Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington, now a widow, is ready to start a new life amongst Mayfair elites without the overarching reach of her late husband, Mr. Harrison Bloomington. With her trunks loaded safely onto her own private carriage, she’s ready to face the world as an independent woman in Regency London.She does not, however, bargain for cocksure Frenchman, Mr. Charles Cochran Bateman coming along … coming along and turning her very ordinary journey into the adventure of a lifetime.
She does not bargain for his laughter, his enthusiasm, nor his Joie de vie.
And blast and fiddlesticks, she certainly is not expecting to experience the sparks that charge the air between them.
And, it seems, apparently, neither is he…
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Ambrosia (Aubrey) and Charles (Chance) took me on an antic-filled, action-packed journey. This was another great read by this author and another fun read in the Cocky Hero club collection.
This was my first book by Annabelle Anders, and because it was part of my favorite Cocky World book world, I had to immediately jump on it to read! And I’m glad I did. While historical romance is not really my genre of choice, I really loved how the author managed to take Chase and Aubrey’s characters and give them a spin back to the historical times.
The book was well written, to show that no matter the time period in history, love is always worth fighting for, and when two people are meant to be together, nothing will get in their way from letting their love blossom.
I really enjoyed this book!
Ambrosia (Aubrey) has observed her year of mourning after the death of her husband. She is now ready to start a new life in London. But on the way there, she encounters Mr. Charles Bateman. His horse has been stolen, so he hitches a ride with Aubrey.
Charles (Chance) is on the way to his birthday party when his horse is stolen. He talks Aubrey into allowing him to ride with her when their is no room at the inn and her driver is passed out drunk. While there is a mutual attraction, they both agree that nothing can happen…not even a kiss.
They become friends along the way and make some side tours that liven the trip up. While they are both falling for the other, Chance is hiding something from Aubrey. Can they get past his secret when it is revealed?
I loved Chance and Aubrey’s story. I was the historical version of Cocky Bastard by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. Now I don’t normally read modern day romance, but I liked the historical version so much that I might just have to pick it up!
I loved all the bantering between these two and was often laughing out loud at all the naughty things that Chance said to Aubrey. You definitely need to put this one on your TBR pile!!
Starring Ambrosia “Aubrey” Bloomington and Cochran Charles “Chance” Bateman.
It was a total blessing to be given a copy of this beautiful story way in advance. This was my first Ugly Cry AF of 2020. So much feels, y’all!! I loved every second I spent with Chance and Aubrey… and their road to HEA was delightful, heartbreaking, joyous, and most of all amooosing!!
I love stories where strangers are forced to band together…. where they learn a little about each other and themselves along the way. Aubrey and Chance are two individuals who are thrown together and embark on a road trip filled with hilarious misadventures.
Aubrey is a widow who starts off a little timid and unsure of herself, but she’s determined to start living life on her own terms. She truly blossoms as the book progresses. Chance will pull at your heartstrings. He’s a hero with the whole lotta baggage on his shoulders. He meets Aubrey and falls for her at a not so convenient time in life. So when the stars do align for them… he’s got a whole lotta groveling to do. Totally le sigh!!
This book is interestingly broken into two parts. 1st half is Aubrey’s point of view. 2nd half is all from Chance’s perspective. It actually made this book a little bit more intense not knowing what the other person was feeling and/or thinking. I really enjoyed this format.
I read COCKY BASTARD (by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland), the book that Annabelle Anders got her inspiration from… and I say she did a fantastic job with her version. Even though COCKY DUKE follows the contemporary storyline, it totally holds its own in this regency retelling. The parts where Annabelle Anders deviates a little from the original plot lines are pure magic… and where I Ugly Cried AF!! I truly love her writing style. Heck, Annabelle Anders could probably rewrite the phone book and we’d all oooh and aah over it. That’s why she’s one of my Keeper Shelf authors.
I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.
My star rating: 5 stars x 100!!!
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were amazing. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!
“Cocky Duke” is Annabelle Anders Regency era retelling of the contemporary story “Cocky Bastard”, written by Penelope Ward and Vi Keeland. There is a whole Cocky Hero world out there that I was not aware of. Consider me informed and my interest piqued.
Mrs. Ambrosia “Aubrey” Bloomington is a widow, who married a controlling man, decades older than herself at a very young age. She did this to ensure that her mother would be taken care of. Serious and at times unsure of herself as a result of her experiences, she looks forward to starting a new life in London.
Mr. Cochran Charles “Chance” Bateman is a gentleman with a sense of humor who is currently enjoying his anonymity. I got a kick out of Chance’s habit of saying one thing and repeating it as something different when asked. There is some mystery surrounding him and while he doesn’t lie to Aubrey, he doesn’t give her the whole picture either.
This story had my complete attention from the very first paragraph. Following a series of events the H/h decide to become traveling companions with the aid of Aubrey’s borrowed coach and driver. Along the way they begin to learn about each other, share some adventures and pick up a smelly four legged hitchhiker. Chance is good for Aubrey as he helps her loosen up and gain confidence in herself. It was so funny when he calls her a “saucy piece of baggage” for doing something unexpected.
Reading a historical romance written in two parts from a duel perspective was new for me. Not fully knowing a characters motivation for certain actions contrary to their personality, caused some serious angst for this reader. Needless to say, I was brought to tears over the heartbreaking anguish and longing that ensued as a result. Annabelle Anders has an absolute gift for providing all the feels and her writing puts my emotions through the ringer. Every. Single. Time.
This book is for anyone looking for a page turner that will be damn difficult to put down. I promise you will be re-reading it again and again. I already did!
I received an advance copy of this book and this is my honest review.
4.5 Stars
Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington is now a widow & at last she can leave the oppressive household of her late husband’s relatives & start a new life amongst Mayfair elites. She does not, however, bargain for cocksure Frenchman, Mr. Charles Cochran Bateman coming along and turning her very ordinary journey into the adventure of a lifetime.
Another well written, engaging, engrossing read. Strong characters with plenty of depth but then the author doesn’t do two dimensional. I loved both Aubrey & Chance who both fell hard & fast for each other but not everything was as it seemed & circumstances meant they had to part only to meet again a couple of years later. A lovely romance that took you through a gamut of emotions as the road to their HEA was strewn with obstacles, did they overcome them? You’ll have to read to see
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
COCKY DUKE
Cocky Hero Club Series
Annabelle Anders
https://www.facebook.com/HappyWritingGirl/
Release date 05/17/2020
Blurb
COCKY DUKE is a retelling of Aubrey and Chance’s sizzling romance (of Cocky Bastard) but set in London, early 1800’s.
Here’s what you can expect:
A very Cocky Gentleman who may or may not be a Duke.
A cross country adventure
A Highly Unusual Pet
Did I mention a very Cocky Gentleman?
Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington, now a widow, is ready to start a new life amongst Mayfair elites without the overarching reach of her late husband, Mr. Harrison Bloomington. With her trunks loaded safely onto her own private carriage, she’s ready to face the world as an independent woman in Regency London.
She does not, however, bargain for cocksure Frenchman, Mr. Charles Cochran Bateman coming along and turning her very ordinary journey into the adventure of a lifetime.
She does not bargain for his laughter, his enthusiasm, nor his Joie de vie.
And blast and fiddlesticks, she certainly is not expecting to experience the sparks that charge the air between them.
And, it seems, apparently, neither is he…
My review
When a widow on her way for a new life meets a man who will alters theirs for ever …
As I had not read the blurb, being a lucky early reader for this book, I had no idea what to expect from this book, except I love the author and there will be a duke in some way.
And not knowing what will happen what just great, often blurbs influence what I expect from a story as I know at sometime in the story this or that will take place, while here, nothing to tell me which way the story will go.
The story begins as a road trip, along which Aubrey and Chance get to know one another.
This journey out of time is their aside free from society’s restrictions to enjoy forbidden moments to treasure when they will part way .
While on their chance encounter, they first mock the other, soon they need each other and it is on the road they discover their attraction is far from a joke.
The tale is introduced from Aubrey’s point of view, when finally free from her widow’s weeds, she leaves her prior life behind in the hope to a better one. She has many expectations but not to encounter a man who will shaken everything she thought. Her abuser of a husband left her with an altered vision of herself, always belittling herself.
With Chance, she slowly emerges from her chrysalis, to throw out the window the old demure Ambrosia, to be Aubrey, the woman with so many dreams.
She will also learn that alas nothing is without cost.
Chance is on the road to fulfill a promise he can’t break, why meeting Aubrey at this time in his life is the worst possible event.
He is a man of honor, still this interlude which should have remained one, is one of a lifetime. They will both be changed forever.
Mrs Annabelle Anders did it again, she paints larger than life characters, they are all multilayered, with incredible depth.
Without at first giving him voice, I knew he struggled, that he wanted more but refrained from acting on it. Something was eating at him, forbidding him to ask for more from Aubrey. When he finally speaks, he is a man devoted to his family, whatever alas it might cost him. He suffered from his deeds and errors but knew he had no other road patterned for him.
Aubrey is an open book, she feels, she laughs, she cries but hurt, she built a wall around herself to protect herself from further pain. Still she can’t change the good soul she is, thus her own battle to avoid hurting the others.
I would give it 10 stars if I could, I was transported with Aubrey, Chance and Mr Dog. I thrilled, was saddened, smiled, was upset or happy. I lived this book through a kaleidoscope of sensations, and love.
I discovered this connected world to Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s series, now I need to read the first in this series despite it being a contemporary.
I was granted an advance copy by the author,
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272830/posts/614372962485212/?d=n
I enjoyed this 1820’s England rework of the contemporary Cocky Bastard book. It was “amoosing”. Charles “Chance” Cochran Bateman, the cocky french duke, has his horse stolen prompting him to catch a ride with the widowed Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington. The first half of the book is their adventure on the road to London and is from Ambrosia’s perspective while the second half is the fallout and resolution from Chance’s perspective. The book is full of their slow burning chemistry/banter, drama of possibilities, and storylines that tug on your heart-strings. Just like in Cocky Bastard, I enjoyed how Chance murmured to himself one thing and then when Ambrosia questions what he’s said it is always something totally tame and different from what he actually said. Insert sigh here, so once again Annabelle Anders ripped my heart out on the way to a beautiful yet at times vexing HEA for Ambrosia and Chance! And I use vexing because one of the reasons why I love or even hate characters like I do is because they don’t always behave like I think they would or how I would. Which is why I enjoy the escape from reality! I received an ARC of this book and chose to post this review.
Cocky Duke is the first book from this series I have read, and I feel the author did a wonderful job of taking a story in modern times and putting in the past. I loved reading and following Aubrey and Chance’s story of love and heartbreak. I liked how the author wrote the book in two parts, each being told from a different perspective. I look forward to reading more from this series and this author.
Wow! I Loved It! What a Magnificent story, it takes you to the heights of a passionate love swirling down into a vortex of secrets, mystery and heartbreak! Cocky Duke will hold you spellbound from the moment you begin the journey with Chance and Aubreyy until the very end! Annabelle Anders is not afraid to write a story that is heartrending, heart-stopping with characters that are well thought out and each one comes across clearly as their individual personalities become more than just part of the tale. It’s an unforgettable romance that brims with tension-building twists, remarkable emotions, witty banter and with one fantastic plot.
Chance meeting, wrong timing. Chance falls for Aubrey, but life gets in the way and they have to part. Can he win her back after that? This was a fun, fast paced read for me that I really enjoyed. I look forward to reading more from Ms. Anders!
I am really not much one for dukes and the like but I am glad I didn’t skip Cocky Duke. I enjoyed the banter and the chemistry between Chance and Audrey. They pull at your heart strings and hit all the right emotions. I enjoyed Annabelle Anders’ writing style and will be grabbing more of her books
I used to read historical romances, but that’s pretty much fallen by the wayside for me over the last few years, although I do tend to indulge in at least 2 or 3 a year, and I couldn’t wait to see this retelling of Chance’s and Aubrey’s story and I thought it was well done. I’m also new to Annabelle Anders, but I like her style of storytelling. The world building was descriptive without going overboard on inane details, the characters were nicely developed and I found it easy to feel the emotions of the characters, especially Ambrosia and everything she’s had to face. A wonderful story, and I’m looking forward to reading other books by Ms. Anders.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advance copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Cocky Duke, by Annabelle Anders, is available at booksellers on May 17, 2020. This story is based on The Cocky Hero series of contemporary romance books. Having never read that series I approached this book with fresh eyes. I thought the plot had great potential, there’s a lot that can happen on a journey, especially with strangers. I’m disappointed to say that, for me, it never reached it’s true potential. I was iffy on the hero & heroine, they were ok but I didn’t grow to like them much at all. The trip to London had it’s moments but not enough. Things dragged and it took me awhile to finish, I kept putting it down. The best part for me involved the rescue dog, a dachshund. He’s old, smelly, toothless, and perfectly adorable. I’m an Annabelle Anders fan but this just didn’t do it for me.
#AnnabelleAnders #CockyDuke #GiveMeBooksPromotions #historicalromance
This is an interesting take of retelling of Chance & Aubery’s original Contemporary story in regency era . I am not a huge fan of regency era romance but still enjoyed the author’s creativity with Chance and Audrey characters. If you are a fan of regency genre and have enjoyed Cocky Bastard than this book Is definitely worth reading.
So I’m not one for historical romances I really do have to preface this review with that but since this was part of the Cocky Hero Club I was curious how it would work. The take Chance and and Aubrey from the original Cocky Hero and retell it in the 1800’s. It was an interesting concept and the writing was good.
**I was generously provided with an advanced readers copy of this book in exchange for a fair and honest review**