Stranded at a house party with the mysterious duke… When a storm hits, outspoken Abigail Prescott is trapped at a house party with Benedict Moore, the Duke of Danforth–the very man she was once betrothed to! Wishing to know the man she’s to marry, Abigail had called off their sudden engagement. But reunited once more, Benedict seems determined to win her back and make her his duchess. His … his duchess. His method: irresistible seduction…
“Readers will enjoy the strong characters, swift pace, lively wit and the wickedly fun escapades that stubborn lovers can get into”
— RT Book Reviews on “Her Christmas Temptation” in Regency Christmas Wishes
“A triumph. Opposites attract, repel, collide and unite in this thrilling romance”
— RT Book Reviews on A Kiss Away from Scandal
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The Brooding Duke of Danforth by Christine Merrill is the story of Benedict Moore, the Duke of Danforth and Abigail Prescott.
Benedict thinks to start looking for his Duchess when he happens to see Abigail. They become engaged but then a few months later its broken. Now in their present day Abigail and her mother are traveling when they break down. They are taken to house that is actually having a house party where Abigail ends up meeting Benedict again. This is Benedict second chance with Abigail.
Loved their story and of course Harlequin.
I met the author at a book fair, and am sorry I waited a couple of months to read this entertaining but spicy Regency period Harlequin. It was fun to watch a duke get spurned for all the right and wrong reasons, then watch what happens when the story of their romance unravels and is rewoven during a rainy week in the English countryside. With the help of an American ex-pat and his family, the Duke of Danforth learns to relax his stiff upper lip and release his inner sentiments. When his best friend, a lady with a secret, gets mixed up in his romance, who will come to the rescue but his former fiance?
I enjoyed this lively tale of romance and naughtiness all tangled up in a stormy week. This is not the Harlequins of my youth, not sweet and leaving bedroom scenes behind the door, but the research was good. It wasn’t overly filled with descriptions of dress and setting or food, either, but intriguing with the host characters who were the subject of the authors earlier series. I plan to read those too. Those who like quick historical Regency romance with spice and few fru-fru details will enjoy this one.
I must start by saying that I had a difficult time getting into the story. It honestly started off slow for me, but I kept at it and really enjoyed it at the end. I do wish the author had not skipped the three month break up and had written it out as it happened instead but it still worked.
I like how Abby is not as stuffy as some of the other noble/high-society snobs you normally read about. She holds her own. Even against Benedict (who deserves it).
Benedict learns from Abby and becomes a better man and Duke and that is swoon-worthy to me.
I recommend this book!
At Almacks, Benedict, the Duke of Danforth, knew he had to start looking for a Duchess. But as he turned to the door, “At the sight of her, Benedict’s breath stopped in his throat. Surely this was the answers to his prayers, for the young lady was a goddess. He thought himself far too sensible to believe in love at first sight!” paraphrased from the first chapter.
Well that set the tone and I was enchanted! But all is not well as the two become engaged but in the end she breaks it off. Three months have passed and next we find the beauty, Abigail and her mother, have broken down in their carraige and are rescued and taken to a nearby home where there is a house party being held. She found that Lord Danford was there and was apprehensive in seeing him, but was determined to hold her head up!
When Benedict sees her, the adventure begins to win her back! What happened to begin with and could it be righted? I love these two characters, although he had a lot to learn and so does she about him. With a cast of characters and a page turning story, I could not wait to find out what happen!
A truly delightful read that will keep you enthralled unti the end. But I have to say I cannot wait to read more by this author!!
I was wondering why know-one had reviewed this book yet, so that did worry me a little however I must say that I did enjoy it and this is a new author for me. Yes Abigail did annoy sometimes and there were times that I was like get over it already and move on, however if you think about she was right. Danforth never spoke to her while they were engaged, was constantly out and about with his rumored mistress. Wouldn’t you be upset if the ton gossiped behind your back thinking that you were going to put up with it. Abigail already suffered many embarrassing moments with the horrid father that she had, I would have ended the engagement also, but my friends all is not as seems..Enjoy!
Rcvd an ARC at no cost to author..(netgalley) voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions.