Because love, no matter how hard won, is always worth fighting for.One thing never changes from era to era—the longing for love and the sacrifices willingly made to achieve a happily ever after. This special romance collection includes THREE STORIES of dukes and their ladies; each a charming and humorous Regency romance with a dash of mystery & suspense.A Diamond for a Duke:A dour duke and a … for a Duke:
A dour duke and a wistful wallflower—an impossible match until fate intervenes. Jules, the Duke of Dandridge wants more than Jemmah Dament’s sweet kisses or her warming his bed. He must somehow convince her to gamble on a man who’s sworn never to love again.
Only a Duke Would Dare:
A reluctant duke. A vicar’s daughter. A forbidden love. Victor, Duke of Sutcliffe ventures home, intent upon finding the most biddable and forgettable miss in Essex to wed. Except he finds himself powerless to resist Theadosia Brentwood—even if she is promised to another and the exact opposite of what he thought he wanted in a duchess.
A December with a Duke:
He’s entirely the wrong sort of man. That’s what makes him so utterly right. After a horrific marriage, Everleigh vows to never marry again, but the enigmatic Duke of Sheffield is determined to woo the beautiful widow and make her his own.
These charming historicals by a USA Today bestselling author will warm your heart and bring a smile to your face. You might even giggle, and you won’t be able to turn the pages fast enough to find out what happens to the characters next.
If you enjoy emotional friends to lovers, enemies to lovers, Cinderella, or wallflower love stories then you’ll adore Collette Cameron’s enticing SEDUCTIVE SCOUNDRELS SERIES. Buy the collection and settle into your favorite reading nook with your beverage of choice for rousing, romantic adventures you can’t put down.
“…long on charm, the writing is exquisite.” ★★★★★ ~Mo
“…most romantic love story I’ve read this year!” ★★★★★ ~Lesia
“…inspiring and very emotional…” ★★★★★ ~TracyJane
CHECK OUT COLLETTE’S OTHER SERIES:
A Waltz with a Rogue Series
Castle Brides Series
Heart of a Scot ~ Coming soon!
Highland Heather Romancing a Scot Series
The Blue Rose Regency Romances: The Culpepper Misses Series
Wicked Earls’ Club Seriesmore
This is great collection of loosely linked novellas and I would be hard pressed to say which was my favorite!
A Diamond for a Duke – 5 Stars – This sweet novella is based on the Fairytale “The Fairies” aka “Diamonds and Toads”
The heroine, Jemmah is the younger sister of Adelinda and daughter to Belinda. Adelinda and Belinda are outwardly beautiful women, yet they are nasty, selfish women in reality. Belinda favors her older daughter who takes after her in both appearance and personality. Both women are verbally abusive to Jemmah and treat her like a servant. Jemmah believes her mother distains her because she takes after her father. Her father passed away while in the arms of his mistress and soon after, Belinda started taking out her unhappiness on Jemmah and opened the door for Adelinda to treat her the same way. The one bright spot in her life was her friendship with Jules.
Jules is now the Duke of Dandridge, but years ago he was simply the often overlooked second son. He and Jemmah shared a special bond, both never quite fitting into their families. When he left for school, he lost touch with her. He has suffered incredible losses, his father, his brother and his betrothed. When a chance meeting reunites them, he is thrilled and immediately knows that she is the woman he has always been looking for. They share a kiss and Jules asks to call on her.
Knowing her mother would never let Jules court her, especially while Adelinda is unwed, she makes plans to meet him at her Aunt’s house. Later that evening, she is offered the opportunity to act as companion to her Aunt’s mother in law and she will also sponsor Jemmah for the season. She is happy to accept the position and participate in the season. But her mother and sister make a scene and insist that Adelinda should be the one to be sponsored. Aunt Theo steps in and threatens to cut them off if they do not allow Jemmah to be sponsored.
The next day, her mother confronts her and tells her in no uncertain terms that if she doesn’t step down and let Adelinda have the position, Jemmah will no longer be welcome in their home.
Jemmah has a kind and sweet soul, but for the first time in her life, she thinks of herself first and leaves. She meets up with Jules at her aunts house and he informs her he intends to court her.
This was a truly sweet and touching story of two overlooked people finding complete happiness with each other. The book is well written, paced perfectly and while I generally prefer a steamier read, I found I did not miss the lack of love scenes in this book (it was kisses only).
Only a Duke Would Dare – 5 stars – Theadosia Brentwood is cutting through the cemetery when she comes upon the very drunk and distraught Duke of Sutcliffe. She hasn’t seen Victor in 3 1/2 year, not since he left after his father’s suicide. When she hears his tortured voice asking his father, why? Her compassionate nature compels her to answer him. She approaches and tells him the reason his father killed himself – cancer. Victor is startled by the beauty standing before him, he thanks her for telling him and steals a kiss when she helps him up. Thea has always had a tender for Victor, but he father would never approve (he is the rector of the parish church) and Victor is far above her station. They quickly break apart when they hear voices approaching. Her father and his new curate, Mr. Leadford. To distract her father, she tells him that Victor has offered to donate the funds for the new organ and for choir robes. She looks at Victor, hoping he will not give her away – he doesn’t and asks her father if he will officiate his wedding in August. Thea is crushed, he is betrothed! But when her father asks about his bride, Victor tells him, he hasn’t found her yet! He invites the Brentwoods and Mr. Leadford to dinner and takes his leave.
He sees Thea again the next day and asks her to meet him the next morning. He speaks to his mother and asks her to plan a ball to find a bride. When his father died, his will states that Victor must marry by his 27th birthday or he will lose all the unentailed properties, including Ridgewood Court where his mother resides. He plans to marry and leave his bride with his mother and return to his rakish life in London, he briefly considers Thea as a bride, but is sure she would not agree to that type of marriage.
They meet each day and the longer he spends in her company, the more he wants her, even if that means giving up his wild ways. When her father announces at the dinner party that Thea will be marrying Mr. Leadford, Victor knows that he will never let that happen.
But when the truth comes out, Thea may have no choice and will be forced to choose between her family and her love.
This was a delightful novella, that is well written and perfectly paced. The characters are likable, there are twists and turns, secrets, friendship, passion and a seemingly impossible HEA. The steam level is low, but the love scenes are perfect for the story.
A December with a Duke – 5 stars – Given the subject matter in this book, I was expecting a completely dark and depressing read. I was pleasantly surprised to find that while there are some very sad, very dark moments, overall the novella was sweet and uplifting.
Everleigh Chatterton is a widow with no desire to remarry. Two years with Arnold was more than enough to show her that men are not to be trusted. Everleigh is stunningly gorgeous and has had to fend off unwanted attentions for years. She was raped by her husband’s son and only married because she found herself with child. She gives birth to Meredith and loses her a short time later. She is completely devastated by the loss and as a result, she hates marriage, men and December.
She is attending Thea’s house party and notices the Duke of Sheffield looking at her, she made her position clear to him when they attended Thea’s wedding – not interested! But when a child wanders into the room and is looking for her Papa, Everleigh’s heart goes out to her. The child is taken with her immediately and she soon learns Sheffield is her “Papa”.
Griffin, the Duke of Sheffield hears Sarah and is shocked to see her in Everleigh’s arms – Sarah doesn’t like strangers and is prone to tantrums. He is further shocked when Everleigh offers to help settle her for the night. Griffin agrees and wonders if Everleigh is really the ice queen that she resembles – she mentions her daughter and that tomorrow is the anniversary of her passing. After settling Sarah, they return to the party. Everleigh is amazed that she told him about her daughter and that he doesn’t terrify or make her feel repulsed, as she usually does around men. He tells her about Sarah, she is the child of his friends from India – they passed away and Sarah was left alone, he took her in and plans to raise her as his own.
Over the next few days, they spend a lot of time together, she likes him, but she worries that she could never be what he needs, she is not even sure she could bear the touch of man and with her former sister in law causing problems, she wonders if she would be more trouble than she is worth. Griffin has no such reservations, Everleigh is everything he has ever dreamed of in a woman and he wants to marry her.
It will take some coaxing, kisses and a very cute little orphan, but Griffin is ready to do whatever is necessary to win her – even let her go.
I loved this story, it is inspiring and very emotional, I loved Griffin and never ever doubted that he was in love with Everleigh. Everleigh had a lot to overcome and I loved that she was willing to trust Griffin with her heart.
If you have not read the Seductive Scoundrels series by Collette Cameron, here your chance to read books 1-3. A wonderful collection that will make you smile and swoon over the hero and only make you want to read more by this author!!
A Diamond for a Duke – This was a fairytale with all the magic woven throughout the pages. Complete with the mistreated younger daughter, Miss Jemma Dament and her Prince Charming, Jules, the Duke of Dandridge. The story contains some enchanted dialogue that will make you smile as the reader but make you sad at the plight Jemma has endured all her life. Jules has stepped back into society only for the sake of his godmother, Viscountess Theo Lockhart’s birthday. Theo is Jenna’s aunt and Jemma attends only to help her mother and older sister of the need anything, their virtual slave. When Jules runs across Jemma who he has not seen in a few years, the magic begins. Miss Cameron is an excellent story teller and always brings her characters to life. This tale will not disappoint you but make you want more!!
Only a Duke Would Dare – Colchester Essex England 1809 Only a Duke would Dare what? Oh many things I can say after reading this delightful story. Victor, Duke of Sutcliffe and Theodosia, daughter of the local Vicar, had know each other as children before he left three years earlier after his father’s suicide. He returns unexpectedly and she finds him in a most unusual place. She’d always had a tendre’ for him and seeing him again, she only felt more. Victor was truly mesmerized at the beauty she had become and could only steal a kiss from her which was amazing for both of them!
But in the background, Victor had a responsibility due to his father’s will to marry before he was 26 (only weeks away) or he would lose his property to a cousin! He would not allow that because his mother would be displaced and he would not allow that to happen.
But something is going on with the vicar when he announces Thea is to marry another and Victor declares that will never happen.
Collette Cameron is the consummate story teller that always pulls me into the tale with her wonderful characters and dialogue. I always know there will be a new word or phrase I have not heard before, or a charming animal that melts the heart. I will leave you to find it yourself, but prepare to be surprised with the twist and turns that end in a heart smiling ending.
A December with a Duke – If you love romantic regency stories, there is none better than Collette Cameron to satisfy you with every word she writes in this wonderful novella. A delightful heartwarming romance that bring two people together, during a month long house party to celebrate the holidays. Everleigh, the heroine (don’t you just love that name?) was a widow who had sworn off marrying again due to the terrible treatment from her deceased husband and his son. Having endured and lost so much, she had sworn off men and had no plans to remarry. On the other hand, Griffin, the Duke of Sheffield wanted to marry to have a mother for his adopted daughter. As he meets the beautiful widow there is a strong attraction and he woos her to try to change her mind on marrying again.
I truly adored these two characters and his daughter Sarah just melted my heart. The magic of the season prevails in this heartwarming story of love found when least expected.
I read this each as a standalone book but together they are even more amazing!!
A Diamond for a Duke was the first time I had read this author’s work. This book was an enjoyable, light, sweet “Cinderella” type romance. I would have liked a little more depth to the characters and story but it was a quick, frothy read and sure to please other readers. Rating: 4 stars.
Only a Duke Would Dare is a thoroughly engaging tale. We’ve got a parson’s daughter, her longtime friend, a Duke who must marry or lose his fortune, a thoroughly repugnant, unwelcome suitor, blackmail, some hidden crimes, and secrets held and revealed. Mix those all together with several doses of humor and a very sweet romance. Voilà, an entertaining and delightful read. Rating: 4 ½ stars.
A December With a Duke is a heartwarming, delightful read. The main character, a young widow who has sworn not to marry again because of her abusive first marriage, is pursued at a holiday season gathering by a widowed Duke with a young, adorable child. Though the early chapters were initially a little confusing as I had a hard time keeping straight the numerous different characters at the gathering and their relationship with one another, it eventually coalesced into an engaging story with several humorous and heartwarming moments. There was some mild-moderate heat in the romantic, sweet pursuit by the Duke. I highly recommend this story. Rating: 5 stars.
I read these books before the series. They are a series of adventures by the Culpepper Misses. I loved each book and the sister involved.
This is a wonderful set of stories that will touch your heart and make you smile, laugh, and cry (just a little).
A Diamond for a Duke
A Diamond for a Duke is the retelling of a Cinderella-like story by Charles Perrault entitled Toads and Diamonds. The story has all the elements of a good fairy tale, a sweet damsel (Jemma), a gallant rescuer (Jules, Duke of Dandridge), villains and fairy godmothers to thwart them. Is it possible that these two childhood friends can find their HEA with each other? Aunt Theo and Lady Lockhart, aka the fairy godmothers in this tale, think so and embark on a plan to make it happen. It’s easy to pick out the toads in Jemmah’s sister, Adelinda, and Lady Phryne Milbourne. I look at Jules’s family and Jemmah’s mother as bullfrogs. Then there’s Jemmah who has always loved Jules, and sparkles like a, yes a diamond. This is a happy and humorous story that will put a smile on your face.
Only a Duke Would Dare
Victor Nathaniel Horatio, the Duke of Sutcliffe has come home after an extended absence to find a bride by his birthday (a stipulation in his father’s will). He also to hopes to find something that will help him understand his father’s suicide. Theadosia Brentwood is the local vicar’s daughter. Victor and Thea are childhood friends. When they are reunited, they get to know each other again and begin to fall in love. However, there are some rather serious obstacles in their way. Now what happens? This is a delightful story with likeable characters and an interesting storyline. There are a few twists and turns, and a very creative comeuppance for the villain.
A December With a Duke
Everleigh Chatterton is a widow who was abused by her later husband and his son. With very few exceptions she is afraid of men and has vowed never to marry again. Griffin, Duke of Sheffield, is an adventurer who wants a mama for his adopted daughter. When they meet at the holiday house party of the Duke and Duchess of Sutcliffe, there is a strong attraction. Is it possible that this gentle, understanding man and a sweet Christmas angel named Sarah will bring her the hope and love she needs so very much? A heartwarming story and loveable characters (most of them) make this a winner.
I enjoyed all three, but A December With a Duke was my favorite. It went immediately to my re-read stack.
ONLY A DUKE WOULD DARE
So Charming, I never wanted it to end! Only A Duke Would Dare by Collette Cameron is book 3 in the Seductive Scoundrels series. Though in a series this book can be read as a standalone. I alway feel good and sigh at the end of a Collette Cameron book and this one I can add to that list. Collette’s characters, Thedosia Brentwood and Victor the Duke of Sutcliffe, are so wonderful you can’t help but fall in love with them and cheer them on. This regency story is original and creative and the descriptions very clear. It is also very easy read. Just a feel good at the end type of story as Collette has a true talent for writing. I just love the she add an animal to all her books. This story has death, grief, blackmail, kindness, a very strict vicar, family love, a stray kitten, a mangily one eye cat, coming to the rescue, a betroth, a stipulation in a will and yes love. I do highly recommend you read this book or any of Collette Cameron’s books, you won’t be disappointed.
A DECEMBER WITH A DUKE:
This wonderful and yet tragic story is one that I could not stop reading. A December With A Duke by Collette Cameron is one of 4 stories, each written by a different author, in this holiday collection. I can’t wait to read the other 3. Collette has such a wonderful talent for writing and I always fall in love with her characters and this book is no exception. The descriptions are so vivid that this story just comes alive. This story has rape, death, grief, true friendships, evil, kindness, misunderstandings, a love for a child, nurturing, kindness, adoption, a puppy, sadness, love and so much more. I highly recommend this wonderful holiday book.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
Book 1 A Diamond for a Duke: A Novella loosely based off the fairytale Le Fees or The Fairies! The Duke of Dandridge, Jules was a second son who was ignored by his mother. He spent many a days playing with childhood friend Jemmah who is also a second born. Her mother ignores and treats her as a servant bestowing all her love and money on her firstborn Adelina. Adelina is quite selfish and very mean. Now that Jules is Duke his mother and Uncles want him to do his duty and marry. His godmother Viscountess Theodora Lockhart decides to “sponsor” Jemmah since her mother will only give her castoffs, which of course angers both sister and mother. Jules takes care of his niece and decides to marry Jemmah. Adelina decides to get herself in some trouble which now leaves mother alone and ill…Jules and Jemmah live happily ever after of course.
Book 2 Only a Duke Would Dare: Victor the Duke of Sutcliffe having lost his father must marry before his next birthday. The circumstance around his father’s death has tormented him. He goes home and while at the gravesite and meets an old childhood friend, Theadosia. Theadosia has loved Victor since childhood. She sees him drunk and grieving at his father’s tomb and decides to tell him the secret surrounding his father’s death (she knows from overhearing her vicar father). This new information brings both Victor and his mother some peace. In the meantime he must find a bride before his next birthday. He invites Thea’s family plus the new churches accountant over for dinner. There his mother invites the girls to the ball she has decided to throw. Thea is quite excited until her father drops a huge announcement, she must marry the evil rat of an accountant. It seems her father has a problem and the assistant is blackmailing him. Victor decides to help Thea and asks to marry her. He finds out why and how Thea’s father is being blackmailed and comes to the rescue. Now Thea who truly loves Victor realizes he “needs” a bride any bride. So does she marry him even though he may not love her the same way. Victor must convince her because with her doubt he has come to realize he truly does love her and time is ticking away. He might just have to throw away everything just to convince her.
Book 3 A December with a Duke: A warm and beautiful tale of a Widow of means who has sworn off marriage. Everleigh has been extremely hurt and abused by her late husband and late stepson. She has experienced more heartache than a young woman should. Her friends (Duke and Duchess of Sutcliffe~ Only a Duke Would Dare) have convinced her to spend a month at their home for Christmas. They have a small gathering and no one will bother her… That is until she sees her horrible ex step-daughter (who has invited herself) and the handsome Duke of Sheffield (Griffin)… Griffin is there with his daughter Sarah (who is similar in age as Everleigh’s late daughter Meredith). Everleigh takes a great interest in Sarah and Sarah to her, which melts Griffin’s heart. He knows Everleigh is the one, and so does Sarah. They must convince Everleigh to trust Griffin. Griffin gently loves and spends time with Everleigh and slowly (but quickly) falls in love. Even when the past is thrown back into her face she stands strong and gets her HEA!!! Great story which has a very gentle heroine
Three of Collette Cameron’s Best!!!
Diamond for a Duke
Jules, Sixth Duke of Dandridge disdains Society and all its trappings, preferring the country’s solitude and peace. Already jaded after the woman he loved died years ago, he’s become even more so since unexpectedly inheriting a dukedom’s responsibilities and finding himself the target of every husband-hunting vixen in London.
Jemmah Dament has adored Jules from afar for years. She dares not dream she can win a duke’s heart any more than she hopes to escape the life of servitude imposed on her by an uncaring mother.
A chance encounter reunites Jules and Jemmah,
A re telling of a French fairy tale which I’d not heard of, it has tones of Cinderella as Jemmah is certainly the down trodden put upon daughter with a cruel mother & sister. It was a quick light read which I read in one sitting. The characters were well portrayed, I really liked Jules & whilst I liked Jemmah she was a bit too sugary for me. The pace was good & I enjoyed it I’m looking forward to the rest of the series.
Only a Duke would dare
A troublesome addendum to his father’s will requires Victor, Duke of Sutcliffe to marry before his twenty-seventh birthday or lose his fortune & his birthday is looming. After a three-year absence, he ventures home, intent upon finding the most biddable and forgettable miss in Essex. A woman who will make no demands upon him and won’t mind being left behind when he returns to London. Theadosia Brentwood is overjoyed when he returns. Thea’s father the Reverend Brentwood is behaving strangely & announces her betrothal to his new curate Mr Leadford who will reveal a scandalous secret if she refuses. A secret that will send her father to prison and leave her sister and mother homeless.
Another very enjoyable read from the author. This is the second book in the series & whilst it’s easily read by itself I read this immediately after reading the first book in the series & I now wish more in the series were released so I could thoroughly binge. The characters are well portrayed & the pace is good. Victor & Thea are very likeable & are made for each other. Ideal for whiling away a few hours, I read it in a sitting as was loathe to put it down
December with a Duke
After a horrific marriage, Everleigh vows to never marry again, but the enigmatic Duke of Sheffield is determined to woo the beautiful widow and make her his own. A lovely read, the pace is very good & the characters well fleshed. This novella caught my heart when Everleigh first hunkered down to Sarah. Everleigh has vowed never to be beholden to anyone again but Griffin gradually & gently breaks down the walls she’s built. Griffin is sighworthy, so gentle & caring. Their road to their HEA was delightful.
I read all of these individually & so glad they’ve been put together in a box set. I highly recommend each & every one of them
A Diamond for a Duke
Wow, I loved this story. I haven’t laughed that hard in quite sometimes. Cameron is an extremely talented writer mixing wit and wisdom. I can’t wait to read more of her books.
Only A Duke Would Dare
I loved this story. Theadosia Brentwood is a vicar’s daughter and she has a secret. She has been secretly in love with Victor Nathaniel Horatio, the Duke of Sutcliffe for many years. But why would a Duke ever want a lowly vicar’s daughter? When Theadosia’s family is threatened only the Duke can save them. Only A Duke Would Dare is a wonderful story of love and forgiveness. It is a very quick read and perfect for an afternoon on the couch.
A December With a Duke
This book has one of my favorite nemesis in it. Caroline Chatterton is one of those characters that you just love to hate. “She lifted a sherry glass to her rouged, smirking lips as she stepped from the shadows where spiders and centipedes and other unpleasant creepy crawlies were wont to loiter.”
It is a lovely romance about a woman who has suffered the loss of child. Everleigh is working through deep grief and Cameron gives a spot on account of that journey. Very good book.