The cost of trust is more than she’s willing to pay. But he’ll do everything he can to change her mind… something about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias Pembroke that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again.
A secret can destroy his…
Mathias, Duke of Westfall, wants nothing to do with his inherited title and all the public scrutiny it brings. He has dark secrets to protect, and can’t afford to be distracted by the trappings of Society. What he apparently can be distracted by, however, is the lovely Nicolette. He understands her pain and knows he could help her heal…if only she were willing to open her heart to him.
Can love save them both?
When ghosts from the past emerge and threaten the fragile bonds they’ve begun to build, Nicolette and Mathias find themselves caught between their feelings for each other and devastating scandal. Will love be enough to protect them—or was their happily ever after doomed from the very start?
This friends-to-lovers, second chance historical romance by a USA Today bestselling author, will have you flipping the pages to find out if Mathias and Nicolette trust themselves to love again.
If you enjoy reading witty, lovable rogue and duke love stories with a pinch of mystery, a dash of humor, and soul-searing emotion, then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s enthralling SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS SERIES. Buy NEVER DANCE WITH A DUKE and settle into your favorite reading nook for a page-turning, entertaining Regency world adventure you can’t put down.
Though this book can easily be read as a stand-alone, most readers prefer to read the series in order.
SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS SERIES
A Diamond for a Duke
Only a Duke Would Dare
A December with a Duke
What Would a Duke Do?
Wooed by a Wicked Duke
Duchess of His Heart
Never Dance with a Duke
Earl of Wainthorpe
Earl of Scarborough
The Debutante and the Duke
Wedding her Christmas Duke
Earl of Keyworth
How to Win A Duke’s Heart – Coming Soon!
Loved by a Dangerous Duke – Coming Soon!
When a Duke Loves a Lass – Coming Soon!
CHECK OUT COLLETTE’S OTHER SERIES:
Castle Brides
Daughters of Desire (Scandalous Ladies)
Highland Heather Romancing a Scot
The Blue Rose Regency Romances: The Culpepper Misses
Seductive Scoundrels
The Honorable Rogues®
Wicked Earls’ Clubmore
This was a lovely novella complete with the swoon-worthy romance Collette Cameron is so renowned for.
Nicolette Twistleton’s mission in life is to guard her heart against additional pain. After suffering through the misery and scandal that came from being jilted at the altar, she has sworn off men forever. Yes, she’ll flirt with them, but as soon as they show a hint of serious interest, she shreds them with sharp retorts.
Mathias, Duke of Westfall, has been in love with Nicolette for years, but after losing his chance to court her to someone else and then witnessing how she dealt with her suffering after the cad broke things off, Mathias has decided to bide his time and wait for her to heal before pressing any advances.
When a dog attack in the park throws them together again, Mathias jumps at the opportunity to spend more time with Nicolette and to romance her as she deserves. It takes patience, kindness, and tremendous restraint. Because if there’s one thing he knows from watching other men fail, it’s that he cannot afford to push her too hard.
This was a delightful quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this well-matched pair fall in love and especially appreciated Mathias’ understanding and his decision to be honest about his past. A satisfying romance I’d definitely recommend.
Series: Seductive Scoundrels #7
Publication Date: 5/5/20
Number of Pages: 202
This was a lovely, lovely, very romantic story. You will fall head-over-heels in love with Mathias as soon as he graces the page. The story is very well-written and well-executed with just enough humor to keep you smiling throughout. One wonderful thing about the story is that there is no angst – goodness I detest angsty books. Both the hero and the heroine have unhappy things in their past and each has/are dealing with them in their own way without the ‘poor pitiful me’ angst we so often see.
Nicolette Twistleton was betrothed and just four hours away from her wedding when she received a note from her soon-to-be groom. Thinking it was a romantic note, she smiled as she opened it – to find just a few words: “Nicolette, I cannot marry you. Forgive me, K”. Seven short words that changed her life and her outlook on men. She decided right then and there that she couldn’t trust her heart and no man would ever hurt her again – she’d never give them the opportunity. After that point, men quickly found themselves decisively set-down if they paid too much attention to her. She’ll not marry! ALL men are toads – cockroaches – and she’ll have no part of them. Now, I can see where someone would have that initial reaction, but hers lasted for two years and I thought that was a bit long when she had so many examples of good men and good marriages around her.
Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall, first met and came to admire Nicolette a few years ago, but she was being courted by Alfonse Bremerton, Duke of Kilbourne – and then she became betrothed. After Kilbourne jilted her, Mathias knew she needed time to deal with her emotions and get herself in order. He’s been very careful in their interactions over the last two years. He has managed to be the only unmarried, eligible male who hasn’t felt the lash of her tongue. When the huge dog (a Newfoundland named Sampson) he’s caring for gets loose in the park and knocks Nicolette over, Mathias carries her from the park and escorts her home.
Mathias knows it is his chance, but he also knows he has to be careful until he can win her good graces – and soon her heart. I love how steadfast and dedicated Mathias is. He is so patient and caring – who could resist him?
I absolutely adored watching Mathias and Nicolette find their way to their HEA – and, of course, the epilogue was the icing on the cake. I hope you will enjoy this quick, lovely read as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Collette Cameron again writes a book I loved. The afternoon flew by while I was reading this book. The story of Nicolette and Mathias was a cute love story. Mathias, a Duke was hurt by a woman in his past. Nicolette was hurt by a man in her past who was a Duke. She did not want anything to do with any Duke. Mathias and Nicolette were drawn to each other and had a lovely courtship. I liked Nicolette’s brother Ansley and Mathias’s sister Megan.
I received a copy of this book for an honest review.
This is another wonderful book in the Seductive Scoundrels series – it is funny, entertaining and romantic with a great main couple and lovable secondary characters; some new and some we are revisiting.
The Spiteful Spinster is the name they call Nicolette Twistleton, the sister to Ansley Twistleton the Earl of Scarborough but she has reason to be the unattainable lady she has become. Two years ago, Alfonse Bremerton, the Duke of Kilbourne, had sent a note jilting her just four hours before they were to take their vows. After the humiliation and crushing blow to her, she decided never to trust a man again (especially a duke, except the dukes married to her friends) and to have a good time but never allow herself to have feelings for a man.
Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall is a good friend to all of Nicolette’s friends and husbands and therefore, knows all about the betrothal being broken and the terrible way it was done. He has had feelings for Nicolette for two years and has been waiting to see if she will ever notice or show a hint in interest for him. He finally gets his chance when a dog he is taking care of for a friend gets away from a footman while walking in the park. He goes after the dog just in time to see Sampson knock Nicolette and her puppy, Bella to the ground. (I loved Sampson the Newfoundland!)
This accidental meeting between acquaintances started the wheels turning for Mathias – he needed to take his time with her so she didn’t turn cold on him and her knew she was attracted to him but he just needed to convince her in a gentle, honorable manner. Mathias is a swoon worthy hero and even though I really loved Nicolette, she was a hard nut to crack. This is one more winner for Collette Cameron!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
Nicolette Twisteleton (sister to Ansley, Earl of Scarborough) was hurt badly by her finance, the Duke of Kilbourne! He led her along up until the day of their wedding, then sent a note calling it off and marrying an American heiress. She has given up any hopes of marrying and most certainly will not entertain any Dukes. Not including her friends husbands…Enter Mathias, Duke of Westfall. He has been patiently waiting for Nicolette to notice him. He is friends with all of her friends and has had feelings for her for a long time. While caring for a dog, who ran into Nicolette he is finally able to make his move. She is taken with him but afraid to let her feelings show. Mathias is working hard to wear her down. When the pasts of both of them start to make their appearances Nicolette wants to run a hide rather than be more fodder for gossip. Now Mathias really must show his worth and let Nicolette know she will be loved and protected!! Another Cameron HEA winner!!!
I enjoyed the story of Nicolette and Mathias! Nicolette has become an ice princess after being jilted by her former fiance (a duke) and humiliated by how it was done. Mathias has wanted Nicolette for 2 years, watching and waiting for her to recover. With how they interact it’s only a matter of time before Nicolette falls! I do wish Lady Calbraith and Kilbourne had a worse punishment, but I loved the ending! Thank you for the advanced copy!
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy. I loved this sweet story. Mathias and Nicolette were wonderful in this book. The writing wasn’t confusing for me to read. The writer didn’t over indulge to much on things that had no relation to the couple.
Take for example, the dog Sampson. He was in then he was out. The writer made sure to give a brief but informative background on how Mathias and Nicolette come to have known each other. My favorite part in the book is the meeting in the park and the dogs licking Nicolette’s face. She had a few choice words in this scene.
Mathias character matched his description. I was able visualize him as he courted Nicolette through the book. The book had romance, witty characters, humor and a calling out. Oh let’s not forget the vixen Lady Calibraith. Nicolette she needs to knock that woman down a peg or two.
The scene in the opera box, even I wanted to smack her. I mean really smack her so hard that they would have heard it in the seats below. Sick her Bella! Well, that’s my review. My fellow readers read the book.
Never Dance With A Duke is a spectacular historical romance by Collette Cameron. Ms. Cameron has delivered a well-written book populated with an outstanding cast of characters. This is a fairly quick read, perfect for those with limited reading time. Nicolette is unmarried and no plans on deck to have that status changed. Mathias, Duke of Westfall, feels responsible when the dog he’s minding for a friend knocks Nicolette to the ground. Mathias and Nicolette’s story is loaded with drama, humor, spice and action. I enjoyed reading Never Dance With A Duke and look forward to my next book by Collette Cameron. This is book 7 of the Seductive Scoundrels Series but can be read as a standalone. This is a complete book, not a cliffhanger.
Romantic, great characters! Happily Ever After!
A scandal ruined Nicolette’s future. She delights in thumbing her nose at society. Becoming the spiteful spinster helped her through being jilted by her betrothed. Putting her faith in another man is impossible. There is something, however, about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again. A secret can destroy Mathias, Duke of Westfall. He wants nothing to do with his inherited title and all the public scrutiny it brings. He has dark secrets to protect and cannot afford to be distracted by the trappings of society. The lovely Nicolette does distract him. He understands her pain and knows he could help her heal, if only she was willing to open her heart to him. – I admired Nicolette’s strength and courage in facing society after being hurt. I liked Mathias’s wit, his gentleness, and the way he treated Nicolette. This is a good historical romance novella.
Believable story line although the main male character has a secret that is barely mentioned and he’s never going to tell anyone because it could hurt his mother. He then tells the young woman he wants to marry. The “bad” duke agrees to a duel and suddenly the story is at the epilogue. I know she asks for no duel but I feel it’s incomplete. There was talk about riding a horse astride but the next day doesn’t come. Not my favorite but I did like both of the main characters.
A fun read.
“Never Dance with a Duke” by Collette Cameron
A Tastefully spiced Regency Romance
This was a fun read. I am so glad I found it or it found me, Oh, just plain glad we found each other this story and I. It is an easy and rather quick read. I surely hope you like the story as much as I did.
Happy Reading ! !
Another wonderful story. I enjoyed the beginning, with the dog fiasco. I own Newfoundlands, and yes they will knock you flat on your back and then slobber all over you with love. Great characters and hooks you from page one. Highly recommend!
Never Dance with a Duke by Collette Cameron is the seventh book in the Seductive Scoundrels and definitely reading if you love historical romance. I loved Mathias and Nicolette’s love story!
Nicolette and Mathias neither one cared much for society or the rules that were placed on them, but they did care about their families and if that meant following the rules and trying to do what was right then that is what they would do. When they find themselves caught in an uncomfortable position at the park that soon becomes gossip for the town they try to do their best at not bringing attention to themselves, but find it difficult when they find themselves falling in love with each other.
I’m definitely looking forward to reading more books in the future by Collette Cameron!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.
I love this Seductive Scoundrels series by Collette Cameron. Each successive work gives us engaging lead characters, lively banter, and dialogue, usually, a plausible plot, sometimes unusual or scene-stealing pets (not always four-legged), humor (sometimes laugh out loud), and we get to meet again characters from previous works. With the two main characters in Never Dance With a Duke, one cannot help but fall in love with them and their slow-growing romance. I became enraptured with the story of Nicolette and Mathias. Collette Cameron portrayed the two characters perfectly in how they met, how there was an early attraction between them, the fears Nicolette had about having her heart shattered again, the secrets Mathias worried about being revealed. Nicolette was an independent spirit. Mathias was patient. He offered friendship and was there to support and defend her. He was truly a swoon-worthy hero and their story deserves 5 stars!
How I loved this book. It was the literary embodiment of what a good romance should be. It had a spiteful spinster who was jilted just hours before she was to marry, leaving her to think all men were dogs, and another man who’d been waiting and longing in the wings to be noticed by her for two years. Add a Pug and a big dog (real dogs) who were instrumental in bringing them together, a little spice, and you’ve got just the beginning of this book.
I loved Nicolette from the beginning. She’d been dumped by a pretentious fop and was the talk of the ton. She put on the facade that she didn’t care. She wasn’t mean, but she’d let men get only so close before she got an attitude.
But Mathias was ready for her. He knew and understood her motivation probably better than anyone else. I think he took it a little personally when she told him she doesn’t dance with dukes, but her saying that was a game-changer for the story. He set out to prove her wrong.
There were so many good things about this book. I loved feeling Nicolette and Mathias falling in love. I loved how Mathias was all about honor and defending the woman he loved. I loved that he was stronger than she and was able to break through the walls she’d built around her heart. She was able to feel again despite the ugliness of the antagonists. I cheered for both her and Mathias.
This book was loaded with feels, chivalry, some angst, and even a cute little Pug and an overgrown adorable puppy who has no idea just how big he is.
Easy, easy five stars
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
Never Dance with a Duke was captivating from the start and it never let up with its blend of witty banter, sensuality, and over all fantastic story line that will have you craving more! I received a free copy of this book and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Such a romantic story that highlights Collette Cameron’s delightful wit and magic with words which make her outstanding in the world of historical romance! I look forward to each book she writes and if I can then listen to it on audible, my reader’s heart smiles with joy!
“Scrapegrace. Hog-grubber. Jackanape. Contemptible, maggot-patted bounder.” Yes those were the feelings of Nicolette after she had been jilted by her betrothed hours before their wedding. She was done with men! But really she was a little lonely.
But life was about to change and it had to do with a handsome, charming Duke, oh yes, when she had sworn never to have those feelings again. Mathias, Duke of Westfall.
“She was taken by the shade of his blue eyes and the annoyingly perfect lines of his well defined face. It was much easier to resist a man if he had bad breath, body odor, or a razor rash.” Oh yes, I love these thoughts of the heroine!
Follow the delightful journey of Nicollette and Mathias as they make you laugh, sigh and talk out loud to them! Seriously , I highlighted most of this book in my kindle because the lines were so imaginative and brilliant I knew I would read again!! I would love to say this author just gets better and better but seriously.. she is perfection already!
Nicolette Twistleton doesn’t care to dance with a duke. She really wants absolutely nothing to do with a duke or any other man. Being jilted by note on your wedding day will do that to a girl. Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall, understands how she feels. He was faced with a very similar circumstance. When Nicolette was knocked over and injured (twisted ankle) by a very large excited “puppy,” Mathias is there to rescue her. This just might be the opening he has been waiting for to get closer to Nicolette. Will it work? Will spending time with her convince Nicolette that they can help each other heal and find a happy future?
This is a lovely story with a wonderful hero, a heroine with perfect comedic timing, a little drama, some humor, comeuppance for some nasty exes, and romance including a most unforgettable proposal. Mathias is patient and protective of Nicolette. Nicolette is uncertain, but is drawn to Mathias and wants to trust him. There are people around them who encourage them. I love the way Nicolette’s mother, her brother Ansley, and Mathias’s sister Megan react to their courtship. I like that my favorite characters from the series were here as well. An enjoyable story. I happily recommend it.