What the Duke Desires (Billingham Bastards #1)

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What the Duke Desires (Billingham Bastards #1)

by Jenna Petersen (Goodreads Author)

3.83 of 5 stars 3.83 · rating details · 305 ratings · 27 reviews

The duke always gets exactly what he wants . . .

As the new Duke of Billingham, Simon Crathorne has one main duty to fulfill: find a proper wife and continue his family's exalted name. But of all the eligible women who have come to his country party, he desires only one. And she may be the most unsuitable bride of all.

Lillian Mayhew is desperate to expose a devastating secr...more

Paperback, 384 pages

Published October 27th 2009 by Avon (first published October 13th 2009)

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Jun 13, 2012 Nicol Althea rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: narrative-mode-3rd-person, sp-vengeance-is-mine, gnr-historical-romance, hero-awful-tortured-traumatic-past, hero-titled-wealthy, heroine-in-poverty, heroine-awful-traumatic-past, heroine-virgin-naive-inexperienced, sex-b4-marriage, worth-re-reading, hero-illegitimate-adopted, heroine-from-low-class-untitled, hh-masquerade, sp-betrayal-disloyalty, sp-secrets-deceptions, steam-5-scorching-hot, sp-mystery-intrigue, hero-straitlaced-staid-proper, 2012-reads

Now, this is more like it. This is my second book by this author and i like this a lot better than the first one i read entitled "Everything Forbidden." Maybe because that book had more erotic scenes in it than this one. I actually like this book better because i found it sweet and innocent with just a hint of revenge on the sides. :)

I adored the hero Simon Crathorne particularly because he was very honest about his feelings for Lillian. When he realized his unexplainable attraction to her, he t...more Now, this is more like it. This is my second book by this author and i like this a lot better than the first one i read entitled "Everything Forbidden." Maybe because that book had more erotic scenes in it than this one. I actually like this book better because i found it sweet and innocent with just a hint of revenge on the sides. :)

I adored the hero Simon Crathorne particularly because he was very honest about his feelings for Lillian. When he realized his unexplainable attraction to her, he tried to pursue her to see if there's something "more" than mere attraction between them and if something lasting can bloom from it. Unlike other men who hold powerful titles especially that of a duke, Simon didn't deny his feelings towards Lillian despite her obvious unsuitability as his bride. He didn't really give a fig about her past or of the scandal surrounding her family. He pursued her only for who she was and of the feelings that was purely between the two of them, not of the external conceptions and disapprovals surrounding their growing relationship. I also admired his desire to make things right and of how he was strong enough to endure the blows he received when he found out the truth about his esteemed father. Of course, he couldn't have done it without the comfort and support of our dear Lillian.

What i like about Lillian Mayhew is her strength and bravery. Enduring a past like hers must have been really devastating. But instead of being overcome with sadness and defeat, she used her past circumstances to strengthen and motivate herself in pursuing her goal. Sure, i was mildly annoyed at her need of revenge directed at innocent Simon but i deeply understood her reasons for doing so. She was only trying to honor her father's dying wish and i admire her for that. I guess, I would have done the same if i were in her shoes. But i'm really glad that she was able to come to terms with her hatred and revenge at the end. It was because of Simon's sweetness and honesty that melted her revenge driven heart. I also admire how she was very sensitive to Simon's feelings and how she exhibited such strong support for him when he finally uncovered his past. She didn't shun him because of it but all the more came to care for him. And i do love her for that. I'm glad she is who she is because Simon would't have made it without her strength of heart and support. So despite her unsuitable background, i am compelled to say that she is indeed perfect for Simon.

In sum, this is another good read. It makes one feel better after reading it. My favorite part of the book was when Lillian was finally learning to let go of her hatred and need of revenge and was deeply coming to love and care for Simon. That was so moving. Yes, its one of the typical stories out there but i enjoyed it nevertheless. Also this book reminded me of another book entitled Lady Sophia's Lover by Lisa Kleypas, they have similar points but i still love that book better than this one though. Still i enjoyed this one well enough and found it worthy of another read through. Will definitely read it some time in the future. Thanks to the author for delivering us this book. :)(less)

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Jan 02, 2011 Lisa rated it 4 of 5 stars

I wasn't too sure about this book when I started it. Lillian Mayhew is visiting the new Duke of Billingham, Simon Crathorne, with her friend Lady Gabriela. Lillian is there with the sole purpose of extracting revenge against Simon but her hatred is really directed to his late father. The previous duke had done a horrible act against Lillians mother which caused her to commit suicide. As she heard her dying fathers wish to seek revenge, though this was said to her brother, not her, Lillian sets o...more

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Aug 16, 2011 Dana Alma rated it 4 of 5 stars

Blissful! Intriguing! Lillian's desire to exact revenge by way of divulging all of the late Duke of Billingham's secrets keeps a reader interested. Simon's sense of honor and his desire for Lillian is what romances are all about. I'm a Jenna Petersen fan and enjoy her historicals, so when she began this new it was a no brainer, I just had to read it. I've owned this book since 2009 but wanted to reread the series anticipation for the current release of A Scoundrel's Surrender, the 3rd book in th...more

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Jan 30, 2012 Rowena rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: for-review

The last book that I read by Jenna Petersen (Her Notorious Viscount) was a good one. It was funny, entertaining and I really connected with the characters so I was really excited to start this book and I'm happy to announce that she once again entertained the socks off of me.

What the Duke Desires is the first book in her new series, The Billingham Bastards and it follows Simon Crathorne, Duke of Billingham. Simon's father just died and he's inherited the title. He's got a lot of work cut out for...more The last book that I read by Jenna Petersen (Her Notorious Viscount) was a good one. It was funny, entertaining and I really connected with the characters so I was really excited to start this book and I'm happy to announce that she once again entertained the socks off of me.

What the Duke Desires is the first book in her new series, The Billingham Bastards and it follows Simon Crathorne, Duke of Billingham. Simon's father just died and he's inherited the title. He's got a lot of work cut out for him, filling his father's shoes because his father was a pretty stand up guy. Simon and his father were close and Simon thought the world of him but taking over the reigns has made Simon realize that his father wasn't the Saint that he once thought him to be. On top of taking over the title, Simon must find himself a bride to secure an heir to keep the line going. So he hosts a garden party and invites all of the eligible ladies of the ton to come and show themselves off so that he can pick a bride.

Enter Miss Lillian Mayhew. Lillian wasn't exactly invited to the party but she made sure that she came to the party with her best friend, Lady Gabriela. Lillian's on a mission, a mission that was prompted by her late father. You see, Lillian is tainted by scandal. The scandal being that her mother committed suicide and so with the ton whispering behind their hands about her and her family, it's haunted Lillian. On her father's deathbed, she finds out what happened that drove her mother to commit such a horrendous act. Finding out has hardened Lillian and makes her want to avenge her mother's death. She concocts a plan to smear the man's name who is responsible for her mother's death, but while she's trying to bring the man down, she's falling for someone else completely.

It was really easy to fall into the romance between Simon and Lillian. They were easy to connect with and I really enjoyed getting to know Simon. Watching the truth unravel throughout the story for Simon kept me wanting more. I was anxious to see how Simon was going to react to everything he was going to learn about himself, his father and his family. I thought Petersen did a fantastic job of drawing the suspense out.

The one thing that drove me bat shit crazy was how long it took for Lillian to tell Simon the truth about why she came to the party in the first place. She had every opportunity to tell him and she kept withholding the truth from him. The more she didn't say, the more angry I got at her. I was right there with Gabby thinking the same damn thing and frustrated as all get out when she would not open up her mouth and be honest with him. She let him go on and on about trust and still didn't say a damn thing.

Ugh.

But in the end, I got over it and I forgave her because she wasn't a bad heroine. Her reasons for holding out made sense to me and I was glad when her and Simon finally made up. The wealth of love Lillian had for Simon was well written. The lengths to which she was going to go to keep his secret and move on with her life was what really made me forgive her.

This was a great book to start this series off right. It had a lot of enjoyable moments and I'm pretty anxious to see what Petersen has in store for us with the rest of the series. I'm mighty anxious to see how she writes Rhys' character in his story because I didn't care for Rhys at all in this book. He was such a snob and his attitude - even though his attitude was shared by everyone in the ton - still rubbed me the wrong way. So I'm curious to see how Petersen will redeem him in my eyes. When everything comes out in the end and I found out that Rhys was the hero in the next book, I had me a good laugh because, well...haha Rhys!

This was a great book and I definitely recommend this book to historical lovers out there. I think this is an enjoyable read that you won't want to miss.(less)

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Feb 23, 2010 KarenH rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: definitely-worth-your-while

Simon was a dutiful son; and, as heir to the late Roger Crathorne, the revered Duke of Billingham, Simon reluctantly accepted his ducal obligations and allowed his mother to arrange a country house party for the sole purpose of finding him a wife. As Simon stood outside his estate and personally greeted each marriage-minded miss, he was beginning to despair that the party would be all for naught for he hadn't felt a special connection to any of them. That is, however, until Lillian Mayhew steppe...more Simon was a dutiful son; and, as heir to the late Roger Crathorne, the revered Duke of Billingham, Simon reluctantly accepted his ducal obligations and allowed his mother to arrange a country house party for the sole purpose of finding him a wife. As Simon stood outside his estate and personally greeted each marriage-minded miss, he was beginning to despair that the party would be all for naught for he hadn't felt a special connection to any of them. That is, however, until Lillian Mayhew stepped from her friend's carriage. Simon immediately felt a jolt of electricity when their gloved fingers touched; which, of course, ricocheted down to his groin. LOL At that point, the other duchess wannabes should have climbed back in their carriages and headed for home...Simon Crathorne, the new Duke of Billingham, had found what he was looking for. Little did he know, however, that he was interested in the one woman that was all wrong for him. Lillian was indeed in attendance with a single-minded purpose, but it wasn't to woo Simon...it was to destroy him.

What seemed like a simple, light-hearted story at first was not the way of it at all. I was expecting a story line much like Julie Anne Long's Like No Other Lover - an amusing country house party with a "forbidden love" premise - the hero & heroine overcoming their difference in station and ultimately reaching their HEA. While this book did have the same premise, surprisingly, it wasn't the central focus of the story.

The first third of the book established the relationship between Simon and Lillian. Although we learn a little about Simon, it is basically told through Lillian's POV. We know exactly why she is in attendance and what she is determined to do...no matter what she is feeling for the Duke. They do have good chemistry and are both likable characters; and, when Lillian gives up her virginity rather easily, it's believable. After all, she is 27 years old and all but firmly on the shelf. She isn't ruining herself for a future prospective husband...Simon is attractive as hell and he desires her above the rest, so why not?

The second third of the book is where the reader is thrown a curveball. I've read a million books with tortured heroes, but the events that lead to their despair have happened in their past and they come to the table as such. However, in WTDD, we watch an affable, good-natured Simon - due to circumstances beyond his control - transform into the most agonized, tortured hero ever! My heart went out to this poor guy! As the black void of despair is about to swallow him whole, Lillian - at one time so hell-bent on his destruction - becomes Simon's champion.

The final third of the book is all about redemption - for both Simon and Lillian. Lies and deceit are unmasked and laid bare...revealing truths that just might be too much for Simon and Lillian to overcome in their quest for a HEA.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. I've read two others by Jenna (as Jenna) and it's obvious that with each book she is expanding on her capabilities and truly coming into her own as an excellent historical romance author (not to mention her alter ego who is kicking up all sorts of dust in her own right)! If you're in the mood for a truly satisfying novel, complete with good characters, a great story and even greater sex (:D), What the Duke Desires would be a good choice.

Simon

(less)

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Nov 07, 2010 Elle rated it 4 of 5 stars

Petersen does a great job developing a strong emotional connection with her characters. I wish the historical aspect of the story was better researched. I like historicals that put you in the era, filling in details from the period. But on the whole it will be a pleasure to read the rest of this author's work.

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Nov 13, 2009 Kathleen rated it 4 of 5 stars

What The Duke Desires was a toss up between 4 and 5 stars. The reason I went with 4 stars was because I probably would never read it again even though I loved it.
The story was really good, I liked the characters and almost to the middle of the book the heat started and stay hot for the rest of the book. All and all a very good read.

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Nov 03, 2009 Iris rated it 5 of 5 stars

I really like Jenna Petersen's style of writing and I think this is her best book yet. Great characters, complex emotional development and a few surprises along the way together with a romantic and sexy love story. I read romance to make me happy and Petersen always rings my bell without ever being sappy or shallow. This is the best romance I've read this year. I can't wait for the next book in this trilogy.

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Jan 01, 2012 Aihana Chan rated it 3 of 5 stars

Awalnya sih biasa aja. Apalagi Duke nya tipe gentlemen yg bertanggung jawa. Tapi pas menjelang akhir jadi bagus juga soal konflik keluarga. Ampe nangis deh baca gimana ibu tiri si Duke akhirnya mau baikan ama Duke nya lagi. Semua karena kasih sayang ibu semata

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Jul 05, 2011 Kate Smith rated it 1 of 5 stars

Unfortunately this is one of those books I shouldn't have put down for any reason, including cooking dinner, as I didn't want to pick it up again. The plot had potential for a little while yet the characters failed to gran my interest quite early on - the Duke in particular seemed quite naive for an aristocrat of the era raised in full expectation of his position.

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Nov 21, 2009 Margaret rated it 2 of 5 stars

Recommended to Margaret by: givaway by good reads

Shelves: fiction

I won this book in a giveaway. It was okay, but the characters were not fleshed out. The whole book took place in only 1 location. I did not laugh with the characters, or cry with them. It was a weekend read.

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May 26, 2010 Lauren rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: fiction, fiction-romance, historical-romance

Real easy read and I did get teary-eyed a bit too easily imo for this book as it also had major cheese factor going for it. But, it was a lot of fun reading.

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Nov 16, 2009 AnneOK rated it 5 of 5 stars

Just discovered this author and really like her style. Am going to find her other books and read them!

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May 14, 2010 Kelly rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-read

3.5

I just didn't love the h/h together. The chemistry was lacking and the angst got old. Just tell him for crying out loud. I could see the conflict and resolution a mile away.

The reason for the .5 star is the way the old Duke's secret played out I really didn't see that one coming. I didn't love it but it was well hidden.

I think this had real potential for a great dark fleshed out story but it just followed your typical HR formula with rather flat characters.

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Aug 16, 2011 Danette Steward rated it 1 of 5 stars

Shelves: petersen-jenna

Possibly the worst romance I've ever read.

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Aug 30, 2010 Eileen rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

It was a cute book wanted to give it a 3.5 ratings but would read the next book in the series.

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Jan 14, 2011 Beth rated it 3 of 5 stars

Being new to this author, I was pleasantly surprised and enjoyed Jenna Petersen's style of writing. Even though I won this book in a giveaway, & was very happy to have won, it took me a long time to pick it up & actually read it, as I was very hesitant to head down the path of romance novels again. It is definitely a quick read. A good escape, even for a short while on these cold, winter days/nights. I would definitely recommend it to friends, family members that are true romance novel f...more

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Jan 07, 2010 Alicia rated it 4 of 5 stars

Witty and entertaining.

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Jan 07, 2012 Pamela rated it 3 of 5 stars

Rated 3.5

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Oct 22, 2010 ms bookjunkie rated it 2 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, historical, romance

Not my favorite Jenna Petersen book (and I've like some of her others quite a lot). I think it has to do with the subject matter, it is quite heavy so as a read it's emotionally draining instead of being refreshing. (And as I read for the emotional satisfaction…)

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Aug 30, 2010 Katie rated it 4 of 5 stars · review of another edition

Shelves: romance

A good read!

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Sep 19, 2010 Saral rated it 1 of 5 stars

coudn't get past the second chapter

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Sep 17, 2012 Kelli Klein rated it 4 of 5 stars

Nothing that stands out from all the other romance books, but still a very good one and I already marked to read the other books of the Billingham Bastards series.

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Apr 10, 2010 Shyloh rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010, regency-romance

Really liked this book, and I'm glad that even though the hero was royally pissed when he found out Lillian's secret, it did not lead to a months long seperation.

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Nov 18, 2012 Michele Lacroix rated it 4 of 5 stars

Shelves: historical-romance

I enjoyed this book, I must have because I read it before. DAH... It wasn't until I was halfway through it that I remembered it.

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Aug 03, 2010 Alex rated it 3 of 5 stars

Shelves: 2010-books, historical-romance

The plot wasn't that original (except for one thing) but it seemed to capture my attention the whole time, so it was still good.

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Dec 01, 2009 Gordana rated it 4 of 5 stars

fabulous historical romance!

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May 20, 2013 Maria Pedersen marked it as to-read

May 19, 2013 Laura marked it as to-read

Shelves: mmmmxox

May 18, 2013 Kari marked it as to-read

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About Jenna Petersen

Jenna Petersen has been writing full-time since her awesome husband said, "You're only happy when you're writing, why don't you do that?" She's seen nearly 40 books under 3 names published by large New York publishers, small publishers and through self-publishing.

More about Jenna Petersen...

Books by Jenna Petersen

The Unclaimed Duchess (Billingham Bastards, #2)

From London With Love (Lady Spies Series, Book 1)

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What the Duke Desires (Billingham Bastards #1)

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