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Fortune's Brides #1,2,7
It Started with a Duke: Fortune's Brides, the Beginning
It started with a duke. The mysterious Miss Meredith Thorn and her beloved cat, Fortune, open an employment agency to help gentlewomen down on their luck. Her first assignment? Finding a governess for the three young daughters of the Duke of Wey. Odd how all her matches end up in matrimony.
Enjoy three warm, witty stories that begin the best-selling Fortune’s Brides series by award-winning author Regina Scott:
Never Doubt a Duke - When the irrepressible Jane Kimball takes the governess’ position with the Duke of Wey, everyone has doubts. But when the duke must take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.
Never Borrow a Baronet - Patience Ramsey is shocked when her new employer introduces her as the bride-to-be of her nephew. The pretty Patience could cover for Sir Harry when he spies for England. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?
Always Kiss at Christmas - In the origin story for Meredith Thorn, she has one goal for her mother’s Christmas Eve party: convince her friend Julian Mayes to marry her. Julian is ready to make his mark in London. As the danger to Meredith’s future becomes clear, will one kiss prove to him how far he will go to protect her?
Enjoy three warm, witty stories that begin the best-selling Fortune’s Brides series by award-winning author Regina Scott:
Never Doubt a Duke - When the irrepressible Jane Kimball takes the governess’ position with the Duke of Wey, everyone has doubts. But when the duke must take a wife, thoughts turn to an unlikely governess who might make the perfect bride.
Never Borrow a Baronet - Patience Ramsey is shocked when her new employer introduces her as the bride-to-be of her nephew. The pretty Patience could cover for Sir Harry when he spies for England. Can he convince her to overlook the scandals surrounding him and exchange their false engagement for a true love?
Always Kiss at Christmas - In the origin story for Meredith Thorn, she has one goal for her mother’s Christmas Eve party: convince her friend Julian Mayes to marry her. Julian is ready to make his mark in London. As the danger to Meredith’s future becomes clear, will one kiss prove to him how far he will go to protect her?
549 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 21, 2021
359 people are currently reading
268 people want to read
About the author
Regina Scott
134 books1,011 followersRegina Scott started writing novels in the third grade. Thankfully for literature as we know it, she didn’t actually sell her first novel until she had learned a bit more about writing. Since her first Regency romance was published in 1998, her stories have traveled the globe, with translations in many languages including Dutch, German, Italian, and Portuguese. She is now the author of more than 50 works of warm, witty historical romance.
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
She and her husband of 30 years reside in Washington State on the way to Mt. Rainier. Regina Scott has driven four in hand, learned to fence, sailed on a tall ship, and dressed as a Regency dandy, all in the name of research, of course. Sign up for her free alert service to hear when the next book will be out or on sale at https://subscribe.reginascott.com/. You can find her online blogging at www.nineteenteen.com. Learn more about her at www.reginascott.com and connect with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/authorreginascott .
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Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews
June 21, 2022
In the third book (a novella), the reader learns the backstory of Mary Rose/Meredith Thorn. She is the protagonist who sets each story in motion by helping young, penniless women of London find suitable homes with ethical employers.
BOOK 1 - NEVER DOUBT A DUKE -- VG
Jane Kimball, Miss Meredith Thorn, and her cat Fortune arrive at the Duke of Wey's home. The last three governesses haven't lasted more than a few days each. It doesn't take long for Jane to figure out why the others left quickly. The Dowager Duchess is complex, and the three girls play the governess against the Dowager. However, Jane comes from sterner stuff; she followed the drum for ten years with her calvary husband until his death. When the duke has his solicitor go to pay Miss Thorn, he can't find her. This strange occurrence starts the duke and the solicitor questioning what is going on and why they can't find Miss Thorn.
BOOK 2 - NEVER BORROW A BARONET -- VG
Jane Kimball offered to help Patience get a new position if Patience got tired of tending to a hypochondriac. Miss Thorn finds a satisfying role for Patience as Miss Augusta "Gussie" Orwell's assistant. Gussie is an enthusiastic woman who is developing salves for skin conditions. This story is more humorous because so many people are playing different roles from what they are while maintaining a bucolic Easter house party. Gussie immediately introduces Patience as her brother's fiancee'. He is Sir Harold "Harry" Orwell. Gussie does this because she knows Lydia is roosting in the Orwell estate, hoping to trap Harry into marriage. Patience doesn't know what to do but remains silent until she can get the whole story.
Another character from Book One arrives; Julian Mayes, the solicitor. He helps Harry find Harry's important informant, Miss Yvette de Maupassant. Harry introduces her as his cousin. There's humor in this tale because so many lies are flying. However, toward the end, the dialogue got maudlin and sentimental with the danger of French spies in England.
BOOK 3 IN THIS BOOK (but actually Book 7 in the series) -- ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS -- VG
This novella is the prequel to the FORTUNE'S BRIDES Series. It tells the story of Mary Rose, who becomes Meredith Thorn in the rest of the books. Meredith is critical to the whole series because she, because of her experiences, wants to help other destitute women in England. She helps them by finding them jobs in safe homes.
This story, however, hones in on Mary's earlier desperate life. At the annual family Christmas party, Mary discovers that the property reverts to an odious cousin, Nigel Rose, after her mother's death. Mrs. Rose is in feeble health. Mary asks Julian for help, and he promises to help if she sends him a message. Unfortunately, Nigel is chomping at the bit to take over the property and tries to dissuade any suitors interested in Mary to abandon her.
Fortune's Brides Series
** 1. Never Doubt a Duke (2018)
** 2. Never Borrow a Baronet (2018)
3. Never Envy an Earl (2018)
4. Never Vie for a Viscount (2018)
5. Never Kneel to a Knight (2019)
6. Never Marry a Marquess (2019)
** 7. Always Kiss at Christmas (2020)
BOOK 1 - NEVER DOUBT A DUKE -- VG
Jane Kimball, Miss Meredith Thorn, and her cat Fortune arrive at the Duke of Wey's home. The last three governesses haven't lasted more than a few days each. It doesn't take long for Jane to figure out why the others left quickly. The Dowager Duchess is complex, and the three girls play the governess against the Dowager. However, Jane comes from sterner stuff; she followed the drum for ten years with her calvary husband until his death. When the duke has his solicitor go to pay Miss Thorn, he can't find her. This strange occurrence starts the duke and the solicitor questioning what is going on and why they can't find Miss Thorn.
BOOK 2 - NEVER BORROW A BARONET -- VG
Jane Kimball offered to help Patience get a new position if Patience got tired of tending to a hypochondriac. Miss Thorn finds a satisfying role for Patience as Miss Augusta "Gussie" Orwell's assistant. Gussie is an enthusiastic woman who is developing salves for skin conditions. This story is more humorous because so many people are playing different roles from what they are while maintaining a bucolic Easter house party. Gussie immediately introduces Patience as her brother's fiancee'. He is Sir Harold "Harry" Orwell. Gussie does this because she knows Lydia is roosting in the Orwell estate, hoping to trap Harry into marriage. Patience doesn't know what to do but remains silent until she can get the whole story.
Another character from Book One arrives; Julian Mayes, the solicitor. He helps Harry find Harry's important informant, Miss Yvette de Maupassant. Harry introduces her as his cousin. There's humor in this tale because so many lies are flying. However, toward the end, the dialogue got maudlin and sentimental with the danger of French spies in England.
BOOK 3 IN THIS BOOK (but actually Book 7 in the series) -- ALWAYS KISS AT CHRISTMAS -- VG
This novella is the prequel to the FORTUNE'S BRIDES Series. It tells the story of Mary Rose, who becomes Meredith Thorn in the rest of the books. Meredith is critical to the whole series because she, because of her experiences, wants to help other destitute women in England. She helps them by finding them jobs in safe homes.
This story, however, hones in on Mary's earlier desperate life. At the annual family Christmas party, Mary discovers that the property reverts to an odious cousin, Nigel Rose, after her mother's death. Mrs. Rose is in feeble health. Mary asks Julian for help, and he promises to help if she sends him a message. Unfortunately, Nigel is chomping at the bit to take over the property and tries to dissuade any suitors interested in Mary to abandon her.
Fortune's Brides Series
** 1. Never Doubt a Duke (2018)
** 2. Never Borrow a Baronet (2018)
3. Never Envy an Earl (2018)
4. Never Vie for a Viscount (2018)
5. Never Kneel to a Knight (2019)
6. Never Marry a Marquess (2019)
** 7. Always Kiss at Christmas (2020)
October 5, 2025
Captivating
Two and a half stories all endearing.
The first story introduces Meredith Thorn and her cat, Fortune who together run an agency placing gentlewomen who have fallen on hard times in grand houses where they will be found useful.
The Duke of Wey is a widower with three daughters under ten in need of a governess. Mrs Kimball, a widow, arrives like a breath of fresh air, and wins the hearts of the family. This was a wonderful tale, a slow romance and resistance at all levels.
Patience is being put upon by her employer, so Meredith takes her to the home of Sir Harry Orwell, where she is asked to pretend to be his fiancee. He has a bad reputation, as a rake and a smuggler, but Patience gets caught up in danger as they try to unmask a French spy.
The half-story is a prequel. We have learned a little about Meredith in books 1 and 2, and this short offering sees her as a young woman.
I adored these, and have bought book three on the strength of that.
Two and a half stories all endearing.
The first story introduces Meredith Thorn and her cat, Fortune who together run an agency placing gentlewomen who have fallen on hard times in grand houses where they will be found useful.
The Duke of Wey is a widower with three daughters under ten in need of a governess. Mrs Kimball, a widow, arrives like a breath of fresh air, and wins the hearts of the family. This was a wonderful tale, a slow romance and resistance at all levels.
Patience is being put upon by her employer, so Meredith takes her to the home of Sir Harry Orwell, where she is asked to pretend to be his fiancee. He has a bad reputation, as a rake and a smuggler, but Patience gets caught up in danger as they try to unmask a French spy.
The half-story is a prequel. We have learned a little about Meredith in books 1 and 2, and this short offering sees her as a young woman.
I adored these, and have bought book three on the strength of that.
December 3, 2025
I usually enjoy stories about Regency women who are down on their luck and deal with their circumstances with dignity and strength. In this collection, however, I was disappointed in the number of errors, grammatical and otherwise. In the Regency Era, butlers supervised the male servants in the house. Housekeepers had authority over the female servants. But a governess was not in the purview of either one. The master or mistress of the house had that authority. So you would never have a butler firing a governess, as in the first story. There were quite a few modern phrases, which at times made it sound like a contemporary rom-com. It wasn't for me, but I'm sure many would enjoy it.
June 11, 2022
Three Stories of Bravery
These three books are about three very brave women during a time when women were just things to be decorations or workers in the house with no opinions for themselves. Read to enjoy how different these women were and perhaps go on to find out about them in their later lives..
These three books are about three very brave women during a time when women were just things to be decorations or workers in the house with no opinions for themselves. Read to enjoy how different these women were and perhaps go on to find out about them in their later lives..
June 11, 2022
Loved all three stories
The first, never doubt a duke, was the most intimate, because it brought the reader into the lives of the duke and the children and of course, the governess.
The second had some mystery and adventure and romance.
The third was a flashback on the origin of the series.
I loved all the stories and the characters.
The first, never doubt a duke, was the most intimate, because it brought the reader into the lives of the duke and the children and of course, the governess.
The second had some mystery and adventure and romance.
The third was a flashback on the origin of the series.
I loved all the stories and the characters.
June 12, 2022
A good introduction to the author's work
I completely enjoyed these two books and the prequel to a third. Wonderful characters and plots kept me up far too late, laughing and holding my breath. I'm looking v forward to spending much more time with Mrs. Scott's delightful romances!
I completely enjoyed these two books and the prequel to a third. Wonderful characters and plots kept me up far too late, laughing and holding my breath. I'm looking v forward to spending much more time with Mrs. Scott's delightful romances!
June 12, 2022
“It Started with a Duke” by Regina Scott
THREE 5-STAR stories
I was just going to sample a bit of the 1st story to determine, if and where, in the TBR queue this book set would land. But I got hooked on this sweet clean romantic Regency romance series and just could not stop my quest to see what was going to happen next. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion
THREE 5-STAR stories
I was just going to sample a bit of the 1st story to determine, if and where, in the TBR queue this book set would land. But I got hooked on this sweet clean romantic Regency romance series and just could not stop my quest to see what was going to happen next. Happy Reading ! !
NOTE: This review expresses my honest opinion
December 9, 2025
good reading
A thoroughly set of good clean stories that’s enjoyable with are linked so well together.
Please read the third one first, then the 1st and second. The third book is a novella that introduces the series!
Intrigue, status, war work, friendships, romance and of course Fortune.
Well worth reading!
A thoroughly set of good clean stories that’s enjoyable with are linked so well together.
Please read the third one first, then the 1st and second. The third book is a novella that introduces the series!
Intrigue, status, war work, friendships, romance and of course Fortune.
Well worth reading!
June 27, 2022
First two were good. Had a really hard time with the third in the set because I can't make myself skip 4 books and read a prequel. And since I don't own the others, I skipped the third after one chapter. I just couldn't do it.
June 29, 2022
Heartwarming and pleasantly different
The characters are endearing and charming. The stories warmly entertaining. Recommended for a quiet afternoon's read with perhaps a nice cup of tea.
The characters are endearing and charming. The stories warmly entertaining. Recommended for a quiet afternoon's read with perhaps a nice cup of tea.
July 19, 2022
sweet read
A very nice book tying in the lives of all the characters surrounding Rose and her cat Fortune. We do have two heas that complete this book although it does leave unanswered situations
A very nice book tying in the lives of all the characters surrounding Rose and her cat Fortune. We do have two heas that complete this book although it does leave unanswered situations
July 28, 2022
A delightful Regency Era boxed set
A fine beginning to the Fortune’s Brides series of books by Regina Scott. From this sample you will be able to estimate how likely you are to entire book series.
Highly recommended!
A fine beginning to the Fortune’s Brides series of books by Regina Scott. From this sample you will be able to estimate how likely you are to entire book series.
Highly recommended!
May 6, 2023
Excellent Stories, and Fun, Too
These stories were well-written, clean, and so interesting, reading them was fun. I'd recommend the collection to anyone who enjoys Regency romance which is clean.
These stories were well-written, clean, and so interesting, reading them was fun. I'd recommend the collection to anyone who enjoys Regency romance which is clean.
December 15, 2025
Predictable but Entertaining
Even though the books were predictable I thoroughly enjoyed them. The characters were well developed and likable unless they were the villains and then I wanted to slap them.
Even though the books were predictable I thoroughly enjoyed them. The characters were well developed and likable unless they were the villains and then I wanted to slap them.
February 12, 2026
Great read
Author Regina Scott has a remarkable talent for engaging readers from the beginning to end. The twists and turns along the way keep you guessing as to the story's ending! Can't wait to read more of her books.
Author Regina Scott has a remarkable talent for engaging readers from the beginning to end. The twists and turns along the way keep you guessing as to the story's ending! Can't wait to read more of her books.
June 8, 2022
Please see individual stories for review.
June 9, 2022
good stories
These books are a delight to read. The main lady for each story has a difficult situation, but all three have strength.
These books are a delight to read. The main lady for each story has a difficult situation, but all three have strength.
June 15, 2022
Ahhh What Dreams Are Made Of
Who wouldn’t want to find a deep passionate love? This little read will let you escape there! There’s plenty of mystery as well!
Who wouldn’t want to find a deep passionate love? This little read will let you escape there! There’s plenty of mystery as well!
July 15, 2023
It started with a Duke!
I really enjoyed the characters in these stories. I was wanting them to keep going. I really wanted to know how their futures played out.
I really enjoyed the characters in these stories. I was wanting them to keep going. I really wanted to know how their futures played out.
February 28, 2026
This collection of three wonderful stories is delightful. Each has romance. Some have suspense. All have great characters!
October 29, 2021
It Started With a Duke is a compilation of the first two books and a prequel short story in the Fortune’s Brides series by Regina Scott. Each book in the series starts with the mysterious Miss Meredith Thorn and her beloved cat Fortune as they place down on their luck gentlewomen in places of employment during England's Regency period.
Never Doubt a Duke is the first in the series wherein Jane Kimball, a widow who recently lost her husband at war, becomes a governess for a reclusive duke, his three mischievous daughters, and his demanding mother. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approves of the Duke, despite him appearing to be aloof and not interested in his children due to the demands of running his estate. Jane sweeps in and shakes everything up. Alaric loves the improvement he sees in his daughters’ demeanors after watching the loving affection she bestows on them. Soon their friendship grows into something more meaningful and Alaric can’t imagine life without her.
Never Borrow a Baronet is the second book in the series wherein Patience Ramsey needs a more meaningful position after caring for a demanding and never-satisfied countess. Miss Thorn offers Patience the post of assistant to Augusta Orwell, an amateur apothecary. Almost as soon as she arrives at her new job, Augusta is hosting an Easter house party and “accidentally” introduces Patience as the fiancé to her nephew, Sir Harold Orwell. While at first Patience doesn’t want anything to do with such games, she ultimately agrees to the charade after Harry persuades her to be his cover as a spy for the English, possibly against a few suspicious house guests who might be French sympathizers. Like many fake engagement stories, it doesn’t take long before Harry and Patience discover the similarities and compatibilities between them.
Finally, Always Kiss at Christmas is an origins story centering around Miss Thorn when she was 16 years old and known as Mary Rose. Mary Rose and her mother are hosting their annual Christmas Ball and everything seems to be going well, except for the vultures that are circling around the party as Mary's mother is gravely ill. Their home is entailed and Mary will be kicked out as soon as her mother passes away. Mary is desperate to marry the one man she has always been fond of, her neighbor and friend Julian Mayes. However, Julian is a newly graduated lawyer and working for a prestigious law firm in London. He doesn't have time for a girlfriend, let alone a wife. Throughout the party Mary keeps getting distracted by playing hostess until finally she gets Julian alone and they experience true love's first kiss.
As with all the stories in the series, I listened to the audiobooks narrated by extremely talented Jannie Meisberger. I highly recommend the entire series - to anyone who enjoys well written regency romance, without all the salacious details. I also recommend listening to this delightful series in order as each book builds on the relationships introduced in the prior book in the series.
Never Doubt a Duke is the first in the series wherein Jane Kimball, a widow who recently lost her husband at war, becomes a governess for a reclusive duke, his three mischievous daughters, and his demanding mother. Miss Thorn’s cat Fortune approves of the Duke, despite him appearing to be aloof and not interested in his children due to the demands of running his estate. Jane sweeps in and shakes everything up. Alaric loves the improvement he sees in his daughters’ demeanors after watching the loving affection she bestows on them. Soon their friendship grows into something more meaningful and Alaric can’t imagine life without her.
Never Borrow a Baronet is the second book in the series wherein Patience Ramsey needs a more meaningful position after caring for a demanding and never-satisfied countess. Miss Thorn offers Patience the post of assistant to Augusta Orwell, an amateur apothecary. Almost as soon as she arrives at her new job, Augusta is hosting an Easter house party and “accidentally” introduces Patience as the fiancé to her nephew, Sir Harold Orwell. While at first Patience doesn’t want anything to do with such games, she ultimately agrees to the charade after Harry persuades her to be his cover as a spy for the English, possibly against a few suspicious house guests who might be French sympathizers. Like many fake engagement stories, it doesn’t take long before Harry and Patience discover the similarities and compatibilities between them.
Finally, Always Kiss at Christmas is an origins story centering around Miss Thorn when she was 16 years old and known as Mary Rose. Mary Rose and her mother are hosting their annual Christmas Ball and everything seems to be going well, except for the vultures that are circling around the party as Mary's mother is gravely ill. Their home is entailed and Mary will be kicked out as soon as her mother passes away. Mary is desperate to marry the one man she has always been fond of, her neighbor and friend Julian Mayes. However, Julian is a newly graduated lawyer and working for a prestigious law firm in London. He doesn't have time for a girlfriend, let alone a wife. Throughout the party Mary keeps getting distracted by playing hostess until finally she gets Julian alone and they experience true love's first kiss.
As with all the stories in the series, I listened to the audiobooks narrated by extremely talented Jannie Meisberger. I highly recommend the entire series - to anyone who enjoys well written regency romance, without all the salacious details. I also recommend listening to this delightful series in order as each book builds on the relationships introduced in the prior book in the series.
Displaying 1 - 21 of 21 reviews