The Worst Duke in the World by Lisa Berne

On By TracyIn Georgian Era (1714-1837), Regency Era (1811-1820), Tracy's ReviewsLeave a comment

The Worst Duke in the World (The Penhallow Dynasty, #5)The Worst Duke in the World by Lisa Berne

Tracy’s rating: 3 of 5 stars

Series: Penhallow Dynasty, #5

Release Date: January 12, 2021

When Jane Kent finds an old letter in a book, she has no idea how much her life is going to change. She travels to Surmont Hall to see Harriet Penhallow – the woman she believes to be her great-grandmother. Her reception at Surmont Hall is beyond her wildest dreams, the family accepts her immediately and for the first time in her life, Jane is pampered and spoiled. Old Mrs. Penhallow is ecstatic to have Jane living with her and sets out to give her the life she should have had, complete with a room of her own, a new wardrobe, and lessons with the local vicar. She is settling in and is introduced to several neighbors, including Anthony Farr, the Duke of Radcliffe. Jane has never met a duke and honestly, she is not impressed. But later when she meets his son Wakefield and visits the duke’s home – her feelings start to change and soon she is falling for him.

Anthony was born the spare to the dukedom and never thought he would inherit not only the title but his brother’s betrothed. His five-year marriage to Selina was a nightmare and the only good thing to come out of it was his son Wakefield. And despite his nasty sister Margaret’s non-stop attempts to find him a new bride, he has no plans to remarry and is content to spend his time in the country with his son, his studies, and his pig – Duchess. But then he meets Jane and for the first time in his life, he is falling in love – but as much as he enjoys Jane and her company, he holds firm to his vow to never remarry. However, when Jane leaves for a season in London he is miserable, and when he hears that she is a success and will probably marry one of the many men vying for her hand, will he finally admit his feelings and win her heart, or will it be too little, too late?

This was a quick read; it is light and fluffy and at times a bit silly. At first, I enjoyed the lightness of the book, but as the story went on, it began to annoy me. I liked Anthony and Jane and I have to agree with other reviews – they were both portrayed as very immature and almost juvenile in their interactions. I loved Wakefield and his “That’s what I said” line – truly, he was my favorite character in the book. I felt the book was going well, even with the ridiculous/annoying dialogue, until the end – then it was like the author just gave up and the last couple of chapters had a lot of narrative, but very little dialogue. I can’t say I really enjoyed the book, but I didn’t hate it, and if you are looking for a fun/silly read with likable characters, no steam love scenes, and a happy ever after – this book is for you. This is the fifth book in the series, but it can easily be read as a standalone title with no problems.

*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that I requested and was provided to me by NetGalley and the publisher. *

The Debutante and the Duke by Collette Cameron

On By BarbaraIn Barb's Reviews, Novella, Regency Era (1811-1820)2 Comments

The Debutante and the Duke (Seductive Scoundrels #11)
Barbara’s rating: 4 of 5 stars

Series: Seductive Scoundrels #11
Publication: 1/19/21
Number of Pages: 129

I thoroughly enjoyed meeting Fletcher and Rayne (don’t you love that name?). They are lovely characters who each have background issues that make trust more difficult for them. While it is difficult to fully flesh out characters and their issues in such a short book, I think the author has done a nice job of helping us to know Rayne and Fletcher. Their issues are more in the background and the story is focused, front and center, on the romance. I LOVE how Fletcher dealt with his mother! I thought, FINALLY, a character who deals effectively with a vile, hateful, self-centered, selfish parent. Way to go Fletcher!

Rayne Wellbrook is the daughter of a soldier and an opera singer. Her father passed away when Rayne was very young and then she later lost her mother. The guardian who was appointed (her uncle) for her was less than savory and Rayne quickly learned how to be on guard – especially when her guardian had guests. When both her guardian and his son died, Rayne came to be the ward of her guardian’s wife – because she had nowhere else to go. Rayne isn’t your typical, in-your-face, independent heroine, she is, to me, much better because she has a quiet inner strength that shines through everything she does. She is amazed to be rubbing elbows with the ton when she is a commoner. She isn’t ashamed of her roots – and doesn’t lie about them – but she doesn’t advertise the fact either.

Fletcher McQuinton, Duke of Kincade, is a Scottish Duke, and he neither likes nor respects those in the ton – with the exception of maybe half-a-dozen of his contemporaries. His reason for despising the English? His mother is English and she left her husband and three children in Scotland to return to England. She is selfish, self-centered, demanding, overbearing, and has no thought for anyone other than herself. Fletcher isn’t opposed to marriage itself – he is opposed to marrying someone who is English – someone who is like his mother. When he marries, it will be a good solid Scottish woman.

When Rayne trespasses into Fletcher’s garden, they are both going to end up with their beliefs and fears challenged. Fletcher finds himself liking the young woman very much and Rayne finds she isn’t fearful in Fletcher’s company. Their journey to their HEA is a lovely one and the epilogue is the absolute perfect wrap-up for the story.

I hope you’ll choose to meet Rayne and Fletcher by reading this book – and that you’ll love it as much as I did.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.