At the Duke's Command

by Melanie Rose Clarke

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He inherited her home.
Why does he think he inherited her?

When a powerful duke inherits Grace’s home, she is furious. Why does the overprotective man think he can dictate her life? He makes a deal to allow her to keep it – if she accompanies him to society. She hasn’t a choice if she wants to regain her freedom, yet she will resist him.
Benjamin Williams, the Duke of Torrance, cannot allow the enticing woman to remain in dangerous circumstances, no matter her protests. He plans to find her a suitable husband, yet soon it becomes apparent he cannot let the clever and spirited woman go. They grow closer every day, delighting in witty conversation and stolen kisses. Soon he will claim his duchess and prove she is…

At the duke’s command.

Genres: Romance, Regency, Historical Romance, Historical Fiction, Historical, Novella, Ebooks

93 pages, Unknown Binding

Reviews

[Elke · Rating 5 out of 5]

an AMAZING writer! I learned new words, laughed out loud (scaring my cats) and fell in love with a new author. This is the first book of Ms Clarke that I have read. it took less than 8 hours to read . The writing is so easy to read fast. The heroine is not stupid, her actions make sense. The story flows really well. MUST READ !!!

[Alex Silver · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.7/5

Cheesy short historical romance with no character development, substance, or chemistry.

Also. No smut. Just “when the moment came he enters her to fleeting pain followed by endless pleasure” sort of stuff, you know?

Guardian MMC. Innocent virgin FMC. Duke MMC and destitute FMC. No OMD/Owd. No cheating. No breakup. No angst. Epilogue with them married.

[Mya · Rating 5 out of 5]

This author did a great job of making their story realistic and enjoyable.

[Barb · Rating 2 out of 5]

Flat storyline. Boring two-dimensional characters. Instalove with zero romance. Bleh.

[Blanche Jackson]

Oh my gosh what an amazing book. I love the research that this writer did about this period, and how great it was to see a woman that is empowered. The conflicts kept me from putting this book down. I wanted to know what is going to happen next, Thank you Ms Clarke for making this book a want to read book. I highly recommend it for anyone!

[Michelle Connolly · Rating 2 out of 5]

If I could give 1/2 stars, I'd probably rate this with 2.5. It wasn't awful, it was just incredibly lacking. The plot seemed interesting at first, but it very quickly became far fetched, the characters were two dimensional and their relationship developed out of ,what seemed like, thin air.
This is the first book I've read by this author, and I read it for free, but I do hope, and expect, her other books to be a whole lot better than this one.

[neil rosenberg · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed reading this book very much. The charactors are all interesting and their interactions are a joy to read about. I highly recommend this book and author.

[S.V. Farnsworth · Rating 5 out of 5]

I liked the novella and look forward to the first in series. The teaser chapter for book 1 is fantastic.

[Alyssa C · Rating 5 out of 5]

I’ve read most of this series out of order, but I love them! Such fun and what picturesque descriptions! From the gowns to their surroundings, I feel like I could reach out a hand and join the fun 🥰

[Elizabeth Connor · Rating 2 out of 5]

One word came to mind when I finished this short book: flibbertigibbet. It’s not exactly the right word to describe it, but it comes close. It’s frivolous and overly wordy. The plot is thin with very little conflict. The characters are two-dimensional, with very little development, although some of their banter is amusing. Overall, it was very disappointing and I cannot recommend it. This book was free when subscribing to the author’s newsletter. Needless to say, I’ve unsubscribed. Not my cup of tea.

[Brendan Mccarthy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well-written book. Very exciting and fun to read. One of the best I've read. Great start to the series. I will read much more by this author.

[Kristi Hudecek-Ashwill · Rating 4 out of 5]

I got a free download of this from the author's newsletter and it's been sitting on my reader for weeks. I finally read it.

Grace is a lone woman living in a cottage in a not-so-good area of London and is summoned to the duke's barrister's office. She knows she's about to be evicted and is worried about what she will do to survive.

Much to her surprise, the Duke of Torrance has other ideas. He is going to remove her from her home, but he's moving her with him until the house can be renovated to a livable standard. With that deal, he will be taking her to balls and soirees and the like.

Grace isn't about to be any man's mistress, duke or not. I admired that about her. As a matter of fact, I liked her character overall. I didn't get to know the duke much.

Where this book failed me was it was way too short. There wasn't enough time for the characters to develop or to feel them fall in love. It was almost like the story started in the middle and I had to catch up. It may have been a part of an anthology or something. I don't know. If it had been longer and if the characters had been allowed to show themselves, and if the story had started at the beginning this would've been much more satisfying.

Regardless, I did like the story enough to give it four stars. I just wish there was more to it.

[Korkoi · Rating 5 out of 5]

Staking His Claim -
Grace expected to be kicked out of her home when she was summoned to the lawyer’s office after her father’s death, but fate had other plans in store for her, as the new owner of the property took a shining to her and set about changing her life. Torrance felt an inexplicable pull towards Grace from the moment he laid eyes on her and took an interest in her life after discovering how and where she loved. Even though Grace put up every argument she could think of, so she could return to her simple life, Torrance countered each and every one of her arguments, as he had plans for her.

Spending time on the circuit together brought Grace and Torrance closer, which made her realise she didn’t want to leave, as she feelings for him. However, Grace was still apprehensive about the disparity in their status, but everything came together after she made friends in the social circle and Torrance declared his true feelings for her, whilst asking her to give them a chance at a happy future together. This author is new to me and I must say it’s been my pleasure to read this truly enjoyable story. I will definitely be reading more of her stories in the future.

I received a copy of this book free and I am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 2 out of 5]

I grew up reading Barbara Cartland Novels. They're short, super cheesy, and insta-lovey, but they get the period right. This book doesn't. It's small details, like he gets her tons of dresses after less than 24 hours, without anyone taking her measures. And they fit perfectly. That couldn't happen, since dresses were made by hand and tailored specifically to each person. Also, the matter of the chaperone is mentioned in ONE sentence, and never brought back; they even go to a lot of places ALONE, which would have resulted in a VERY damaged reputation for a lady, specially if she was living with him. Just a freakin' line explaining who was in the house, who they went with to the party, etc., it doesn't take more than that to get things right. Descriptions of places and clothes are very vague, and it's basically impossible to pinpoint an actual period when this takes place. Maybe that was on purpose. I don't hate the story, but there's a lot to improve.

[CATHERINE BURHANS · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is such a delightful Cinderella story. I loved it from start to finish. The Characters were wonderful! The Duke was the perfect Prince Charming, handsome, kind, caring, and romantic. When he inherits the little run down house, he has no intention of keeping it until he meets the sweet little lady who lives there. He is instantly drawn to her and wants to help her out of her downtrodden state. She resists him at every turn until his charm and kindness wins out. It’s a rags to riches story that just has to bring a smile to anyone who reads it

[Oz · Rating 1 out of 5]

Well enough written line by line that the constant anachronisms and lack of specificity really stand out (not the most egregious, but why on earth is a solicitor of an unspecified yet historical era saying "anyways" to the aristocracy?). Very clear that the author has read Twilight, and unfortunately managed to write a very boring story with that vibe.

Mostly I give it one star because of the three teaser chapters for a different book being almost as long as the story promised. What's up with that?

[SylviaV · Rating 4 out of 5]

At the Duke's command by Melanie Rose Clarke.
This is a short sweet historical romance story set in 1817 in England.
Delightful dialogue, interesting characters and a Happy Ever After for Benjamin Williams, the Duke of Torrance and Grace Kentland. This story makes mention of the ladies secret society "sewing circle" called The Distinguished Ladies of Purpose who all get their own book in the Secret Crusaders series. A quick easy read.

[Martha B. · Rating 4 out of 5]

All she thought she wanted was to keep her little cottage.

As novellas go, At the Duke's Command was well written by Melanie Rose Clarke. It was cute and humorous, while still being unrealistic. I liked Grace and Benjamin. She was strong and stubborn, and he was a good man, even when he was being a bit controlling.

Content 411: This read does not have any swearing, but it does have a very mildly described sexually intimate scene.

[ReadinIt · Rating 3 out of 5]

2.5/5

There was very little actual plot to the story, and much which was unrealistic especially for the time period. Basically, this was a 'love at first sight' guy goes after girl story where the girl goes along with things. The writing was reasonable and not riddled with errors. Essentially, this was a short, light fluff piece.

[Shirley · Rating 5 out of 5]

I received this book from the author and am happily reviewing it. Absolutely loved this book and would thoroughly recommend it and hope that others enjoy it as well. Following the adventures of Grace and Benjamin as he believes that she needs him to find her a husband to look after her. What happens when he realises that he wants to be that man she chooses.

[Angie · Rating 3 out of 5]

I love this author and the stories she brings to life, and this one is a doozy. This is Grace and Ben's Poor girl-Rich guy love story. From the first paragraph to the last one, this story rolled along nicely with a well described and detailed setting to characters that were perfectly matched. My only problem was that the reading seemed to go by too quickly.

[Ami · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a great historical romance that has several surprises inside. The two main characters are extremely likable and entertaining. It was easily read in one sitting. The is a bit of heat but, nothing detailed. I enjoyed it very much.

Disclaimer: I received this ebook from the author and this is my honest and freely given opinion.

[Emma · Rating 4 out of 5]

A quick lovely read. I loved the banter between Grace and Benjamin. I smiled page after page. This is the prelude to "The Secret Crusaders". This very enjoyable and entertaining. You will not be disappointed.

[Veronica · Rating 5 out of 5]

A strong heroine who is not afraid to stand up and fight for herself and what little she owns, society and its customs be damned. Cue handsome member of the ton who prefers substance and grit to a simpering mess and sparks will fly. Loved it!

[Andy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great novella. The author did a great job of getting me on board with these two rather quickly. I loved both pov's which also helped me get to know and care about both Grace and Benjamin and their relationship. All in all a good book and I would read more by this author.

[Lee · Rating 3 out of 5]

I usually want a book to be at least 300 pages so you have time to get to know everyone and are able to enjoy the story. This one was considerably shorter, no angst just very sweet and not much story.

[Er · Rating 5 out of 5]

The story was delightful. The main character was a smart independent woman who has zero interest in capturing a duke and becoming high society and wealthy. No spoilers,but the duke is an excellent person. I couldn’t believe how much I laughed out loud while reading this story. Highly enjoyable

[Fabby Lizama · Rating 4 out of 5]

Short story of grumpy meeting sunshine except in this case the women is the grumpy and the dutch is the sunshine. She mistakes his fortune and at the end he shows her wrong. Wish there was more to the story

[Alby · Rating 1 out of 5]

Extremely quick and boring. It was insta love. Zero chemistry, zero character development, zero plot and lackluster smut. I wondered what was even the point of this story.

Edited to add that I got this free digital copy in exchange for an honest review.

[Brenda Geddes]

Love it