From the New York Times bestselling author of the Maiden Lane series comes the first book in a new series that “marries her irresistibly witty writing style with an intrigue-steeped plot,” (Booklist) perfect for fans of Tessa Dare and Eloisa James. Freya de Moray is many things: a member of the secret order of Wise Women, the daughter of disgraced nobility, and a chaperone living under an … nobility, and a chaperone living under an assumed name. What she is not is forgiving. So when the Duke of Harlowe, the man who destroyed her brother and led to the downfall of her family, appears at the country house party she’s attending, she does what any Wise Woman would do: she starts planning her revenge.
Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, is being blackmailed. Intent on keeping his secrets safe, he agrees to attend a house party where he will put an end to this coercion once and for all. Until he recognizes Freya, masquerading among the party revelers, and realizes his troubles have just begun. Freya knows all about his sins-sins he’d much rather forget. But she’s also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can’t resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe. But about his sins-sins he’d much rather forget. But she’s also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can’t resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, he will have to earn Freya’s trust…by whatever means necessary.
about his sins-sins he’d much rather forget. But she’s also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can’t resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe. But about his sins-sins he’d much rather forget. But she’s also fiery, bold, and sensuous-a temptation he can’t resist. When it becomes clear Freya is in grave danger, he’ll risk everything to keep her safe. But first, he will have to earn Freya’s trust…by whatever means necessary.
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Found Heroine annoying at times, found Wise Woman mythology was not fully developed. .meh..not sure I am keeping in my Ebook Library. Not as charming as Maiden Lane favourites.
Not my favorite by Hoyt, but still a good read. I still plan on reading the rest in this series when they come out.
You all know that I adore Elizabeth Hoyt’s work, and her new series promises to be spectacular. Not the Duke’s Darling hit all the right notes for me in a romance and in a series debut. I couldn’t put it down. It delivers the goods meaning it’s classic Hoyt-gritty, sensual, with oodles of romance. I can’t wait for more of this delightful series to unfold. It’s simply fabulous! I hope you enjoy it as much as me.
Elizabeth Hoyt is one of the authors that helped me realize that historical fiction is indeed a genre that I DEEPLY enjoy. In fact, even though I preordered Not the Duke’s Darling as early as I could and received it on its release day, I waited quite a while to read it – as I have read all of her other published works (that I know of), it was the last new-to-me book from her and I wanted to prolong the experience. I went “full immersion” with it and went back and forth between the book and the audiobook and it was (as always) a truly delightful experience. Elizabeth Hoyt knows how to create such strong characters, but she gives such respect and power to her heroines and it’s an aspect of her work that I truly adore. Freya and Christopher’s story is such a wonderful introduction to the Greycourt series and the way that the author laid out clues and hints for the continuation of the series is genius. I can’t wait to see how the mystery unfolds and the villains unmasked. Add to that the utter sexiness, wit, and emotion that permeates the story; I will admit that it is not my favorite book from Elizabeth Hoyt (though honestly, I do love them all so much that having to choose a favorite one would be like being forced to choose a favorite child), but I did really enjoy it nonetheless. 4.5 out of 5 wine glasses.
Who doesn’t love an independent, smart woman who proposes to her love with a ring she designed herself? Elizabeth Hoyt is a master writer and should not be missed.
love all her books
He was a man, both good and bad and everything in between.
A man who made her very aware that she was a woman of blood and bone and wants.
Confession time … this is my first, Elizabeth Hoyt book. I know, I KNOW. You don’t need to tell me what a fool I’ve been. Or what I’ve missed out on, because this book was an EXPERIENCE. It was an adventure. It was a treat.
Historical romance has never been my go-to choice for reading, but as I get older, I find I’m enjoying them more. ‘Not the Dukes Darling’ was a time travel experience that delighted this notice historical romance reader.
I love Hoyt’s voice, tone and writing style. She tempers her descriptions, providing just enough to paint a picture forcing the reader to envision the backdrop and experience the emotions.
For years he’d been exiled from these shores. Had lived in a country with foreign sights and smells and people and he had thought all that time — thirteen years — that when he returned to England, his birthplace, everything would be different.
That he would be home.
Except when he returned it was to a title too grand. To parents dead and friendships destroyed and turned to dust. To grand manors that echoed with his solitary footsteps when he walked through them.
England was no longer home. All that he could’ve built and loved there had been lost as he spent his youth in India. It was too late to find a home now.
He did not belong anywhere.
That is until Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe found Miss Stewart, Lady Holland’s companion, (Freya de Moray). There was something familiar about the beautiful, understated woman who reminded Christopher of his childhood. She pushed him, fought with him, and yet, she excited him.
She glowed, a fire, burning brightly, luring him closer, appearing to offer him peace.
You drive me mad, little thief, he whispered, and gave in to the constant, terrible temptation.
He kissed her.
He yearned to have her beauty in his life, for her to set at ease thunderstorm that brewed within him. He wanted her soft lips to only spit hatred at him and her green-gold eyes to gaze only at him.
With a guilt-ridden Duke who’s being blackmailed and a beautiful, mysterious ladies companion who is not who she seems; ‘Not the Dukes Darling’, was a wonderful historical adventure with mystery, intrigue, romance, and humor.
Lady Freya de Moray is a member of an ancient secret society of Wise Women who help women escape bad situations. There is also a group called Dunkelders who believe these women are witches and want them burned. So, while in London Freya uses her middle name, Stewart. She is employed as a companion to Lady Holland and her daughters. They attend a house party and a man from her childhood, Christopher Renshaw, Duke of Harlowe, is also there. Christopher and her brother were once good friends and Freya has never forgiven him for something that occurred years ago. Christopher agrees to not use her real name and slowly they began to learn what occurred and why.
There is also a mystery about a neighbor, Lord Elliott Randolph’s wife. Is she truly dead and did he kill her? There is a lot going on in this marvelous book and you won’t want to put it down. As Freya and Christopher become close, he tells her “I want a lioness, not a lamb”. HEA! I highly recommend this book and can’t wait for more of this series.
I adore Elizabeth Hoyt’s writing and I have enjoyed many hours reading her stories but I’m having a hard time trying to find the words to describe this particular one. This story has adventure, it’s suspenseful, interesting and unique but it left me feeling a little unfulfilled. I expected a bit more, I wish it hadn’t dropped off at the end where it did, I wish there had been a little more romance. I loved the storyline, and the relationships that tied the characters together but at times it dragged a bit and the relationships though they had a strong foundation, didn’t seem believable. I couldn’t connect with them. That’s not to say I didn’t enjoy the story, because I did. I will read more books in the series when the come and find myself intrigued by Freya’s brother. I hope he gets to have his story. All things considered it is still a good story and worth reading! 3.5 stars.
Sad as I was to see the end of the Maiden Lane series, I’ve been excited to read the first book in the new series. Freya de Moray has been working as a companion, her real identity as the daughter and sister of a duke hidden. A mysterious tragedy in her family led her to the sect of the Wise Women, and Freya is their Macha, or spy, against the Dunkelders who want to burn them as witches.
One mission right at the beginning of the book has her meet an old friend of her brother, Christopher Renshaw, now the Duke of Harlow. He doesn’t recognize her at first, but he’s intrigued by her antagonism and spirit.
This is a typical Hoyt book, lots of adventure and steamy scenes. Freya is more independent than most women of that time (Georgian), but she learns there is a balance to any relationship. I found Christopher’s backstory extremely interesting and different in a way not often addressed in romances. I don’t want to give it away, but I think it makes Christopher one of the more unique heroes I’ve read lately.
The mystery behind the Greycourts, some of whom appear in this story, isn’t entirely explained, and leaves the reader wanting the next book right now! I believe it will be about Messalina Greycourt and her mysterious keeper, but we’ll see.
Greycourt #1, The first of a new series and what a start, wow. From the first chapter to the very end this book grabs your attention and doesn’t let go. The characters are impossible to resist with an intriguing story that all started in the past with a horrible event that changed the lives of three families.
Freya de Moray’s life turned upside down because the events of “The Tragedy” it isn’t revealed right away what happened that night but afterwards Freya and her two sisters moved in with an aunt and when they became of age they joined an age old group of forward thinking women called, The Wise Women. For the last five years Freya has been working as a chaperone for a well of family with good connections under the name Miss. Stewart. Her job is a cover, her true purpose for serving the Wise Women as a chaperone is that of a spy, she keeps her eyes and ear open. The Wise Women for the most part lead a peaceful existence they help other women when needed but they have an enemy a misogynistic group of men who think the Wise Women are witches and it is their sole purpose to seek out and kill Wise Women. Freya learns of a new act going in front of Parliament that will legalize and encourage witch hunting again, Freya has to stop that from happening. The man who’s heading up the act, Lord Randolph, has a wife who mysteriously died and if Freya can figure out what happened to the wife she can stop him from presenting at Parliament; her way in is a houseparty at an estate neighboring his.
Christopher Renshaw brought shame to the family name with “The Tragedy” his father forced to marry a woman he didn’t know and banished him to India. When Christopher was finally able to move back home he was a widower and newly declared Duke of Harlowe, he inherited from a distant cousin. With only his dog, Tess, as his companion he has spent the last few years isolated from society until someone from his past tries to blackmail him. The exchange is to happen at his brother-in-laws houseparty something he wish he could avoid but to protect his late wife’s reputation he will do it.
So much happens in this book, the pacing is pretty much non-stop. Between the relationship of Christopher and Freya, Freya and her childhood friend, who showed up at the houseparty too, all of them trying to reconcile what happened fifteen years ago and if they can forgive and move on or remain bitter, the matter of Lord Randolph and his wife, and Christopher’s blackmailer. It seems like a lot but it’s so easy to follow. The relationship of Christopher and Freya starts of rocky, considering Freya outright hates him for his part in “The Tragedy”. Christopher embraces his feelings for Freya quickly, he loves her for who she is, what she does, what she says, and how strong both emotionally and physically she is but that’s also a problem he wants to be there for her even if she doesn’t need him; he wants her to need him. (Brings to mind Cheap Trick’s song I Want You to Want Me)
Overall, I really enjoyed this read. Elizabeth Hoyt is a wonderful author and I love the direction she going with this series I can’t wait for more.
I am a huge Elizabeth Hoyt fan and have been for years, I am always so excited whenever there is a new book of hers out. We all know that whenever a favourite author releases a completely new series you do wonder if it will be as good as the previous, whether it will enthral you as much as your favourite book did, unfortunately at times that doesn’t always happen. Even though this doesn’t have the same oomph and that much loved Hoyt magical touch that we have all come to know does seems to be a bit off, but I can happily say it does pack a punch and it is still a hugely enjoyable read, I was particularly fascinated by the ‘Wise Women’ part of the plot and I would love to see more of them in following books.
Freya de Moray; daughter and sister of a Duke she is now living her life under cover as a companion – for reasons that you will have to read the book to find out why. She is also apart of the very secret all woman group called the Wise Women, who are in all essence classed as witches (but not in the evil hags of Macbeth, these women are good) I love this part of the plot, the whole story surrounded them and the witch hunters is fascinating and a great addition to the story. Freya has a task that she can only achieve if she attends a house party, unfortunately at the same party the man she sees as the one who ruined her family’s life is also in attendance. And unfortunately for the devilishly handsome Duke of Harlowe, Freya holds a grudge. She’s reminds me of a raven in that respect!
Christopher Renshaw; Duke of Harlowe, after recently gaining the title and retuning from his mysterious jaunt in India is back, all he wants is to retreat to the safety of his home and never face society again, unfortunately there are some who have other idea’s. He soon finds himself blackmailed, his late wife’s memory and honour are on the line, but more than that secrets he has long held close to his heart could be revealed. Christopher is a proud, secretive man who will do anything in his power to protect all his loves. He has no choice but to attend a house party where he plans to finally put an end to those that are plotting against him. Which is where he finds himself entangled with the acid tongued, fiery and mysterious Freya Stewart, who he goes to head to head with on far more occasions then he would have liked and yet he can’t seem to keep away from her.
Christopher is supremely handsome – really he is an amazing man; he has been through his fair share of scandal and loss which has made him darker but I love that, he is protective, gentle, brooding, gruff, always respectful even when he being threatening, plus the love his shows his constant companion; Tess is beautiful. I fell completely in love with him, but he is also damaged, after his experiences in India – which are as mysterious as the man himself – he is now suffering with what we would now call PTSD. He is fragile and scared, Ms Hoyt has handled Christopher’s illness with the up-most care and sensitivity, it’s not pushed into the readers face at every turn, from the moment we meet Christopher there is a subtle undercurrent that makes you think; there is something about this man that makes my heart hurt and I want to give him a huge hug.
As I said at the start of the review, it is indeed missing a certain something, I can’t quite put my finger on what, but it doesn’t quite have that same magic what the likes of ‘Maiden Lane’ did. But it’s still a brilliant book and I can see it getting better and stronger as the series progresses, and I am looking forward to seeing where this series goes and getting to know more of the character’s that pop up in this one.
The characters are wonderfully drawn up, the chemistry between Christopher and Freya is fun and sexy they both have the best fiery and temperamental personalities that do clash in the best way, the bickering and bantering between them is high voltage, fun, snarky, tense, sexy as well as tender and gentle. They are both flawed creatures, but seeing them finally be able to open up and be themselves with another person who understands them. The plot is edge of your seat there is so much going on from blackmail, murder, witch hunts and family trauma. It’s witty, dark, fun and emotional, It will keep you glued from the moment Freya unceremoniously jumps into Christopher’s moving carriage right up to the very last satisfying page.
Very recommended for those who love a historical romance with a touch of suspense.
Freya de Moray is hiding herself in plain view using a fake name, working as a lady’s companion while fulfilling her duties to the Wise Women and she’s happy to have as much freedom as this allows her.
That is until she runs into Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe, a man she blames for the downfall of her family. A former friend of her brother, Harlowe has now what Freya’s brother was denied by the tragedy of his past and she wants revenge.
When Harlowe finds himself the victim of blackmail and is forced to attend a house party at his brother-in-law’s, he doesn’t expect to find the woman he helped amongst the guests nor to find out that the woman is actually a ghost from his past. Intrigue and romance are the makings of this story at the masterful hands of Ms. Hoyt and she doesn’t disappoint.
This book was a great start to a new series and I really like the fact that this time is a secret society of women. I fell in love with Freya’s character and independence and the fact that she’ll go to any lengths in order to remain in control of her life. She came across very stubborn, but IMO it’s a character to be admired nonetheless. She’s fierce and more than a little crazy, but I found her relatable to any woman of this century.
I also liked the fact that this couple has a history, how they come to meet again and what they mean to each other and their respective lives.
In a nutshell, I liked the storyline, the characters and I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.
4 stars
*ARC was received via NetGalley*
Not the Duke’s Darling by Elizabeth Hoyt is the First book in the Greycourt series. This is the story of Christopher Renshaw, the Duke of Harlowe and Freya de Moray.
Freya thought at the age of 12 that Christopher would be the person she would marry but he ended up being the person that ruined her family she thought. Now about 15 years later she is working under an assume name as a companion and chaperone. Has become a member of the secret society of Wise Women. When she happens to meet Christopher who is there when she needs assistance is upset that he doesn’t remember her but she keeps her identity a secret. Thinking never to see him again. Christopher is now a widower and just return to England about two years ago. When he is confronted
by a blackmailer he is told to attend a house party where he can get the incriminating letters in exchange for money. At the house party he sees Freya again and knows she isn’t who she is pretending to be. Things don’t go so easy for this couple which leads to some adventures.
First book I read from this writer and I’m already in love. First because I love historical romance, second because I love a good suspense, third because I love enemies-to-lovers.
Freya is the type of woman determined, trained to be a relentless warrior, who suffered greatly from her family’s past and carries a great sorrow from those who turned back on her.
Christopher also brings a lot of heartache in his soul, regrets of attitudes that have marked his life forever.
The reunion between them promises a twist in their lives. Will Christopher be able to redeem himself? Will Freya be able to forgive those who hurt her?
With lots of adventure, cute, hot and romantic moments, Elizabeth Hoyt creates an engaging plot full of surprises. Bringing a strong heroine and a young man willing to do everything to win the heart of his beloved.
I loved Christopher’s relationship with Tess and Freya’s relationship with the Wise Women.
I also loved the romance that appears opening each chapter
This is an action-packed and intriguing beginning to the Greycourt series. Secrets, blackmail, murder, spying, and steamy romance–what’s not to love! While Freya has spent a good part of her life hating Christopher, he had forgotten about the young sister of his one-time best friend. A great tragedy shook up all their lives, and no one in the de Moray, Renshaw, and Greycourt families was ever the same. When they all end up at a country house party, expect the sparks to fly! While Christopher and Freya face danger from their past and present, they each have to face their greatest fears in order to save each other and to allow love into their hearts.
I thought the resolution of Christopher and Freya’s story was satisfying and enjoyed the fact that they both respected each other and didn’t force the other to see things from their point of view. I will warn you that since this is the first book in a series, there are many characters introduced and several story threads started. Not all of the threads are wrapped up, and there is a cliff-hanger for one of them. But let’s be honest, I’m going to read all the books in the series, anyway!
I received an ARC from the author.
Have to admit I enjoyed the story of Freya and Christopher. He really annoyed me about not recognizing her, until I realized he never really interacted with her much due to their ages. I loved how feisty she was! I also really liked the ending! Thank you for the Advanced Readers Copy!