He lost a wager . . . but won a treasure. Due to a lost wager, the Duke of Ravenham is obliged to bring a pretty little nobody from the country into fashion among the high-sticklers of London Society. Ravenham would never refuse a debt of honor, no matter how unorthodox, so he overlooks Miss Gordon’s vulgar relations to do what is necessary, escorting the unsophisticated chit to balls, etc. But … balls, etc. But what he expects to be an irksome duty turns out to be something quite different as he falls under the spell of his protege’s innocent charm. When he lost that wager, he definitely never counted on losing his heart as well!
First impressions can be deceiving.
Miss Gabriella Gordon only came to London at her mother’s and sister’s insistence, for she’d much rather assist in running her father’s veterinary practice than attempt to fit into fashionable society. No sooner has she arrived in London than the exalted (and exceedingly handsome) Duke of Ravenham comes to call. The reason is less than flattering, however: due to a lost wager, the Duke is forced to bring Gabriella into fashion, a “favor” she would certainly refuse if her family would let her. But the more time she spends in the dashing Duke’s company, the more conflicted she feels— particularly when she discovers they have more in common than she ever dared dream.
Book 1 of Brenda Hiatt’s bestselling Hiatt Regency Classics collection.
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a little predictable, but very nicely written
Regency romances are awfully predictable. Some twists.
Sweet, clean romance. Not my cup of tea but easy to read. There just wasn’t much of interest.
The characters were just wonderfull.
Nice story. Well written. I would read more from this author.
Originally it was the cat on the title page that grabbed my attention. After reading the information on the book, I was interested. I loved it! It was a booked that flowed to the end.
This is a good clean read and a very good coming of age story. I thoroughly enjoyed the characters and the writing style of Ms. Haitt and hope to pick up more of her books. Ms Haitt does well with writing in the time period. I don’t expect things to be exact, if so I’d read a history book, and this is written well enough to get the sense of the …
I love everything Brenda Hiatt writes.
Really enjoyed this book. Gabriella , Brie, was the daughter of a vetinarian and she and her younger were in training. Brie loved animals and the care of them. The father died and the mother sold the practice. Her mother sent her to London to Brie’s sister for the season. Her sister was self-centered and only did what would raise her …
Liked this book. Characters where believeable and enjoying.
Gabriella couldn’t have been successful in winning her man without the kitten on the cover. That said, the kitten was not a major player in the story, although her love for animals was. A fun and entertaining story, and a quick read, too.
Easy read
Different premise with the strong stubborn female lead not willing to give up her dreams. I enjoyed it.
Now I want to read all her books
Enjoyed Gabriella’s character, full of life and a caring soul.
Fast cute happy ever after
One of the best books I’ve read in quite a while. I couldn’t put it down! It has everything a good romance novel should have… intrigue, a devious villian, a handsome hero, and a clever but not helpless heroine! The supporting cast of characters does a magnificent job of bringing the book together to make everything fit just right.
the story is fun, but not deep – it makes an easy read in an afternoon. You like the hero and heroine and can easily boo the villain.
Written about people and customs in 1800s. Interesting to be transported to a different era.
This books presentation of the Ton was sad but very true. It’s a shame how often people are influenced by rumors.