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Rhymes With Love #1
Along Came a Duke
"A young lady with a fortune is subject to all sorts of untoward attentions by the worst sort of vagrants." — Aunt Allegra
A lesson Tabitha Timmons, a penniless spinster, has never needed to heed. That is, until she is left a vast fortune payable only upon her marriage to the very respectable Mr. Barkworth—a match that offers little chance of discovering exactly what her aunt means by "untoward attentions."
But the same can't be said when the Duke of Preston happens along Tabitha's path. He spies a rebellious streak in her that matches his own and he makes it his mission to save her from such a passionless match, interfering in her life at every turn. All too soon, Preston—whose very name spells ruin—has Tabitha caught between the good fortune that guarantees her security, and his kiss, which promises an entirely different kind of happily-ever-after.
A lesson Tabitha Timmons, a penniless spinster, has never needed to heed. That is, until she is left a vast fortune payable only upon her marriage to the very respectable Mr. Barkworth—a match that offers little chance of discovering exactly what her aunt means by "untoward attentions."
But the same can't be said when the Duke of Preston happens along Tabitha's path. He spies a rebellious streak in her that matches his own and he makes it his mission to save her from such a passionless match, interfering in her life at every turn. All too soon, Preston—whose very name spells ruin—has Tabitha caught between the good fortune that guarantees her security, and his kiss, which promises an entirely different kind of happily-ever-after.
362 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published May 29, 2012
240 people are currently reading
2149 people want to read
About the author
Elizabeth Boyle
85 books2,061 followersElizabeth Boyle is the New York Times bestselling author of 27 historical romance novels and several novellas. Her upcoming novel, O LITTLE TOWN OF BETHLEHEM, is a mix of women's fiction and historical fiction, with a bit of magic thrown in. This story of friendship and empowerment is already getting rave reviews.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
Her first novel, Brazen Angel, won Dell's Diamond Debut Award and the Romance Writers of America's RITA Award for Best First Book. Her books are called "fast-paced," "adventurous," and "funny."
Not sure where to begin? If you love adventure, try THIS RAKE OF MINE or ONE NIGHT OF PASSION.
If you need to laugh, SOMETHING ABOUT EMMALINE, LOVE LETTERS FROM A DUKE, or THE VISCOUNT WHO LIVED DOWN THE LANE.
Want a little magic in your romance? Try HIS MISTRESS BY MORNING.
When not writing, Elizabeth enjoys knitting, gardening, travel and reading a wide variety of stories. She lives with her family in Seattle.
Sign up for her weekly newsletter, Five Things for Friday on her website. A weekly roundup of books, shows, and things to cook or laugh over, her readers love this weekly laugh.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 434 reviews
June 19, 2015
Country spinster Tabitha (Tabby) Timmons must marry a man chosen by her deceased uncle in order to inherit a vast fortune. At an inn, on her way to London, she meets the devil-may-care Duke of Preston, a charming young man afflicted by a dry cynical wit, a severe case of incredible good looks and a mysterious aversion to consuming meals alone. A peculiar bond is soon formed and Preston will do anything possible to save his Tabby from a dull marriage.
In all the ensuing mayhem, a special mention goes to Mr. Muggins, an Irish terrier of dubious pedigree with an irrepressible penchant for chasing after feathers, whether still attached to the legitimate winged proprietor or decorating a fashionable piece of attire.
Just a brief comment.
It's a merry romp going to-and-fro from the countryside to London and back that resembles a quirky screwball-ish comedy of manners of yore. The rhythm is very fast-paced, the writing witty and the banters between the H\h are fun to follow.
Preventing me from a higher rating two major quibbles.
First, the horrible childhood trauma explaining Preston's reluctance in dining by himself still as an adult was so sad and heartbreaking that it really had no place in a book of such fluffy tone as this one.
Second, especially in the last part, all the farcical threads running around seemed to get tangled to the point of becoming chaotic, as if the puppeteer was losing control over the strings.
Complaints about some jarring elements aside, the sparkly and bubbly sense of humour of the writing style eventually saved the day and may be enough to lure me into trying this author again in the future.
December 9, 2020
It's been a while since I read a book (I know, shame on me ;____;), but hoooly god, this is why I love historical romances because they are light and frothy and you can smile and giggle like an idiot all you like because you are wearing anti-pollution mask while travelling in the metro train and your copassengers are none the wiser.
November 9, 2022
Tenía mil años que no leía romance histórico y ya necesitaba mi dosis.
Y que más que una historia de una solterona con un DUQUE, si leyeron bien un duque es my weakness.
Tabitha sabe que prefiere quedarse solterona a perder su libertad con un hombre y más si es un canalla, sin vergüenza, aunque muy atractivo como el duque de Preston.
Pero recibe la noticia que es la heredera de una fortuna y para poder cobrarla se tiene que casar con el hombre que dispuso su tío y ella prefiere casarse cobrar la herencia que ser siempre la sirvienta de sus tíos y sin sueldo.
Preston se entera de esto y no está dispuesto que Tabby se case con un hombre que sólo quiere su dinero y que en el proceso va a cambiar su esencia libre y hará todo lo imposible para impedir esa boda aunque pierda su corazón.
La verdad es que al principio se me hizo muy lento, pero conforme avanza mejora muchísimo, me gustaron mucho los protagonistas y su humor, la tensión sexual que tenían y me hubiera encantado que tuviera más escenas spicy, más besos.
De igual manera me gustó, no es el mejor de la autora y puede que siga con la serie.
Y que más que una historia de una solterona con un DUQUE, si leyeron bien un duque es my weakness.
Tabitha sabe que prefiere quedarse solterona a perder su libertad con un hombre y más si es un canalla, sin vergüenza, aunque muy atractivo como el duque de Preston.
Pero recibe la noticia que es la heredera de una fortuna y para poder cobrarla se tiene que casar con el hombre que dispuso su tío y ella prefiere casarse cobrar la herencia que ser siempre la sirvienta de sus tíos y sin sueldo.
Preston se entera de esto y no está dispuesto que Tabby se case con un hombre que sólo quiere su dinero y que en el proceso va a cambiar su esencia libre y hará todo lo imposible para impedir esa boda aunque pierda su corazón.
La verdad es que al principio se me hizo muy lento, pero conforme avanza mejora muchísimo, me gustaron mucho los protagonistas y su humor, la tensión sexual que tenían y me hubiera encantado que tuviera más escenas spicy, más besos.
De igual manera me gustó, no es el mejor de la autora y puede que siga con la serie.
January 21, 2013
Along Came a Duke is the first in the Rhymes with Love series. Tabitha Timmons is a country miss who is well past the normal marriage age, she has no desire to marry. That is until her maternal uncle’s death leaves her an heiress, subject to her marrying the man of his choice, Mr. Reginald Barkworth, before she turns 25. That happy day, of course, is only weeks away.
Along the way she meets Christopher Seldon, the Duke of Preston. Preston is a young man who spends his time gambling, drinking, wagering, and basically being a rake of the worst sort. He has just caused a peer to make a poor wager that ended up ruining him, and as a result society has made him and his family outcasts.
Tabitha and Preston inevitably meet. He keeps his identity as a duke secret from her and they begin a flirtation though she doesn’t really like him and while he is instantly taken with her he isn’t sure why.
Tabitha meets her fiancé, Barkworth and he is not to her liking. She does not want to go through with the wedding but doesn’t know how to stop it and continues her flirtation with Preston. Preston doesn’t feel Barkworth is right for her and when she asks Preston to ruin her so Barkworth will call off the wedding he agrees.
That’s not the end though, there is plenty of secrets and mayhem to follow.
Like most Elizabeth Boyle book, this one had potential, but it just didn’t work for me. Tabitha lives with her aunt and uncle. She is forced to live in the attic and is treated like a servant. Her strong dislike of marriage seems odd. Does she want to be a slave to her aunt and uncle all her life? Marriage seems to be the only way out for her.
Preston himself is not an interesting character and nothing is done to make him seem, well, ducal. He plays too much. He has little care about what his antics do to his family. He has no interest or knowledge in running his estates. I will grant that it is amusing to watch him chase Tabitha around but there is no substance to him, even when he decides to walk a straighter path.
Preston’s shunning by society also did not ring true to me. He’s a duke of marriageable age and he’s cut because he gambles, sleeps around, and pushes peers into wagers they ultimately lose. Didn’t many of them do that? I understand he’s not a polite society favorite, but the shunning of a duke did not make sense.
Barkworth is drawn so opposite to Tabitha it’s almost comical but still painful. They have nothing in common, he hates what she likes and vice versa. His mother, who would live with them of course, is high strung, overbearing, and has Barkworth under her thumb. They are caricatures of a bad fiancé and bad mother in law. Having better characters where Tabitha faced a dilemma about wanting to marry him might have made for a better story.
Really this book is a combination of several standard story tropes and cliches. No one of them is written all that interestingly and combining them all together in one story did not make for a very interesting read. The book felt like a sitcom to me, a general story, some laughs, but skims the surface in formulaic way. I give it an okay and hope for a better book 2.
Along the way she meets Christopher Seldon, the Duke of Preston. Preston is a young man who spends his time gambling, drinking, wagering, and basically being a rake of the worst sort. He has just caused a peer to make a poor wager that ended up ruining him, and as a result society has made him and his family outcasts.
Tabitha and Preston inevitably meet. He keeps his identity as a duke secret from her and they begin a flirtation though she doesn’t really like him and while he is instantly taken with her he isn’t sure why.
Tabitha meets her fiancé, Barkworth and he is not to her liking. She does not want to go through with the wedding but doesn’t know how to stop it and continues her flirtation with Preston. Preston doesn’t feel Barkworth is right for her and when she asks Preston to ruin her so Barkworth will call off the wedding he agrees.
That’s not the end though, there is plenty of secrets and mayhem to follow.
Like most Elizabeth Boyle book, this one had potential, but it just didn’t work for me. Tabitha lives with her aunt and uncle. She is forced to live in the attic and is treated like a servant. Her strong dislike of marriage seems odd. Does she want to be a slave to her aunt and uncle all her life? Marriage seems to be the only way out for her.
Preston himself is not an interesting character and nothing is done to make him seem, well, ducal. He plays too much. He has little care about what his antics do to his family. He has no interest or knowledge in running his estates. I will grant that it is amusing to watch him chase Tabitha around but there is no substance to him, even when he decides to walk a straighter path.
Preston’s shunning by society also did not ring true to me. He’s a duke of marriageable age and he’s cut because he gambles, sleeps around, and pushes peers into wagers they ultimately lose. Didn’t many of them do that? I understand he’s not a polite society favorite, but the shunning of a duke did not make sense.
Barkworth is drawn so opposite to Tabitha it’s almost comical but still painful. They have nothing in common, he hates what she likes and vice versa. His mother, who would live with them of course, is high strung, overbearing, and has Barkworth under her thumb. They are caricatures of a bad fiancé and bad mother in law. Having better characters where Tabitha faced a dilemma about wanting to marry him might have made for a better story.
Really this book is a combination of several standard story tropes and cliches. No one of them is written all that interestingly and combining them all together in one story did not make for a very interesting read. The book felt like a sitcom to me, a general story, some laughs, but skims the surface in formulaic way. I give it an okay and hope for a better book 2.
November 11, 2018
Agotador… aunque nunca pensé que un libro de este género podría clasificarse así. Cada mínima escena ocupa páginas y páginas, dándose vueltas sobre lo mismo. En los diálogos, cada intervención de algún personaje va seguida de párrafos y párrafos en que se sigue su línea de pensamiento, diseccionado cada aspecto de su comentario/pregunta; tanto así, que cuando llegas a la intervención del interlocutor, tienes que devolverte incluso páginas enteras para recordar lo que había dicho/preguntado el primer personaje.
Sin embargo, creo que lo anterior podría haberse perdonado si no fuera porque es una novela “cliché” hasta límites insospechados, con personajes casi caricaturescos por su extremismo y un argumento bastante simplón, ya visto innumerables veces y mucho mejor tratado. Hacia el final intenta despegar, con algo de éxito, por lo que no puedo ser tan drástica a la hora de valorarlo del todo mal.
Creo que los nuevos autores deben esforzarse un poco más para estar a la altura de aquellos lectores que disfrutamos los buenos libros del género romántico, en que cada vez exigimos mejores y más elaboradas historias.
Sin embargo, creo que lo anterior podría haberse perdonado si no fuera porque es una novela “cliché” hasta límites insospechados, con personajes casi caricaturescos por su extremismo y un argumento bastante simplón, ya visto innumerables veces y mucho mejor tratado. Hacia el final intenta despegar, con algo de éxito, por lo que no puedo ser tan drástica a la hora de valorarlo del todo mal.
Creo que los nuevos autores deben esforzarse un poco más para estar a la altura de aquellos lectores que disfrutamos los buenos libros del género romántico, en que cada vez exigimos mejores y más elaboradas historias.
June 8, 2012
"Sir, I will have you know, I never intend to go seeking a husband and am quite content with that notion." There, she'd managed her mind, and fortified by her first success she continued unabashedly, "Marriage offers no benefits to a lady, save leaving her a servant to a man's fickle whims and his selfish demands."
What a difference a day or even a few hours can make...
Tabitha Timmons was the daughter of a Vicar. When he passed, she was taken in by her Uncle and his wife. They hadn't done so out of the kindness of their heart, however, she was part of a package deal. Her uncle would only be allowed to take over the vicarage if he agreed to take her in. Unfortunately, they didn't treat her like family, they treated her more like a maid and had her doing the cleaning and cooking and anything else that caught their fancy.
Just days after making her passionate declaration that she would never seek a husband, Tabitha was on her way to London to get married. Her uncle on her mother's side of the family had passed away and she was his only living heir. He'd left his vast fortune to her with only one stipulation, that she marry by the age she reached her majority and, if she wasn't already married, that she wed the man he'd chosen for her prior to his death--Mr Reginald Barkworth.
It seemed all had been decided for her and her new fate set. If not for a chance encounter between Tabitha and Preston, the man Tabitha had made the aforementioned declaration to, things may have turned out very differently. For on her way to London to meet her betrothed, along came a Duke (Preston) that should have scared Miss Timmons away, but decidedly didn't.
__________________
This was a deliciously delightful read. I just adored the chemistry between Preston and Tabitha. The attraction between the two was undeniable and Preston's initial reaction to that attraction was priceless. I loved watching Preston realize his feelings for Tabitha after most of those closest to him already did. His actions had me laughing myself silly, grinning from ear to ear, and shaking my head wondering, "What does he think he's doing?" I loved how Tabitha didn't miss a beat and just did her best to smooth over his deliberate bad behavior. It's always fun to watch a man go a little crazy about a woman.
Tabitha was fun and, as I insinuated, cool under pressure. She started out the book in a bad position--under her aunt's and uncle's thumb, but proved to be smart and resourceful. I enjoyed the witty banter she and Preston shared and how she wasn't intimidated by his position or his bad reputation. I loved how she saw past the illusion he'd constructed around himself and saw to the heart of the man who resided underneath. I also liked the added dimension Reginald Barkworth, the man she came to London to marry, brought to the story.
Overall, I loved the book and gave it 5 out of 5 roses. It has a charming blend of humor, wit, and romance with a dash of suspense mixed in. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earns a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I highly recommend this one who loves humorous romances that leave you with a smile on your face.
What a difference a day or even a few hours can make...
Tabitha Timmons was the daughter of a Vicar. When he passed, she was taken in by her Uncle and his wife. They hadn't done so out of the kindness of their heart, however, she was part of a package deal. Her uncle would only be allowed to take over the vicarage if he agreed to take her in. Unfortunately, they didn't treat her like family, they treated her more like a maid and had her doing the cleaning and cooking and anything else that caught their fancy.
Just days after making her passionate declaration that she would never seek a husband, Tabitha was on her way to London to get married. Her uncle on her mother's side of the family had passed away and she was his only living heir. He'd left his vast fortune to her with only one stipulation, that she marry by the age she reached her majority and, if she wasn't already married, that she wed the man he'd chosen for her prior to his death--Mr Reginald Barkworth.
It seemed all had been decided for her and her new fate set. If not for a chance encounter between Tabitha and Preston, the man Tabitha had made the aforementioned declaration to, things may have turned out very differently. For on her way to London to meet her betrothed, along came a Duke (Preston) that should have scared Miss Timmons away, but decidedly didn't.
__________________
This was a deliciously delightful read. I just adored the chemistry between Preston and Tabitha. The attraction between the two was undeniable and Preston's initial reaction to that attraction was priceless. I loved watching Preston realize his feelings for Tabitha after most of those closest to him already did. His actions had me laughing myself silly, grinning from ear to ear, and shaking my head wondering, "What does he think he's doing?" I loved how Tabitha didn't miss a beat and just did her best to smooth over his deliberate bad behavior. It's always fun to watch a man go a little crazy about a woman.
Tabitha was fun and, as I insinuated, cool under pressure. She started out the book in a bad position--under her aunt's and uncle's thumb, but proved to be smart and resourceful. I enjoyed the witty banter she and Preston shared and how she wasn't intimidated by his position or his bad reputation. I loved how she saw past the illusion he'd constructed around himself and saw to the heart of the man who resided underneath. I also liked the added dimension Reginald Barkworth, the man she came to London to marry, brought to the story.
Overall, I loved the book and gave it 5 out of 5 roses. It has a charming blend of humor, wit, and romance with a dash of suspense mixed in. On the Lisarenee Romance Rating Scale, this one earns a STEAM rating--too hot for a fan, but you still have a handle on things. You should use extreme caution when reading a book with this rating in public. People may inquire as to why you looked flustered and flushed. I highly recommend this one who loves humorous romances that leave you with a smile on your face.
October 25, 2013
A delightful lovely funny story.
I was left in stitches laughing when in a span of a greeting and a dance, the Duke called Tabitha's soon to be fiancee Mr. Barkworth...
Barkley
Barks
Barkstone
Barkshire
Barkwell
Barkle
Barkling
Barkhall
Barkton
Barkless
...and despite trying to correct him, he still managed to call him...
Barkfool. Ahahaha
Apparently it doesn't take much for me to like the joke
I was left in stitches laughing when in a span of a greeting and a dance, the Duke called Tabitha's soon to be fiancee Mr. Barkworth...
Barkley
Barks
Barkstone
Barkshire
Barkwell
Barkle
Barkling
Barkhall
Barkton
Barkless
...and despite trying to correct him, he still managed to call him...
Barkfool. Ahahaha
Apparently it doesn't take much for me to like the joke
July 22, 2019
The game is on in this delightful Regency romance, with great humor and a poignant love story.
January 30, 2013
So I'm pretty down with the whole regency romance novel formula, and most of the time I can find aspects of a novel from this genre to enjoy. Not so with this latest offering from Elizabeth Boyle. The problem for me was the protagonists. Tabitha Timmons is apparently your quintessential vicar's daughter: chaste, moral, bit of a stick up her butt. Which apparently excuses the fact that one touch by our "hero" results in her dissolving into a pile of tragic, oh so feminine, oh so fluttery goo. He touches her fingertips during a dance and she feels fireworks...the room around them disappears...and she all but wants to rip off her muslin and do him on the marble. Whatevs Lizzie. I like my female protagonists a little sturdier in the thinkin' department, thanks.
The male protagonist, Christopher Seldon, The Duke of Preston is basically your run of the mill alpha. And by alpha I mean, giant douche canoe. But his olds and sibs are dead, so we're meant to forgive him for being a prat. I couldn't. I spent the whole time hoping that Tabby would flip him the bird and high tail it back to Kempton. Unfortunately, no dice.
The male protagonist, Christopher Seldon, The Duke of Preston is basically your run of the mill alpha. And by alpha I mean, giant douche canoe. But his olds and sibs are dead, so we're meant to forgive him for being a prat. I couldn't. I spent the whole time hoping that Tabby would flip him the bird and high tail it back to Kempton. Unfortunately, no dice.
June 14, 2015
This wasn't the most historically accurate romance novel I've read, but it was so much fun that I decided to stop nitpicking and enjoy the ride read.
It was my first book by this author, but you can wager that it won't be my last.
It was my first book by this author, but you can wager that it won't be my last.
September 7, 2020
This is my third book by Elizabeth Boyle. The first book (Love Letters From a Duke) was a DNF and the second was a novella (Cynders & Ashe) that I rated a 1 star. I don't even recall what the novella was about.
Things I didn't like about the book:
The heroine learns she's to inherit her maternal uncle's money, yet she doesn't ask to meet with the solicitor for more details about the will and requirements?
The hero is a duke, but he's not very ducal. He doesn't seem to care about his estates and responsibilities at all.
Some of the things that occur in this book are kind of unbelievable for that time period, or the reactions/lack of consequences aren't accurate. For instance, Secondly, the H/h
At least two scenes lasted way too long and I got bored listening. The first one was when the H/h had dinner together at an inn on their way to London. I can't recall the second scene, so I must have zoned out.
The heroine's friend Daphne is a little annoying. I might read her book, but as I'm writing this review, maybe I won't. This might be my last Elizabeth Boyle book.
The hero's friend Roxley is kind of fun, but his drunk, unreliable character during one pivotal scene ruined his character for me. I don't plan to read his book, which is a shame, because I liked the heroine's second friend Harriet.
Things I liked about the book:
The hero knew the heroine's betrothed isn't right for her and tries to convince her to marry someone else.
How the heroine's dog thinks each bonnet with a feather on it is a bird and chases after the person wearing it.
That's all I can recall for now.
Things I didn't like about the book:
The heroine learns she's to inherit her maternal uncle's money, yet she doesn't ask to meet with the solicitor for more details about the will and requirements?
The hero is a duke, but he's not very ducal. He doesn't seem to care about his estates and responsibilities at all.
Some of the things that occur in this book are kind of unbelievable for that time period, or the reactions/lack of consequences aren't accurate. For instance, Secondly, the H/h
At least two scenes lasted way too long and I got bored listening. The first one was when the H/h had dinner together at an inn on their way to London. I can't recall the second scene, so I must have zoned out.
The heroine's friend Daphne is a little annoying. I might read her book, but as I'm writing this review, maybe I won't. This might be my last Elizabeth Boyle book.
The hero's friend Roxley is kind of fun, but his drunk, unreliable character during one pivotal scene ruined his character for me. I don't plan to read his book, which is a shame, because I liked the heroine's second friend Harriet.
Things I liked about the book:
The hero knew the heroine's betrothed isn't right for her and tries to convince her to marry someone else.
How the heroine's dog thinks each bonnet with a feather on it is a bird and chases after the person wearing it.
That's all I can recall for now.
April 29, 2024
audio book read. This was a fun story. I found myself laughing out loud at some of the character antics. Low angst, carriage race, cute pet terrier stealing feathers. Narrator did a great job with personalities and sexy duke voice 😀
April 27, 2016
This is one of those books where I can't tell if the author's writing style is overly descriptive, or if there was a push to reach a certain word count. Either way it all added up to one thing: a tedious, long-winded read.
My Likes:
The story itself, if only in outline form, isn't bad. Being somewhat of a Cinderella tale, there are greedy relatives, loyal friends, a conceited near-fiance (and his overbearing mama), and a prince charming who, most of the time, is anything but charming. It only gives him the opportunity to grow and become a better man.
Tabitha is a gentle, sweet, and reliable woman who's approaching spinsterhood. She's more of a beta character (she was a vicars daughter, after all), but she stands her ground against Preston if no one else.
My Dislikes:
Saying the writing style is "long winded" is an understatement. There's a lot of description, inner monologue, and in-depth dissection of every single feeling and thought conveyed in the book. Scenes are so excessively detailed that one dance between Preston and Tabitha lasted for 20 minutes. It's not that the writing is bad; it's just boring, and after a while I would catch myself not paying attention.
**Spoiler ahead**
Tabitha's very public ruination could have been better done. Not only does the whole ton know she and Preston hooked-up in the footman's closet (at the betrothal party thrown for her and Reginald no less), but it's also the least romantic setting for intimacy possible.
My Likes:
The story itself, if only in outline form, isn't bad. Being somewhat of a Cinderella tale, there are greedy relatives, loyal friends, a conceited near-fiance (and his overbearing mama), and a prince charming who, most of the time, is anything but charming. It only gives him the opportunity to grow and become a better man.
Tabitha is a gentle, sweet, and reliable woman who's approaching spinsterhood. She's more of a beta character (she was a vicars daughter, after all), but she stands her ground against Preston if no one else.
My Dislikes:
Saying the writing style is "long winded" is an understatement. There's a lot of description, inner monologue, and in-depth dissection of every single feeling and thought conveyed in the book. Scenes are so excessively detailed that one dance between Preston and Tabitha lasted for 20 minutes. It's not that the writing is bad; it's just boring, and after a while I would catch myself not paying attention.
**Spoiler ahead**
Tabitha's very public ruination could have been better done. Not only does the whole ton know she and Preston hooked-up in the footman's closet (at the betrothal party thrown for her and Reginald no less), but it's also the least romantic setting for intimacy possible.
July 3, 2012
This is the first book I've read by Elizabeth Boyle and there's no doubt that I'll be coming back for more - I'm absolutely thrilled to have discovered an author who can match Julia Quinn in terms of keeping me up late at night thinking, "just another few pages..."
When Tabitha Timmons is pronounced an heiress, she immediately sees it as her golden opportunity to escape the care of her overbearing aunt and uncle who have been enjoying her company as their personal maid. There's a catch though - in order to inherit, she must marry before she reaches her majority, and not just any man, but a certain Mr. Barkworth to be exact - or at least, this is what everyone tells her.
A problem presents itself however in the form of the most dashing and most ruggedly handsome Duke of Preston (sigh) who soon has Tabitha feeling weak in her knees and, more to the point, becomes determined to save her from marrying a man whom he believes to be completely wrong for her (not because he thinks he's right for her of course - no, no, not at all - just because...LOL)
Packed with humor, Boyle had me grinning all the way through, and I must add that her writing style is most inspiring - this lady has TALENT! A most excellent read for those of you who are especially fond of smart/fun banter between the characters, because this book is full of that!
When Tabitha Timmons is pronounced an heiress, she immediately sees it as her golden opportunity to escape the care of her overbearing aunt and uncle who have been enjoying her company as their personal maid. There's a catch though - in order to inherit, she must marry before she reaches her majority, and not just any man, but a certain Mr. Barkworth to be exact - or at least, this is what everyone tells her.
A problem presents itself however in the form of the most dashing and most ruggedly handsome Duke of Preston (sigh) who soon has Tabitha feeling weak in her knees and, more to the point, becomes determined to save her from marrying a man whom he believes to be completely wrong for her (not because he thinks he's right for her of course - no, no, not at all - just because...LOL)
Packed with humor, Boyle had me grinning all the way through, and I must add that her writing style is most inspiring - this lady has TALENT! A most excellent read for those of you who are especially fond of smart/fun banter between the characters, because this book is full of that!
February 26, 2019
I liked elements of the story, but overall it felt just like every other Regency romance out there. A pity, really, because I felt the author handled some things well. For example, the plot centers on the heroine meeting one man (a Duke, naturally) and then later meeting her arranged fiance and inevitably finding the fiance falls short. (Not a spoiler, it says as much in the description.) Normally when such plot situations happen, they annoy me to no end. The heroine would likely settle down with the erstwhile fiance and I feel irritated that she constantly compares the two. Or the author realizes the heroine has no reason to prefer the rake to her stolid betrothed, so she makes the betrothed a lecherous creep. Here I think the author doe a good job conveying the unsuitability of the fiance without pitting him too much against the Duke.
Still, it does not make up for another paint-by-numbers story, including the brooding rake with a dark past and the heroine who vows she hates men until she actually converses with one. (Then she endlessly pines after him. Ugh.)
Kudos though for having a front cover that actually looks like the heroine and the dress she wears.
Still, it does not make up for another paint-by-numbers story, including the brooding rake with a dark past and the heroine who vows she hates men until she actually converses with one. (Then she endlessly pines after him. Ugh.)
Kudos though for having a front cover that actually looks like the heroine and the dress she wears.
August 10, 2018
I'm not feeling charitable today... and this was frustratingly obvious.
Sometimes I want a charming romance with no angst or daring dos. But that doesn't mean I want to be frustrated beyond belief by characters that remain almost willfully oblivious!
sheesh
Usually, this author is dependable for low angst and a light sense of humour. I think this must be one of her earlier books. shrug.
Tabitha was a regular girl with no imagination. Preston was a dick head.
The blurb was kinda misleading in that we don't even meet Barkworth till almost 2/3 in and if Preston had no intention of anything until near the end. In fact, he's about as intention-free as you get.
Tabitha's friends (especially Daphne) were idiots. I didn't mind Harriet though... and her counterpart Roxley... I may just read their book someday.
Anyways, the plot was terribly obvious from the first page and Tabitha being 24ish should have had the brains to see that all wasn't as it seemed. Especially as her aunt and uncle had proved themselves to be completely uninterested in her health and welfare. Why would she trust them?
It was too far of a stretch and made her seem pretty dull-witted.
Preston wasn't the brightest bulb on the planet either. He was so self-absorbed he didn't seem to notice anything about anyone else unless it became flagrantly obvious.
The first 25% of the book is spent painting what a conceited, thoughtless ass he was. One entire chapter is just his aunt and uncle chewing him out about all the terrible things he'd done over the year.
Anyways, I confess I lost interest and skimmed quite a bit in the second half.
I thought it would never end.... seriously.
At least the epilogue was cute.
Safety is good
Sometimes I want a charming romance with no angst or daring dos. But that doesn't mean I want to be frustrated beyond belief by characters that remain almost willfully oblivious!
sheesh
Usually, this author is dependable for low angst and a light sense of humour. I think this must be one of her earlier books. shrug.
Tabitha was a regular girl with no imagination. Preston was a dick head.
The blurb was kinda misleading in that we don't even meet Barkworth till almost 2/3 in and if Preston had no intention of anything until near the end. In fact, he's about as intention-free as you get.
Tabitha's friends (especially Daphne) were idiots. I didn't mind Harriet though... and her counterpart Roxley... I may just read their book someday.
Anyways, the plot was terribly obvious from the first page and Tabitha being 24ish should have had the brains to see that all wasn't as it seemed. Especially as her aunt and uncle had proved themselves to be completely uninterested in her health and welfare. Why would she trust them?
It was too far of a stretch and made her seem pretty dull-witted.
Preston wasn't the brightest bulb on the planet either. He was so self-absorbed he didn't seem to notice anything about anyone else unless it became flagrantly obvious.
The first 25% of the book is spent painting what a conceited, thoughtless ass he was. One entire chapter is just his aunt and uncle chewing him out about all the terrible things he'd done over the year.
Anyways, I confess I lost interest and skimmed quite a bit in the second half.
I thought it would never end.... seriously.
At least the epilogue was cute.
Safety is good
January 31, 2021
At nearly 25, Tabitha Timmons has become a spinster, a vicar's daughter with no fortune, living essentially as an unpaid maid with her aunt and uncle. When she inherits a fortune from an estranged uncle, she sees her chance for freedom at last, except for the fact that she'll only inherit if she marries the prim and respectable Mr. Barkworth within a month's time. She feels no spark of passion with him, but finds she has no choice. Unfortunately she does find that spark with the notorious, ruinous Duke of Preston. Preston finds a kindred spirit in Tabitha and is determined to save her from a dull, soul-crushing marriage. He dogs her movements around London, despite her protests, and soon Preston becomes rather determined to ruin Tabitha's secure, staid match and bring about an extremely different future for her with him instead.
This narration was really very good and I don't think I would've given this book the rating I did without it. As far as the story is concerned, I found the characters to be rather vapid, especially Tabitha, whose constant harping at Preston didn't make much sense when considered alongside her expectation of his saving her. This was a good madcap distraction, though it did reduce to rather a farce in the end and I was a bit annoyed by the tedium. The one intimate scene was rather rushed and not very romantic, though I suppose that fits the madcap theme of the book, but I never really felt much bond forming between Preston and Tabitha beyond physical curiosity. Some of the dialogues were unnecessarily long and a bit tedious, but I just sped up my narration and powered on because it's apparently just not in me to DNF. I also found Tabitha and her friends to be rather lacking in intelligence, but I suppose if they'd thought to question anything about her inheritance, we wouldn't have had much story. I really couldn't bring myself to care much about the characters in this one, but I will still probably try other books in the series/from this author as I didn't have any issues with the writing itself.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
This narration was really very good and I don't think I would've given this book the rating I did without it. As far as the story is concerned, I found the characters to be rather vapid, especially Tabitha, whose constant harping at Preston didn't make much sense when considered alongside her expectation of his saving her. This was a good madcap distraction, though it did reduce to rather a farce in the end and I was a bit annoyed by the tedium. The one intimate scene was rather rushed and not very romantic, though I suppose that fits the madcap theme of the book, but I never really felt much bond forming between Preston and Tabitha beyond physical curiosity. Some of the dialogues were unnecessarily long and a bit tedious, but I just sped up my narration and powered on because it's apparently just not in me to DNF. I also found Tabitha and her friends to be rather lacking in intelligence, but I suppose if they'd thought to question anything about her inheritance, we wouldn't have had much story. I really couldn't bring myself to care much about the characters in this one, but I will still probably try other books in the series/from this author as I didn't have any issues with the writing itself.
Blog link: https://mustreadalltheromance.blogspo...
May 25, 2014
Está escrito con ese toque divertido que tiene la autora, pero se queda flojo, o al menos, a mí no me lo ha parecido.
El problema es que se queda a las puertas en todo.... con buenos protagonistas, que para mí, la autora ha desaprovechado... me hubiera gustado saber más de él y también más de la vida de ella (la cenicienta del cuento) la trama también se queda en nada..... Y claro, esos enamoramientos espontáneos no me van nada.
Muy buenos secundarios que supongo que serán los próximos protagonistas, a mí me han llamado la atención: Harriet y Roxley
Me ha resultado entretenido, pero nada más. Una pena, quizás me espero mucho de esta autora que me gustó tanto en su saga anterior.
El problema es que se queda a las puertas en todo.... con buenos protagonistas, que para mí, la autora ha desaprovechado... me hubiera gustado saber más de él y también más de la vida de ella (la cenicienta del cuento) la trama también se queda en nada..... Y claro, esos enamoramientos espontáneos no me van nada.
Muy buenos secundarios que supongo que serán los próximos protagonistas, a mí me han llamado la atención: Harriet y Roxley
Me ha resultado entretenido, pero nada más. Una pena, quizás me espero mucho de esta autora que me gustó tanto en su saga anterior.
January 28, 2013
The plot was a kind of a madcap muddle. Also, a historical romance writer should know that "a bit of muslin" is used to describe prostitutes, not ladies.
September 23, 2013
EVERYONE IS A MINX AND / OR A "SLIP O' MUSLIN" (??) AND THEN THEY BONE.
THE END.
THE END.
March 29, 2019
What can I say... I fell in love with the Duke of Preston ;)
This is a fun and light story of a real rake (hurting due to a tragedy in his childhood) that meets a country miss that touches his heart. The plot is not very original, but the writing is whimsical and it feels like reading a fairy tale (at least it does when listening to the lovely narration by Susan Duerden).
Preston is impossible, irresponsible, untrustworthy, and yet Tabitha never doubts he is going to be there for her. And her trust and love are what make him rise up to what she expects him to be.
The side characters are hilarious: Roxley and his forgetful self, Daphne and her preconceived ideas about marriage and life, and Harriet, full of energy and loyalty.
This is a fun and light story of a real rake (hurting due to a tragedy in his childhood) that meets a country miss that touches his heart. The plot is not very original, but the writing is whimsical and it feels like reading a fairy tale (at least it does when listening to the lovely narration by Susan Duerden).
Preston is impossible, irresponsible, untrustworthy, and yet Tabitha never doubts he is going to be there for her. And her trust and love are what make him rise up to what she expects him to be.
The side characters are hilarious: Roxley and his forgetful self, Daphne and her preconceived ideas about marriage and life, and Harriet, full of energy and loyalty.
February 24, 2021
We loved this book. It's a whimsical, lighthearted romp that doesn't skimp on the sexual tension. If your favorite Historical Romances are low-angst and high-fun, this is a perfect series starter.
40-Word Summaries
Laine: Preston's been told he must marry to repair his scandalous reputation, which is complicated by his infatuation with a vicar's daughter. When she's betrothed to an idiot because her family hates her and wants her money, continued ruination is necessary.
Meg: Tabitha inherits a fortune, but only by marrying an awful (though good looking) boor. Can she get him to cry off? Maybe if he he’ll do just that.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
40-Word Summaries
Laine: Preston's been told he must marry to repair his scandalous reputation, which is complicated by his infatuation with a vicar's daughter. When she's betrothed to an idiot because her family hates her and wants her money, continued ruination is necessary.
Meg: Tabitha inherits a fortune, but only by marrying an awful (though good looking) boor. Can she get him to cry off? Maybe if he he’ll do just that.
www.linktr.ee/plottrysts
September 18, 2014
Ya saben que soy fiel seguidora de este género y que por regla general soy muy exigente con estas historias. Y desde hace un tiempo, todas las novelas que había leído de este género no terminaban de gustarme por una u otra cosa.
Así que la pesimista de mí, pensé que me iba a pasar lo mismo con este libro. Que iba a tener algo que hiciera que no me gustara del todo, pero gran error el mío, pues este libro ha logrado regresarme la fe en este género.
- ¿Por qué sonríes? - le preguntó Tabitha. Preston bajó la mirada hacia ella y le contó la verdad.- Estoy pensando en cómo sacarte de aquí.- No seas escandaloso - lo regañó, pero a él le pareció que no le disgustaba la idea.- Escandaloso sería pedirte que te escaparas conmigo esta noche. Le susurró Preston, pero decidió no hacerlo...por muy tentador que fuera pedirle que se escabullera en la noche con él.
Por un lado tenemos a Tabitha, la respetable hija de un vicario que vive en un pueblo “maldito” donde todas las jóvenes están condenadas a quedarse solteras puesto que si se casan, la maldición dice que se volverán locas y puede que hasta lleguen a matar a sus esposos. Tabitha y sus amigas están conformes con esto y ninguna tiene planes de boda en su cabeza. En especial Tabitha, quien la sirvienta gratuita de sus terribles tíos, los cuales han sido sus tutores desde la muerte de su padre.
Pero para sorpresa de Tabitha, un tío del que nunca ha escuchado, le deja una gran herencia pero para acceder a ella, debe de casarse con un noble al que su tío ha seleccionado para ella.
Y por el otro lado, tenemos a Preston, un duque que se ha dedicado a crear una pavorosa fama y a jugar con la alta sociedad de Londres como si se tratará de su circo personal.
Preston no siempre fue así, antaño era un amado hijo y hermano que vivía en una gran y acogedora familia feliz, pero las fiebres se llevaron a su familia entera, dejándolo solo en el mundo.
Un día, el camino de Preston y Tabitha se cruzan y al principio ambos sienten un fuerte rechazo el uno por el otro, pero tras una extraña cena secreta, ambos se dan cuenta que se entienden el uno al otro mejor que nadie en el mundo. Y para asombro de Preston, no puede evitar pensar una y otra vez en la remilgada hija del vicario y cuando se entera que esta va a casarse, su yo mezquino no puede evitar salir a la luz y solo le pone las cosas más difíciles a Tabby.
Preston miró el cabello alborotado de Tabitha, sus labios hinchados, los ojos entornados con una expresión de dicha y pensó que no había ninguna duda sobre lo que había ocurrido entre los dos.
No tienen ni idea de lo mucho que disfrute de la personalidad de Tabitha y Preston.
Ella que ha crecido en un pueblito y siendo casi casi la sirvienta, no tiene miedo de poner a Preston en su lugar de una forma bastante majadera y por su parte Preston es tan arrogante, mezquino y canalla, que sí, me fue imposible no prendarme a él y morir de risa cuando su mezquindad salía a luz.
Yo pensé que solo iba hacer un dandi más que se cree todo poderoso, pero Preston tiene muchas facetas, las cuales disfrute todas y cada una de ellas.
Pero Tabby y Preston no son los únicos personajes dignos de mención, pues también están los tíos gemelos de Preston, los cuales solo son más grandes que él por unos meses y los cuales me han encantado.
También están los mejores amigos de Tabby y Preston, Harriet Hathaway y el Conde Roxley, quienes al aparecer traen una historia entre ellos (historia que obviamente muero de ganas de leer) y los cuales son parte fundamental en la relación de Tabby y Preston.
Y por si eso fuese poco, tengo que hacer una mención honorifica para el señor Muggins, el adorable perro de Tabby quien siente una terrible aversión por las plumas y que también será parte de la alianza entre su dueña y Preston.
Así que con sus personajes fuertes y divertidos, y una pluma muy ligera, Elizabeth Boyle me ha enamorado nuevamente del género romántico histórico.
October 26, 2012
I must be frank. While I enjoy reading romance novels, especially those with a historical bent (Regencies, Georgian, et al)...Along Came a Duke was not the type I would have purchased had I been given a chance to read the preview chapters. But this was a Vine selection and as such, I only had the cover image and the back cover description to go on. It also had the benefit of a recommendation by Julia Quinn, one of my long-time favorite Regency writers. Let's just say I expected one sort of Regency romance and I got another.
If you are a fan of Georgette Heyer and prefer your Regencies much more traditional in style with an emphasis on witty verbal repartee and less sensuality, this may be the book for you. The first in a series, this story follows the path of Tabitha Timmons, the daughter of a deceased vicar who currently lives with her unpleasant aunt and uncle in a small village. Luckily for Tabitha, she stumbles across Preston (aka the Duke of Preston) during a walk to a society meeting and light chaos ensues. Tabitha spends the majority of the book learning to trust her heart and her mind as she navigates and dodges a dashing Duke, a dull (almost) fiance, and dastardly relatives. Throw in an Irish terrier with a fetish for feathers and you've got yet another witty, light, and fairly typical Regency Romance.
Perhaps I've moved on from Regencies that rely strongly on dialogue or maybe I just like a bit more sensuality in my books, but it was not easy for me to get through this book without skimming. The plot was nothing out of the ordinary, the leads seemed lacking in chemistry, and I can't even recall the most basic detail about the hero's appearance. In fact, I think it's safe to say Preston bugged the crap out of me. He seemed far too flippant, shallow (even as he reflected on a personal tragedy), and rather dull...which is most certainly not what one wants in a romantic hero. I also took immediate issue with the fact that after saying he didn't think Tabitha's name suited her, he decided to call her Tabby instead. Tabby? Seriously?! That's a great name...for a family pet. Tabitha herself felt way too missish to me. Maybe I'm simply jaded and too darned old to read about twent-five-year old virgin spinsters, but her plight didn't really inspire a lot of sympathy from me. As for the secondary characters...there were WAAAAY too many of them. I was having a hell of a time trying to keep track of the various aunts and uncles let alone Tabitha and Preston's friends and aquaintances...I felt like I needed a spreadsheet. The dialogue, while sometimes entertaining, seemed too archaic for my tastes (a note on this....the author takes a page from the esteemed Georgette Heyer by trying to ground the characters and dialogue in the time and place. This is good to a point, but after a while the desire to be historically accurate made the story feel too dated, stuffy, and dry). Lastly, there were some plot threads introduced that, I feel, could have added something interesting to the story (the curse, the young man ruined by the Duke) but they were sort of thrown in and left dangling with zero closure.
My lack of enthusiasm about this book may stem more from my personal tastes than anything else. To me, the book had a very "been there, done that" feel. However, I think the author can write, I think the book had all the right elements to make a decent, traditional Regency (with a dab of sensuality snuck in), and I think there's an audience out there who will likely gobble this right up and be very pleased with the novel overall. It wasn't my kind of romance...but it may be yours.
If you are a fan of Georgette Heyer and prefer your Regencies much more traditional in style with an emphasis on witty verbal repartee and less sensuality, this may be the book for you. The first in a series, this story follows the path of Tabitha Timmons, the daughter of a deceased vicar who currently lives with her unpleasant aunt and uncle in a small village. Luckily for Tabitha, she stumbles across Preston (aka the Duke of Preston) during a walk to a society meeting and light chaos ensues. Tabitha spends the majority of the book learning to trust her heart and her mind as she navigates and dodges a dashing Duke, a dull (almost) fiance, and dastardly relatives. Throw in an Irish terrier with a fetish for feathers and you've got yet another witty, light, and fairly typical Regency Romance.
Perhaps I've moved on from Regencies that rely strongly on dialogue or maybe I just like a bit more sensuality in my books, but it was not easy for me to get through this book without skimming. The plot was nothing out of the ordinary, the leads seemed lacking in chemistry, and I can't even recall the most basic detail about the hero's appearance. In fact, I think it's safe to say Preston bugged the crap out of me. He seemed far too flippant, shallow (even as he reflected on a personal tragedy), and rather dull...which is most certainly not what one wants in a romantic hero. I also took immediate issue with the fact that after saying he didn't think Tabitha's name suited her, he decided to call her Tabby instead. Tabby? Seriously?! That's a great name...for a family pet. Tabitha herself felt way too missish to me. Maybe I'm simply jaded and too darned old to read about twent-five-year old virgin spinsters, but her plight didn't really inspire a lot of sympathy from me. As for the secondary characters...there were WAAAAY too many of them. I was having a hell of a time trying to keep track of the various aunts and uncles let alone Tabitha and Preston's friends and aquaintances...I felt like I needed a spreadsheet. The dialogue, while sometimes entertaining, seemed too archaic for my tastes (a note on this....the author takes a page from the esteemed Georgette Heyer by trying to ground the characters and dialogue in the time and place. This is good to a point, but after a while the desire to be historically accurate made the story feel too dated, stuffy, and dry). Lastly, there were some plot threads introduced that, I feel, could have added something interesting to the story (the curse, the young man ruined by the Duke) but they were sort of thrown in and left dangling with zero closure.
My lack of enthusiasm about this book may stem more from my personal tastes than anything else. To me, the book had a very "been there, done that" feel. However, I think the author can write, I think the book had all the right elements to make a decent, traditional Regency (with a dab of sensuality snuck in), and I think there's an audience out there who will likely gobble this right up and be very pleased with the novel overall. It wasn't my kind of romance...but it may be yours.
July 23, 2021
England 1810. Enjoyed the H+h bantering.
Featured seldom serious Christopher, called Preston
for his Duke title & Tabitha "Tabby" a late vicar's dtr,
forced to do manual labor by the aunt and uncle who
took her in. They chose Reggie for her to wed, after
Tab learned she became an heiress. Reggie rec'd a law
degree but refused to work, lectured h (who he barely
knew) on her judgment/ mistakes & acted obsequious
toward his titled uncle.
It was fun to see Preston outshine & out wit Reg, but
it became OTT at times. Reg revealed himself to be
insincere. I may be wrong, but I doubt a young lady
raised in a parsonage, would engage in sex outside of
marriage, during that era.
Featured seldom serious Christopher, called Preston
for his Duke title & Tabitha "Tabby" a late vicar's dtr,
forced to do manual labor by the aunt and uncle who
took her in. They chose Reggie for her to wed, after
Tab learned she became an heiress. Reggie rec'd a law
degree but refused to work, lectured h (who he barely
knew) on her judgment/ mistakes & acted obsequious
toward his titled uncle.
It was fun to see Preston outshine & out wit Reg, but
it became OTT at times. Reg revealed himself to be
insincere. I may be wrong, but I doubt a young lady
raised in a parsonage, would engage in sex outside of
marriage, during that era.
August 19, 2012
2.5 stars.I was laughing out loud and liking the fluffiness of this book in the beginning, but it got tedious after a while. The story needed a little more depth. It read like a traditional regency. Card board cut out characters and a depth-less story had me wishing I didn't waste my time on this one.
July 8, 2017
I read about half, and couldn't continue. Too much hostility and "sparring" between the protagonists (without enough charm or sweetness to balance), too many nasty characters generally.
October 27, 2017
Fun book, with a slight Cinderella theme. Tabitha is a vicar's daughter who, upon the death of her father, was taken in by her aunt and uncle. They didn't want her, but she was part of the deal that enabled her uncle to take over the vicar's position. Tabitha has spent the last several years as her relatives' servant. That all changes when she is left a huge fortune - as long as she marries the man her late uncle picked for her, a paragon of virtue named Mr. Barkworth. Tabitha is informed of this on the same day she told an insufferable and rakish Mr. Preston that she had no wish ever to get married. Her relatives quickly have her on the road to London and the promise of a speedy marriage.
Mr. Preston, who is actually the Duke of Preston, met Tabitha when he and his friend Roxley had an accident while participating in a bet. Preston has quite the reputation for reckless behavior, and this is just one more example. His latest antics have caused him to be shunned by society, and his aunt and uncle to try to convince him to mend his ways.
From the moment that Preston and Tabitha meet, there are sparks between them. Tabitha is a spirited young woman who has had a hard time of it but accepts it and moves on. I loved the first meeting between her and Preston, where she has no trouble pushing back against his arrogance. For his part, Preston is amused by her and finds himself unable to forget her. A chance encounter on the road has them sharing a private dinner. I loved this scene as Preston teases Tabitha and she gives as good as she gets. We also get some insight into the past that affects Preston's behavior as an adult. Tabitha knows that she isn't being wise, but there is something about Preston that she can't resist.
Their next encounter is two weeks later. Preston hasn't been able to forget Tabitha. He is stunned when they meet again, and he learns of her upcoming betrothal. He is dismayed by what he sees as her relatives' attempts to turn her into another "Bath miss" and is determined to save her from such a fate. I loved his appearance at the same function that night. His outrageous behavior is great fun to watch as he pokes at the so stuffy Barksworth. I loved seeing Preston's protectiveness as he tries to save Tabitha from a miserable marriage without realizing why he feels so strongly about it. In spite of his rakish reputation, there is a very sweet side to him also. I loved the scene with the bluebells. Tabitha can't help but compare the two men, and each encounter makes it more obvious which she would rather be with. The tension picks up when Preston learns the details of the betrothal and becomes determined to save Tabitha. His methods are effective in one way, but she isn't in the clear quite yet. There is still excitement to come as Preston finally realizes why he's so protective of Tabitha. The final scenes are great fun as both Preston and Tabitha do what they must to get the future they want.
I liked Tabitha from the start. She is feisty and independent even while stuck with her miserable aunt and uncle. I enjoyed her quick wit as she traded barbs with Preston over dinner and again in London. I would have liked to see her stand up to Barksworth and her relatives a bit sooner, but she did come through in the end.
I wasn't as sure about Preston at first. He came across as spoiled and uncaring, especially when it came to the bet that started the book. I ached for him as his past was revealed and felt that maybe there was some hope for him after all. Tabitha's effect on him was huge as she inspired him to change.
I also enjoyed the supporting characters. Preston's friend Roxley is a terrific friend and is there to support him when he's most needed. I had to laugh at his fear of his Aunt Essex and the lengths he took to avoid her. I'm looking forward to seeing his story. Preston's aunt was quite a force to be reckoned with, and I really enjoyed seeing her try to save him from himself. I'm also looking forward to seeing how Preston's uncle deals with the results of the prank that Preston and Roxley have played on him. I also liked Tabitha's friends, Harry and Daphne. Harry is forthright, and some of the things she says and does are pretty amusing. There is a history between her and Roxley, and I look forward to finding out more about it. I wasn't sure about Daphne at first because of her support of Barksworth, and her dislike of Preston. As that seems to be the result of some kind of family feud, I have a feeling that she has some surprises in store for her.
Mr. Preston, who is actually the Duke of Preston, met Tabitha when he and his friend Roxley had an accident while participating in a bet. Preston has quite the reputation for reckless behavior, and this is just one more example. His latest antics have caused him to be shunned by society, and his aunt and uncle to try to convince him to mend his ways.
From the moment that Preston and Tabitha meet, there are sparks between them. Tabitha is a spirited young woman who has had a hard time of it but accepts it and moves on. I loved the first meeting between her and Preston, where she has no trouble pushing back against his arrogance. For his part, Preston is amused by her and finds himself unable to forget her. A chance encounter on the road has them sharing a private dinner. I loved this scene as Preston teases Tabitha and she gives as good as she gets. We also get some insight into the past that affects Preston's behavior as an adult. Tabitha knows that she isn't being wise, but there is something about Preston that she can't resist.
Their next encounter is two weeks later. Preston hasn't been able to forget Tabitha. He is stunned when they meet again, and he learns of her upcoming betrothal. He is dismayed by what he sees as her relatives' attempts to turn her into another "Bath miss" and is determined to save her from such a fate. I loved his appearance at the same function that night. His outrageous behavior is great fun to watch as he pokes at the so stuffy Barksworth. I loved seeing Preston's protectiveness as he tries to save Tabitha from a miserable marriage without realizing why he feels so strongly about it. In spite of his rakish reputation, there is a very sweet side to him also. I loved the scene with the bluebells. Tabitha can't help but compare the two men, and each encounter makes it more obvious which she would rather be with. The tension picks up when Preston learns the details of the betrothal and becomes determined to save Tabitha. His methods are effective in one way, but she isn't in the clear quite yet. There is still excitement to come as Preston finally realizes why he's so protective of Tabitha. The final scenes are great fun as both Preston and Tabitha do what they must to get the future they want.
I liked Tabitha from the start. She is feisty and independent even while stuck with her miserable aunt and uncle. I enjoyed her quick wit as she traded barbs with Preston over dinner and again in London. I would have liked to see her stand up to Barksworth and her relatives a bit sooner, but she did come through in the end.
I wasn't as sure about Preston at first. He came across as spoiled and uncaring, especially when it came to the bet that started the book. I ached for him as his past was revealed and felt that maybe there was some hope for him after all. Tabitha's effect on him was huge as she inspired him to change.
I also enjoyed the supporting characters. Preston's friend Roxley is a terrific friend and is there to support him when he's most needed. I had to laugh at his fear of his Aunt Essex and the lengths he took to avoid her. I'm looking forward to seeing his story. Preston's aunt was quite a force to be reckoned with, and I really enjoyed seeing her try to save him from himself. I'm also looking forward to seeing how Preston's uncle deals with the results of the prank that Preston and Roxley have played on him. I also liked Tabitha's friends, Harry and Daphne. Harry is forthright, and some of the things she says and does are pretty amusing. There is a history between her and Roxley, and I look forward to finding out more about it. I wasn't sure about Daphne at first because of her support of Barksworth, and her dislike of Preston. As that seems to be the result of some kind of family feud, I have a feeling that she has some surprises in store for her.
December 8, 2024
The book's plot is engaging, the main characters are well developed and balance each other very well. There's a good balance of humour, drama, emotional and sexual tension. Some moments required a great suspencion of disbelief and it seemed kind of out of character. I wish we could have seen . I wish we could have also gotten to see Tabitha
May 23, 2018
Improved by the end. The best scenes are those of our heroine Tabitha with her friends, and I wish there were more of those. Our hero actually grows and changes in the course of the story (!) from an alpha male to a less alpha male. Spice is muted and could probably be skipped entirely with *** with no consequences to the story. There are a few modern exclamations and a very irritating few misuses/overuses of words but the writing is generally very good. Thank you to whichever GR friend suggested or reviewed this in 2012, it was a good choice for me (finally!)
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