take charge, dependable and a perfect one to go toe to toe with Sebastian.
- I loved every intense bit of Sebastian, God, he was such an alpha without being an ass. A little rough around the edges but an amazing hero nonetheless.
My Reccomendation
This novella was witty, funny, charming, and full of steam, all of it paving the way for a quick romance & a HEA. Please do read it, read the whole series and then read all of Stacy Reid's books, that is what I did.
This was my first Stacy Reid book, and I loved it!
I am prone to writing structured, detailed reviews, but this one is going to be short, sweet & apt, just like this novella!
- I enjoyed the plot of marriage at a gunpoint, as it was so damn unique. It had me hooked.
- The subplot needed a little fleshing out, but since this is a novella, I am not complaining.
- Stacy Reid is a very talented author, and it shows in her writing. The book is constructed well, the main characters are individualistic, and the pacing is spot on.
- God, the chemistry! It's delicious.
- Jocelyn was a great heroine - strong, honest, take charge, dependable and a perfect one to go toe to toe with Sebastian.
- I loved every intense bit of Sebastian, God, he was such an alpha without being an ass. A little rough around the edges but an amazing hero nonetheless.
My Reccomendation
This novella was witty, funny, charming, and full of steam, all of it paving the way for a quick romance & a HEA. Please do read it, read the whole series and then read all of Stacy Reid's books, that is what I did.
February 12, 2023
I enjoyed reading this novella. I think the relationship was built up pretty well for how short the story is, and I liked the characters and their passion. Sometimes the book was more violent than I would have liked, though.
I really like Stacy Reid's writing, but her books are sometimes not my cup of tea. Some of what she writes is more towards the erotica side of things than I personally prefer, without the emotional connection that I look for in romance. This novella had the romance that I was looking for though (even if it was short), so I'm happy.
I really like Stacy Reid's writing, but her books are sometimes not my cup of tea. Some of what she writes is more towards the erotica side of things than I personally prefer, without the emotional connection that I look for in romance. This novella had the romance that I was looking for though (even if it was short), so I'm happy.
April 30, 2018
I loved this book! Stacy Reid has a spectacular, fresh voice that sings and the book is super sexy, which I'm all about!!
September 9, 2024
5⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ This was an unrealistic soap opera episode actually, but it somehow worked for me.
I think it all came down to the characters and how they were written. I liked the seriousness and grumpiness of the hero. I liked the honest and open heroine. The banter seemed witty enough.
I would have liked the story to have been longer and had a bit more groveling to it, but it held my interest the whole way thru and I look forward to more Stacy Reid stories!
I think it all came down to the characters and how they were written. I liked the seriousness and grumpiness of the hero. I liked the honest and open heroine. The banter seemed witty enough.
I would have liked the story to have been longer and had a bit more groveling to it, but it held my interest the whole way thru and I look forward to more Stacy Reid stories!
March 13, 2021
A lovely historical romance novella, The Duke’s Shotgun Wedding is book #1 in the Scandalous House of Calydon series by Stacy Reid.
It is a short story, so obviously the forced marriage for convenience to love between the couple does happen fairly quickly. But what was enjoyable was how strong and feisty the heroine Lady Jocelyn was characterized. The initial scene of her walking in with an ultimatum and a pistol aimed at the Duke of Calydon was simply breath-taking.
In fact, this story had immense potential for a whole forced marriage love story but novellas tend to inhibit the detailed storytelling and thus the readers are left with a quick ‘am in love’ theme. Both Sebastian and Jocelyn are endearing characters and I loved how Jocelyn seems to always speak her mind in a forthright manner without any qualms. There’s a sub-plot of Sebastian’s mother which again I thought could have been fleshed out properly but for a novella, Stacy Reid has certainly managed to convey the gist of Sebastian’s never fall in love deal.
It is a short story, so obviously the forced marriage for convenience to love between the couple does happen fairly quickly. But what was enjoyable was how strong and feisty the heroine Lady Jocelyn was characterized. The initial scene of her walking in with an ultimatum and a pistol aimed at the Duke of Calydon was simply breath-taking.
In fact, this story had immense potential for a whole forced marriage love story but novellas tend to inhibit the detailed storytelling and thus the readers are left with a quick ‘am in love’ theme. Both Sebastian and Jocelyn are endearing characters and I loved how Jocelyn seems to always speak her mind in a forthright manner without any qualms. There’s a sub-plot of Sebastian’s mother which again I thought could have been fleshed out properly but for a novella, Stacy Reid has certainly managed to convey the gist of Sebastian’s never fall in love deal.
April 3, 2014
A lovely, enjoyable read, The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was a wonderful historical romance novella. I really liked this short and sweet read.
Both characters were good, though I had a small issue with each. Jocelyn was strong and determined to ensure her family's future. However, she was also mindblowingly impulsive, in a way that was just bewildering and somewhat selfish in the way that she didn't consider the consequences. Sebastian was sweet and honorable to a fault, but he could also be a real ass. Overall, though, I liked them both.
The romance was great. The sparks were constantly flying, whether these two were arguing or ripping each other's clothes off. But, they were also sweet together, when they took a minute to calm down. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was quick and I was kept hooked the entire way through. I really liked the story and the ending was very sweet.
The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was a wonderful historical romance novella that I truly enjoyed reading. Romance lovers, if you want a quick, sweet read, then you'll want to check this book out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
Both characters were good, though I had a small issue with each. Jocelyn was strong and determined to ensure her family's future. However, she was also mindblowingly impulsive, in a way that was just bewildering and somewhat selfish in the way that she didn't consider the consequences. Sebastian was sweet and honorable to a fault, but he could also be a real ass. Overall, though, I liked them both.
The romance was great. The sparks were constantly flying, whether these two were arguing or ripping each other's clothes off. But, they were also sweet together, when they took a minute to calm down. I thought they were a lovely couple.
The plot was quick and I was kept hooked the entire way through. I really liked the story and the ending was very sweet.
The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was a wonderful historical romance novella that I truly enjoyed reading. Romance lovers, if you want a quick, sweet read, then you'll want to check this book out.
*I received a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review
November 26, 2022
Good enough
March 3, 2021
“Love was something he had banished from his life years ago out of necessity, but she made him yearn to be loved.”
📚 Series? Yes. Can be read as a standalone.
📚 Genre? Historical Romance.
📚 Read for?
📚 Cliffhanger? No
⚠ Content Warnings: Explicit sexual content. If I missed anything, please let me know.
⚠ Book Tags : Regency romance. Shotgun marriage. Black romance author. Very fast moving plot.
~ Full review to come. ~
☁ THE CRITERIA ☁
🌼 Synopsis:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Main Character:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Significant Other: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Support Characters:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Writing Style:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Character Development:⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Romance: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Pacing: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Ending: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
🌼 Unputdownability: ⭐⭐⭐⭐☆
🌼 Book Cover:⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
☁FINAL VERDICT: 4.27/5 ☁
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January 5, 2015
“You came into my life and completely turned it upside down, when all I wanted was a biddable wife to give me an heir.”
I've read The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid and it really fascinated me in a heartbeat so I didn't hesitate to grab The Duke's Shotgun Wedding and have it a go. And again, Stacy Reid did not fail. I absolutely love this novella!
It's fast-paced and really compelling. I love how the main characters interact especially how their connection became deeper every second. I thought Sebastian and Jocelyn's love story is worth extending, I just wished Stacy made it a bit longer because I so want to read mooooore of them together! I think their romantic quest is too short-lived and it leaves me craving for more, more, and more.
However, I rated it 5 stars because the plot is absolutely perfect. I could not find any flaws in this book. It's romantic, and not in a boring and cliche way. The characters also did not annoy me at all. And the ending is brilliant! *sigh*
Book review originally posted on my blog: http://bibliopearl.wordpress.com/2014...
I've read The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell by Stacy Reid and it really fascinated me in a heartbeat so I didn't hesitate to grab The Duke's Shotgun Wedding and have it a go. And again, Stacy Reid did not fail. I absolutely love this novella!
It's fast-paced and really compelling. I love how the main characters interact especially how their connection became deeper every second. I thought Sebastian and Jocelyn's love story is worth extending, I just wished Stacy made it a bit longer because I so want to read mooooore of them together! I think their romantic quest is too short-lived and it leaves me craving for more, more, and more.
However, I rated it 5 stars because the plot is absolutely perfect. I could not find any flaws in this book. It's romantic, and not in a boring and cliche way. The characters also did not annoy me at all. And the ending is brilliant! *sigh*
Book review originally posted on my blog: http://bibliopearl.wordpress.com/2014...
July 11, 2021
3,5⭐
the first meeting of the leading couple was amazing!!
the first meeting of the leading couple was amazing!!
March 16, 2015
I WANTED MORE!!
As far as Novella's go The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was pretty good. I just believe there could have been more to the story. It is enough here to have been a full book instead of a Novella. Every scene moves so fast. I was wishing for more. I guess that is a good thing.
Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne, is holding a gun on the Duke of Calydon. She is accusing his brother Anthony of seducing her an then not marrying her. This is where the story gets unbelievable Sebastian the Duke of Calydon marries her straight away. They immediately start there live together after only knowing each other for a day. The story is a bit modern and not so much historical romance in the way it is written. There are some very delightful moving scenes in the book and it is loaded with tons of fascinating characters that I want to read more about. I read this short Novella in a about 2 hrs. Very enjoyable story.
As far as Novella's go The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was pretty good. I just believe there could have been more to the story. It is enough here to have been a full book instead of a Novella. Every scene moves so fast. I was wishing for more. I guess that is a good thing.
Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne, is holding a gun on the Duke of Calydon. She is accusing his brother Anthony of seducing her an then not marrying her. This is where the story gets unbelievable Sebastian the Duke of Calydon marries her straight away. They immediately start there live together after only knowing each other for a day. The story is a bit modern and not so much historical romance in the way it is written. There are some very delightful moving scenes in the book and it is loaded with tons of fascinating characters that I want to read more about. I read this short Novella in a about 2 hrs. Very enjoyable story.
April 14, 2014
ARC provided by author in exchange for a honest review.
This novella was absolutely fantastic and so refreshing. I loved the heroine and hero and the progression of their story. The heroine was no weak mouse and for that I must absolutely applaud the writer , it is not always the easiest thing to make a heroine likeable and commanding at the same time. Because of the shortness of the novella not all my question were fully answered and everything was done a little too quickly. In essence it was a novella with limited wording so I understand the reason why the progression was rapid. I do feel that if it this was a full length novel , It would have been a 5 star read without hesitation.
Much love and respect to this upcoming writer . I see tremendous talent which will go very far.
4 stars
September 4, 2020
Thoroughly enjoyed this audiobook as the narration was done very well. Both characters were strong on their own however the heroine bested. Nice HEA although I wish it was more and not feeling rushed at the end.
August 16, 2023
Decided to binge through some audiobooks.
This was a decent novella. Onto another!
4 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
This was a decent novella. Onto another!
4 stars
1.5 on the spice scale
May 1, 2018
A sweet, quick novella.....
We get to see our broody, stoic, Duke fall. Sigh, broody heroes are MY FAVORITE.....lol.
They always fall the hardest and our heroine was adorable and fierce. It’s a quick, fun read.
Recommend.
We get to see our broody, stoic, Duke fall. Sigh, broody heroes are MY FAVORITE.....lol.
They always fall the hardest and our heroine was adorable and fierce. It’s a quick, fun read.
Recommend.
Read
June 13, 2022**Updated review 3/28/2020**
This romance read started with a feisty Jocelyn pointing a derringer on the cold & unfeeling Duke of Calydon, Sebastian. All Sebastian sees is a hellion with an inner fire that gets him hard! She is pissed off because his brother (book #2 in the series), Anthony, teased her with anothet marriage & her dad's estate is falling around her young siblings' ears. What must she do?
Sebastian sees what he wants & totally agrees to marry her. Sebastian believes all females are lairs & unfaithful, courtesy of his mom & her lover, that his mom marries after only 3 months after his Father's death, & then discovery of his brother & sister's true father. These 2 have absolutely no problems in the bedroom, desk or even a couch, as Jocelyn inner HOE is unlocked by Sebastian's lips, tongue & glorious hands. When they are out of the bedroom, it sucks royally!!
I read this book after The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell, which is book #2 in this scandalous series, but I think I enjoyed it that way. Either book stands alone, but Mizz Reid teases you with her writing style & she make you CRAVE the next book. I think Mizz Reid could write cliffhangers for TV shows, like Sleepy Hollow or the provocative Scandal! Mizz Reid gifted me with so many "PULL THE FIRE ALARM" & pantie melting scenes that I needed a chocolate fix ASAP! I loved both of her books in her Scandalous House of Calydon series & I am waiting, NOT SO PATIENTLY, for Connie's story. I must give my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes & I am even adding my furry reading buddy's 4 paws up into my score because she had a derringer & snotty butlers a Fairy Godmother plus unknowing Fairy Godfather & that my peeps that totally takes writing talent that Mizz Stacy gifts us with!!
This romance read started with a feisty Jocelyn pointing a derringer on the cold & unfeeling Duke of Calydon, Sebastian. All Sebastian sees is a hellion with an inner fire that gets him hard! She is pissed off because his brother (book #2 in the series), Anthony, teased her with anothet marriage & her dad's estate is falling around her young siblings' ears. What must she do?
Sebastian sees what he wants & totally agrees to marry her. Sebastian believes all females are lairs & unfaithful, courtesy of his mom & her lover, that his mom marries after only 3 months after his Father's death, & then discovery of his brother & sister's true father. These 2 have absolutely no problems in the bedroom, desk or even a couch, as Jocelyn inner HOE is unlocked by Sebastian's lips, tongue & glorious hands. When they are out of the bedroom, it sucks royally!!
I read this book after The Irresistible Miss Peppiwell, which is book #2 in this scandalous series, but I think I enjoyed it that way. Either book stands alone, but Mizz Reid teases you with her writing style & she make you CRAVE the next book. I think Mizz Reid could write cliffhangers for TV shows, like Sleepy Hollow or the provocative Scandal! Mizz Reid gifted me with so many "PULL THE FIRE ALARM" & pantie melting scenes that I needed a chocolate fix ASAP! I loved both of her books in her Scandalous House of Calydon series & I am waiting, NOT SO PATIENTLY, for Connie's story. I must give my top score of 5 fingers up & 10 toes & I am even adding my furry reading buddy's 4 paws up into my score because she had a derringer & snotty butlers a Fairy Godmother plus unknowing Fairy Godfather & that my peeps that totally takes writing talent that Mizz Stacy gifts us with!!
July 4, 2021
3 stars. Not bad for a short story but it definitely felt like it was missing something. The relationship between the hero & heroine felt stunted.
Safe; virgin heroine, no om/ow, heroine kissed hero’s brother a few times, hero had a married mistress in the past and was complicit in her cheating on her husband
Safe; virgin heroine, no om/ow, heroine kissed hero’s brother a few times, hero had a married mistress in the past and was complicit in her cheating on her husband
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 8, 2022
Read: 2015
What I can remember it was a good novella
What I can remember it was a good novella
December 30, 2018
(audible review) This was a cute story, I enjoyed it. It was short but had a lot of entertainment. It started out great and grabbed my attention very fast. Cant help but love Jocelyn walking into a Duke's house and pointing a derringer at him demanding satisfaction! HAHA
I really liked Jocelyn a lot, she was strong, smart, witty and determined. She wouldn't back down. I liked Sebastian most of the the time, but sometimes he was kind if a jerk. Glad this was a short book I wouldn't have been able to deal with him be a jerk for longer.
The did have some chemistry and there are some steamy sex scenes in this short story. But it wasn't so much to over shadow the story itself. YAY for that!
As for the narration it was pretty good. I do think the voice of Sebastian didn't have to be so mean/harsh/haggish. She could have done his voice in a bit of a sexier manner, he wasn't a jerk the whole time but it seemed that every time he spoke he sounded mean/harsh/haggish. Too bad for that. Otherwise the narration was good.
I really liked Jocelyn a lot, she was strong, smart, witty and determined. She wouldn't back down. I liked Sebastian most of the the time, but sometimes he was kind if a jerk. Glad this was a short book I wouldn't have been able to deal with him be a jerk for longer.
The did have some chemistry and there are some steamy sex scenes in this short story. But it wasn't so much to over shadow the story itself. YAY for that!
As for the narration it was pretty good. I do think the voice of Sebastian didn't have to be so mean/harsh/haggish. She could have done his voice in a bit of a sexier manner, he wasn't a jerk the whole time but it seemed that every time he spoke he sounded mean/harsh/haggish. Too bad for that. Otherwise the narration was good.
June 9, 2020
Cute start to a series.
Jocelyn was promised by the Duke's brother that he will marry her. But he has other plans and she's determined to make the Duke force his brother to keep his promise.
But the Duke seen she's bold and he needs an heir. She needs money to help her family. An agreement of business turns into something else with the Duke and Jocelyn.
Jocelyn was promised by the Duke's brother that he will marry her. But he has other plans and she's determined to make the Duke force his brother to keep his promise.
But the Duke seen she's bold and he needs an heir. She needs money to help her family. An agreement of business turns into something else with the Duke and Jocelyn.
June 24, 2021
3.5 Stars
The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was an enjoyable read featuring a fun little twist on the shotgun wedding concept.
Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne is determined to save her family's home as well as their reputation. After her plan has her aiming a pistol at the Duke of Calydon, Jocelyn is surprised when the duke offers marriage. Sebastian Thornton has been looking for a wife and when Lady Jocelyn points a pistol at him in his study, he decides she's perfect. Even if she only marries him for his money, Sebastian would much rather have a wife with spirit than a docile miss.
Jocelyn's and Sebastian's relationship gets off to quite an interesting start. When I saw the premise of the pair's relationship started with her holding him at gunpoint, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of them getting together. Initially, Jocelyn's plan was to get the duke to make his brother marry her as the man made promises to Jocelyn that she wants kept. I liked the twist that the duke offered to marry her instead as that made for a much more interesting romance.
At first their relationship isn't based on more than attraction to each other, but I enjoyed watching them develop affection for each other outside of that. The steamy scenes between the two are well done and there were more than I was expecting in such a short book. There's a subplot related to the duke's mother that explains his reluctance to love and why he has big trust issues. This does cause some problems in Jocelyn and Sebastian's relationship that I felt were dragged out a bit too long.
Overall The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was a fun read and I definitely plan to continue on with the series to see Sebastian's siblings' romances.
The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was an enjoyable read featuring a fun little twist on the shotgun wedding concept.
Lady Jocelyn Rathbourne is determined to save her family's home as well as their reputation. After her plan has her aiming a pistol at the Duke of Calydon, Jocelyn is surprised when the duke offers marriage. Sebastian Thornton has been looking for a wife and when Lady Jocelyn points a pistol at him in his study, he decides she's perfect. Even if she only marries him for his money, Sebastian would much rather have a wife with spirit than a docile miss.
Jocelyn's and Sebastian's relationship gets off to quite an interesting start. When I saw the premise of the pair's relationship started with her holding him at gunpoint, I was immediately intrigued by the idea of them getting together. Initially, Jocelyn's plan was to get the duke to make his brother marry her as the man made promises to Jocelyn that she wants kept. I liked the twist that the duke offered to marry her instead as that made for a much more interesting romance.
At first their relationship isn't based on more than attraction to each other, but I enjoyed watching them develop affection for each other outside of that. The steamy scenes between the two are well done and there were more than I was expecting in such a short book. There's a subplot related to the duke's mother that explains his reluctance to love and why he has big trust issues. This does cause some problems in Jocelyn and Sebastian's relationship that I felt were dragged out a bit too long.
Overall The Duke's Shotgun Wedding was a fun read and I definitely plan to continue on with the series to see Sebastian's siblings' romances.
November 19, 2023
Short and steamy 🥰
3.5 stars 🌟
3.5 stars 🌟
March 2, 2024
Stacy Reid has a new fan!
The past few months have been crazy for me and I haven't been able to get into historicals. This novella was sexy and felt different than most of the regencies I've read. Page one has the female character holding a gun on the Duke!
I'm interested in checking out more from the author's backlist.
The past few months have been crazy for me and I haven't been able to get into historicals. This novella was sexy and felt different than most of the regencies I've read. Page one has the female character holding a gun on the Duke!
I'm interested in checking out more from the author's backlist.
April 1, 2015
This wonderful historical romance is the story of Jocelyn and Sebastian. Jocelyn is in desperate straights, needing to find a wealthy husband to help her family and restore their impoverished estate. When a possible suitor withdraws, Jocelyn feels her only choice is to confront his brother and demand satisfaction. Hoping he'll offer her a large amount of money, she threatens marriage to him when the offer isn't big enough - one he coolly accepts for his own reasons. Can a marriage that starts out without love become a fulfilling relationship for them both?
What a delightful read this was! Both characters were well written and engaging to the reader. Jocelyn is a proud and stubborn woman, feisty in all things (including the bedroom as Sebastian soon finds). Sebastian appears aloof and controlled on the outside but he carries a riot of emotions on the inside - admiration and lust for Jocelyn and her crazy plan, hatred for his mother over her failure to nurture him as a child, care and concern for his brother and sister. Jocelyn makes him feel - and though he tries hard to ignore those feelings and focus on the sensual delights of the bedroom, she is able to crack through his façade and show him how good their marriage can be.
The setting is well described and though this story is novella length, the characters and plot are perfectly set up to flow smoothly from one scene to the next. It was a delightful and quick read and I look forward to more in the series! 4 lovely stars!
What a delightful read this was! Both characters were well written and engaging to the reader. Jocelyn is a proud and stubborn woman, feisty in all things (including the bedroom as Sebastian soon finds). Sebastian appears aloof and controlled on the outside but he carries a riot of emotions on the inside - admiration and lust for Jocelyn and her crazy plan, hatred for his mother over her failure to nurture him as a child, care and concern for his brother and sister. Jocelyn makes him feel - and though he tries hard to ignore those feelings and focus on the sensual delights of the bedroom, she is able to crack through his façade and show him how good their marriage can be.
The setting is well described and though this story is novella length, the characters and plot are perfectly set up to flow smoothly from one scene to the next. It was a delightful and quick read and I look forward to more in the series! 4 lovely stars!
September 16, 2021
Lady Jocelyn Rathborne's family is on the brink of insolvency. As a last resort, she goes to Sebastian the Duke of Calydon, aims a pistol at him, and demands reparation for a slight the Duke's brother committed. What she didn't expect was the Duke to offer himself in marriage and seal a bargain with her.
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Jocelyn is the epitome of everything I like in a heroine. She's fierce, bold, and fiery. I like strong female lead. Despite entering a marriage of convenience with Sebastian, she stands her grounds. I also love a hero that appreciates confidence in his heroine. He is a bit of a grump that is set on his ways which made watching him fall for Jocelyn that much sweeter ^^
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I've reread this book countless times. It is the perfect combination of romance and banter. I urge you to pick this up.
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5/5
#fridayinaprilbookreviews
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Jocelyn is the epitome of everything I like in a heroine. She's fierce, bold, and fiery. I like strong female lead. Despite entering a marriage of convenience with Sebastian, she stands her grounds. I also love a hero that appreciates confidence in his heroine. He is a bit of a grump that is set on his ways which made watching him fall for Jocelyn that much sweeter ^^
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I've reread this book countless times. It is the perfect combination of romance and banter. I urge you to pick this up.
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5/5
#fridayinaprilbookreviews
April 14, 2014
Debut Delight
Stacy Reid’s first published novella “The Duke’s Shotgun Wedding” is a joyful foray into the realms of historical romance, with an impulsive heroine and an impassive but sensuous hero. Jocelyn bounces into Sebastian’s notice with a revolver levelled at him and he readily agrees to marry her. She is a delight that disrupts his life and revels in his nightly love-making as he takes her to unexpected heights of bliss. His attempts to feel nothing more than lust for her are swept away by her irrepressible love for him and life. An amusing romp with impressive style, I can’t wait to read more of Stacy Reid’s future offerings.
March 29, 2014
An emotional novella about the Duke of Calydon and Lady Rathbourne's fiery meeting and subsequent betrothal. So many steamy moments between the characters that leave you hot under the collar. The growing love for Jocelyn by Sebastian knows no bounds and paves the way in their's and that of family forgiveness, which opens a floodgate of emotions for them both. An enjoyable read.
4 Stars
*ARC received from the publisher for an honest review.
4 Stars
*ARC received from the publisher for an honest review.
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