Who doesn’t love a duke?
Find out in this Regency novella trio by Kelly Bowen, Grace Burrowes, and Anna Harrington…
Three ladies share a temporary seaside residence in Brighton to escape the London season’s gossip and matchmaking. These women are most assuredly not looking for flirtation—much less love—and they would all agree that dukes are a perishing lot of bother anyway. Fortunately for our … Fortunately for our heroines, three fellows who are not dukes come waltzing by with much more than casual flirtation in mind…
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Three widowed ladies, Eugenia Dowager Duchess of Tindale, Belinda Duchess of Winchester known as the Double Duchess & Diana Thompson retire to Brighton to share Genie’s Godmother’s house, to escape the London season’s gossip and matchmaking. These women are most assuredly not looking for flirtation much less love and they would all agree that dukes are a perishing lot of bother anyway.
Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
Eugenia Dowager Duchess of Tindale lives in an exclusive street in Mayfair but her peace has recently been shattered by the renovations to a neighbouring property, one day enough is enough & she confronts the new owner Adam Morecambe. Genie retires to Brighton & whilst there Genie meets Adam again. They go to Petworth to see the architecture & their attraction sizzles & combusts. However Isambard Bentley Marquis of Dunstable & heir to the Duke of Sidmouth has his beady eye on Genie.
A easy to read short story with lovely characters & a well paced story, I read it in an afternoon.
Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
Diana Thompson waved Oliver Graham third & youngest son of Viscount Hambleton goodbye many years ago when he left for India to try to make his fortune, the pair have written numerous letters to each other but now Oliver is back to marry Hannah Burton to whom their parents arranged a marriage when they were children. Oliver has come to Brighton to try & find his sister Madelene
Diana widowed eight years ago after only three months of marriage is being pursued by Duke of Riddington.
A lovely story of friends to lovers, there are obstacles in their path, a well written page turning novella
The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington
Belinda Collins, Duchess of Winchester is being pursued by Richard Marbury, the Duke of Pomperly & she’s been given the nickname of the Double Duchess. Brigadier Maxwell Thorpe has returned to England after years in India where he had a distinguished military career but he is now jaded & determined to fight for a training centre for recruits. Ten years ago Maxwell & Belinda were in love but her family’s debts meant that she had to marry for money, George Collins came from a wealthy family & could give Belinda all the security she needed especially after her father died. The pair meet & lock horns over the future of a veteran’s hospital. However their feelings for each other can’t be denied but misunderstandings & conflicting views could jeopardise their reunion. Another lovely novella, with lovely characters & a well paced story.
Three well written novellas that mesh together so well. The characters in each are well fleshed & really likeable. Each of the stories flows well & are long enough to read in an afternoon.
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
I loved each of the novella’s! They was not a Duke in sight! They were all HEA, however, I like Dukes!
I highly recommend! Thank you! Enjoy!
Carolintallahassee
This was a delightful way to try three authors. Three friends staying in Brighton, all pursued by Dukes but have no interested in them at all. Each author took a friend wrote their story including each of the friends in the story. Each story had a villain and a dashing commoner hero to save the day. Each story was heart warming but different from the others.
A lovely way to try new authors and get your fill of happily ever after. They were an easy read and I will be looking forward to reading more from each author. As usual this reviewer skipped the sex but it had no impact on my review.
This review is for The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington. Once I read the rest, I will update this review.
Belinda had to marry a Duke to save her family from her father’s debts. Now she is a widow and a Duchess. She has devoted all her life and effort to attend and take care of the pensioners from the veterans’ hospital.
Maxwell has been all his life in love with Belinda but he had to say no to her because he has no means to support her. Now things are different and he wants to grab the second chance at love that life grants him.
I liked the book. Both characters are good people, honest and caring. I loved the end, the solution to the hospital versus academy problem. It was absolutely perfect.
Three young dowager duchesses share a house in Brighton, circa 1823. Not only are they friends and confidants, they are also being pursued by pompous dukes, they have absolutely no interest. Although this anthology features tales by three different authors, the stories are threaded together as each author takes a different duchess’s storyline as each finds I’ve in unexpected places. These are stories of new found love, a long time friendship that became love, and betrayal of a love that would not die. Grace Burrows and Anna Harrington are among my favorite authors, however I have never read Kelly Bowen’s offerings. Her contribution to the anthology has made me want to read more. I love when anthology authors thread their stories and characters into each others storylines. This one did it beautifully.
In No Dukes Allowed, three couples, actually four, fall in love and two pompous dukes and an arrogant marquess get their deserved and quite amusing comeuppance.
Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
After an argument with a noisy architect across the street from her residence, Eugenia, Dower Duchess of Tindale, decamps to Brighton to escape her unwanted suitor, an arrogant marquess, and join her friends for a holiday. Geni and Adam Morcambe meet again in Brighton, become friends and fall in love. When Lord Dunstable threatens Geni (he wants to marry a fortune), the two of them work together to thwart his plans. If they succeed, they can have a very happy ever after.
Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
Diana Thompson wants desperately to avoid the Duke of Riddington, who has taken into his head that she will be his duchess (ew). The man is a pompous dolt who has authored rumors that he and Diana are already involved. When he friend, Hannah Hutton go into full panic at a ball, Diana discovers that the person causing this reaction is not the duke, but Hannah’s supposed betrothed and the man whom Diana has loved for as long as she can remember, Oliver Graham. Oliver wants Diana to help him find his sister. Even though the two of them acknowledge their love, they feel honor-bound by the betrothal. As it turns out, Hannah solves the situation, and you won’t believe how. Riddington creates his own comeuppance with his inexhaustible, and quite public boasting (even if not all of it is true). You will laugh out loud at this one.
The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington
Ten years ago, Belinda, now the Dowager Duchess of Winchester, and Maxwell Thorpe fell deeply in love. However, he seemingly abandoned her to further his military career. Now he is Brighton to set up a military academy. In order to do this he wants to move the Pensioners from the Royal Hospital so that the building can be used for the academy. As they spend time together attempting to bring some suitable solution to the opposing ideas, they become reacquainted and realize they are still in love. Belinda is still doesn’t quite trust him. In the meantime the Duke of Pomperly (who wants to marry Belinda for her duchess experience and money) works behind the scenes to keep them apart. It doesn’t look promising. Then while working to save the hospital from a fire, Belinda has an idea that just might be the solution they need. Will Maxwell agree, the hospital board, the Secretary of War? If it works, will it give Belinda and Maxwell a second chance? Last, but not least, will it cause the duke to throw up his hands in defeat?
Three talent authors, three terrific stories, 5 stars x 3.
I received an ARC of this set. My review is voluntary.
A wonderful and entertaining read that includes three great stories by three talented authors. Filled with humor, drama, tender emotions, and sweet passion, each of these stories was enjoyable. Genie and Adam had such a sweet and deep emotional connection in, Architect of My Dreams. I loved how they just got one another so easily. They were just like two pieces of a puzzle. Diana and Oliver have a sweet friends to lovers story. Filled with humor and all the poignancy of two friends struggling with the shocking realization that love has taken root. Finally, Belinda and Maxwell share a painful past. Now brought together once again, the embers of their love remain and are sparking anew. But, hurt feelings, mistakes, misunderstandings, opposing opinions, and drama stand in their way. All together a excellent read.
There are three stories in the collection. Each story focuses on one of the three ladies sharing a house for the season in Brighton. Each lady has both a commoner and a duke pursuing her. Each lady chooses …, well, you need to read the book to find out. Full of humor and romance, and a little intrigue.
No Dukes Allowed is a great box set with three books by three great authors!
Three widows who didn’t have the best marriages are not out to get married again. They are looking for peace and to pursue there own interest. Each story was a quick easy read that you won’t want to put down. But with box sets they are always good for a bedtime read or while waiting and for when you need your quick romance fix. In addition, its a great way to find new authors!
Book 1;
Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
This is the story of Eugenia ‘Genie’ Dowager Duchess of Tindale and Adam Morecambe.
Genie has had it with the next door neighbor who is building a club. They are constantly making noise all hours of the day into the night. So Genie goes and confronts Adam about his noise level. They come to an agreement each thinking that they will be leaving the area in a few days so they won’t see or hear the other one again. But soon they find themselves back together as they end up in the same place. Enjoyed their story!
Book2;
Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
This is the story of Diana Thompson and Oliver Graham.
Diana and Oliver had been childhood friends but were separated when Oliver left. Diana went on to marry but now her husband has past. Oliver is back but he is to marry another women and Diana is being perused by The Duke of Riddington. But they are finding that their feelings are more than just friends now. Loved this friends to lovers story.
Book 3;
The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington
This is the story of Belinda Collins, Duchess of Winchester and Maxwell Thorpe.
Belinda and Maxwell were once in love but he joined the Army and thinking she was better off to marry a title left her to do so. But now he is back and she is a widow but harsh feelings are between the two due to misunderstanding and their feelings for a veteran’s hospital. Belinda wants it to stay a hospital but Maxwell wants a training center. But the past feelings of love start working again and the disagreements starts falling away.
Great Second Chance at Love Story!!
What a wonderful box set with some really great authors!
Regency. Three short stories which I finished. They were okay but not special. Bad dukes were foiled. 3.5 stars
A mixed bag, without much relation between the stories though the women all live in the same house. Wasn’t sure why it was pointed out if it wasn’t to be used.
I enjoyed this book very much.
I loved all three novellas in this book.Would highly recommend.
Was entertaining read
The Burrowes book was a disappointment–I have every book available and love her work…usually. Three-novella books are great for introducing nmew writers, but I’m not a fan so far.
the first novella was really entertaining. I really enjoyed it. the second one was ok. the third one was not very good.
Quite enjoyable to read. All three novellas were well written with a common tie. Each woman had her own story of avoiding a domineering duke and finally ending up with their own true loves.
Three delightful stories. Don’t miss these novelettes!
What a delightful concept – none of the heroes are titled gentlemen. As a matter of fact, all of them seem to have a distinct dislike, for some or all, of the titled, privileged folks of the ton. Include that three of my favorite authors (Grace Burrowes, Kelly Bowen and Anna Harrington) wrote the stories and you have a keeper. I really do have to congratulate a couple of the authors on the names they chose for their dukes – Riddington (because they wanted to get rid of him?) Pomperly (because he was pompous?) Sorry, those names just tickled my fancy.
Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes – 3.5 Stars
I enjoyed this story but thought it was a bit too modern for the time in which it is set.
The Dowager Duchess of Tindale is twenty-eight years old and free from a less than happy marriage. Her husband didn’t mistreat her, he was just oblivious to her. He married her for one reason only – her money and to produce an heir. She feels guilty because she never produced that heir – and now he is gone. However, she really likes his cousin who inherited the title – he always treated her with fondness and respect.
Eugenia ‘Genie’, Dowager Duchess of Tindale, has absolutely had it with her new neighbor in Mayfair. He’s building a gentleman’s club and there is constant hammering, shouting, banging and all of the other sounds of construction going on at all hours. So, the tiny little woman marches out her door and into his yard and confronts him. The ensuing conversation is wonderful as she takes him to task.
Three days later, she has traveled to Brighton – only to discover that her noisy neighbor is there as well. There is an instant attraction and they spend time together and come to love each other. However, there is a very nasty fly in the ointment. Someone else wants to marry her (for her money, of course) and has threatened to ruin the man who inherited her former husband’s title as well as her neighbor, Adam Morecambe.
The solution is delightful and there is even an epilogue – I just love epilogues – and this one is just perfect.
Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen – 4 Stars
Diana Thompson and Oliver Graham were childhood friends who did everything together. Oliver’s family had contracted a betrothal for him with Hannah when they were just children. So, Oliver and Diana always knew he’d marry someone else – but – well – they were only friends anyway. Oliver leaves England to pursue his fortune and is gone for ten years. When he returns, he learns that his sister disappeared six years ago and he is determined to find her. The only clue he has is that, at one point, she was in Brighton.
Oliver travels to Brighton to find his sister and sees Diana at a ball. It is a funny scene because Diana looks as if she is having a conversation with a potted plant. She is really talking to Hannah who does NOT want to see Oliver. She’s not happy with the betrothal.
Diana has long been pursued by a duke (Riddington) who is determined to make Diana his mistress. Diana refuses him, but he won’t take no for an answer. This same duke also hates Oliver – so you can imagine that he wants to thwart the growing recognition of love between Diana and Oliver.
Of course, there is also the little matter of Hannah. How can Diana and Oliver pursue their love and still be honorable toward Hannah? Well – turns out Hannah solves that little issue for them.
All seems lost when Oliver leaves Diana to punish the man who seduced his sister. However, we have all learned how clever and resourceful Oliver is. Oliver’s way of punishing the seducer is absolutely priceless. You will love it!
The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington 4-Stars
This is a lovely, poignant, second-chances love story.
Maxwell Thorpe is the son, but not the heir, of a minor baron and he has to make his own way in the world. He joins the army and is gravely injured early on and is sent to the Royal Hospital in Brighton to heal. While there, he meets and falls in love with Belinda who is all heart, filled with sweetness. She helps heal his soul as well as his body. The wondrous thing is – Belinda loves Maxwell as much as he loves her.
After release from the hospital, Maxwell is posted to India. He receives two letters on the same day – one is from Belinda begging him to come home and save her from having to marry someone else in order to save her family from ruin – the second one is from the brother of a duke, who asks Maxwell to please give Belinda up because he wants to offer for her and he promises that he will do all in his power to see that Belinda has everything in life. Maxwell knew that he didn’t have the money to save her family and that if he married her and brought her with him, she’d be living in poverty. So, he makes the hardest decision he’s ever – or will ever – make. He writes to Belinda and tells her that the army is his life and she should forget him.
Belinda marries the duke’s brother – and he later becomes the duke. He does all in his power to make Belinda’s life happy and when he dies, he leaves her a very wealthy woman. Belinda has always loved Maxwell – no matter what – but she hates him. He betrayed her at the worst time in her life.
As Belinda walks into a meeting at the Royal Hospital in Brighton she is shocked and dismayed to see Maxwell across the table. Her anger flares and then gets even hotter when she finds out why he is at her beloved hospital. She’ll fight him tooth and nail to keep him from succeeding in his mission.
You’ll love both Belinda and Maxwell. Their love was truly epic and it was wonderful to see how they worked their way back toward each other. The fact that they thwarted another duke (Pomperly) in the process just puts the icing on the cake.
These lovely stories are all well written and complete within themselves. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a group epilogue showing all of the couples at a get together a year or so later than the stories in the book. Maybe a re-visit to Brighton for all of them – and all of them with babies and happy family stories.
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“I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.”