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129th out of 275 books
—
411 voters
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess (Donovan Sisters #2)
by
Jennifer Haymore (Goodreads Author)
With her pale hair and slim figure, Olivia Donovan looks as fragile as fine china, and has been treated as such by her sisters ever since a childhood bout with malaria. But beneath her delicate facade, Olivia guards a bold, independent spirit and the kind of passionate desires proper young ladies must never confess...
It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn't resist: s...more
It was a reckless wager, and one Max couldn't resist: s...more
Paperback, 380 pages
Published
February 1st 2012
by Forever
(first published January 1st 2012)
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"If she did not succumb to my charms, Halsley, then rest assured, there's no way in hell she'll succumb to yours." Fenwicke's voice was mild, but the cords in his neck bulged above his cravat.
Max shook his head, unable to prevent a sneer from forming on his lips, "You're wrong, Fenwicke."
Fenwicke's brows rose, his eyes glinted, and a sly expression came over his face. He leaned forward, greedily licking his lips.
"Would you care to place a wager on that?"
Two men rivals for years...
He thought...more
Max shook his head, unable to prevent a sneer from forming on his lips, "You're wrong, Fenwicke."
Fenwicke's brows rose, his eyes glinted, and a sly expression came over his face. He leaned forward, greedily licking his lips.
"Would you care to place a wager on that?"
Two men rivals for years...
He thought...more
Cheat: Before you read this book, know that Serena/Meg is Serena a surviving twin who has to live as Meg because she was caught with her husband having sex in the first book & banned from London. The only ones who know are her sisters, Johnathan (her husband) & Lord Langley her previous fiance, the real Meg's formally betrothed. It never says why she can't be called Serena, so if you read this one firs it will frustrate the hell out of you. It is NOT a spoiler, because that's what the wh...more
This review is also posted at Forever Book Lover.
The cover is the first thing that caught my eye, the coloring, the gown, all made me immediately think of romance. I received this books as an advance copy and I was not aware at the time that this was part of a series, A Donavan Novel. The author provided a background of what had transpired so I did not feel lost. I would have liked to see more on Serena (Meg) so I could understand her relationship with Langley, there I did feel like I was missin...more
The cover is the first thing that caught my eye, the coloring, the gown, all made me immediately think of romance. I received this books as an advance copy and I was not aware at the time that this was part of a series, A Donavan Novel. The author provided a background of what had transpired so I did not feel lost. I would have liked to see more on Serena (Meg) so I could understand her relationship with Langley, there I did feel like I was missin...more
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess is the second book of the Donovan Sisters series. It's Olivia's story. Of all the sisters she is fragile and her sisters tend to be very overprotecting. They shield her from any nastiness or questionable places or people. But Olivia is more than just a fragile woman. She's curious and wants to prove to herself and her sisters that she is independent and strong. Max has a facade of a care-free, pleasure seeking person, but he also a strong sense of what is right a...more
Review originally posted at Find the Time to Read
What I Thought: I fell in LOVE with Olivia from page one. She was this character who at the beginning of the series was portrayed as sickly and weak, but once I got to read her story, I realized that the way she was portrayed was the way her family saw her. I loved reading as Max and Olivia fell in love, as she started to come out of her shell and become this force to be reckoned with. I really liked how she didn't let the fact that she was sick h...more
What I Thought: I fell in LOVE with Olivia from page one. She was this character who at the beginning of the series was portrayed as sickly and weak, but once I got to read her story, I realized that the way she was portrayed was the way her family saw her. I loved reading as Max and Olivia fell in love, as she started to come out of her shell and become this force to be reckoned with. I really liked how she didn't let the fact that she was sick h...more
Jennifer Haymore has a talent for weaving comedy into her historical romances. In Secrets of an Accidental Duchess, we have the beautiful, protected and slightly naive Olivia Donovan. Olivia spent much of her life in a small island in the West Indies and hasn't learned all the nuances of London society. For instance, it takes her a while to realize that the good looking Mr. Buchanan (a.k.a. Max a.k.a. Lord Hasley) is heir to a dukedom - and to call him by the right title. But all of this fits he...more
Twenty- one year old Olivia Donovan believes no gentleman would ever want her, after all men want someone who is healthy, not someone like her who could fall ill and perhaps die at anytime from a relapse of malaria that had struck her as a child. She figured her destiny would be to live alone, so she had stopped wishing for a husband and children.When she catches the eye of thirty year old Maxwell Buchanan, he becomes entranced by her and makes a wager that he can seduce her, never anticipating...more
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SECRETS of an ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS by Jennifer Haymore
01/12 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages
What happens when you most unbelievable dreams come true?
Olivia Donovan grew up in a house full of sisters being viewed as the weak link. Having contracted malaria as a small child Olivia knows that every day she is susceptible to a recurrence of the fevers. Olivia does not want to be treated like a china doll on a shelf and the minute she meets Max, her wishes for adventure may...more
01/12 - Grand Central Publishing - Mass Market Paperback, 432 pages
What happens when you most unbelievable dreams come true?
Olivia Donovan grew up in a house full of sisters being viewed as the weak link. Having contracted malaria as a small child Olivia knows that every day she is susceptible to a recurrence of the fevers. Olivia does not want to be treated like a china doll on a shelf and the minute she meets Max, her wishes for adventure may...more
Historical England
Olivia Donovan looks fragile and delicate but one thing her family has never understood in their concern to protect her after a bout of childhood malaria is that she is much stronger than she looks. Content with the life she has laid out for herself Olivia never expected to suddenly want more in her life like she does when she meets Max. Now she has to figure out what she really wants in her life and whether what she always had planned is what is right for her.
Max, a soon to b...more
Olivia Donovan looks fragile and delicate but one thing her family has never understood in their concern to protect her after a bout of childhood malaria is that she is much stronger than she looks. Content with the life she has laid out for herself Olivia never expected to suddenly want more in her life like she does when she meets Max. Now she has to figure out what she really wants in her life and whether what she always had planned is what is right for her.
Max, a soon to b...more
This is a tough book for me to review, because my reactions to it are all over the place. On the one hand, I really liked the main characters, especially Olivia. A heroine with malaria? Very interesting and different! Watching her be strong and matter-of fact about her illness was refreshing; it's a kind of strength of character that I'd like to see more of in romance. The fact that Max wants to help her be more herself, that he trusts her and assumes that she is capable of whatever she wants to...more
I didn't read the first in this series and so there was a lot of back story I didn't know. The first story is about how the older sisters came to England and the romance of Serena (now know as Meg) and Jonathan. I was just frustrated because I wanted to know why she went by Meg now. There is also a reference to a Serena's twin sister who is lost at sea an a Captain who apparently was engaged to Serena but is now friends with Serena and her husband Jonathan. It's not too critical an issue however...more
REVIEWED FOR NETGALLEY
Maxwell Buchanan, the Marquis of Hasley got his first glimpse of the quiet, yet fascinating Olivia Donovan from across the crowded ballroom. He knew at once that she would be different and more complex than any woman he had ever met. Max begins to make his way to her when the slimy Lord Fenwicke interrupted his pursuit. Since Lord Fenwicke has already made Olivia's acquantaince, Max reluctantly accompanies him in order to hear more about her. That is when he makes a big mis...more
Maxwell Buchanan, the Marquis of Hasley got his first glimpse of the quiet, yet fascinating Olivia Donovan from across the crowded ballroom. He knew at once that she would be different and more complex than any woman he had ever met. Max begins to make his way to her when the slimy Lord Fenwicke interrupted his pursuit. Since Lord Fenwicke has already made Olivia's acquantaince, Max reluctantly accompanies him in order to hear more about her. That is when he makes a big mis...more
SECRETS OF AN ACCIDENTAL DUCHESS(A DONOVAN NOVEL) by Jennifer Haymore is an exciting historical romance set in Regency England. It is the Bk 2 of “A Donovan Novel”,but can be read as a stand alone. See “Confessions of an Improper Bride Donovan Sisters, Book 1″. The Donovan Sisters are independent,feisty,full of courage,passion and scandal. “Secrets of An Accidental Duchess” is about Olivia Donovan and Maxwell Buchanan,the Marquis of Hasley. Ms. Haymore has again written a riveting story line wit...more
Olivia Donovan contacted malaria as a child. She continues to suffer the effects of the disease as an adult. Olivia assumes she will remain a spinster. She does not think a man will consider her for marriage due to the illness. She is content to live with her sisters and their families - until she meets Max. He awakens feelings she never thought possible.
Max is soon to be a Duke, a station in life he does not relish. He enjoys life as a rake with no responsibilities. Max feels he will always re...more
Max is soon to be a Duke, a station in life he does not relish. He enjoys life as a rake with no responsibilities. Max feels he will always re...more
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess is a magnificent love story that turned into a high stakes suspense. Olivia is sickly and fragile...and totally unaware that Max Buchanan has made a wager with Fenwicke to seduce her. And when the two fall in love, the complications begin.
Olivia is a sweet character. She knows her illness will repel most suitors so she had resigned herself to be the spinster aunt. She's not weak, however. She may not be physically strong,but she is strong enough to take everythin...more
Olivia is a sweet character. She knows her illness will repel most suitors so she had resigned herself to be the spinster aunt. She's not weak, however. She may not be physically strong,but she is strong enough to take everythin...more
Secrets of An Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore made me sad that I have yet to read the first book in the Donovan sister series, Confessions of an Improper Bride. Which is something I should rectify soon. Olivia Donovan is treated like a porcelain doll by her sister, like she might break at any moment. While this concern might be anchored in good intentions, since she can develop a serious fever at any time due to contracting malaria as a child. Her delicate appearance does not help her in...more
You can also read this on Anachronist's blog.
This is the first time I've heard of Jennifer Haymore, and had I known what to expect I most likely would have passed the opportunity to read her work. This isn't going to be a positive review.
The title is misleading. There really weren't that many secrets this accidental duchess had and the ones there were, were revealed quite quickly and without in a timely fashion. His secrets too.
There really should be a series warning for all unsuspecting reader...more
This is the first time I've heard of Jennifer Haymore, and had I known what to expect I most likely would have passed the opportunity to read her work. This isn't going to be a positive review.
The title is misleading. There really weren't that many secrets this accidental duchess had and the ones there were, were revealed quite quickly and without in a timely fashion. His secrets too.
There really should be a series warning for all unsuspecting reader...more
4 likes · like · see review
Review originally posted at Ramblings From This Chick
I just finished Secrets of an Accidental Duchess and I'm just all over the place. I'm feeling so many different emotions now that I've finished this book. I really enjoyed this book but there were a few times I had to put this book down because it became a little rough to get through. It wasn't bad at all but this book was definitely not a light read. In fact, the villain of this story is so heinous and brutal and some of his actions made me s...more
I just finished Secrets of an Accidental Duchess and I'm just all over the place. I'm feeling so many different emotions now that I've finished this book. I really enjoyed this book but there were a few times I had to put this book down because it became a little rough to get through. It wasn't bad at all but this book was definitely not a light read. In fact, the villain of this story is so heinous and brutal and some of his actions made me s...more
I was so excited when I found out I was a part of this blog tour, but that was nothing compared to how I felt when I was actually reading this book! Everything about it was wonderful and I couldn't put it down! I had to know what was going to happen next and missed out on some very needed hours of sleep just so I could finish it!
Olivia is probably one of the best heroines ever! She is so weak because of her Malaria, but she never lets that stop her from doing what she wants. And she's so innoce...more
Olivia is probably one of the best heroines ever! She is so weak because of her Malaria, but she never lets that stop her from doing what she wants. And she's so innoce...more
"A whisper of scandal is only the beginning..."
Con i capelli di un biondo pallido e la figura sottile, Olivia Donovan, sembra fragile e bellissima come una bambola di porcellana, ed è stata trattata come tale sin da quando, bambina, si ammalò di malaria. Ma sotto quella facciata di fragilità Olivia nasconde uno spirito indipendente e sfacciato e un desiderio per la passione che una giovane Lady di tutto rispetto non dovrebbe mai confessare...
La storia parte da una scommessa impudente a cui Max n...more
Con i capelli di un biondo pallido e la figura sottile, Olivia Donovan, sembra fragile e bellissima come una bambola di porcellana, ed è stata trattata come tale sin da quando, bambina, si ammalò di malaria. Ma sotto quella facciata di fragilità Olivia nasconde uno spirito indipendente e sfacciato e un desiderio per la passione che una giovane Lady di tutto rispetto non dovrebbe mai confessare...
La storia parte da una scommessa impudente a cui Max n...more
Secrets of an Accidental Duchess by Jennifer Haymore
This is the second book in the Donovan Sister Series. I didn’t realize this when I began reading but fortunately Ms. Haymore gave enough of the back story that I didn’t feel like I came into the middle of a movie. Secrets of an Accidental Duchess; is just what a romance novel should be. There is the sweet love story, danger, revenge, passion likable characters and a villain to despise. Just the thing I like to curl up with and let the world sta...more
This is the second book in the Donovan Sister Series. I didn’t realize this when I began reading but fortunately Ms. Haymore gave enough of the back story that I didn’t feel like I came into the middle of a movie. Secrets of an Accidental Duchess; is just what a romance novel should be. There is the sweet love story, danger, revenge, passion likable characters and a villain to despise. Just the thing I like to curl up with and let the world sta...more
4.5 Stars
The first third to half of this book was utterly amazing with an engrossing and over the top romantic love story. If the middle and last part of the book were like this as well, I would have definitely given this one 5 stars and more! However, the middle and later parts of the book were consumed with the villain and some less than believable kidnapping and murder plots. Which was really disappointing, because the main characters and romance were so fantastic! Still, since I loved the fi...more
7 likes · like · see review
First Impression: A unique heroine and a dastardly villain stand out in this sweeping Regency romance.
What Really Worked: I was quite drawn in by Max and Olivia’s love story. Olivia was a rather unique heroine. She contracted malaria as a child, and she still suffers from terrible fevers because of the disease. She’s convinced that no man would want her as a wife due to her frail body and bouts of illness. Max, however, falls hard for her regardless.
The book starts out with a wager between Max a...more
What Really Worked: I was quite drawn in by Max and Olivia’s love story. Olivia was a rather unique heroine. She contracted malaria as a child, and she still suffers from terrible fevers because of the disease. She’s convinced that no man would want her as a wife due to her frail body and bouts of illness. Max, however, falls hard for her regardless.
The book starts out with a wager between Max a...more
Olivia Donovan expects nothing from life but to become a spinster and live among her sisters. A childhood bout of malaria has left her with frequent fevers and her sisters worry over her constantly. She doesn't expect any man to take a chance on a woman with poor health -- one that may not even be able to have children. But that doesn't mean she can't appreciate the looks of a handsome man when she sees it.
Max is certainly a handsome man. When he first noticed Olivia at a London ball, he was ins...more
Max is certainly a handsome man. When he first noticed Olivia at a London ball, he was ins...more
I won this book on the Hanging With Bells blog and is the fist book by Jennifer that I've read. It is the third book in the Donovan Series. I WILL be on the hunt for her other books! This book grabbed me and didn't let go until I read the last paragraph. I knew that I would love Olivia and Max from the moment they lay eyes on each other at a ball. Having suffered a bout of malaria as a child, Olivia's family treat her as if she is delicate because of the fevers she still suffers from occasionall...more
This is a Quickie Review. For the full review, please visit The Romanceaholic.
Expected Release Date: February 1, 2012 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Author’s Website: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Donovan Sisters
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Overall, this was an exciting yet sweet romance, with just the right touch of passion. While I did feel that the v...more
Expected Release Date: February 1, 2012 (Available Now!)
Publisher: Grand Central Publishing
Imprint: Forever
Author’s Website: http://www.jenniferhaymore.com/
My Source for This Book: Netgalley
Part of a Series: Yes, Book 2, Donovan Sisters
Series Best Read In Order: Works well as a standalone
Steam Level: Steamy
Overall, this was an exciting yet sweet romance, with just the right touch of passion. While I did feel that the v...more
Jan 16, 2012
Viohlet
rated it
3 of 5 stars
Shelves:
hero-duke,
read-in-2012,
14-netgalley-arc-etc,
hero-marquess-marquis,
3rd-person-pov,
annoying-irritating-please-end,
barbie-heroine,
bets-wagers,
betrayal,
fast-paced,
genre-historical,
hard-to-follow,
hero-3-m-r,
hero-bad-boy,
hero-indifferent,
hero-orphan,
hero-rogue-rake-scoundrel-etc,
hero-shitty-past,
heroine-3-m-r,
heroine-5-blonde,
heroine-indifferent,
heroine-infuriating,
heroine-just-plain-pathetic,
heroine-sick-or-dying,
heroine-orphan,
heroine-virgin,
heroine-wallflower-spinster,
heroine-willowy-tall-awkward-etc,
historical-1800s,
i-think-i-am-dying,
inane-shit-just-for-the-sake-of-it,
kidnapping-abduction,
making-assumptions,
my-life-has-been-turned-upside-down,
mystery-suspense-etc,
no-character-growth-development,
no-scene-setting,
no-transitions,
no-history-or-backstory,
not-making-much-sense,
one-sided-hatred-or-hostility,
ott-just-plain-ridiculous,
over-the-top-or-annoying-plot-twist,
overbearing-interferring-family-fri,
series,
read-5-indifferent-on-the-fence,
read-dont-remember-much,
secondary-characters-interferring,
series-follows-family,
set-in-english-country,
slow-to-start,
some-real-sick-people-out-there,
so-melodramatic,
so-convoluted,
sounds-better-than-it-actually-is,
stars-3,
started-good-but-lost-momentum,
whatever,
held-captive
This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it,
click here.
I was giving this book to review and I always enjoy reading about The Donovan Sisters. Accidental Duchess is a great story filled with love, a bit of scandal, and lots of emotions. Max first see Oliva at the ball. While everyone had there eyes set on Jessica (her younger sister) Max could only stare at Oliva. Oliva have malaria that she caught when she was younger. She fears no one will love her because of the disease. Until she meets Max and touches Olivia heart in away she didnt think was poss...more
I liked this story. It was good in the beginning and at the end. The middle 100 pages lagged, leaving me to remove myself from the read and come back to it. The love between Max and Olivia was wonderful. The care and protection he showed her was endearing. It was great to reacquaint with the Donovan sisters. They are a tight loving overprotective clan, including Lord Stratford, Meg's/ Serena's husband. Fenwicke is horrid and it was excruciating to read how he abused his young naive wife. What a...more
***original review posted at Romancing Rakes For The Love of Romance***
Welcome to London, playground of the rich and titled. Gossip runs amok in the ballrooms, drawing rooms, carriages and theater of the ton. Wagers are a common thing among the peer whether it's horseflesh, cards or seducing a woman of her virtue.
Spotted: A certain Maxwell Buchanan, Lord Hasley, soon-to-be Duke of Wakefieldmaking a wager with nemesis Leonard Reece, Marquis of Fenwicke, future Duke of Southington, of whether a ce...more
Welcome to London, playground of the rich and titled. Gossip runs amok in the ballrooms, drawing rooms, carriages and theater of the ton. Wagers are a common thing among the peer whether it's horseflesh, cards or seducing a woman of her virtue.
Spotted: A certain Maxwell Buchanan, Lord Hasley, soon-to-be Duke of Wakefieldmaking a wager with nemesis Leonard Reece, Marquis of Fenwicke, future Duke of Southington, of whether a ce...more
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