Rate this book

Clear rating

1 of 5 stars 2 of 5 stars 3 of 5 stars 4 of 5 stars 5 of 5 stars

Bedding Lord Ned (Duchess of Love #1)

3.6 of 5 stars 3.60 · rating details · 676 ratings · 116 reviews

Pleasure Is On Her Dance Card

Determined to find a husband, Miss Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman attends a ball put on by the Duchess of Greycliffe, fondly referred to as the Duchess of Love. But she roundly dismisses the suitors the matchmaking hostess has invited on her behalf. For it's the duchess' dashing son, Ned, Lord Edward, who long ago captured Ellie's heart—and roused her...more

Mass Market Paperback, 325 pages

Published June 5th 2012 by Zebra

more details... edit details

Get a copy:

More…

Friend Reviews

To see what your friends thought of this book, please sign up.

Lists with This Book

A Rogue by Any Other Name by Sarah MacLean

The Duke's Perfect Wife by Jennifer Ashley

2012 Historical Romance Novels

33rd out of 221 books — 536 voters

Historical Romance Novels 2012

54th out of 191 books — 94 voters

More lists with this book...

Community Reviews

(showing 1-30 of 1,450)

filter | sort: default (?) | rating details

Jun 05, 2012 Dinjolina rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: hero-overly-angsty, hero-that-can-have-me-24-7, boring-or-uptight-hero, hero-married-a-freak, saintly-ex-spouse

This was a 5 star book up until the very end. Sadly, the ending was completely flat, and you got the feeling that somebody deleated the last pages of the book by mistake.

A little introduction:
Ned- the widowed hero, and childhood friend of the heroine.
Ellie- the heroine who is hiding her looks ever since the hero married her best friend- the blond and retarded English rose that died in childbirth.
Facts: Ned’s brother Ash is separated from his strong-willed wife. Ned was horrified by this, and by...more

12 likes · like · see review

Jun 11, 2012 SOS Aloha rated it 5 of 5 stars

I have studied many philosophers and many cats. The wisdom of cats is infinitely superior. - Hippolyte Taine

Sally MacKenzie is one of the reasons I read romance in general and Regency romance in particular. I discovered her debut book, THE NAKED DUKE, at the Stars and Stripes Book Store … and laughed my way home through the Netherlands farmlands. I’ve laughed my way through nine NAKED aristocrats.

Last year, MacKenzie introduced us to the DUCHESS OF LOVE. Venus Collingswood fell in love with And...more

3 likes · like · see review

Mar 28, 2013 Laura the Highland Hussy rated it 4 of 5 stars

Review first posted at Demon Lover's Books & More

Those red drawers were going to be the death of her.

Ellie had made them for herself to go with a beautiful, if slightly scandalous, dress for a ball. Her goal had been to capture Ned’s heart. Unfortunately though, her mother made her change. It turned out that Ned and her best friend are announcing their engagement. Within the year, her best friend dies, and she of course, stands by Ned and offers her friendship. It’s said many times that he w...more

4 likes · like · see review

Apr 02, 2013 J. Lynne rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I was really disappointed with this book. The writing style was great and had a smooth flow. However, I didn't like the characters or the story that much.

I could sense the romantic attachment Ellie possessed toward Ned. However, I never felt his toward her. Ellie was too submissive and Ned too domineering for my tastes. In addition, their personalities were too staid. They didn't click as a couple. I kept waiting for a spark between the two that never ignited. Even their solitary sex scene was a...more

like · see review

Mar 27, 2013 Sue rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

Hello, Goodreads friends! This is my first book rating/review in A YEAR, proving that not only can I fail to keep my New Year's resolutions (to enter my books promptly and catch up on my backlog) but I can fail to even start working on my resolutions until nearly April. (-: However, now that I've started, I vow to enter one review a day until I am all caught up. You are -- each one of you -- cordially invited to harass me about this if I fail to keep up this pace. Otherwise, I will never see the...more

like · see review

Mar 21, 2013 Romancing the Book rated it 4 of 5 stars

Reviewed by: Jen
Book provided by: ARC by publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Review: As a longtime fan of Ms MacKenzie’s “Naked Nobility” series, when I saw she was starting a new series, I was curious what “hook” she was going to come up with. This new series is called “The Duchess of Love” and is centering around the matchmaking of the Duchess of Greycliffe (who has the very unfortunate name of Venus Valentine). In this first book, she’s working her magic on her second son,...more Reviewed by: Jen
Book provided by: ARC by publisher
Review originally posted at Romancing the Book

Review: As a longtime fan of Ms MacKenzie’s “Naked Nobility” series, when I saw she was starting a new series, I was curious what “hook” she was going to come up with. This new series is called “The Duchess of Love” and is centering around the matchmaking of the Duchess of Greycliffe (who has the very unfortunate name of Venus Valentine). In this first book, she’s working her magic on her second son, Edward “Ned” Valentine and their neighbor, the vicar’s daughter, Ellie.

Now Ned has been grieving the loss of his wife in childbirth, but has come to the realization that it’s time for him to get married again, and perhaps have those heirs. So he comes to his mother’s house party knowing that she’s going to get setting him up with one of the guests. And on the other hand we have Ellie, who has loved Ned forever. They were childhood friends and she was his wife’s best friend. And she realizes that Ned will never love her and since she wants to have children, she’s decided to allow the duchess to find her a husband. But can she stop comparing her new suitors to Ned?

I really enjoyed this story. I was drawn in from page one and couldn’t wait to see how the love story was going to unfold. The entire story takes place at this house party over the course of about a week. There were at times too many characters to try to keep up with. I mean there’s all of Ned’s family (2 brothers and his parents), Ned and Ellie each have couple suitors, then there’s the requisite bad guy, plus a few more characters for background and to fill out the party atmosphere.

But the one character that really stood out to me was actually the cat, Reggie. He was a little mischievous creature who seemed to be trying to bring Ned and Ellie together. The cat’s antics, and the characters reactions to them, kept a smile on my face and anxiously awaiting to see what would happen next.

What can I say? I laughed, I cried and I enjoyed every minute I spent with Bedding Lord Ned. Ms MacKenzie has written an entertaining tale where I cared about the characters and really was rooting for them to overcome all their obstacles to get to their happily ever after. I can’t wait for the next book in the series to come out so that I can see who The Duchess of Love will work her magic on next. But wait, there is an ebook prequel available, called quite appropriately The Duchess of Love, that tells the duchess’s own love story. Guess what’s up next on my to-read list?(less)

like · see review

Sep 18, 2012 Jessi rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012, 2012-challenge, appealing-characteristic-story, historical, part-of-a-series, romance

Eleanor "Ellie" Bowman has been in love with Lord Edward Valentine, "Ned," since they were children. He ended up marrying her best friend, Cicely, who died in childbirth. Five years ago. Ellie held out some brief hope that Ned might look her way but after such a long break, she's ready to give up. Ned's mother, known to all as the Duchess of Love, is a meddling matchmaker (the cute novella "The Duchess of Love" at the end of the paperback version shows how she got her start.) She's set her sight...more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 10, 2012 Kasey rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: period-pieces-historical-romances, romance

This book was just not for me. It hit all my dislikes. Some will like it and others may love it, but for me it was like nails on a chalkboard to read. I feel bad for my harsh opinion of this book it did have some things going for it.

Ellie was my worst idea of a leading lady and I tried to like her. She wasn't unlikable as a person, but she seemed like a doormat. She pined after this guy for years. He chose someone else she settles for not marrying assuming they will have a long happy marriage....more

1 like · like · see review

Aug 10, 2012 Chelsey rated it 5 of 5 stars

Let me count the ways that I love this book! Sally Mackenzie may just be one of my new favorite authors! I started this book thinking that it would be another sappy love story and I was proved wrong after the first chapter. There were so many things that caught my attention right off the bat and I could not put the book down. As I said before, I made a vow to myself to start trying to read more romance books as well as more historical fiction because I love them both so much but they usually get...more Let me count the ways that I love this book! Sally Mackenzie may just be one of my new favorite authors! I started this book thinking that it would be another sappy love story and I was proved wrong after the first chapter. There were so many things that caught my attention right off the bat and I could not put the book down. As I said before, I made a vow to myself to start trying to read more romance books as well as more historical fiction because I love them both so much but they usually get placed on the back burner when it comes to what needs to be read.

This book starts off at a remote country estate called Greycliffe where the Duchess of Love, Venus, is throwing one of her annual birthday balls in honor of herself and her three son’s birthdays, which just happen to all be on Valentine’s Day. Venus is known as the Duchess of Love because of her superior matchmaking skills and her birthday balls are often used as a place for her to try her hand at placing young men and women together that she believes are evenly matched. This year she wants to find a match for her own son, Lord Edward or otherwise called “Ned.” Venus believes that she has the perfect girl in mind and that is Miss Eleanor “Ellie” Bowman whom has grown up as a child with her sons. In fact they were so close that she fears the boys may only view her as a sister, but of course she hopes that will change, at least for Ned!

Sally Mackenzie hooked me in this wonderful read with none other than an orange tabby cat named Sir Reginald or “Reggie” for short and a pair of red lace panties. He was such a humorous part of this book. He is a natural thief and has a complex with a pair of Ellie’s red panties in which he keeps stealing straight out of her room and somehow always magically carrying them straight to Ned’s room right away. Constantly someone is fussing at poor Reggie for stealing one of their belongings. Reggie is always grooming himself and seems to pay everyone else no never mind which only makes his actions that much more hysterical. Reggie plays a very large helping hand in bringing Miss Bowman and Lord Edward together! I hope to read more about Reggie in other novels in the series.

This book just had the perfect feel to it and as I am sitting here typing up my review I am already wanting to revisit Ellie and Ned’s story. The story takes place in February and snow is constantly falling and it really makes for such a nice and cozy setting. I am so tired of this summer heat and I really appreciated reading about the beautiful pearl white snow. All the characters were talking about going sledding and taking sleigh rides through the newly fallen snow and it really made me miss winter; that is strange isn’t it? There were so many different characters in residence at Greycliffe Estate and each one had an intriguing story. The Duchess of Love has all kinds of tricks up her sleeves with the people she invites and their intended purposes in being there; purposes that no one else but her seem to understand! (You guys will just have to read and find out just exactly what I mean!!)

One of my absolute favorite things about this book is the notes that are at the beginning of each new chapter. The notes were titled, “Venus’s Love Notes” and I am assuming that they were meant to be from the Duchess of Love’s own diary or journal. Here is an example of a few of them, so witty and humorous:

“The meek shall inherit the Earth, but they don’t marry well.”

“Keep a man guessing.”

“The path to true love is not without its slippery roots.”

This is just an example of a few of them. I loved getting to a new chapter just to read them. I highly suggest that my readers check out Sally’s website as she has so many exciting things coming up. One of those is the next book in the series called Surprising Lord Jack which is due to release in March 2013! As you can tell I am already so excited! You can find Sally’s website here!
(less)

like · see review

Jul 01, 2012 Suzanne the Mighty ~Satin Seductress~ rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: friends-to-lovers, funny-funny-har-har, historical-romance, lover-the-cover, pdf-kindle, plain-jane-blue-stocking-spinster, virgin-or-inexperienced-hero

It all started with a silky pair or red knickers. Ellie knows they are scandalous and no one expects that from the very proper spinsterish Miss Ellie Bowman, but she has them anyway. Unfortunately a very mischevious cat keeps finding them and bringing them to his master, the man Ellie has been in love with since she was a child, Lord Edward, Ned. Seeing Ellie's scandalous bloomers has had an odd effect on Ned, he can't help imagining her in them...and nothing else. But he tries to push these tho...more

2 likes · like · see review

Jun 13, 2012 My Book Addiction and More MBA rated it 5 of 5 stars

BEDDING LORD NED by Sally MacKenzie is an exciting historical romance set in Regency England. It is book #1 in the “Duchess of Love” series. It also has the prequel novella “The Duchess of Love” in the back of this book. Can ”Silky Red Bloomers” bring love and romance to a willower and a spinster? Miss Eleanor “Nell” Bowman,a spinster determined to find a husband and forget the man of her heart Lord Edward “Ned”. Lord Ned a handsome widower’s,who has deep regrets at the lost of his wife and chil...more

like · see review

Jun 05, 2012 Amanda rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: romance

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. What is not to love about a story where a cat and a pair of red undergarments plays a significant role? I loved how the book opens, where the characters are stuck in their respective ruts, then break out of them as the story progresses. While this book has the principal hero and heroine, I like the fact that there were several H&H's throughout the story. Parents, siblings, and friends were involved in this story and it made it richer, to me. The villans were e...more

like · see review

Apr 20, 2012 Melanie Adkins rated it 5 of 5 stars

Eleanor Bowman was the vicar's daughter and a bit of a tomboy growing up. She also happened to be in love with Lord Ned from a very early age. She was thought of, by the Duke and Duchess of Greycliffe, Lord Ned's parents, as a daughter. Each year she was invited to the annual Valentine's birthday party. You see, the Duchess of Greycliffe's maiden name was Valentine and she, as well as her three sons, were born on Valentine's day. Eleanor knew of the Duchess' other name in society, the Duchess o...more

like · see review

Jul 14, 2012 Jeannie L rated it 4 of 5 stars

I do read a fair share of historical romance especially by my favorite authors although they are not my first go-to genre. I saw a review from some blog (sorry I couldn't remember whose blog it was and can't give proper credit) and as I read the excerpt, I thought the storyline would be funny and lighthearted enough that I may not feel bored. This is also my first book by Sally MacKenzie.

I certainly did enjoyed the book.

There was humor and it was a really comfortable setting between Ellie, Ned a...more

like · see review

Aug 04, 2012 Manda rated it 3 of 5 stars

Ned (obviously) and Ellie. I picked it up from a B&N display because it contained a bonus novella. I haven't read that yet -- it turns out it's a prequel that is at the end of the book. That makes no sense to me.
The story itself was frustrating in parts because the characters were so oblivious to their own feelings. I did like that Ned was a widower who needed to worth though his worries before moving on, but Ellie waiting and pining so long for him made her seem weak. A thieving cat was inv...more

like · see review

Jan 09, 2013 Erin rated it 3 of 5 stars Recommends it for: historical romance fans

Shelves: historical-setting, romance, setting-doorway, humor, story-doorway

3.5 stars, really, because I really liked the novella that came after the end of the novel.

Ellie Bowman has been pining for her neighbor and childhood friend, Lord Ned Valentine, for years, but he fell in love with and married her best friend instead. Four years after Cicely died in childbirth, Ned has decided it's time he found a new wife. Unfortunately for Ellie, it hasn't occurred to Ned that the perfect second wife is right in front of him, so Ellie resolves to look elsewhere, with the help...more 3.5 stars, really, because I really liked the novella that came after the end of the novel.

Ellie Bowman has been pining for her neighbor and childhood friend, Lord Ned Valentine, for years, but he fell in love with and married her best friend instead. Four years after Cicely died in childbirth, Ned has decided it's time he found a new wife. Unfortunately for Ellie, it hasn't occurred to Ned that the perfect second wife is right in front of him, so Ellie resolves to look elsewhere, with the help of Ned's mother, the "Duchess of Love."

Given the genre, it should surprise no one that the Duchess is secretly plotting to bring her son and Ellie together, although outwardly she has invited two other eligible gentlemen to her annual matchmaking house party. Sir Reginald, the Duchess's thieving housecat, aids the plan by stealing the scandalous red drawers (a.k.a. underwear) Ellie brought with her by accident and repeatedly leaving the garment in Ned's bedroom. When Ned figures out they belong to sedate, frumpy Ellie, his mind suddenly starts picturing her in them, shaking the foundations of his image of her.

I actually thought the ice skating mishap was far more effective a device in opening Ned's eyes to the depth of his regard for Ellie. And I agree with other reviewers who have said that the ending was rushed, rendering it far less believable. If MacKenzie had taken a little more time developing the subplots and her character development, the book would have been much more satisfying. I read this one because it was on Random House's list of top romances for 2012, and I don't think it belonged there. I enjoyed it, but I wouldn't have included it on that list. Still, different things appeal to different people, and this one struck the right chords with the reviewers who made the list. I am more interested in the story behind Ned's brother Ash's estrangement from his wife!

For readers' advisors: story doorway is primary, setting is secondary (19th century England), and character is trailing along behind. There is a sex scene, and some mild historical-style swearing.(less)

like · see review

May 27, 2012 Hilcia rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2012-read, historical, romance, arc, impressions-blog-review

Trope: The secret crush
Setting: A triple birthday party at a country estate
Male Protagonist: Clueless
Female Protagonist: Helplessly in love
Helping Along: A thieving cat, a misplaced pair of red silk drawers, two brothers, and matchmaker extraordinaire, the Duchess of Love

Nell's secret crush on Ned has lasted a lifetime, literally, but Ned chose to marry her best friend instead. He has been a widower for three years and Nell has been turning away all suitors in hopes that someday Ned will turn to...more Trope: The secret crush
Setting: A triple birthday party at a country estate
Male Protagonist: Clueless
Female Protagonist: Helplessly in love
Helping Along: A thieving cat, a misplaced pair of red silk drawers, two brothers, and matchmaker extraordinaire, the Duchess of Love

Nell's secret crush on Ned has lasted a lifetime, literally, but Ned chose to marry her best friend instead. He has been a widower for three years and Nell has been turning away all suitors in hopes that someday Ned will turn to her and see her as a woman and not a friend, with no results. During this year's birthday ball she's determined to let him go and allows the Duchess' help to find another.

Ned grieved for his dead wife for three years and is not interested in his mother's matchmaking efforts. However when he arrives at his mother's country estate for the birthday party and retires to his room only to find a woman, rump in the air, digging under his bed, unbelievably his body comes back to life. Except that the woman turns out to be 'good old Nell.' Ned then decides that maybe it is time to look for a wife to fill his nursery and agrees to his mother's matchmaking plans, and those plans don't include Nell.

Bedding Lord Ned by Sally MacKenzie was fun, funny and sweet. Ned needed a few fights, a thieving cat, a shot of brandy to the face, a whole household, plus I believe a few shots to the head to see what was in front of his face. Nell should have used the red silk drawers earlier and more fun would've been had all around!

The cat was priceless, the red silk drawers excellent bait, and the Duchess of Love and her Greycliffe stole more than a few pages in bedroom scenes, while Ned thoughtlessly bumbled his way around and Nell worked up the nerve to fight for her man. The secondary characters helped to establish the fun atmosphere and Ned's brothers were wonderful. Ash's story about a failed marriage that lasted only one night promises to be a good one, and Jack! Now there's a fun young man with a bit of insight about females. These two brothers stole the spotlight and I look forward to reading their stories.(less)

1 like · like · see review

May 05, 2013 Melliane rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

My English review

Mon avis en Français

J’ai eu la chance de lire le second tome de la série avant le premier. Oui je lis vraiment tout à l’envers pour cette auteure je sais. Mais j’avais vraiment beaucoup apprécié le roman sur Frances et Jack, alors quand j’ai appris la sortie française de Lord Ned à tout Prix, je n’ai pas hésité une seule seconde.

Comme nous le montre le titre, nous suivons cette fois ci Edward, ou Ned, le deuxième fils de la comtesse de Cœur. Quatre ans après la mort de sa femme,...more My English review

Mon avis en Français

J’ai eu la chance de lire le second tome de la série avant le premier. Oui je lis vraiment tout à l’envers pour cette auteure je sais. Mais j’avais vraiment beaucoup apprécié le roman sur Frances et Jack, alors quand j’ai appris la sortie française de Lord Ned à tout Prix, je n’ai pas hésité une seule seconde.

Comme nous le montre le titre, nous suivons cette fois ci Edward, ou Ned, le deuxième fils de la comtesse de Cœur. Quatre ans après la mort de sa femme, il décide maintenant de se trouver une autre femme pour essayer d’avoir des enfants avec elle. Qui de mieux que sa chère mère, grande entremetteuse pour l’aider dans ce grand challenge. Mais il n’y a pas que lui dans cette condition et son amie de toujours, Ellie, est elle aussi en quête d’un mari. Après avoir passé sa jeunesse à attendre que Ned la regarde autrement que comme sa petite sœur, et même après son mariage avec sa meilleure amie, elle n’a pas cessé d’espérer. La mort de Cecily, sa femme a relancé une possibilité, gardant ainsi l’espoir de voir Ned se tourner vers elle, mais en vain. Cette année pour le bal, elle est bien décidée à ce que la Comtesse lui trouve un mari. Quoi qu’il en coûte ! Et si elle ne l’aime pas, ce n’est pas le plus important, elle a maintenant 26 ans et rêve d’avoir une famille à elle. Elle compte ainsi avancer et essayer de laisser ses sentiments de côté. Mais c’est finalement plus facile à dire qu’à faire, surtout quand les deux hommes que la comtesse a invité pour elle, sont des plus spéciaux (et c’est peu dire !). Mais plus encore, le chat du château, grand chapardeur, semble s’être pris d’affection par les dessous en soie rouge scandaleux qu’Ellie a emmenés par erreur. Et bien sûr, à chaque fois qu’il les lui vole, il les amène directement comme toutes ses autres trouvailles dans le lit de Ned, ne manquant pas de provoquer des scènes hilarantes.

J’ai vraiment beaucoup apprécié ce roman et tous ses personnages hauts en couleur. Ils ont tous quelque chose de particulier et c’était très agréable d’apprendre à les connaître tous. Ellie est une jeune femme qui n’a pas froid aux yeux et qui reste très déterminée quand elle veut quelque chose, pourtant Ned arrive à la changer complètement. Lui-même souffre depuis la mort de sa femme et ressasse sans cesse le fait qu’il n’a pas pu la sauver, sans réaliser qu’une personne n’attend juste qu’un geste de lui. On a cependant souvent envie de le secouer pour qu’il réalise ce qu’il se passe et qu’il arrête de se cacher la vérité. Il est parfois très énervant de voir ce qu’il décide de faire. C’était cependant très drôle de les voir courtiser et se faire courtiser par d’autres personnes tout en assistant à leurs sautes d’humeur. Ils se tournent autour et se surveillent sans qu’il n’y ait quoi que ce soit. Mais la duchesse de Cœur est très douée dans ses plans et j’ai adoré les voir exécutés avec brio. Son mari et elle sont deux personnes complètement extravagantes et uniques. Les gens les aiment et nous ne pouvons que faire pareil. Bien sûr, chacun de leurs garçons nous est introduit ici et c’est vrai que j’ai été assez surprise de voir comment Jack était présenté ici après l’avoir vu si différent dans le second roman. Bien sûr nous avons aussi Ash, ce personnage si secret et discret qui a une relation bien difficile avec sa femme. Sachant d’ailleurs que le troisième tome est de son point de vue, j’attends donc avec impatience la sortie du livre ! Je suis curieuse d’en savoir plus au sujet de Jess et de comprendre ce qu’il s’est passé entre eux pour que cela en arrive à cette situation.

C’était un très bon premier tome que je vous recommande chaleureusement. Il est rempli de situations complètement décalées et de personnages qu’on adore ou qu’on déteste mais qui ne nous laisse jamais indifférent. Même si je n’en lis pas énormément, Sally MacKenzie est définitivement mon auteur préféré dans cette catégorie de livres.(less)

like · see review

May 29, 2012 Grace Fonseca rated it 4 of 5 stars

Utterly charming and hilarious. The humor made this book a lot more charming. I really found that this book made me smile and laugh. The two main characters are so different that you don’t think they are going to work, but they do in a very surprising way.

I think part of the charm of Ellie or “Nell” as she is called is that even though everyone claims she wears hideous frocks, there is a side of her that is very adventurous, especially once her red drawers are found. It is a very interesting tu...more

1 like · like · see review

May 08, 2013 Lover of Romance rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance, regency

It has been four years since Ned lost his wife, and he loved her and still at times mourns her loss when she died at childbirth. Ned knows that it is up to him to marry again. Ellie is 26 years old and is still single and has yet to find a husband. Ellie has always been in love with Ned since she was a girl, he was the only one that never knew. Ellie has known the Greycliffe's all of her life. She was raised alongside the Duchesses boys, especially Ned. She knows that Ned just see's her as a fri...more It has been four years since Ned lost his wife, and he loved her and still at times mourns her loss when she died at childbirth. Ned knows that it is up to him to marry again. Ellie is 26 years old and is still single and has yet to find a husband. Ellie has always been in love with Ned since she was a girl, he was the only one that never knew. Ellie has known the Greycliffe's all of her life. She was raised alongside the Duchesses boys, especially Ned. She knows that Ned just see's her as a friend and a sister, not someone to love and marry and share a bed with. Ellie knows that it will be up to her to turn the tide where Ned is concerned. When she is invited to a house party that Ned's mother is hosting, she starts to realize that this is her chance. Only seducing Ned is harder than she thought, she doesn't want to scare him off but at the same time doesn't want to lose him. Ellie will have to use anything at her disposal to weaken his defenses and show him what true love is all about.
I have heard some good and some average things about this series, but I really wanted to give it a shot. Bedding Lord Ned is the first in the series and I have to say I am excited to read the second one now. There were so many things that I enjoyed about this story. It definitely was different and unique and had its own style and even though at times it was a bit predictable, there was enough delights and surprises that made up for it. I wouldn't say that this is my favorite romance by any means, but it was full of hilarious moments and scandalously entertaining. I really liked the characters in the story. Ned is very protective of his feelings and his heart, its like a iron shield and doesn't let anything or anyone in. I found him to be a bit arrogant yet so appealing to my senses. Ellie, I eventually liked when she got spine in the end, but for most of the book, we see how much she cares for Ned but refuses to do anything about it. I wished that she would have been more forward and blunt with him at times, it got annoying a little, but she did have some other qualities that I liked and made up for it in the end. Ned's parents were so fun and delightful and I just can't wait to read their novella, which is up next to read. I have to say that the Mother's interfering ways in getting Ned and Ellie together were beyond amusing and she was very confident and I found that I just loved her from the first. I do want to say something about the Duchess's Cat, who was probably my favorite. Now this cat is not normal, he tends to steal items from guests constantly and no one has any idea how. The only complaint I had is I wish that the romance between Ned and Ellie was a bit more fast paced than it was, but overall a fun and sexy read. Bedding Lord Ned is full of a sexy writing style that completely captures the readers attention and doesn't let go until the end. A Lovely story that warmed my heart and stirred up the senses in such a way that it will take your breath away. RECOMMEND IT!!!(less)

like · see review

Jun 25, 2012 Mary rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: regency-romance, kindle-edition

This book was just too slow for me. The two main characters, Ellie and Ned, don't have any "romantic" interaction until the last chapter. Not even a kiss!

I would have enjoyed the book more if they had gotten together earlier..and then we could watch them struggle with their relationship. There were so many times in the first 80% of the book.. when I thought they'd at least kiss..in fact so did Ellie! While I realize that Ned was supposed to be a bit dense as far as how Ellie felt about him, and...more

1 like · like · see review

Jun 21, 2012 Toni rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: kensington-arcs

Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to move on.

For years Ellie has loved Ned. They grew up together, but he never saw her as more than a sister. She watched him fall in love with her good friend, Cicely, marry her then bury her. She was also there for him during his years of mourning. She is not getting any younger and she refuses to be the spinster aunt. During this year’s annual birthday party, she is going to move on. She is going to welcome the advances of single men and she is going to be...more Sometimes the hardest thing to do is to move on.

For years Ellie has loved Ned. They grew up together, but he never saw her as more than a sister. She watched him fall in love with her good friend, Cicely, marry her then bury her. She was also there for him during his years of mourning. She is not getting any younger and she refuses to be the spinster aunt. During this year’s annual birthday party, she is going to move on. She is going to welcome the advances of single men and she is going to be open to the possibilities. Now she just needs to convince her heart.

Four years ago, Ned lost his loving perfect wife and son, during childbirth. He has decided that he must move on and find a new wife and start filling his nursery. Nothing like taking advantage of the hand selected single women at the annual Valentine House Party. The men and women that the Duchess of Love invites are carefully selected for optimal matchmaking. There is nothing like the present to take advantage of his mother’s skills. It shouldn’t be too hard. He only wants a wife; he doesn’t ever want to find love again. This should be very simple.

While a storm stirs outside Greycliffe Castle, the six men and six women are entertained by the Duke and the Duchess. Meals are shared, games are played and attachments are made. Things are shaping up, but not how the Duchess of Love ever expected. All she can do is set the stage. Now she has to sit back and allow the players to play the game.

This is a very pleasant read. I do highly suggest that you read the prequel The Duchess of Love prior to beginning this novel. It is a very fun introduction to the woman behind the Duchess of Love. I will admit that I may have enjoyed her tale even more than Ned’s. Now approximately 30 years after the prequel, she is still up to her matchmaking shenanigans, but on a much larger scale. This story might be how Ellie and Ned finally come together, but the Duchess is always in the background actually having more fun than the main couple. I liked it!

The duration of the story happens in the days leading up to the annual Valentine Ball. You spend many days and nights with the couples as they learn about each other and discover if there will be any love matches. Bedding Lord Ned is not action packed, smutty, or even overly comedic. It is a very pleasant enjoyable read that takes you on a journey of discovery.

I was a bit disappointed at the abrupt ending of the book though. I enjoyed how Ellie finally found her courage, and Ned emerged from his slump, but it happened rather quickly and when it was done, well it was just done. I would have enjoyed a bit more of the aftermath. There was also no set up for the next book. That can actually be a good thing, because I’m not a fan of cliff hangers, but I have no clue who the next “victim” will be for the Duchess.

I have been drawn in. I am anxious to find out more about the mystery behind Ash’s marriage. I can’t wait to meet the woman that will eventually tame the youngest of the Valentine men. I wonder if she will expand beyond her immediate family and find matches for some of the people we have met in this story. Oh I could go on and on, but suffice it to say…I’m hooked. Good or bad, love or hate – I want more Duchess of Love!(less)

like · see review

Feb 25, 2013 Tory rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: favorites-historical, historical, regency

I really liked Eleanor. Ned was fairly oblivious and steeped in his guilt over losing his wife and child. He has finally decided to start looking for a 2nd wife. Eleanor has given up home that Ned will notice her and so has decided to use this house party to find a husband. At times it was frustrating seeing Ned being oblivious and focusing on Juliet who resembled his first wife. I didn't quite understand why Eleanor was deliberately wearing unflattering clothing and why her mother wouldn't have...more

like · see review

Apr 16, 2013 Lorraine rated it 2 of 5 stars

It was OK. Didn't feel the heat between all that much. He was a bit of a stick in the mud for me. I didn't like that there was more romance and sex between the parents of the hero then encounters by the hero/heroine.

This is my second book by this author and I've noticed that anytime the female lead wanted to go for a second round the male lead put a total stop to it... how boring. Don't people have sex more then once in these books??? I understand if you're a virgin, you don't necessarily want t...more

like · see review

Feb 21, 2013 Nancy Goldberg rated it 4 of 5 stars

Very nice light, fast-paced read. I loved Reggie because I'm a cat lover. My cat doesn't steal things, but he does like to redecorate the house, shred paper towels, and talk to me with his kitty meows.

I also loved Ned and Ellie and thought they were a good match. Ned couldn't see that Ellie has been in love with him for years, but everyone else could. I enjoyed that plot twist, and love books like that. The story was funny and went so fast that I was sorry when it was over. I'm looking fotward t...more

like · see review

Oct 30, 2012 Megan Lavey-Heaton rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: ebook, romance

I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure what to think based on the title, but this turned out to be a surprisingly sweet and sexy story. This is a case where I loved all of the characters and was really pleased to see the titular Duchess and her husband be passionate and romantic several decades into their marriage. I know they get their own story, and I plan to be reading it in short order. My favorite character though, hands down, was the thieving cat Reggie. Probably becau...more

like · see review

Sep 28, 2012 Sharyn rated it 3 of 5 stars

Since I loved the "Naked" series, I was excited to find this at the library. How did I miss it? There is a prequel Novella at the end of the book, which I read 1st. Loved the character of the future Duchesse. The book takes place 30 years later as the Duchesse wants her 3 sons to be happily married. There is the usual miscommunication in books of this type, but the resolution does take a long time. The book is funny, though Ned is afraid to love again after his wife dies in childbirth. But there...more

like · see review

Mar 30, 2013 Beate rated it 5 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: historical, romance, favorites

It's been a long while since I read a Regency book this authentic. The author didn't skirt around anything sexy, but still made it smut free. Ish. I loved the characters, even if I wanted to kick them in the butt now and then. Something that is rare for a Regency book, is humor. But this one was full of funny situations.

With a Heroine hiding behind hideous dresses, a Hero who doesn't know his ass from his head, and a cat who loves to steal ladies' underwear, you know you have an excellent book i...more

like · see review

Jun 08, 2012 Donna rated it 5 of 5 stars

I was a little apprehensive because the title was so cheesy, but I just loved this one!! Ellie was completely likeable and I felt myself giving her advice..."Don't settle, go for NED!!" The seduction scene was actually very funny. I wanted to whack Ned up side the head on more than one occasion but he managed to come through in the end!! I don't generally like interfering parents, but the duchess wasn't too bad!! I'm looking forward to more books in the series. I just hope the next one isn't "In...more

like · see review

Dec 12, 2012 Jackie rated it 5 of 5 stars

This review has been hidden because it contains spoilers. To view it, click here. n Bedding Lord Ned we meet Ned and Ellie. Lord Edward or Ned is finally ready to remarry after 4 years of mourning his wife and child. Ellie has secretly lusted after Ned since they were children. Even after Ned married her best friend she hid in the shadows avoiding any possible suitors while still pining after Ned. She stood by and helped him get through his mourning of his love. This is the year Ellie has decided that she is too old to hope for Ned to see her as anything other than a friend....more

like · see review

« previous 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9 … 48 49 next »

new topic
Discuss This Book

There are no discussion topics on this book yet. Be the first to start one »

Recommend it | Stats | Recent status updates

combine
Other Editions (7)

More editions...

Genres

Romance

75 users

Romance > Historical Romance

75 users

Historical Fiction

10 users

Regency

9 users

Historical Romance > Regency Romance

7 users

Adult

6 users

Humor > Funny

3 users

Humor

2 users

European Literature > British Literature

2 users

Womens Fiction > Chick Lit

2 users

See top shelves...

Readers also enjoyed similar books

About Sally MacKenzie

Sally MacKenzie decided to become a writer in grade school when she read one of her stories to the class. Her classmates laughed and she was hooked. She sat down immediately to pen her first novel.

Well, not exactly.

The hooked part is right--cursed might be a better description--but the sitting down and writing part came later. Much later.

Sally eventually went on to college, majoring in English, a...more Sally MacKenzie decided to become a writer in grade school when she read one of her stories to the class. Her classmates laughed and she was hooked. She sat down immediately to pen her first novel.

Well, not exactly.

The hooked part is right--cursed might be a better description--but the sitting down and writing part came later. Much later.

Sally eventually went on to college, majoring in English, and, upon graduation, did what many English majors do--she went to law school. But she still couldn’t shake her dream of writing fiction. Midway through law school, she faced the fact that she really did not want to be a lawyer. She took a permanent leave of absence, came home to the Washington, D.C. area, and sat down to type her first novel.

Well, not exactly.

She did come home and write, but mostly she wrote regulations for the United States government’s school nutrition programs. (Ketchup as a vegetable, anyone?) When her law school sweetheart graduated, he moved to D.C. and they got married. A couple years later, the first of their four sons was born, and Sally “retired” to manage their family. She wrote a story or two and some picture book texts, all now stored away in a filing cabinet, but she spent most of her energies on baby tending which rapidly evolved into carpool driving. She became an extremely skilled scheduler, getting all four boys to soccer, basketball, baseball, track, swimming, piano, scouts, and birthday parties without ever losing one. (Okay, she did lose the youngest for a few minutes, but she found him before he’d toddled into the parking lot.) And she did more writing--school newsletters, auction programs, class plays, swim league guidance, and the acclaimed annual MacKenzie family newsletter--but no fiction.

Finally, the boys started driving (Eek!) and leaving for college. The nest was emptying and she wasn't getting any younger. The time had come to chase the dream or let it go for good, so she sat down at the computer and wrote. And rewrote. And rewrote again until she had a polished manuscript. She joined the Romance Writers of America, and when the plea went out for Regency manuscripts for the 2004 Golden Heart contest, she sent in The Naked Duke. The stars aligned. She made the final round, and one of the judging editors liked the manuscript and offered to buy it.

Yee haw!!

When not writing or obsessing over the various mysteries of book promotion, Sally can be found at the gym working hard to age gracefully, at the pool on the SLOW side of the Masters swim practice, or at one meeting or another volunteering at the helm of the summer swim league.

Here's Sally with her family--she's 5 ft. 8 in. tall, but she's short in this crowd. (less)

More about Sally MacKenzie...

Books by Sally MacKenzie

More…

Share This Book

Facebook Twitter Your website

Trivia About Bedding Lord Ned

No trivia or quizzes yet. Add some now »

title link	preview: Bedding Lord Ned
avg rating	preview: Bedding Lord Ned Goodreads rating: 3.60 (676 ratings)
small image	preview: click here [close]
med image	preview: click here [close]
BBCode	[url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13223652-bedding-lord-ned?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book][img]http://d.gr-assets.com/books/1327186381l/13223652.jpg[/img][/url] [url=http://www.goodreads.com/book/show/13223652-bedding-lord-ned?utm_medium=api&utm_source=blog_book]Bedding Lord Ned by Sally MacKenzie[/url]

Bedding Lord Ned (Duchess of Love #1)

Friend Reviews

Community Reviews

Share This Book

Share This Book on Your Website