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Sisters of Willow Pond #2
The Duke in Disguise
Who is this man?
The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to his six-year-old son, but there is something . . . different about the devilish rogue standing before her today. He seems to study her with an intensity she never noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the last time they encountered each other. Was there always an alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let herself succumb.
Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half-brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young heir from a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could prove dangerous . . . especially to Richard's own heart.
The Duke of Thanet may have hired her as a governess to his six-year-old son, but there is something . . . different about the devilish rogue standing before her today. He seems to study her with an intensity she never noticed before, and he is certainly more charming than the last time they encountered each other. Was there always an alluring glint in his dark eyes? But the duke has a notoriously scandalous reputation, and Meriel will not let herself succumb.
Masquerading as the duke was not the simple solution Richard O'Neill had envisioned. When his ailing half-brother, the real duke, asked him to protect his young heir from a greedy enemy, Richard agreed. But he never thought he'd be attracted to the inquisitive governess, or that each moment in her intoxicating presence would tempt him beyond all reason. And letting down his guard could prove dangerous . . . especially to Richard's own heart.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published June 27, 2006
214 people are currently reading
588 people want to read
About the author
Gayle Callen
46 books524 followersUSA Today Bestselling author Gayle Callen writes historical romances for Avon Books. Her twenty-second novel, The Wrong Bride, was published in November 2015.
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
Gayle’s novels have won the Holt Medallion, the Laurel Wreath Award, the Booksellers’ Best Award, and finaled in the National Readers Choice Awards. She was a nominee for RT Book Reviews Magazine’s Reviewers’ Choice Award. Her books have been translated into eleven different languages. She also writes the contemporary romances as Emma Cane.
Gayle resides in central New York with her husband. Now that her three children are grown, she has time to read, sing, and delve too deeply into historical research. A past President of the Central New York Romance Writers, she is also a member of Romance Writers of America and Novelists Inc. Visit her website at http://www.gaylecallen.com
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 83 reviews
May 12, 2025
I decided to finish it.
DNF’d on May 10, 2025, after chapter 14.
Little to no romance.
There’s an attraction and they kissed at the 40% mark, but it’s too slow-burn for me. Plus, the romance isn’t the main focus.
I don’t think this author is for me. I’ll finish the series and avoid her books for a while.
DNF’d on May 10, 2025, after chapter 14.
Little to no romance.
There’s an attraction and they kissed at the 40% mark, but it’s too slow-burn for me. Plus, the romance isn’t the main focus.
I don’t think this author is for me. I’ll finish the series and avoid her books for a while.
March 29, 2013
I have always loved reading from Gayle Callen, but I believe this is the one book that I have loved reading again and again. For me, it one of her best works. I also have loved reading this series. I have just started this blog, because I have a love of reading, and I enjoy writing. I don't know how good I am at writing though, you will have to let me know on how I do. LOL
It takes place in 1844 in Ramsgate, England, with Meriel Shelby, who is one of three daughters. Her father committed suicide; but had to hide it from everyone else and to keep it a secret so he wouldn't be disgraced. Apparently he had lost most of their money, and couldn't live with the thought of being penniless. Meriel grew up in the world of the nobility realm. She was well educated, had quality clothes; and servants in their house in town. After her father's incident, they lose their home to a cousin, Meriel is forced to become a governess, her sister Lousia a companion. Her sister Victoria was getting married; and their mother would have a place to live.
Richard,half- brother to The Duke of Thanet, is asked by his brother to take his place. Cecil is very ill, and wants to appear strong. So Richard reluctantly agree's to the masqurade. Richard and Cecil have always looked alike; like twins. So no one would be able to tell them apart by appearance. When Richard reaches the Thanet estate; he realizes it will be harder than he once thought. His nephew, whom he dearly loves; where he must try to act like his brother who has never taken the time to get to know his son. After a few mistakes, Stephen realizes its his uncle and not his father. Stephen agrees to keep the secret to himself. At the same time, Richard is bombarded with his flirt female servants. Apparently his half brother always had a female servant that was his mistress of sorts. Then when he was was tired of her, he would then set her up with enough money to live for the rest of her life in comfort. Once Richard hears of this from the housekeeper (who is like a mother to him) is shocked and knows he could never do that. So he decides to act like he has picked Meriel. Even though Meriel knows he appears to be a philandering rake; there is something deeper that develops between Richard and Meriel. A passion blooms and their feelings for each other deepen.
I really have enjoyed reading this book, and writing the review for it as well!!! Both Richard and Meriel are complex characters that captured my avid interest. Meriel is a young woman that has been well educated, close to her sisters and her parents and then her father commits suicide and the everything in her life come tumbling down around her. Meriel is a responsible woman who tries to pick up the pieces and take care of her mother and sisters. She then meets Richard, and has no idea what she really thinks about him. She has heard rumors about the 'Duke' but she realizes along the way, that Richard is vastly different from the man she hears about. Richard is utterly captivated by his nephew's governess, and although he wishes never to disrespect her in any way, he chases after her to hope to appease the household. He finds himself falling in love with Meriel all the while trying to appear to be a good "father" to his nephew. He earns to tell her his secret, that he isn't really the "Duke" but some one else entirely. The plot in this book is filled with mystery, passion, some suspense toward the end, and a tender love that grows between the two lovers that touches the readers attention.
It takes place in 1844 in Ramsgate, England, with Meriel Shelby, who is one of three daughters. Her father committed suicide; but had to hide it from everyone else and to keep it a secret so he wouldn't be disgraced. Apparently he had lost most of their money, and couldn't live with the thought of being penniless. Meriel grew up in the world of the nobility realm. She was well educated, had quality clothes; and servants in their house in town. After her father's incident, they lose their home to a cousin, Meriel is forced to become a governess, her sister Lousia a companion. Her sister Victoria was getting married; and their mother would have a place to live.
Richard,half- brother to The Duke of Thanet, is asked by his brother to take his place. Cecil is very ill, and wants to appear strong. So Richard reluctantly agree's to the masqurade. Richard and Cecil have always looked alike; like twins. So no one would be able to tell them apart by appearance. When Richard reaches the Thanet estate; he realizes it will be harder than he once thought. His nephew, whom he dearly loves; where he must try to act like his brother who has never taken the time to get to know his son. After a few mistakes, Stephen realizes its his uncle and not his father. Stephen agrees to keep the secret to himself. At the same time, Richard is bombarded with his flirt female servants. Apparently his half brother always had a female servant that was his mistress of sorts. Then when he was was tired of her, he would then set her up with enough money to live for the rest of her life in comfort. Once Richard hears of this from the housekeeper (who is like a mother to him) is shocked and knows he could never do that. So he decides to act like he has picked Meriel. Even though Meriel knows he appears to be a philandering rake; there is something deeper that develops between Richard and Meriel. A passion blooms and their feelings for each other deepen.
I really have enjoyed reading this book, and writing the review for it as well!!! Both Richard and Meriel are complex characters that captured my avid interest. Meriel is a young woman that has been well educated, close to her sisters and her parents and then her father commits suicide and the everything in her life come tumbling down around her. Meriel is a responsible woman who tries to pick up the pieces and take care of her mother and sisters. She then meets Richard, and has no idea what she really thinks about him. She has heard rumors about the 'Duke' but she realizes along the way, that Richard is vastly different from the man she hears about. Richard is utterly captivated by his nephew's governess, and although he wishes never to disrespect her in any way, he chases after her to hope to appease the household. He finds himself falling in love with Meriel all the while trying to appear to be a good "father" to his nephew. He earns to tell her his secret, that he isn't really the "Duke" but some one else entirely. The plot in this book is filled with mystery, passion, some suspense toward the end, and a tender love that grows between the two lovers that touches the readers attention.
June 27, 2011
This was an enjoyable, light, but not too light historical romance. Richard was a sweetie and so was Meriel. I liked their dynamic, how they ended up being drawn together and falling in love through their mutual concern for young Stephen. I don't care for deception between the H/h, so I wasn't predisposed to this book since Richard is pretending to be someone he's not. But it was handled very well.
Meriel has to overcome her trust issues, both of herself and Richard. She is still dealing with her father's betrayal, and how it rocked her whole mindset. She's a good person, and I like how she nurtured Stephen, and that she didn't let her heart stay hardened against Richard when she realized what a good man he was.
I still like The Lord Next Door more, because it has themes I prefer, but this was quite good, and it shows Gayle Callen's talent for writing a good historical romance. I liked the way she resolved what could have been a very difficult scenario with grace and in a way that brought a smile to my face. I recommend this book.
Meriel has to overcome her trust issues, both of herself and Richard. She is still dealing with her father's betrayal, and how it rocked her whole mindset. She's a good person, and I like how she nurtured Stephen, and that she didn't let her heart stay hardened against Richard when she realized what a good man he was.
I still like The Lord Next Door more, because it has themes I prefer, but this was quite good, and it shows Gayle Callen's talent for writing a good historical romance. I liked the way she resolved what could have been a very difficult scenario with grace and in a way that brought a smile to my face. I recommend this book.
December 29, 2023
3.5 stars
The highlight of this book was the originality of the plot. Not merely a romance but foremost a thriller à la Victorian style. Granted not a heart stopping thriller, but the mystery shrouding the duke, very reminiscent of the atmosphere of Rebecca or Jane Eyre, was enticing enough for me to read to the end.
However, I do feel that this book could have been much more polished. Part of the attraction of the plot was the opposing agendas of the main characters: the governess who wants to protect her pupil against a potential imposter while having irrepressible feelings for said imposter, a brother willing to masquerade as a duke to save his nephew from a potential unclear danger while trying not to seduce the governess... In theory, lots of delicious angst, suspicions and cat-and-mouse play could have happened and irremediably simmered into a big final climax. However, in effect, I found the writing and pacing uneven and lacking in the key moments where the big clashes needed to happen (e.g. when Meriel realised the truth, when she resolved to appear as his mistress to assist his investigation, when she decided she believed Richard's version of the story etc) - so that the tension that ought to have been there to be unashamedly exploited simply faded before it even had a chance to settle itself.
Also, the villain's plot ended feeling weak and lame. I was also disappointed that, after the slow pace of the whole book, that the end was so abrupt, with no proper Epilogue detailing the HEA and the villain's comeuppance.
That said, I reasonably enjoyed this original story despite its flaws and I will be certainly reading other books from GC.
P.S. Very lovely book cover!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
August 16, 2017
Leído en marzo 2010
EL DUQUE IMPOSTOR , 2° de la Serie Hermanas Willow Pond
RESUMEN: ¿Quién es ese hombre?
El duque de Thanet la contrató como institutriz de su hijo de seis años, pero hay algo… distinto en el diabólico canalla que está hoy ante ella. Parece estudiarla con una intensidad que nunca había notado antes, y se muestra más encantador que la última vez que se vieron. ¿Siempre había tenido ese brillo seductor en sus oscuros ojos? Pero el duque tenía una reputación célebremente escandalosa, y Meriel Shelby no se permitiría sucumbir.
Hacerse pasar por el duque no estaba resultando tan sencillo como Richard O’Neill había previsto. Cuando su hermanastro enfermo, el verdadero duque, le pidió que protegiera a su joven heredero de un ambicioso enemigo, Richard aceptó. Pero nunca pensó que se sentiría atraído por la inquisitiva institutriz, ni que cada momento en su intoxicante presencia le tentaría más allá de los dictámenes de la razón. Y bajar la guardia podría resultar peligroso… Especialmente para el corazón del propio Richard.
EL DUQUE IMPOSTOR , 2° de la Serie Hermanas Willow Pond
RESUMEN: ¿Quién es ese hombre?
El duque de Thanet la contrató como institutriz de su hijo de seis años, pero hay algo… distinto en el diabólico canalla que está hoy ante ella. Parece estudiarla con una intensidad que nunca había notado antes, y se muestra más encantador que la última vez que se vieron. ¿Siempre había tenido ese brillo seductor en sus oscuros ojos? Pero el duque tenía una reputación célebremente escandalosa, y Meriel Shelby no se permitiría sucumbir.
Hacerse pasar por el duque no estaba resultando tan sencillo como Richard O’Neill había previsto. Cuando su hermanastro enfermo, el verdadero duque, le pidió que protegiera a su joven heredero de un ambicioso enemigo, Richard aceptó. Pero nunca pensó que se sentiría atraído por la inquisitiva institutriz, ni que cada momento en su intoxicante presencia le tentaría más allá de los dictámenes de la razón. Y bajar la guardia podría resultar peligroso… Especialmente para el corazón del propio Richard.
May 31, 2015
I'll give you a brief summary of Meriel and Richard's relationship by way of a dialogue between Stephen and Meriel.
"Miss Shelby, why don't you like my father?"
"I like him just fine, but I'm a sensible woman who prides herself on her practicality, with a brain that. .." Here, Richard walks past wearing no coat or cravat and pasted in sweat. He smiles when he sees her watching.
"Miss Shelby?"
"Huh?"
"You were saying something about your brain."
"Brain? What's brain?"
...
Be prepared for mind-numbing cliches, very confusing imagery and the word 'penis'.
"Miss Shelby, why don't you like my father?"
"I like him just fine, but I'm a sensible woman who prides herself on her practicality, with a brain that. .." Here, Richard walks past wearing no coat or cravat and pasted in sweat. He smiles when he sees her watching.
"Miss Shelby?"
"Huh?"
"You were saying something about your brain."
"Brain? What's brain?"
...
Be prepared for mind-numbing cliches, very confusing imagery and the word 'penis'.
January 26, 2018
Ik heb de Nederlands talige uitgave gelezen : Candlelight Historische roman 812 -De mysterieuze hertog .
Dit is het 2e deel van de 3 delige serie over de zusjes Shelby , waar deel 1 van mij nog het voordeel van de twijfel kreeg met 3 sterren krijgt dit boek zonder enige twijfel 3 en een halve ster - afgerond naar 4 sterren . Ik vond het een goede mix van romantiek , actie en avontuur .
Dit is het 2e deel van de 3 delige serie over de zusjes Shelby , waar deel 1 van mij nog het voordeel van de twijfel kreeg met 3 sterren krijgt dit boek zonder enige twijfel 3 en een halve ster - afgerond naar 4 sterren . Ik vond het een goede mix van romantiek , actie en avontuur .
July 24, 2023
The story was very entertaining. I enjoyed the romance and the cute flirting ways that Richard had with the Governess. She knew that she was attracted to him. Stephen’s character was wonderful to read.
I received a copy of this book for a voluntary honest review
I received a copy of this book for a voluntary honest review
July 8, 2010
3.5 stars
This was the second installment in the Sisters of Willow Pond-trilogy.
I found it a lovely story of finding love when least expecting it. I certainly enjoyed it more than book 1 in the series.
Maybe because there was a real plot involved where it lacked in book 1 but I also think the characters of the hero and heroine were more appealing to me.
Meriel is practical and logical, forcing herself to lead her life by her intellect and not her emotions after her parents' betrayal and lies.
Then she meets Richard and nothing she's caught changing her views on love and trust.
Richard is not happy impersonating his half-brother since his personality and behavior are so different from his own but he does it regardless for his nephew's safety and future.
The chemistry between Meriel and Richard is apparent from the beginning and the development of their feelings is very nicely written.
The nephew Stephen is an adorable boy and a very loveable character in the book, providing endearing parts in the book with his regular six year-old mischievous behavior and the plain honesty and simple look on life all children have.
Even though the plot seemed a bit far-fetched in the beginning Gayle Callen pulled it of by focusing on the feelings and emotions between Meriel, Richard and Stephen.
The betrayal of Meriel's parents linger in the back of her head and makes it hard for her to completely trust Richard and his motives. And Richard is so concerned for the well being of his nephew it takes a while for him to confide in Meriel.
But it's all worked out in a nice way. Especially after Meriel discovers Richard's true identity and confronts him. They start working together after that to accomplish his task.
But that is also when the difficulty in resisting each other starts. And this is where the book really grabbed my attention.
I liked the regular change of perspective so you have both Meriel's and Richard's point of view on the evolving love-story and the plot. This made it easy to relate to both their characters.
Gayle Callen has provided an easy and enjoyable read with a well-written plot and genuine emotions and feelings. It was not very intense, fast-paced or action-filled but still it strung a cord with me being wonderful in it’s simplicity.
This was the second installment in the Sisters of Willow Pond-trilogy.
I found it a lovely story of finding love when least expecting it. I certainly enjoyed it more than book 1 in the series.
Maybe because there was a real plot involved where it lacked in book 1 but I also think the characters of the hero and heroine were more appealing to me.
Meriel is practical and logical, forcing herself to lead her life by her intellect and not her emotions after her parents' betrayal and lies.
Then she meets Richard and nothing she's caught changing her views on love and trust.
Richard is not happy impersonating his half-brother since his personality and behavior are so different from his own but he does it regardless for his nephew's safety and future.
The chemistry between Meriel and Richard is apparent from the beginning and the development of their feelings is very nicely written.
The nephew Stephen is an adorable boy and a very loveable character in the book, providing endearing parts in the book with his regular six year-old mischievous behavior and the plain honesty and simple look on life all children have.
Even though the plot seemed a bit far-fetched in the beginning Gayle Callen pulled it of by focusing on the feelings and emotions between Meriel, Richard and Stephen.
The betrayal of Meriel's parents linger in the back of her head and makes it hard for her to completely trust Richard and his motives. And Richard is so concerned for the well being of his nephew it takes a while for him to confide in Meriel.
But it's all worked out in a nice way. Especially after Meriel discovers Richard's true identity and confronts him. They start working together after that to accomplish his task.
But that is also when the difficulty in resisting each other starts. And this is where the book really grabbed my attention.
I liked the regular change of perspective so you have both Meriel's and Richard's point of view on the evolving love-story and the plot. This made it easy to relate to both their characters.
Gayle Callen has provided an easy and enjoyable read with a well-written plot and genuine emotions and feelings. It was not very intense, fast-paced or action-filled but still it strung a cord with me being wonderful in it’s simplicity.
July 25, 2017
Second in the Willow Pond Trilogy and is also second best - the first one was pretty horrible (had me wanting to skim!!!!! Unheard of!) and the last one, which I finished yesterday, was very good. The Duke in Disguise was definitely worth reading, but Callen's characters seem pretty indistinguishable from other historical romance hero and heroines; they are still engaging, but somewhat unimaginative. Also, I don't know what it is about her endings, but they always feel abrupt and hastily done - after all the trials and tribulations the main characters go through you want to finally be able to enjoy when they're together for their HEA, but with her every loose thread is neatly tied up 5 pages before the end, expressions of love are exchanged, and then: done.
July 22, 2022
DNF. Lost interest. Not horrible or anything, and good characters…just meh.
July 18, 2023
Gayle Callen blends intrigue, passion, wit and seduction in another irresistible historical romance, The Duke in Disguise.
Governess Meriel Shelby cannot quite put her finger on the fact that her employer The Duke of Thanet looks...different. He seems more affable and charming that he usually does and despite the attractive glint in his eye, Meriel vows to keep things strictly professional between them and not let her heart overrule her head - even if resisting her employer might soon prove far easier said than done.
Meriel is right to be suspicious of her employer - because the Duke of Thanet is really Richard O'Neill, the real duke's half brother! Richard had been tasked by his ailing sibling to protect his heir at all costs from a greedy enemy intent on maximum distraction. Richard has certainly got a lot on his plate - and the last thing he needs is to find himself drawn to the attractive governess!
Can Meriel and Richard ever have a future together? Or are there far too many obstacles in the way of their happy ending?
A fun historical romance that sizzles with humor, heart and plenty of heat, Gayle Callen's The Duke in Disguise is an enjoyable tale of secret identities, forbidden passions and everlasting love sure to delight readers everywhere!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Governess Meriel Shelby cannot quite put her finger on the fact that her employer The Duke of Thanet looks...different. He seems more affable and charming that he usually does and despite the attractive glint in his eye, Meriel vows to keep things strictly professional between them and not let her heart overrule her head - even if resisting her employer might soon prove far easier said than done.
Meriel is right to be suspicious of her employer - because the Duke of Thanet is really Richard O'Neill, the real duke's half brother! Richard had been tasked by his ailing sibling to protect his heir at all costs from a greedy enemy intent on maximum distraction. Richard has certainly got a lot on his plate - and the last thing he needs is to find himself drawn to the attractive governess!
Can Meriel and Richard ever have a future together? Or are there far too many obstacles in the way of their happy ending?
A fun historical romance that sizzles with humor, heart and plenty of heat, Gayle Callen's The Duke in Disguise is an enjoyable tale of secret identities, forbidden passions and everlasting love sure to delight readers everywhere!.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 18, 2023
Sir Walter Scott’s famous saying “what a tangled web we weave when first we practice to deceive” is perfect for this book. Richard gets himself into quite a tangle. I couldn’t imagine how he was going to reconcile everything in the end. I love who first calls him out on his ruse. I kept thinking that family obligation is one thing, but pretending to be a creep is a whole new level of difficult.
It’s really easy to root for Meriel. She’s been through more than her share. I like how smart & tenacious she is while trying to piece things together. Her ever changing feelings for the “Duke” are very understandable under the circumstances. These two absolutely sizzle when they’re together. It’s admirable that they’ll both go to such great lengths in order to protect Stephen. He’s a funny sweet kid that I can picture turning out to be a good man.
I can’t decide if Cecil is slightly redeemed @ the end or not. Definitely something to ponder…
I just discovered the first book in this series, so I’m going to backtrack a bit & read Victoria’s book next. Thanks to Booksprout for allowing me to read & review an advance copy of this one.
It’s really easy to root for Meriel. She’s been through more than her share. I like how smart & tenacious she is while trying to piece things together. Her ever changing feelings for the “Duke” are very understandable under the circumstances. These two absolutely sizzle when they’re together. It’s admirable that they’ll both go to such great lengths in order to protect Stephen. He’s a funny sweet kid that I can picture turning out to be a good man.
I can’t decide if Cecil is slightly redeemed @ the end or not. Definitely something to ponder…
I just discovered the first book in this series, so I’m going to backtrack a bit & read Victoria’s book next. Thanks to Booksprout for allowing me to read & review an advance copy of this one.
July 6, 2023
Meriel is a gutsy lady who is governess to the child of a duke. After hiring her, the duke goes off to London. When he returns, he seems changed, although she can't put her finger on how. She also discovers that the maids have all been hired for their looks and that the duke is in the habit of using them as a pool of mistresses. Even she is on the receiving end of the man's advances. Nonetheless, she is somehow attracted to him. Richard is a bastard who has been asked by his dying half brother, the duke, to masquerade as him in order to protect his son from harm by their cousin Charles. Richard is attracted to his nephew's governess but he has to play the role of unabashed libertine, making passes at every pretty girl or else be found out. He also has a hard time avoiding sexual involvement with the maids. The interaction between Meriel and Richard is enjoyable and it's fun trying to figure out how the situation will be resolved. There's the usual HEA but I enjoyed getting there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 19, 2023
When her father died leaving the family nearly destitute, Meriel Shelby takes the position of governess to the six-year-old son of the Duke of Thanet. When the duke comes home to recover from a recent illness, Meriel and others in the household sense something different. Richard O’Neill, the older and illegitimate brother of the duke has come to the estate at the request of his critically ill brother to protect his son. Will Richard be able to keep up his charade and keep Stephen safe? How will he and Meriel handle the sizzling attraction between them? This is an interesting and unpredictable story. There are a number of secrets among the characters and a scheming cousin who wants to get control of the dukedom. Richard and Meriel are uncertain about each other, and a bit suspicious at first, but it is obvious they are good for each other and Stephen. Stephen is an adorable and remarkable young man. Some danger, a couple of twists, and finally a happy ending keep your attention beginning to end.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 2, 2021
I'd give this story 3.5/4 stars. I actually liked it a lot more than the first book in this series. I did like how he wasn't able to fool everyone - which is much more believable. I liked that Meriel is smart and the way she solves their problems at the end was well done.
I have a little bit of an issue with the premarital sex (not hung up on it, but just feel for the time period it isn't really believable, especially when they do not have any kind of understanding of what their relationship is). But I do understand in a way that she was already accused of being his mistress so why not do the deed? (Except of course if she gets pregnant, then what?)
My big issue was the ending. I felt it kind of ended abruptly. I don't have to have everything neatly tied up and I'm not always a fan of epilogues, but this book might have benefited from one - even just a few pages.
I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
I have a little bit of an issue with the premarital sex (not hung up on it, but just feel for the time period it isn't really believable, especially when they do not have any kind of understanding of what their relationship is). But I do understand in a way that she was already accused of being his mistress so why not do the deed? (Except of course if she gets pregnant, then what?)
My big issue was the ending. I felt it kind of ended abruptly. I don't have to have everything neatly tied up and I'm not always a fan of epilogues, but this book might have benefited from one - even just a few pages.
I'm looking forward to the next one in the series.
March 11, 2023
Meriel has taken a position as governess to a Duke's son(Stephen) and has come to really care for him when the Duke suddenly returns home after an illness. Cecil/Richard has come home to "recover" his health, but what's really happening is one brother is impersonating the other in order to protect Stephen from an unscrupulous uncle in case his father doesn't manage to recover from his illness.
Meriel is confused from the start because she wasn't attracted to the Duke when he hired her but she's having a hard time resisting him now. Richard really doesn't want to emulate some of Cecil's less savory traits but finds himself instantly attracted to the governess.
This was a more twisty tale than book 1 was and it was fun to follow along and watch the MC's try to resist each other and how Stephen's relationships with both blossomed.
Meriel is confused from the start because she wasn't attracted to the Duke when he hired her but she's having a hard time resisting him now. Richard really doesn't want to emulate some of Cecil's less savory traits but finds himself instantly attracted to the governess.
This was a more twisty tale than book 1 was and it was fun to follow along and watch the MC's try to resist each other and how Stephen's relationships with both blossomed.
January 15, 2023
This is a nice book. I thought the girl in love with Cecil the Imbecil would be the bad guy but no. The author went straight as an arrow with the plot from the beginning. There is a bit of a conspiracy at the end but it was all clear. Yes, the Duke is not very good at disguising himself, many people discovered him. However, I liked Richard and his principles. I loved his relationship with Stephen. Meriel did a good job as the main character although I felt she was still young and not mature enough. She is a good governess but I didn't get the feeling that Stephen saw her as maternal, something I usually like. Richard did get close to Stephen.
June 22, 2017
This book kept me reading on for hours just because of Meriel and Richard. I love both of these characters. I liked the storyline, but I felt like the ending was rushed. I like how Callen slowly shows Meriel and Richard's attraction for each other, but the book could have been better if Callen moved at the same slow pace with the ending.
The little boy, Stephen, made the story so much better! He was so cute and blurts out everything Meriel tells him to Richard which puts her into difficult situations, but those scenes were always very funny.
The little boy, Stephen, made the story so much better! He was so cute and blurts out everything Meriel tells him to Richard which puts her into difficult situations, but those scenes were always very funny.
July 9, 2020
The imposter Duke and the governess
Here the story of this couple first Muriel,a young woman. Good breading that lost everything her family lost a their fortune, her father commit suicide and made that matter worst they lost their standing in society. She canes to this
Mansion where she has been accepted. The Duke Richard who is an imposter replacing his brother’s who is sick ask him to replace him that he can take care of his son. The duke believes that his son life is in danger because he has a coins in who seeks the dukedom. Richard is protect his newphew and the problem is that the real duke was a womanizer. All the staff employees he choose their
Mistress. The story is well developed between Muriel and Richard a lot of tension. First Richard afraid to be discovered and the well being of his newphew to protect him and Muriel problems with the staff who see her as a rival for the duke attentions. The story has their flaws as usual but little by little the story reveal and if you does like to read
With patience or you wants to read fast and see the end of the story is not good for you. I like to read
And enjoy the development of story conflicts and I love torture heroes. A novel about a couple who most fell and have a good life in the ton mean aristocracy. Well I will read others books this author is started to write in the late 1990 or 2000. Practically she is new in comparison of Joanna
Lindsay. I recommend it.
Here the story of this couple first Muriel,a young woman. Good breading that lost everything her family lost a their fortune, her father commit suicide and made that matter worst they lost their standing in society. She canes to this
Mansion where she has been accepted. The Duke Richard who is an imposter replacing his brother’s who is sick ask him to replace him that he can take care of his son. The duke believes that his son life is in danger because he has a coins in who seeks the dukedom. Richard is protect his newphew and the problem is that the real duke was a womanizer. All the staff employees he choose their
Mistress. The story is well developed between Muriel and Richard a lot of tension. First Richard afraid to be discovered and the well being of his newphew to protect him and Muriel problems with the staff who see her as a rival for the duke attentions. The story has their flaws as usual but little by little the story reveal and if you does like to read
With patience or you wants to read fast and see the end of the story is not good for you. I like to read
And enjoy the development of story conflicts and I love torture heroes. A novel about a couple who most fell and have a good life in the ton mean aristocracy. Well I will read others books this author is started to write in the late 1990 or 2000. Practically she is new in comparison of Joanna
Lindsay. I recommend it.
July 10, 2025
I have never read anything by this author and I’m thrilled that I found her! This was a great book that held my interest and made me stay up late at night. It moved quickly and was well written. Not too many supporting characters (sometimes stories are hard to follow because of so many characters) and just enough drama to make you love/dislike them. I look forward to reading more of Ms Callen’s books! It was also long enough to develop a good story.
March 18, 2019
I did not read Willow Pond #1 so I may not be doing this book justice. It has a governess, a naughty duke and a lovable boy. The story is rather predictable once young Stephen pipes up about an apple tart. Stephen seems a tad precocious to be real, the hero is perfect and the heroine is so beautiful she has to hide her face and golden curls.
April 25, 2024
The Duke in Disguise (Sisters of Willow Pond Book 2)
The love story of Meriel and Richard. Richard is pretending to be his brother, Cecil, Duke of Thanet. Meriel is the governess of Steven and now the duke wants het as his mistress. Will she be able to resist the fake the duke? Great story.
The love story of Meriel and Richard. Richard is pretending to be his brother, Cecil, Duke of Thanet. Meriel is the governess of Steven and now the duke wants het as his mistress. Will she be able to resist the fake the duke? Great story.
December 14, 2024
Yes.yes.yes.
The mystery deepens as the story unfolds, revealing hidden clues and unexpected twists. The protagonist finds themselves drawn into a web of intrigue, uncovering secrets that challenge their understanding of the world around them. As they navigate falling in love, it is true, "love conquers all!"
The mystery deepens as the story unfolds, revealing hidden clues and unexpected twists. The protagonist finds themselves drawn into a web of intrigue, uncovering secrets that challenge their understanding of the world around them. As they navigate falling in love, it is true, "love conquers all!"
March 14, 2020
The Duke of Thanet asks his older half brother to pretend to be him to protect his son form their cousin Cecil. Meriel is the new governess who can't quite place what's different with the Duke especially since she wasn't attracted to him before.
July 8, 2021
I couldn't stand the heroin. She was incompetent and stupid. She kept losing the one kid she had to look after. The little kid was a hell of a lot smarter than she was. She was a horrible governess. She also had wild accusations about the hero.
July 10, 2023
A captivating story between a Duke in disguise and a governess he can't resist. Loved the writing and the romance, dramatic and well written. A satisfying and heart felt happy ending for Richard and Meriel.
June 9, 2024
Another great one!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I will order the third one in the series! Wonderful characters and setting. The plot moves along quickly, and the dialogue is just right!
I thoroughly enjoyed this book and now I will order the third one in the series! Wonderful characters and setting. The plot moves along quickly, and the dialogue is just right!
May 9, 2018
I enjoyed reading. It is a nice story.
September 17, 2018
3+ stars
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