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The Unworthy Duke
Witty, passionate and fast-paced, this sparkling debut Regency romance is a must-read for any fan of Georgette Heyer.
She's running from her past; he's hiding from his.
Miss Ellen Burney doesn't have a penny to her name. Determined to escape scandal, she flees to London and becomes Miss Smith: spinster and lady's companion. London offers security in anonymity. So long as Ellen can rein in her overactive imagination and become the perfect picture of propriety.
Calum Callaghan spent ten years in the Royal Navy fighting Napoleon and has the scars to prove it. Now he's a duke, but all of London thinks he murdered his brother. Heartbroken and battle weary, he's locked himself away for four long years, a prisoner in his own townhouse.
That is, until Cal's grandmother comes to stay with him for the London Season, her new lady's companion in tow. A lady's companion with a passion for life and love that can hardly be contained by even the most spinsterish of lace caps. She's fooling nobody, especially not this grumpy duke.
She's running from her past; he's hiding from his.
Miss Ellen Burney doesn't have a penny to her name. Determined to escape scandal, she flees to London and becomes Miss Smith: spinster and lady's companion. London offers security in anonymity. So long as Ellen can rein in her overactive imagination and become the perfect picture of propriety.
Calum Callaghan spent ten years in the Royal Navy fighting Napoleon and has the scars to prove it. Now he's a duke, but all of London thinks he murdered his brother. Heartbroken and battle weary, he's locked himself away for four long years, a prisoner in his own townhouse.
That is, until Cal's grandmother comes to stay with him for the London Season, her new lady's companion in tow. A lady's companion with a passion for life and love that can hardly be contained by even the most spinsterish of lace caps. She's fooling nobody, especially not this grumpy duke.
326 pages, Paperback
First published February 4, 2021
5 people are currently reading
140 people want to read
About the author
Charlotte Anne
9 books18 followersI might have studied archaeology at university but I've always wanted to write books. First it was fantasy but then I discovered the magic that is romance, and for the last six years I've been obsessively writing historical romance.
In my spare time, I have climbed to the base camp of Mt Everest, earnt a black belt in taekwondo and even worked on a couple of archaeological digs both here in Australia and in the Philippines.
In my spare time, I have climbed to the base camp of Mt Everest, earnt a black belt in taekwondo and even worked on a couple of archaeological digs both here in Australia and in the Philippines.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 51 reviews
February 6, 2021
This is a fabulous debut by Charlotte Anne, can a scared hero and a heroine doing everything to keep herself and her young sister safe find happiness and love and also do their best to stop a scandal, theirs is a rocky road and I do hope that you will pick this one up and see what happens.
Miss Ellen Burney is doing her best to stop a huge scandal in the small village of Evendale and with no money she becomes Miss Ellen Smith and takes on the position of Lady’s companion to Lady Faye and arrives in London to start, but when she arrives this house is nothing like she expected and her arrival is a shock to the owner of the house.
Calum Callaghan, Duke of Woodhal is scared inside and out after fighting for ten years in the navy, he lost his half- brother and after being accused of murder he is now a hermit in his house, a recluse and that is the way he likes it, but there seems to be someone that is determined to change that, his grandmother Lady F, with her lady’s companion in tow are about to turn his like upside down.
Ellen is nothing but strong and determined to do what she must and no one even Mr. Grumpy Calum is going to stop her, she sees through Calum right from their first meeting which was witty and fiery and Lady F is there to push them all the way. Calum wants peace and quiet and now his house is filled servants and family and Ellie who he is finding hard to ignore in many ways and after one kiss he wants more.
When danger arrives Calum takes on the challenge to keep her safe, he might be Mr. Grumpy but he has a heart of gold and will do whatever needs to be done because he has lost his heart to Ellen even if she is refusing to acknowledge his love.
This is a great story, witty with lots of laughs along the way to their HEA, Ellen is a fabulous heroine, I really loved her even if she is a bit stubborn at times and Calum strong, caring and loving and hero any heroine would want, then there is Lady F what a character she made me smile and you can’t forget Owen I do hope he gets his HEA.
I do highly recommend this story, it is filled with witty banter, lots of laughs and emotion as Calum and Ellen find their way to a wonderful HEA. Huge congratulations on a fabulous Debut Charlotte Anne.
Miss Ellen Burney is doing her best to stop a huge scandal in the small village of Evendale and with no money she becomes Miss Ellen Smith and takes on the position of Lady’s companion to Lady Faye and arrives in London to start, but when she arrives this house is nothing like she expected and her arrival is a shock to the owner of the house.
Calum Callaghan, Duke of Woodhal is scared inside and out after fighting for ten years in the navy, he lost his half- brother and after being accused of murder he is now a hermit in his house, a recluse and that is the way he likes it, but there seems to be someone that is determined to change that, his grandmother Lady F, with her lady’s companion in tow are about to turn his like upside down.
Ellen is nothing but strong and determined to do what she must and no one even Mr. Grumpy Calum is going to stop her, she sees through Calum right from their first meeting which was witty and fiery and Lady F is there to push them all the way. Calum wants peace and quiet and now his house is filled servants and family and Ellie who he is finding hard to ignore in many ways and after one kiss he wants more.
When danger arrives Calum takes on the challenge to keep her safe, he might be Mr. Grumpy but he has a heart of gold and will do whatever needs to be done because he has lost his heart to Ellen even if she is refusing to acknowledge his love.
This is a great story, witty with lots of laughs along the way to their HEA, Ellen is a fabulous heroine, I really loved her even if she is a bit stubborn at times and Calum strong, caring and loving and hero any heroine would want, then there is Lady F what a character she made me smile and you can’t forget Owen I do hope he gets his HEA.
I do highly recommend this story, it is filled with witty banter, lots of laughs and emotion as Calum and Ellen find their way to a wonderful HEA. Huge congratulations on a fabulous Debut Charlotte Anne.
September 30, 2021
Thank you Harlequin for sending us a copy to read and review.
A Mills and Boon styled steamy regency romance is not something I normally gravitate to but in this case it will be perfectly matched for those who indulge in the genre.
Miss Ellen has been left penniless and to avoid scandal she flees and takes on a new identity.
Posing as a lady’s companion it offers anonymity.
Calum is now a grumpy duke after spending a decade in the Royal Navy escaping defamation.
He now lives as a recluse locked away in his own home.
Enter Calum’s grandmother with a new lady companion.
Now watch the sparks fly and the drama unfold.
Dashing heroes and fiery heroines, a story of love, courage and desire all against a sweet, giddy and dreamy affair of the heart.
An instant attraction, passion and destiny set in 1800’s where society has standards of right and wrong.
Characters that have scars to heal, secrets to be discovered and sexual tension so strong it will cause steam.
Many emotional and tense moments and melodrama to arise before the leads get their happy ever after.
A historical flirtation that many will find captivating, wistful and lyrical.
A Mills and Boon styled steamy regency romance is not something I normally gravitate to but in this case it will be perfectly matched for those who indulge in the genre.
Miss Ellen has been left penniless and to avoid scandal she flees and takes on a new identity.
Posing as a lady’s companion it offers anonymity.
Calum is now a grumpy duke after spending a decade in the Royal Navy escaping defamation.
He now lives as a recluse locked away in his own home.
Enter Calum’s grandmother with a new lady companion.
Now watch the sparks fly and the drama unfold.
Dashing heroes and fiery heroines, a story of love, courage and desire all against a sweet, giddy and dreamy affair of the heart.
An instant attraction, passion and destiny set in 1800’s where society has standards of right and wrong.
Characters that have scars to heal, secrets to be discovered and sexual tension so strong it will cause steam.
Many emotional and tense moments and melodrama to arise before the leads get their happy ever after.
A historical flirtation that many will find captivating, wistful and lyrical.
December 30, 2020
Thank you, Netgalley and Escape Publishing, for the opportunity to get and read the e-arc of "The Unworthy Duke." This review has my own opinions. The premise was interesting, and that was the reason I decided to ask for an e-arc.
Calum reminds me a little bit of Ash from The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. The plot and twist are happening all the time. I had trouble with how the story was written. The chapters were cut in the middle, and I had to read a couple of passages two and three times.
Calum has a great heart, and even though he is Mr. Grumpy, he has a heart of gold. He will do everything so Ellen and Gwen will be happy.
I absolutely loved Lady F, Calum's step-grandmother, a charming woman who whatever she decides will happen; she is a powerful woman for her time.
#TheUnworthyDuke #NetGalley
Calum reminds me a little bit of Ash from The Duchess Deal by Tessa Dare. The plot and twist are happening all the time. I had trouble with how the story was written. The chapters were cut in the middle, and I had to read a couple of passages two and three times.
Calum has a great heart, and even though he is Mr. Grumpy, he has a heart of gold. He will do everything so Ellen and Gwen will be happy.
I absolutely loved Lady F, Calum's step-grandmother, a charming woman who whatever she decides will happen; she is a powerful woman for her time.
#TheUnworthyDuke #NetGalley
February 6, 2021
Great book if you loved Bridgerton. Great imagery and I loved the characters!
December 23, 2021
‘From this moment on she was going to start making her own choices. And they would be choices based purely on her own thoughts and feelings and conscience, regardless of what anyone else thought.’
Charlotte Anne’s debut, The Unworthy Duke is an absolute romp from start to finish. What fun! Who doesn’t love a great Beauty and the Beast adaptation! Sign me up but purists beware - this is fun, more contemporary and not your classic regency tale.
Charlotte so cleverly brings together humour and emotion in this wonderfully written historical romance. It is such a fun story with lots of laughs along the way to their expected HEA. The lead characters are great with a supporting cast that will keep you turning the pages right to the very end. They are all so delightful. Ellen makes for such a brilliant feisty heroine, whilst Calum brings the brooding, reluctant and somewhat grumpy Duke. What’s not to love?
Regency fans rejoice! This was a fantastic read - perfect for those in between, lighter literary needs - filled with humour, steam and requisite angst to come together in creating a real page-turner. I loved it and highly recommend allocating some downtime to escape to another time and place.
‘There was a smudge of dirt on her cheek as though she’d wiped her hand across her face. She’d also abandoned her bonnet; it hung hostage in a rather determined but frazzled honeysuckle, as though the lady's companion and climbing plant had been waging war. He pitied the honeysuckle. It didn’t stand a chance.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
Charlotte Anne’s debut, The Unworthy Duke is an absolute romp from start to finish. What fun! Who doesn’t love a great Beauty and the Beast adaptation! Sign me up but purists beware - this is fun, more contemporary and not your classic regency tale.
Charlotte so cleverly brings together humour and emotion in this wonderfully written historical romance. It is such a fun story with lots of laughs along the way to their expected HEA. The lead characters are great with a supporting cast that will keep you turning the pages right to the very end. They are all so delightful. Ellen makes for such a brilliant feisty heroine, whilst Calum brings the brooding, reluctant and somewhat grumpy Duke. What’s not to love?
Regency fans rejoice! This was a fantastic read - perfect for those in between, lighter literary needs - filled with humour, steam and requisite angst to come together in creating a real page-turner. I loved it and highly recommend allocating some downtime to escape to another time and place.
‘There was a smudge of dirt on her cheek as though she’d wiped her hand across her face. She’d also abandoned her bonnet; it hung hostage in a rather determined but frazzled honeysuckle, as though the lady's companion and climbing plant had been waging war. He pitied the honeysuckle. It didn’t stand a chance.’
This review is based on a complimentary copy from the publisher in exchange for an honest review. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own. The quoted material may have changed in the final release.
December 29, 2020
3 stars
This book didn't work for me. I found it very difficult to get into at first but it picked up after I got to the first quarter. From this point onwards the dialogue seemed too modern. The heroine is keen to be a financially independant woman and thinks working as a companion is going to cut it. The hero is guilt ridden over the death of his step brother and the subsequent hatred from his step mother. The first half is just kisses and descriptions of the hero's body and the heroine's curves and then to disappoint all those who enjoy a clean read, we have oral sex and other sexual activity. The author seems to have thrown in lots of ideas. Is that a same sex relationship with the heroine's aunt and friend? Why is her brother painted as a two dimensional villain, who is the woman stalking the front of the house?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This book didn't work for me. I found it very difficult to get into at first but it picked up after I got to the first quarter. From this point onwards the dialogue seemed too modern. The heroine is keen to be a financially independant woman and thinks working as a companion is going to cut it. The hero is guilt ridden over the death of his step brother and the subsequent hatred from his step mother. The first half is just kisses and descriptions of the hero's body and the heroine's curves and then to disappoint all those who enjoy a clean read, we have oral sex and other sexual activity. The author seems to have thrown in lots of ideas. Is that a same sex relationship with the heroine's aunt and friend? Why is her brother painted as a two dimensional villain, who is the woman stalking the front of the house?
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 24, 2022
Although the story had potential,it wasn't executed well enough..This review will contain huge spoilers and by spoilers I mean pretty much the whole story.Gonna be a long long ranting..So read at your own risk..
Let me start with characters first..
Ellen:
Initially,she was running from her abusive brother and trying to find a shelter for her sister(which was actually her daughter revealed later).However, soon this idea turned into something else..Although her brother was abusive,it never indicated or shown how he was controlling them.So the word "controlling" doesn't work here.Besides I think she acted rather selfish in the library part where Calum proposed marriage. Not even once she thought about what he would think after finding out about her daughter or cared for his feelings.Also she didn't think for her daughter as well who was living a completely false life. The only thought that was consuming was her so called "Control" & "Independence"😑😑.Didn't even pay heed to Calum words which were pretty much sincere.There was a moment she thought about a loveless marriage, the burden of her & her daughter,her own-standing without income,These were the ideas that should have been elaborated as I think it would have helped more to show her dilemma.Besides,rejecting Calum til the end was totally pointless.I mean it was that clear he wanted her when Calum brought Gwen home & the talk that they had at Night.If that was not enough,When Calum confessed her in the carriage, she still was in denial although she slept with him & knew he was kindest & greatest guy even better than Gwen's father🙄🙄.
Calum:
He was one of the few things that I liked about the story.A tall, brooding, half Scottish man with a sad past was what made me wanted to read at least his part of the story.The only part I hated about his character was when he knew that their 1st kiss was not Ellen's 1st kiss..Like seriously dude,you are kissing your girl & this is the 1st thought it came to you🙄
Grandma Lizzy & Owen:
Witty,strong caring & funny will describe grandma lizzy very much.The only wholesome character in the entire story.As for Owen,he was the regular flirty,goofy,charming best friend you can find in every book.Really like the parts where Owen & Calum were battering.But what I did find awkward was Owen flirting attempts with Ellen..More specifically when he was lusting after her wet body during their 1st meeting.& Suddenly there was no connection between them.I was hoping it will turn out as a good friendship with some healthy flirting.But sidn't happened.
Mysteries & Plot holes:
I wasn't at all surprised with the whole daughter out of wedlock revaluation.Also quite unnecessary as well.I felt that completely 2 different plots were somehow hastily merged together.At first it was shown that she was trying to escape from her abusive brother & in order to that she had to keep her identity hidden & suddenly her sister became her daughter.Infact the bond between ellen & Gwen was more like sibling bond rather than mother-daughter.So the mystery didn't get as much I anticipated.
You know,after finishing the whole story, all I could think was "Why The Hell Geoffrey Hated Ellen".. It was definitely not for her daughter solely as he made sure to keep it hidden & only started beating & hating them after their father's death. Also he also admitted that somewhat in the ending.Another part that I didn't understand how Lizzy exactly knew about Ellen's situation.Ik that Lizzy had confessed it was Maggie who had informed her but it was Verity who arranged the employment and from Maggie's part it was clear that she didn't know any of this.Lastly, the sudden death of Geoffrey.After stretching the story to this & suddenly,Geoffrey just died from falling.This is how all of Ellen's problems ended like puff..So she just asked Calum to marry her & he said yes.THE END.
Worst ending ever.
P.S.
Should I even call it a plot hole idk but It never showed that If Grace & Lizzy even ever made up.Besides,what was point having the girl who lost her brother in the story anyway..
Let me start with characters first..
Ellen:
Initially,she was running from her abusive brother and trying to find a shelter for her sister(which was actually her daughter revealed later).However, soon this idea turned into something else..Although her brother was abusive,it never indicated or shown how he was controlling them.So the word "controlling" doesn't work here.Besides I think she acted rather selfish in the library part where Calum proposed marriage. Not even once she thought about what he would think after finding out about her daughter or cared for his feelings.Also she didn't think for her daughter as well who was living a completely false life. The only thought that was consuming was her so called "Control" & "Independence"😑😑.Didn't even pay heed to Calum words which were pretty much sincere.There was a moment she thought about a loveless marriage, the burden of her & her daughter,her own-standing without income,These were the ideas that should have been elaborated as I think it would have helped more to show her dilemma.Besides,rejecting Calum til the end was totally pointless.I mean it was that clear he wanted her when Calum brought Gwen home & the talk that they had at Night.If that was not enough,When Calum confessed her in the carriage, she still was in denial although she slept with him & knew he was kindest & greatest guy even better than Gwen's father🙄🙄.
Calum:
He was one of the few things that I liked about the story.A tall, brooding, half Scottish man with a sad past was what made me wanted to read at least his part of the story.The only part I hated about his character was when he knew that their 1st kiss was not Ellen's 1st kiss..Like seriously dude,you are kissing your girl & this is the 1st thought it came to you🙄
Grandma Lizzy & Owen:
Witty,strong caring & funny will describe grandma lizzy very much.The only wholesome character in the entire story.As for Owen,he was the regular flirty,goofy,charming best friend you can find in every book.Really like the parts where Owen & Calum were battering.But what I did find awkward was Owen flirting attempts with Ellen..More specifically when he was lusting after her wet body during their 1st meeting.& Suddenly there was no connection between them.I was hoping it will turn out as a good friendship with some healthy flirting.But sidn't happened.
Mysteries & Plot holes:
I wasn't at all surprised with the whole daughter out of wedlock revaluation.Also quite unnecessary as well.I felt that completely 2 different plots were somehow hastily merged together.At first it was shown that she was trying to escape from her abusive brother & in order to that she had to keep her identity hidden & suddenly her sister became her daughter.Infact the bond between ellen & Gwen was more like sibling bond rather than mother-daughter.So the mystery didn't get as much I anticipated.
You know,after finishing the whole story, all I could think was "Why The Hell Geoffrey Hated Ellen".. It was definitely not for her daughter solely as he made sure to keep it hidden & only started beating & hating them after their father's death. Also he also admitted that somewhat in the ending.Another part that I didn't understand how Lizzy exactly knew about Ellen's situation.Ik that Lizzy had confessed it was Maggie who had informed her but it was Verity who arranged the employment and from Maggie's part it was clear that she didn't know any of this.Lastly, the sudden death of Geoffrey.After stretching the story to this & suddenly,Geoffrey just died from falling.This is how all of Ellen's problems ended like puff..So she just asked Calum to marry her & he said yes.THE END.
Worst ending ever.
P.S.
Should I even call it a plot hole idk but It never showed that If Grace & Lizzy even ever made up.Besides,what was point having the girl who lost her brother in the story anyway..
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 10, 2023
I received an Advance Reader Copy from the publisher via NetGalley. This in no way impacted on my view.
When Ellen Burney realises she needs to flee her brother with young Gwen, before it's too late, she hatches a plan to become Miss Ellen Smith, a spinster turned lady's companion with the wonderful Dowager Lady Faye. Arriving at the home she's been directed to in London, she's shocked to find that the only inhabitant is the grumpy Calum Callaghan, once injured in the Navy fighting Napoleon's forces, and new Duke of Woodall. He's never quite got over his brother's death, which many in society blame him for. Cal has hidden away from London, so finding the beautiful Miss Smith at his door, climbing through a downstairs window, he knows his solitude has been broken, but even he could never expect what was to come.
This was a really enjoyable read. Ellie was such a light character, counteracting Cal's grumpiness perfectly. They bounced off each other so well, and though both fought the attraction between them, they still fell in love, and Cal fell hard! Ellie had been abused by her wicked brother, and needed to hide both herself and Gwen, and where else is the perfect place to hide, but as a spinster and lady's companion? Cal immediately realised that Ellie had suffered, and went straight into protective mode, but she was not a shy and retiring type, and gave as good as she got. She wouldn't let Cal get away with hiding himself from the world any more, and in return he wanted to show her off to the world, and treat her how she deserved. I guess why Ellie's brother was so hateful towards her and Gwen quite early on, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. A lovely Regency tale!
When Ellen Burney realises she needs to flee her brother with young Gwen, before it's too late, she hatches a plan to become Miss Ellen Smith, a spinster turned lady's companion with the wonderful Dowager Lady Faye. Arriving at the home she's been directed to in London, she's shocked to find that the only inhabitant is the grumpy Calum Callaghan, once injured in the Navy fighting Napoleon's forces, and new Duke of Woodall. He's never quite got over his brother's death, which many in society blame him for. Cal has hidden away from London, so finding the beautiful Miss Smith at his door, climbing through a downstairs window, he knows his solitude has been broken, but even he could never expect what was to come.
This was a really enjoyable read. Ellie was such a light character, counteracting Cal's grumpiness perfectly. They bounced off each other so well, and though both fought the attraction between them, they still fell in love, and Cal fell hard! Ellie had been abused by her wicked brother, and needed to hide both herself and Gwen, and where else is the perfect place to hide, but as a spinster and lady's companion? Cal immediately realised that Ellie had suffered, and went straight into protective mode, but she was not a shy and retiring type, and gave as good as she got. She wouldn't let Cal get away with hiding himself from the world any more, and in return he wanted to show her off to the world, and treat her how she deserved. I guess why Ellie's brother was so hateful towards her and Gwen quite early on, but it didn't detract from my enjoyment of the book. A lovely Regency tale!
October 17, 2021
Not Worthy Book
Don't know where the five star reviews come from. Obviously my taste are different. I love Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas or Julie Anne Long. This effort did not come close. I'm tired of authors trying to slip in today's society mores in their plot lines to simply appear "woke". There were a couple of instances of humor, which is why I gave it two stars instead of one. I'll pass on future books from this author.
Don't know where the five star reviews come from. Obviously my taste are different. I love Tessa Dare, Lisa Kleypas or Julie Anne Long. This effort did not come close. I'm tired of authors trying to slip in today's society mores in their plot lines to simply appear "woke". There were a couple of instances of humor, which is why I gave it two stars instead of one. I'll pass on future books from this author.
November 11, 2021
“The Unworthy Duke” is a fun Regency romance, written with a light touch and modern sensibility that will delight readers.
Calum Callaghan, scarred physically and mentally after his service in the Navy fighting Napoleon, is managing to live a spectacularly reclusive life in the middle of London. He’s encouraged in this approach by those who’d like to believe the scandalous rumors about him. It’s a lonely life, but the alcohol makes it bearable.
He’s appalled when his grandmother descends on him, insisting she’s going to stay for the Season. Even worse, she comes with servants and a companion – Miss Ellen Smith. Although Miss Smith is not as proper as a Lady’s Companion should be, and she’s keeping secrets.
They’re big secrets. Ellen is escaping her abusive brother Geoffrey, and hiding her little sister Gwen from him too. She’s given a false name, and is desperate to earn enough money to support herself and Gwen. She knows exactly what she needs to do. And yet, it looks like Calum Callaghan could derail her carefully laid plans.
This is rather earthier than most Regency romances – by which I mean, not only do the protagonists talk about wanting more than a kiss, but Anne explicitly describes some sexual encounters. Although this made me raise a mild eyebrow – it’s not what I’m used to finding in Regency romances – it fits very well with the tone of the novel. Importantly, it’s also well described and credible for the characters.
The characters are vivid, and one of the strengths of this novel. “The Unworthy Duke” sticks fairly closely to the template we expect of any romance novel, and the characters are one of the things that helps it stand out. Neither are the classic figures you’d expect: Calum has physical problems arising from his injuries and scars, and Ellen has been in the kind of trouble we don’t expect of Regency misses. Both are very real people, and their interactions are believable and had me involved in their growing relationship.
Some purists may quibble that the language used by the characters is far too modern. It’s certainly more reflective of the current era than the Regency era, but this is also consistent with the overall modern sensibility of the novel. I noticed it, but didn’t find that it was a problem for readability, although it did push me a little outside the story once or twice.
While I was reading this, I was reminded of Georgette Heyer’s “The Grand Sophy”. The storyline is dissimilar, but the irrepressible characters of both Ellen and Calum’s grandmother reminded me of Sophy. For me Heyer is one of the iconic writers of Regency romance, and so it was lovely to read a novel that echoed some aspects of hers. Don’t get me wrong, “The Unworthy Duke” is wholly original; it’s a nod to a classic, not a duplication.
Although I no longer read Regency romances in the quantity I used to, they’re a genre I enjoy from time to time. “The Unworthy Duke” is particularly enjoyable, pushing the envelope just a little while still staying within the genre. All but the most prudish fans of the genre should enjoy this refreshing take on a believable romance.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
Calum Callaghan, scarred physically and mentally after his service in the Navy fighting Napoleon, is managing to live a spectacularly reclusive life in the middle of London. He’s encouraged in this approach by those who’d like to believe the scandalous rumors about him. It’s a lonely life, but the alcohol makes it bearable.
He’s appalled when his grandmother descends on him, insisting she’s going to stay for the Season. Even worse, she comes with servants and a companion – Miss Ellen Smith. Although Miss Smith is not as proper as a Lady’s Companion should be, and she’s keeping secrets.
They’re big secrets. Ellen is escaping her abusive brother Geoffrey, and hiding her little sister Gwen from him too. She’s given a false name, and is desperate to earn enough money to support herself and Gwen. She knows exactly what she needs to do. And yet, it looks like Calum Callaghan could derail her carefully laid plans.
This is rather earthier than most Regency romances – by which I mean, not only do the protagonists talk about wanting more than a kiss, but Anne explicitly describes some sexual encounters. Although this made me raise a mild eyebrow – it’s not what I’m used to finding in Regency romances – it fits very well with the tone of the novel. Importantly, it’s also well described and credible for the characters.
The characters are vivid, and one of the strengths of this novel. “The Unworthy Duke” sticks fairly closely to the template we expect of any romance novel, and the characters are one of the things that helps it stand out. Neither are the classic figures you’d expect: Calum has physical problems arising from his injuries and scars, and Ellen has been in the kind of trouble we don’t expect of Regency misses. Both are very real people, and their interactions are believable and had me involved in their growing relationship.
Some purists may quibble that the language used by the characters is far too modern. It’s certainly more reflective of the current era than the Regency era, but this is also consistent with the overall modern sensibility of the novel. I noticed it, but didn’t find that it was a problem for readability, although it did push me a little outside the story once or twice.
While I was reading this, I was reminded of Georgette Heyer’s “The Grand Sophy”. The storyline is dissimilar, but the irrepressible characters of both Ellen and Calum’s grandmother reminded me of Sophy. For me Heyer is one of the iconic writers of Regency romance, and so it was lovely to read a novel that echoed some aspects of hers. Don’t get me wrong, “The Unworthy Duke” is wholly original; it’s a nod to a classic, not a duplication.
Although I no longer read Regency romances in the quantity I used to, they’re a genre I enjoy from time to time. “The Unworthy Duke” is particularly enjoyable, pushing the envelope just a little while still staying within the genre. All but the most prudish fans of the genre should enjoy this refreshing take on a believable romance.
If you enjoyed this review, please visit www.otherdreamsotherlives.home.blog to read more.
February 6, 2021
Broody heroes are my catnip, so it's no wonder that I picked up this book with high expectations. Charlotte Anne is a newer author, with The Unworthy Duke being her first professional published book, having published one book previously on Wattpad. I have read many books by authors at this stage of their career, and I am thoroughly impressed more often than not. This book was absolutely wonderful, with its colorful characters, unique plot, and a romance that was sweet yet sexy all at once. I started a new job the week I began reading, and I needed some romantic reading to decompress. This book fit the bill and quickly became a "comfort read" for several days.
When her brother turned his bad temper towards her sister, Gwen, Miss Ellen Burney knew she had no choice but to leave and ensure her sister would be safe. Believing separation would allow Ellen to make enough money to eventually bring Gwen, she leaves her in the care of a family friend and sets off to London to work as the paid companion of a dowager marchioness. Upon arrival, she is rudely "welcomed" by the Duke of Woodhal, a relation to the dowager and wholly opposed to the older woman inviting herself to stay with him for the season. Scarred from a fire that took the life of his brother and scorned by a society who believes he's at fault, Calum Callaghan has been in isolation the last four years, rarely leaving his townhouse. Ellen captures his attention immediately, at first for her intrusion into his life but then for the similarities between the two of them. Calum isn't the only one with a traumatic past, and soon he'll have to put his power as a duke to use in order to keep Ellen and her sister safe.
The cast of characters in this book really made the reading experience an enjoyable one, from the gruff yet lovable Duke to the flamboyant and youthful Owen. One of my favorite characteristics about Calum was that he cooks, and it's mentioned several times in the story. There's something about a broody duke who cooks that just makes my heart flutter, maybe because it shows a vulnerable side since dukes aren't known for doing any sort of labor, let alone how to use the kitchen at all. It was adorable how he was protective of his kitchen, and then he would bake a cake that was delicious. It's the little things in this story that will make you fall in love! Owen was a particularly enjoyable character, partially for the comic relief he brought to the drama. He's probably meant to be a side character forever, but I'm hoping he gets his own book at some point. I need more Owen in my life. Ellen was a lovely character as well, especially with her bravery and confidence to manage her difficulties. She had a few moments where I would get frustrated with her choices, but on the whole she was very relatable.
This will definitely not be the last book I read by this author, if she has another book in the works. I loved her writing style and look forward to seeing what she writes next.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
When her brother turned his bad temper towards her sister, Gwen, Miss Ellen Burney knew she had no choice but to leave and ensure her sister would be safe. Believing separation would allow Ellen to make enough money to eventually bring Gwen, she leaves her in the care of a family friend and sets off to London to work as the paid companion of a dowager marchioness. Upon arrival, she is rudely "welcomed" by the Duke of Woodhal, a relation to the dowager and wholly opposed to the older woman inviting herself to stay with him for the season. Scarred from a fire that took the life of his brother and scorned by a society who believes he's at fault, Calum Callaghan has been in isolation the last four years, rarely leaving his townhouse. Ellen captures his attention immediately, at first for her intrusion into his life but then for the similarities between the two of them. Calum isn't the only one with a traumatic past, and soon he'll have to put his power as a duke to use in order to keep Ellen and her sister safe.
The cast of characters in this book really made the reading experience an enjoyable one, from the gruff yet lovable Duke to the flamboyant and youthful Owen. One of my favorite characteristics about Calum was that he cooks, and it's mentioned several times in the story. There's something about a broody duke who cooks that just makes my heart flutter, maybe because it shows a vulnerable side since dukes aren't known for doing any sort of labor, let alone how to use the kitchen at all. It was adorable how he was protective of his kitchen, and then he would bake a cake that was delicious. It's the little things in this story that will make you fall in love! Owen was a particularly enjoyable character, partially for the comic relief he brought to the drama. He's probably meant to be a side character forever, but I'm hoping he gets his own book at some point. I need more Owen in my life. Ellen was a lovely character as well, especially with her bravery and confidence to manage her difficulties. She had a few moments where I would get frustrated with her choices, but on the whole she was very relatable.
This will definitely not be the last book I read by this author, if she has another book in the works. I loved her writing style and look forward to seeing what she writes next.
**I received a free copy via NetGalley and this is my honest review.**
October 21, 2021
I really enjoyed this. I thought it was a sweet story with a feisty heroine who broke the mould a little and a grumpy, scarred emotionally stunted reluctant Duke who was dealing with guilt and not at all prepared for the storm that was Ellen to erupt into his reclusive life.
Ellen is in a desperate situation, fleeing her gambler brother who is also abusive. Ellen can take it when it’s just her but when Geoffrey turns his behaviour towards a young innocent, she knows that the time has come to leave. She has secured a position as a lady’s companion to a widow and arrives at a somewhat dilapidated house where it looks that there is no one home. Ellen and Cal’s first meeting is after she’s climbed in his window and it’s full of banter and humour. Cal suffered a terrible trauma four years ago and has pretty much removed himself from society since then so he’s not expecting (or wanting) any visitors. Much to his disgust, Ellen says that she arranged to meet her future employer here and here she will wait until that employer (who turns out to be Cal’s very formidable grandmother, for want of a better term) arrives.
Neither Ellen nor Cal are conventional people for their time – Cal has a complicated background and inherited a Dukedom in tragic circumstances that he doesn’t want or think he deserves. He has kept himself removed from society and everything to do with it, hating the stares and the whispers and the gossip and the undertone that he may’ve gotten where he is today by doing something despicable. Ellen is the daughter of Baron but she’s hiding a big secret that, if Cal and his grandmother were to find out, she’s sure would result in them throwing her out. However when her past tracks her down, Ellen is shocked by the reaction she gets.
Cal and Ellen don’t exactly hit it off because he wants her to leave immediately and she refuses. The arrival of his grandmother to basically batter him into submission sends Cal into retreat mode but when it seems that Ellen is under threat, he definitely wants to protect her and everyone around her that she cares for. He isn’t judgemental (perhaps because he’s had such an unusual upbringing) and it doesn’t change anything except perhaps even make him more determined that he can set in motion the events that will protect her permanently from this threat, despite her reluctance. Ellen really wants to be independent – earning her own money, providing for herself and those around her that she is responsible for. She doesn’t want to be beholden to anyone and doesn’t want to relinquish any rights. It’s why she feels so strongly about Cal’s solution to her problem, and I appreciated that about her because it would’ve been easy to take that offering at first, without worrying about anything else.
As Cal doesn’t judge Ellen on her secrets, she doesn’t judge him on the rumours, the story surrounding his inheritance, nor his physical appearance either. Actually that last one intrigues her more than anything and quite often she feels herself feeling protective of Cal in a similar way – but rather than wanting to keep him safe, like he does with her, she wants to make him feel worthy, which is something that Cal does not feel after everything that has happened to him. Despite his gruff exterior, tendency to bury himself in a bottle and demands everyone leave his home, deep down Cal is a kind and gentle person who deeply cares about people, especially his “grandmother”, who has stood by him because it was the right thing to do, despite all it has cost her. This looks like it might have all the markers of the beginning of a series – there are several things here that I feel are not adequately addressed or dealt with and there’s a character who seems like they could be the focus of a book in the future and I expect that the overall story might get continued.
I hope so actually, because I really did enjoy reading this and I’d like to see what happens next. I thought all of the characters were fun (especially Cal’s grandmother and I’d like to see her get what she wants) and Cal and Ellen complimented each other really well and brought out the best in each other. I felt like both of them really needed someone to love them after what they’d gone through and give them a chance to experience life, not hide themselves away, for different reasons.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
Ellen is in a desperate situation, fleeing her gambler brother who is also abusive. Ellen can take it when it’s just her but when Geoffrey turns his behaviour towards a young innocent, she knows that the time has come to leave. She has secured a position as a lady’s companion to a widow and arrives at a somewhat dilapidated house where it looks that there is no one home. Ellen and Cal’s first meeting is after she’s climbed in his window and it’s full of banter and humour. Cal suffered a terrible trauma four years ago and has pretty much removed himself from society since then so he’s not expecting (or wanting) any visitors. Much to his disgust, Ellen says that she arranged to meet her future employer here and here she will wait until that employer (who turns out to be Cal’s very formidable grandmother, for want of a better term) arrives.
Neither Ellen nor Cal are conventional people for their time – Cal has a complicated background and inherited a Dukedom in tragic circumstances that he doesn’t want or think he deserves. He has kept himself removed from society and everything to do with it, hating the stares and the whispers and the gossip and the undertone that he may’ve gotten where he is today by doing something despicable. Ellen is the daughter of Baron but she’s hiding a big secret that, if Cal and his grandmother were to find out, she’s sure would result in them throwing her out. However when her past tracks her down, Ellen is shocked by the reaction she gets.
Cal and Ellen don’t exactly hit it off because he wants her to leave immediately and she refuses. The arrival of his grandmother to basically batter him into submission sends Cal into retreat mode but when it seems that Ellen is under threat, he definitely wants to protect her and everyone around her that she cares for. He isn’t judgemental (perhaps because he’s had such an unusual upbringing) and it doesn’t change anything except perhaps even make him more determined that he can set in motion the events that will protect her permanently from this threat, despite her reluctance. Ellen really wants to be independent – earning her own money, providing for herself and those around her that she is responsible for. She doesn’t want to be beholden to anyone and doesn’t want to relinquish any rights. It’s why she feels so strongly about Cal’s solution to her problem, and I appreciated that about her because it would’ve been easy to take that offering at first, without worrying about anything else.
As Cal doesn’t judge Ellen on her secrets, she doesn’t judge him on the rumours, the story surrounding his inheritance, nor his physical appearance either. Actually that last one intrigues her more than anything and quite often she feels herself feeling protective of Cal in a similar way – but rather than wanting to keep him safe, like he does with her, she wants to make him feel worthy, which is something that Cal does not feel after everything that has happened to him. Despite his gruff exterior, tendency to bury himself in a bottle and demands everyone leave his home, deep down Cal is a kind and gentle person who deeply cares about people, especially his “grandmother”, who has stood by him because it was the right thing to do, despite all it has cost her. This looks like it might have all the markers of the beginning of a series – there are several things here that I feel are not adequately addressed or dealt with and there’s a character who seems like they could be the focus of a book in the future and I expect that the overall story might get continued.
I hope so actually, because I really did enjoy reading this and I’d like to see what happens next. I thought all of the characters were fun (especially Cal’s grandmother and I’d like to see her get what she wants) and Cal and Ellen complimented each other really well and brought out the best in each other. I felt like both of them really needed someone to love them after what they’d gone through and give them a chance to experience life, not hide themselves away, for different reasons.
***A copy of this book was provided by the publisher for the purpose of an honest review***
March 10, 2021
Regency romance fans are going to be completely enchanted by Charlotte Anne’s wonderful debut historical romance, The Unworthy Duke.
Ellen Burney is desperate. Sick and tired of her brother’s Geoffrey’s violent fits of rage and temper, Ellen had vowed to escape her brother’s sinister clutches. Having secured a position working as a lady’s companion, Ellen fled her brother’s house and hoped to make a fresh start and a new life for herself in London. When she finally arrives at Yew Tree House, she is taken aback by the dilapidated condition of her employer’s residence, but with a storm brewing, no money and nowhere else to go, Ellen has got no other option but to dismiss her concerns and knock on the door. Only little does she realise that rather than the sanctuary she had envisaged, at Yew Tree House she is going to find herself coming face to face with danger and desire when rather than an elderly aristocrat, she finds an infuriated Scotsman who isn’t exactly overjoyed at the prospect of finding himself with an unexpected – and unwanted – houseguest…
Calum Callaghan would rather be anywhere else than in London. Having spent the last ten years in the Royal Navy fighting Napoleon, Calum never imagined that he would inherit a title nor did it ever cross his mind that he would have all of London speculating about his brother’s murder and inferring that he was somehow responsible! Having locked himself into his townhouse for four long years, the last thing he wants is to have company in his domain, however, he cannot turf Ellen out of his house when she has nowhere else to go- especially when he hears how his match-making grandmother had manipulated her and led her to believe that she was going to be her companion at Yew Tree House without mentioning Calum!
As Calum and Ellen find themselves thrust together by fate, they initially vow to keep out of each other’s way. But that soon proves to be far easier said than done. As they keep finding themselves drawn to one another, a blossoming friendship quickly leads to something far deeper than either one of them ever imagined. But will they find the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on love? Or will Calum and Ellen continue to allow their fears and insecurities to hold them hostage?
Charlotte Anne’s The Unworthy Duke is an absolute joy from start to finish. Charlotte Anne deftly and exquisitely blends humour, intensity, emotion, sizzle and heart in a wonderfully written historical romance that readers will find impossible to resist. Ellen is such a brilliant heroine. She is courageous, brave, loyal and a character readers will relate to and empathize with. Calum is a brooding, flawed and devastatingly handsome Scotsman who is certainly more than a match for Jamie Fraser.
With The Unworthy Duke, Charlotte Anne has cemented herself as a writer to watch out for in historical romance and I am already counting down the days until her next book!
Ellen Burney is desperate. Sick and tired of her brother’s Geoffrey’s violent fits of rage and temper, Ellen had vowed to escape her brother’s sinister clutches. Having secured a position working as a lady’s companion, Ellen fled her brother’s house and hoped to make a fresh start and a new life for herself in London. When she finally arrives at Yew Tree House, she is taken aback by the dilapidated condition of her employer’s residence, but with a storm brewing, no money and nowhere else to go, Ellen has got no other option but to dismiss her concerns and knock on the door. Only little does she realise that rather than the sanctuary she had envisaged, at Yew Tree House she is going to find herself coming face to face with danger and desire when rather than an elderly aristocrat, she finds an infuriated Scotsman who isn’t exactly overjoyed at the prospect of finding himself with an unexpected – and unwanted – houseguest…
Calum Callaghan would rather be anywhere else than in London. Having spent the last ten years in the Royal Navy fighting Napoleon, Calum never imagined that he would inherit a title nor did it ever cross his mind that he would have all of London speculating about his brother’s murder and inferring that he was somehow responsible! Having locked himself into his townhouse for four long years, the last thing he wants is to have company in his domain, however, he cannot turf Ellen out of his house when she has nowhere else to go- especially when he hears how his match-making grandmother had manipulated her and led her to believe that she was going to be her companion at Yew Tree House without mentioning Calum!
As Calum and Ellen find themselves thrust together by fate, they initially vow to keep out of each other’s way. But that soon proves to be far easier said than done. As they keep finding themselves drawn to one another, a blossoming friendship quickly leads to something far deeper than either one of them ever imagined. But will they find the courage to take a leap of faith and a chance on love? Or will Calum and Ellen continue to allow their fears and insecurities to hold them hostage?
Charlotte Anne’s The Unworthy Duke is an absolute joy from start to finish. Charlotte Anne deftly and exquisitely blends humour, intensity, emotion, sizzle and heart in a wonderfully written historical romance that readers will find impossible to resist. Ellen is such a brilliant heroine. She is courageous, brave, loyal and a character readers will relate to and empathize with. Calum is a brooding, flawed and devastatingly handsome Scotsman who is certainly more than a match for Jamie Fraser.
With The Unworthy Duke, Charlotte Anne has cemented herself as a writer to watch out for in historical romance and I am already counting down the days until her next book!
January 10, 2021
This book downloaded with an appalling disadvantage: The text wasn't formatted at all. It looks like a story typed and printed in Word format and then converted to ebook format with some kind of computer conversion program but without any editing at all. (Ever tried to edit a Word document in which the original typist hit "return" at the end of every line instead of using Word Wrap??) No paragraphs, lines end randomly and sentences go from one line to the next with no rhyme or reason. I couldn't correct the issue as Kindle line/paragraph format change option was grayed out. It was a struggle to read it in that fashion, but I rather got used to it, albeit very reluctantly. And apparently chapter endings were indicated by ***. However, I didn't finish the book because it wasn't worth mentally fighting the formatting because the story, at the half-way point, was so unoriginal -- attempting-to-be-plain, poor heroine with family problems in her background from which she must escape and scarred-by-war, grumpy and crippled by guilt hero come together when heroine goes to work for his eccentric grandmother -- then instant lust and constant "I want to ravish him/her" thoughts. Please! There were a few grammar mistakes which could be ignored if the story was worth the time to read it. I would assume this formatting issue will be changed prior to publication and release. But even if it is, I don't find the story worth reading because it adds nothing new to a trope that has already been written hundreds of times. #TheUnworthyDuke #NetGalley
February 17, 2021
A big problem that I had with this novel (which I am hoping was corrected in the final round of edits), is the formatting. New chapters often appeared in the middle of the page with no special formatting, not only making it look sloppy, but interrupting the flow of the novel as well.
Another problem I had with this one (which again the formatting did not help) was the way the narrative would randomly jump from Cal and Ellen to people living in her former hometown, and back again. I found it made it hard to keep track of just what was going on. This fact became even more obvious in later chapters when it seemed as though there were several different story-lines happening at once.
As for the characters, I adored Lady Faye. She was a delight in every scene you encountered her in, and Owen was such an over the top charmer that I would love to read more about him. As for Calum and Ellen? Meh. I wasn't sold on them or their relationship. Something about their interactions just didn't seem genuine to me, and I didn't buy the way he seemed to quickly warm up to her, going out of his way to help her with the (obvious to me) plot twists.
However, this being a debut novel? I definitely see potential here for bigger and better things from this author, and I will definitely read them again in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
Another problem I had with this one (which again the formatting did not help) was the way the narrative would randomly jump from Cal and Ellen to people living in her former hometown, and back again. I found it made it hard to keep track of just what was going on. This fact became even more obvious in later chapters when it seemed as though there were several different story-lines happening at once.
As for the characters, I adored Lady Faye. She was a delight in every scene you encountered her in, and Owen was such an over the top charmer that I would love to read more about him. As for Calum and Ellen? Meh. I wasn't sold on them or their relationship. Something about their interactions just didn't seem genuine to me, and I didn't buy the way he seemed to quickly warm up to her, going out of his way to help her with the (obvious to me) plot twists.
However, this being a debut novel? I definitely see potential here for bigger and better things from this author, and I will definitely read them again in the future.
DISCLAIMER: I received a complimentary copy of this novel from the publisher. This has not affected my review in any way. All thoughts and opinions expressed in this review are 100% my own.
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March 29, 2021*Spoiler Alert! There might be a few comments in this review that could give away a little (not much) more information than a reader might want to know before actually reading the book. Just be advised!
The whole book was such a complete lackluster of a story that I just couldn't give it any stars. My biggest issue was the disrespect the female MC had towards the Duke. Talk about disdain! Then the whole bloody argument between her and the Duke lasted too bleeding long. A reader gets tired of reading the same drivel for two chapters without any relief. The first six chapters were a complete and utter bore.
The fact that the book bounces back and forth between London and the town the female MC came from is a bit overdone. It's like two books in one. Also the fact that the book included multiple POVs was just unacceptable. Characters who had very little to do with the story had a POV.
The only really enjoyable part is the relationship building between the Dowager Marchioness and the Heroine. There are some pretty hilarious moments and conversation between them that lightens the book up some...some, but not much. Definitely not enough to save the book from being dull.
There's also the fact that the Heroine is a complete ditz! Everyone around her offered her help, and what did she do but toss them aside with the "I want to be independent" jargon.
Most of the secrets are revealed by Chapter 18 so, in my opinion, taking it another 7 chapters was overkill. If it had ended differently, I could accept the additional 7 chapters, but it was such a...drab ending. Just...flat.
The whole book was such a complete lackluster of a story that I just couldn't give it any stars. My biggest issue was the disrespect the female MC had towards the Duke. Talk about disdain! Then the whole bloody argument between her and the Duke lasted too bleeding long. A reader gets tired of reading the same drivel for two chapters without any relief. The first six chapters were a complete and utter bore.
The fact that the book bounces back and forth between London and the town the female MC came from is a bit overdone. It's like two books in one. Also the fact that the book included multiple POVs was just unacceptable. Characters who had very little to do with the story had a POV.
The only really enjoyable part is the relationship building between the Dowager Marchioness and the Heroine. There are some pretty hilarious moments and conversation between them that lightens the book up some...some, but not much. Definitely not enough to save the book from being dull.
There's also the fact that the Heroine is a complete ditz! Everyone around her offered her help, and what did she do but toss them aside with the "I want to be independent" jargon.
Most of the secrets are revealed by Chapter 18 so, in my opinion, taking it another 7 chapters was overkill. If it had ended differently, I could accept the additional 7 chapters, but it was such a...drab ending. Just...flat.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 23, 2021
I hope you edit this book very well, it has a lot of errors. I did enjoy this story though. It was funny, sad, and kind of scary. Her dad had been dead for two years and for all that time her brother had abused her. But when he hit her six-year-old sister, that was enough. So her friend hid with Gwen and she went to London to find a job so she could take care of them. Miss Ellen Burney(Smith), had presented herself as a companion to Lady Faye. When she first arrived at the address she was given, the house was dark and no one answered the bell. She rang several times but no answer. So she climbed into a window, it was rainy and so very cold. Calum McKenna Callgham, eldest son of Hammond, the late Duke of Woodhall, ducal heir, Marquess of Holliway, Earl of Eyles, Baron Summerhayes, and Gleason. Boy, was that a mouth full. His brother died four years ago. His dad died two years ago. He blamed himself for his brother's death. He was living in a house that was falling down around his ears, he had scars on the left side of his body including his face. He felt he did not deserve better.
The characters were so realistic and the anger and pain, they felt were well portrayed. They loved each other but her brother was a definite deterrent. He hated his sister and I do mean hate. She did have the support of his family and her friends.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
The characters were so realistic and the anger and pain, they felt were well portrayed. They loved each other but her brother was a definite deterrent. He hated his sister and I do mean hate. She did have the support of his family and her friends.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
February 2, 2021
Mayfair, London - 1817
Miss Ellen Burney has fled her home to escape her abusive brother, Geoffrey, and his gambling debts which have left her near penniless. She has a letter offering her a position as companion to Lady Faye, a dowager Marchioness.
When she arrives in London, she is ahead of the dowager and encounters Calum (Cal) Callaghan, the new Duke of Woodhal, living alone in the house with his dog. Cal had been wounded in the war with Napoleon ending up with many burn scars and a limp. He has been falsely accused of killing his brother to become the duke and has hidden in his home for four years drinking.
Ellen simply forces her way into the house and not long after Lady Faye and her ward, Owen Tattershall, arrive. Lady Faye immediately hires some servants and tells Cal that he will be putting up with her.
Ellen and Cal are attracted to one another and he finds he wants to protect her. When her brother discovers where she is, Cal heads out to bring her little sister, Gwen, to London to protect her from Geoffrey too.
As we get to know more about Cal’s family, we find there are lots of family feuds and bitterness.
I found this story to be convoluted and confusing at times. It really could have used a good editor to help it flow smoothly. The plot is good but the story was just too choppy. I’m also not fond of instant sexual gratification. But to be fair, I am giving this book 3 stars.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Miss Ellen Burney has fled her home to escape her abusive brother, Geoffrey, and his gambling debts which have left her near penniless. She has a letter offering her a position as companion to Lady Faye, a dowager Marchioness.
When she arrives in London, she is ahead of the dowager and encounters Calum (Cal) Callaghan, the new Duke of Woodhal, living alone in the house with his dog. Cal had been wounded in the war with Napoleon ending up with many burn scars and a limp. He has been falsely accused of killing his brother to become the duke and has hidden in his home for four years drinking.
Ellen simply forces her way into the house and not long after Lady Faye and her ward, Owen Tattershall, arrive. Lady Faye immediately hires some servants and tells Cal that he will be putting up with her.
Ellen and Cal are attracted to one another and he finds he wants to protect her. When her brother discovers where she is, Cal heads out to bring her little sister, Gwen, to London to protect her from Geoffrey too.
As we get to know more about Cal’s family, we find there are lots of family feuds and bitterness.
I found this story to be convoluted and confusing at times. It really could have used a good editor to help it flow smoothly. The plot is good but the story was just too choppy. I’m also not fond of instant sexual gratification. But to be fair, I am giving this book 3 stars.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
September 24, 2021
Poor and destitute Miss Ellen Smith is eager to escape her past and is determined to make her own future which does not include being tied down by marriage. She sets out her escape plan with the help of the limited family she has left and endures a journey from Evendale to London to be the companion for Lady Faye, the Duke of Woodhal’s Grandmother for the upcoming London Season. The difficult Duke, Calum Callaghan is less the enthused by Miss Smith’s and Lady Faye’s presence much preferring solitude then a social calendar.
The characters in this novel where so well developed I cant even begin to pick a favorite. The Lady Faye’s no nonsense approach to her Grumpy Grandson, the Duke and her fun filled days spent with her companion Miss Smith most certainly bought out a cheeky side. The most memorable quote was about what book Miss Smith was to go pick “and make sure it’s absolutely shocking. Something that will make us blush”. Lady Faye’s sharp tongue had me smiling through most of this book.
The sexual tension between Calum and Ellen developed steadily through out, only adding to the anticipation of a climax. Between the back and forth quick wit and Ellen’s approach to the Duke saw mutual respect grow between them. They discover each others secrets which would normally diminish any passion .......but not these two.
So many scars to heal, secrets to be exposed and a sexual tension like no other. A Brilliant Regency Romance.
The characters in this novel where so well developed I cant even begin to pick a favorite. The Lady Faye’s no nonsense approach to her Grumpy Grandson, the Duke and her fun filled days spent with her companion Miss Smith most certainly bought out a cheeky side. The most memorable quote was about what book Miss Smith was to go pick “and make sure it’s absolutely shocking. Something that will make us blush”. Lady Faye’s sharp tongue had me smiling through most of this book.
The sexual tension between Calum and Ellen developed steadily through out, only adding to the anticipation of a climax. Between the back and forth quick wit and Ellen’s approach to the Duke saw mutual respect grow between them. They discover each others secrets which would normally diminish any passion .......but not these two.
So many scars to heal, secrets to be exposed and a sexual tension like no other. A Brilliant Regency Romance.
February 17, 2021
A regency romance with a nice twist, The Unworthy Duke is an entertaining debut novel for author Charlotte Anne. This story largely takes place in just one house, that of Calum Callaghan, Duke of Woodhal. Badly scarred from a fire on his naval vessel, Calum also bears mental scars over the death of his half brother in the same fire. I truly felt for him when the solitude he’d taken refuge in was overturned first by a very wet Ellen tumbling through his window, and later by the arrival of his grandmother. There are moments in this story that are really funny, but there are underlying themes that are less joyful. Ellen has escaped from unthinkable domestic violence, while Calum has been treated appallingly both by society and by his stepmother after surviving a ship fire that left him appallingly scarred and took the life of his half brother, whom he loved and who had been destined to become the duke. I debut author Charlotte Anne dealt well with these issues. While there is definitely room for improvement in both writing technique and character development this story has been an entertaining and enjoyable read.
February 5, 2021
Running from abuse and her brother, Ellen Burney becomes a companion for a feisty Grandmother of a Duke. The Duke is Callum Callaghan and he is a battle fatigued soldier that was injured. The two have an instant attraction that they both try to squelch their desires.
Things start to heat up in more ways than one and this book will keep you turning the pages to see where it goes.
The author is predictable in a few areas and she does leave some things unresolved so, I am thinking a 2nd book which would tie things up in a more cohesive manner. It just feels as though the ending is rushed and not put together with as much thought as the rest of the book.
I would still recommend this book because it is a good read.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
Things start to heat up in more ways than one and this book will keep you turning the pages to see where it goes.
The author is predictable in a few areas and she does leave some things unresolved so, I am thinking a 2nd book which would tie things up in a more cohesive manner. It just feels as though the ending is rushed and not put together with as much thought as the rest of the book.
I would still recommend this book because it is a good read.
I received a free advanced copy from NetGalley and these are my willingly given thoughts and opinions.
February 17, 2021
Ellen Burney is fleeing from her home, dominated by her cruel brother. Penniless she changes her name to Smith and takes up a paid position as companion to an elderly lady intent on staying with her grandson for the London season. Callum Callaghan, the aforementioned grandson, is now a duke due to the untimely death of his older brother. Scarred inside and out by rumours that he had a hand in his brother's death while they were both serving in the Royal Navy, he's become a recluse. His grandmother intends to shake him out of it and, after gettiung off to a bad start, Ellen is part of that plan. Yes, you can see where this is going, but it gets there in an interesting way. A very decent debut novel.
February 27, 2021
Who doesn't love a Beauty and the Beast theme? This inexperienced author really hits it out of the park. Sparks fly between our main characters and I loved that Callum's main skill was that he baked. This led to some hilarious moments. I figured out Ellen's secret early on but I loved how it was handled. This is a family of unique characters and one that is not a blood bond. They are family regardless and it just goes to show that it's not the family that you were born into that creates the strongest ties.
This was a fantastic read, humour, steam and angst blend together to create a real page-turner. I loved it. I highly recommend this book.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
This was a fantastic read, humour, steam and angst blend together to create a real page-turner. I loved it. I highly recommend this book.
I received an arc of this book via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
January 14, 2024
The true worth of a person
Ellen meets Calum when she enters his Mayfair townhouse via a window claiming to be hired by his grandmother as her companion. Scarred Calum has hidden in his home four years due to his cousin's death and wants no company. They're drawn to one another but both set in their ways yet can't ignore their desires nor willing to cede to the other making an entertaining relationship. As relationships grow the two small families unite when danger strikes threatening Ellen and six year old Gwen plus Calum. Lots of chaos, romance, wit, revelations, and serious danger from her abusive brother. It combines to keep you reading to see what will happen next. I recommend this book, its the first I've read by this author.
Ellen meets Calum when she enters his Mayfair townhouse via a window claiming to be hired by his grandmother as her companion. Scarred Calum has hidden in his home four years due to his cousin's death and wants no company. They're drawn to one another but both set in their ways yet can't ignore their desires nor willing to cede to the other making an entertaining relationship. As relationships grow the two small families unite when danger strikes threatening Ellen and six year old Gwen plus Calum. Lots of chaos, romance, wit, revelations, and serious danger from her abusive brother. It combines to keep you reading to see what will happen next. I recommend this book, its the first I've read by this author.
January 9, 2023
this was definitely something lol. the relationship and character development was disjointed as hell and the plot was all over the place. ellen and cal’s relationship didn’t feel earned at all. they literally went from “i don’t like you” to “my love, my darling” with zero build up. i like the secondary characters but then we’re last minute additions that didn’t contribute to the story whatsoever and the ending was way too convenient.
October 25, 2021
A lovely regency novel and a great debut. This beauty and the beast story is thoroughly enjoyable indeed. Cal is a grumpy, scarred duke who never wanted to be a duke, but his grandmother's lady's companion Ellen softens his edges with the secrets she's hiding.
This is a lovely story with characters ahead of their time. Worth a read.
This is a lovely story with characters ahead of their time. Worth a read.
February 6, 2022
I really appreciate how strong all of the women characters were! Especially how even in the face of romance, Ellen still stuck to her goals and beliefs and always kept her priorities straight! Beautiful little love story!
I felt the ending could have been longer and more elaborate through. Geoffrey dying was predictable but it was a good relief for Ellen and Gwen… and everyone really🥰
I felt the ending could have been longer and more elaborate through. Geoffrey dying was predictable but it was a good relief for Ellen and Gwen… and everyone really🥰
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 17, 2022
Im a huge historical fan so i was excited to read this one!. im always a sucker for a Beauty and the Beast type tale which this one was!. the gorgeous grumpy duke calum made me laugh! i also just wanted to give him a big hug!. i also loved Ellen she is so independant and not araid to stand up to Calum. i did think the ending was a tad anticlimactic but overall i really enjoyed this story.
July 16, 2025
I read this straight after Pride and Prejudice, so that was my first mistake. It was entertaining for a few hours. Very little effort was put into creating the atmosphere of this book to match the time period it claimed. Also, I feel that the author sometimes forgot the lead male character spoke with a Scottish accent?
February 4, 2021
The Unworthy Duke by Charlotte Anne is a steamy historical romance that pulls you in and takes you away to another time, another place. The characters are intriguing and well-written, with captivating backstories. The Unworthy Duke unfolds at a smooth, steady pace making it read like a movie.
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