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Secrets in Silk #1
Undone by the Duke
Victoria has a secret…
Reclusive designer Victoria Andrews hasn’t gone outside in five years, though she yearns to escape the prison of her house. She designs sensual lingerie for the most exclusive dressmaker in London, although she has never known a man’s touch.
A Duke in disguise…
Wounded and stranded in Scotland, Jonathan Nottoway, the Duke of Worthingstone, is avoiding the murderous scandal that darkened his family name. As his wounds heal, he spends several sensual nights with the beautiful seamstress who knows nothing of his true identity.
A passionate awakening
Can a woman trapped by her emotional scars be able to love a duke, when it means abandoning her safe world to embrace the life of a duchess?
Reclusive designer Victoria Andrews hasn’t gone outside in five years, though she yearns to escape the prison of her house. She designs sensual lingerie for the most exclusive dressmaker in London, although she has never known a man’s touch.
A Duke in disguise…
Wounded and stranded in Scotland, Jonathan Nottoway, the Duke of Worthingstone, is avoiding the murderous scandal that darkened his family name. As his wounds heal, he spends several sensual nights with the beautiful seamstress who knows nothing of his true identity.
A passionate awakening
Can a woman trapped by her emotional scars be able to love a duke, when it means abandoning her safe world to embrace the life of a duchess?
350 pages, Kindle Edition
First published February 12, 2013
480 people are currently reading
903 people want to read
About the author
Michelle Willingham
172 books618 followersRita® Award Finalist Michelle Willingham has published over fifty books and novellas. Currently, she lives in Virginia with her family and is working on more historical romance novels. When she's not writing, Michelle enjoys baking, playing the piano, and avoiding exercise at all costs. Visit her website at: www.michellewillingham.com or interact with her on Facebook at www.facebook.com/michellewillinghamfans.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 158 reviews
March 7, 2023
I started this series because I really want to read the third book and sometimes I prefer to start from the beginning to have a better understanding of all the characters involved.
I super enjoyed this book because there's a lot going on. And not only that but the heroine has a problem that I haven't read about before, so that was interesting.
This is a nursing back to health story and it was nice seeing them getting to know each other. I also liked that each sister has a different personality that is well described.
I super enjoyed this book because there's a lot going on. And not only that but the heroine has a problem that I haven't read about before, so that was interesting.
This is a nursing back to health story and it was nice seeing them getting to know each other. I also liked that each sister has a different personality that is well described.
December 6, 2015
This review was originally posted on Addicted To Romance
Summary
Victoria Andrews lives like a prisoner in her own home because she can't bear to go outside due to an incident that happened five years previous. She stays indoors and works on her designs for clothing and unique lingerie and sells her work to a dressmaker based in London. She loves what she does and is good at it, but her family needs the funds. With her father away to war, their debts are piling up and they need a steady income to make it by. Jonathan Nottoway, the Duke of Worthington, is shot while trying to survey his land and get around the scandal that surrounds his family. He ends up being taken in by Victoria Andrews, a man that needs her help if he wants to live. Victoria never opens her home to strangers, but when she notices that he needs help she overcomes her fears and aids him by sewing his wound with bright pink thread.
Victoria and Jonathan end up helping each other, but there is scandal and mystery surrounding them. Will Victoria be brave enough to be the kind of wife that Jonathan needs inside and outside of the bedroom?
The Hero
Jonathan, recently took his title of being the Duke of Worthington. With his parents gone, he steps up. Jonatha came up to Scotland to make a new purchase on a home, but all the tenants that were booted out from the previous owner, now blame him and so he can't reveal his true identity or they will probably kill him. He has already been shot, but he doesn't know who or why. Jonatha was a hero I loved. He is such a rake but still is honorable too. He likes to aggravate Victoria just to see her blush, he is upbeat and has an easy going personality. It was interesting seeing his certain character traits come through. He is drawn to Victoria because she sees more than just a "Duke" she sees a real human being and he just wants more of her.
The Heroine
Victoria lives in fear of going outside. She suffered a trauma where she was left alone after an accident for days to wander. And now every time she gets even close to the door, she gets panic attacks and can't breathe. She is realistic in realizing that she will never be courted and be able to go to London with her family. Her mother and sisters leave for London for the Christmas holiday and Victoria is left with a few servants. Victoria doesn't live a meaningless life just because she can't go outside. She creates beautiful and erotic lingerie. She doesn't care if its scandalous...it makes good money, money that her family needs ever since her father went off to war. I had mixed feelings over Victoria. In many ways, I liked her, and I understand why she felt she needed to stay indoors. I grew to like her more as the story progressed. But at the beginning, I wasn't sure what I thought of her. She seemed very hesitant to help Jonathan when he was in need or even innocent people who were being burned out of their homes. But she eventually comes to terms with many strangers in her home and adapts.
Plot and Story Line
Undone By The Duke is a heart warming romance that I grew to fall in love with. There were many aspects of this story that I fell in love with. This is the first installment of the series, which is based on Andrews family and the events surrounding them. I found this installment very interesting. This is not the first time I have read this author. I read the fourth book, Unlaced by the Outlaw and really liked it and I wanted to return back to this family.
It sets off with seeing the closeness that Victoria has with her family, especially her sisters but her mother as well. They leave for London and try to convince her to go along with them. However, Victoria knows that it isn't possible. From the very beginning of the story we see how real her fear is. It's not the type of fear that you can easily overcome especially since its been five years since she has gone outside. When she is left alone, she ends up having to help an injured man who has been shot. This is where I started to not like the heroine as much. I felt like she was a bit cold feeling when it came to helping others. But in retrospect I think it was just the way that she dealing with the turn of events, because she does eventually help him. We also get an introduction into the events surrounding Jonathan and the reasoning behind why he was shot. There are tenants that Victoria's family offered to give sanctuary too. But suddenly they are being burned out of their cofter homes and many are being killed and they seek refuge in the only home around...Victoria's sanctuary. This is where we see growth in her character. She starts to soften and open her heart to others with the aid of Jonathan.
What was also fun was seeing their romance blossom. At first they don't care for each other too much, but their is attraction and as they spend more time together, their connection becomes stronger. I was enchanted by Jonathan and is willingness and patience with Victoria and her fears. Most men would just shrug them off, but he doesn't. He takes them very seriously. Because deep down he wants to marry her but he also knows he has to find a way to help her overcome her fears and I was charmed by the way he goes about it.
The situation with the cofters, just about broke my heart. We see the trauma and how determined these people were to survive and stay in their homeland. They are a proud people, but they also just want to live on land that has been their home for generations. We see their side of the story, and with the way that the author writes it, you can't help but feel compassion for them. Their story is real and she does a job well done in showing how desperate their situation was back then.
We also see one other side plot that is building. That is with Vicotria's mother and father. They once loved each other, but grew distant with each other. Each of them loves the other but don't know how to show it. Probably due to the fact that they haven't talked for many years. And I am hoping to see more of this relationship because I grew intrigued by it. Just seeing hints of their story, makes me eager to read the second book. But there is one thing I really had issues with when it comes to this book...the ending. Now I can be picky about endings, but I felt like it was a bit off, and a bit rushed. It didn't quite fit with the rest of the story.
The Cover
I will admit this is my least favorite cover of the series. It's probably why it took me so long to read it. I do like the background with the lake and the mountain, but I don't really like the bright red and white.
Overall View
Undone By The Duke is an exciting tale of romance, adventure, learning to overcome your fears to embrace a thrilling future. Its about sacrifice and the tests of true love.
Summary
Victoria Andrews lives like a prisoner in her own home because she can't bear to go outside due to an incident that happened five years previous. She stays indoors and works on her designs for clothing and unique lingerie and sells her work to a dressmaker based in London. She loves what she does and is good at it, but her family needs the funds. With her father away to war, their debts are piling up and they need a steady income to make it by. Jonathan Nottoway, the Duke of Worthington, is shot while trying to survey his land and get around the scandal that surrounds his family. He ends up being taken in by Victoria Andrews, a man that needs her help if he wants to live. Victoria never opens her home to strangers, but when she notices that he needs help she overcomes her fears and aids him by sewing his wound with bright pink thread.
"We've done this all wrong, haven't we?" he murmured "I've ruined you, and I haven't even touched you."
"You haven't ruined me."
"Haven't I?" His voice was warm velvet, a caress in the dark. Never had she imagined that she could stand before a man looking at her in this way. As if he wanted her.
Victoria and Jonathan end up helping each other, but there is scandal and mystery surrounding them. Will Victoria be brave enough to be the kind of wife that Jonathan needs inside and outside of the bedroom?
The Hero
Jonathan, recently took his title of being the Duke of Worthington. With his parents gone, he steps up. Jonatha came up to Scotland to make a new purchase on a home, but all the tenants that were booted out from the previous owner, now blame him and so he can't reveal his true identity or they will probably kill him. He has already been shot, but he doesn't know who or why. Jonatha was a hero I loved. He is such a rake but still is honorable too. He likes to aggravate Victoria just to see her blush, he is upbeat and has an easy going personality. It was interesting seeing his certain character traits come through. He is drawn to Victoria because she sees more than just a "Duke" she sees a real human being and he just wants more of her.
She deserved better than to become his mistress. He needed a wife, but not one who secluded herself from the rest of the world. He required a woman who understood the intricacies of London Society, who could fulfill her duties as a hostess and provide the requisite heir and the spare. There were dozens of ladies who could easily assume that role.
And yet, when Victoria's hand moved to touch his heart, he wished that wife could somehow be her.
The Heroine
Victoria lives in fear of going outside. She suffered a trauma where she was left alone after an accident for days to wander. And now every time she gets even close to the door, she gets panic attacks and can't breathe. She is realistic in realizing that she will never be courted and be able to go to London with her family. Her mother and sisters leave for London for the Christmas holiday and Victoria is left with a few servants. Victoria doesn't live a meaningless life just because she can't go outside. She creates beautiful and erotic lingerie. She doesn't care if its scandalous...it makes good money, money that her family needs ever since her father went off to war. I had mixed feelings over Victoria. In many ways, I liked her, and I understand why she felt she needed to stay indoors. I grew to like her more as the story progressed. But at the beginning, I wasn't sure what I thought of her. She seemed very hesitant to help Jonathan when he was in need or even innocent people who were being burned out of their homes. But she eventually comes to terms with many strangers in her home and adapts.
Plot and Story Line
Undone By The Duke is a heart warming romance that I grew to fall in love with. There were many aspects of this story that I fell in love with. This is the first installment of the series, which is based on Andrews family and the events surrounding them. I found this installment very interesting. This is not the first time I have read this author. I read the fourth book, Unlaced by the Outlaw and really liked it and I wanted to return back to this family.
It sets off with seeing the closeness that Victoria has with her family, especially her sisters but her mother as well. They leave for London and try to convince her to go along with them. However, Victoria knows that it isn't possible. From the very beginning of the story we see how real her fear is. It's not the type of fear that you can easily overcome especially since its been five years since she has gone outside. When she is left alone, she ends up having to help an injured man who has been shot. This is where I started to not like the heroine as much. I felt like she was a bit cold feeling when it came to helping others. But in retrospect I think it was just the way that she dealing with the turn of events, because she does eventually help him. We also get an introduction into the events surrounding Jonathan and the reasoning behind why he was shot. There are tenants that Victoria's family offered to give sanctuary too. But suddenly they are being burned out of their cofter homes and many are being killed and they seek refuge in the only home around...Victoria's sanctuary. This is where we see growth in her character. She starts to soften and open her heart to others with the aid of Jonathan.
What was also fun was seeing their romance blossom. At first they don't care for each other too much, but their is attraction and as they spend more time together, their connection becomes stronger. I was enchanted by Jonathan and is willingness and patience with Victoria and her fears. Most men would just shrug them off, but he doesn't. He takes them very seriously. Because deep down he wants to marry her but he also knows he has to find a way to help her overcome her fears and I was charmed by the way he goes about it.
"Why would a man in your position ever marry a woman like me? A woman who can't even walk outside!"
"Because she saw the man not the duke."
The situation with the cofters, just about broke my heart. We see the trauma and how determined these people were to survive and stay in their homeland. They are a proud people, but they also just want to live on land that has been their home for generations. We see their side of the story, and with the way that the author writes it, you can't help but feel compassion for them. Their story is real and she does a job well done in showing how desperate their situation was back then.
We also see one other side plot that is building. That is with Vicotria's mother and father. They once loved each other, but grew distant with each other. Each of them loves the other but don't know how to show it. Probably due to the fact that they haven't talked for many years. And I am hoping to see more of this relationship because I grew intrigued by it. Just seeing hints of their story, makes me eager to read the second book. But there is one thing I really had issues with when it comes to this book...the ending. Now I can be picky about endings, but I felt like it was a bit off, and a bit rushed. It didn't quite fit with the rest of the story.
The Cover
I will admit this is my least favorite cover of the series. It's probably why it took me so long to read it. I do like the background with the lake and the mountain, but I don't really like the bright red and white.
Overall View
Undone By The Duke is an exciting tale of romance, adventure, learning to overcome your fears to embrace a thrilling future. Its about sacrifice and the tests of true love.
February 14, 2013
I give the author credit for having a different, unique heroine. She is agoraphobic and can't leave her house. She sews dresses to make money for her family.
I guess I felt there was too much background noise. You have the suffering of the Scottish villagers (I don't need to read about someone dying horribly of burn wounds in a romance novel) and the heroine's mother struggling with their money troubles. It cast a shadow over the book.
I did like how the duke tried to help the heroine get over her fear of going outdoors. And it was sweet that he wanted someone to love the man, not the position and prestige of the duke.
It lacked the historical details that make reading a historical novel so much fun. There were scenes of sewing but not much detail for how; just that she sewed some stuff.
I will say the best part of the book was the superstitious Scottish housekeeper. She kept me laughing. She was the only comedic relief in the book.
I guess I just felt like it could have been better. It was just ok. I don't see myself ever re-reading it.
I guess I felt there was too much background noise. You have the suffering of the Scottish villagers (I don't need to read about someone dying horribly of burn wounds in a romance novel) and the heroine's mother struggling with their money troubles. It cast a shadow over the book.
I did like how the duke tried to help the heroine get over her fear of going outdoors. And it was sweet that he wanted someone to love the man, not the position and prestige of the duke.
It lacked the historical details that make reading a historical novel so much fun. There were scenes of sewing but not much detail for how; just that she sewed some stuff.
I will say the best part of the book was the superstitious Scottish housekeeper. She kept me laughing. She was the only comedic relief in the book.
I guess I just felt like it could have been better. It was just ok. I don't see myself ever re-reading it.
November 17, 2017
I loath Jonathan.
July 30, 2021
I really liked this one! I hope the rest of the series is just as good.
October 29, 2014
5 stars do not come easily to me anymore, and it's been years since I added a book to my 'Best of its Genre' shelf. *Crosses fingers* Every time, book #2 disappoints me, without fail. I hope this series breaks the string of bad luck.
Undone by A Duke was a pleasant surprise- a book I quickly chose without much research since I had a few days left on my Amazon Prime Borrow, and had to pick something. I absolutely loved it. It hit on every emotion, making me feel right alongside the characters: laugh, cry, feel frustration and anger. But mostly it just made me feel good and put a smile on myself without coming off as cheesy.
The end of the book went a bit off course, making me want to shake Jonathan, and it felt as it should have ended sooner... but I didn't mind.
I would recommend to fans of Regency Era Historical Romance, and to the Scottish fans as well, as the book takes place on Scottish soil.
Will I read more from this author: Most definitely.
Will I read more of this series: Buying book #2 as soon as this review is finished. If it doesn't disappoint, I will immediately buy book #3 thereafter, and it's only a few weeks' wait for the next in the series (I believe book 4 is the conclusion. Unless the author thrills me by giving the parents' their own book. I'd love to read that)
Undone by A Duke was a pleasant surprise- a book I quickly chose without much research since I had a few days left on my Amazon Prime Borrow, and had to pick something. I absolutely loved it. It hit on every emotion, making me feel right alongside the characters: laugh, cry, feel frustration and anger. But mostly it just made me feel good and put a smile on myself without coming off as cheesy.
The end of the book went a bit off course, making me want to shake Jonathan, and it felt as it should have ended sooner... but I didn't mind.
I would recommend to fans of Regency Era Historical Romance, and to the Scottish fans as well, as the book takes place on Scottish soil.
Will I read more from this author: Most definitely.
Will I read more of this series: Buying book #2 as soon as this review is finished. If it doesn't disappoint, I will immediately buy book #3 thereafter, and it's only a few weeks' wait for the next in the series (I believe book 4 is the conclusion. Unless the author thrills me by giving the parents' their own book. I'd love to read that)
April 18, 2022
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed the first half of the book where they just spent a lot of time alone together getting to know each other better. It served as a very good foundation to their relationship. I do like that they both have something they needed fixing, for Victoria, it was her fear of stepping outside and for Jonathan, it was his leg and his past. It allowed for good bonding between them.
However, after they reached London, I felt Jonathan’s behaviour was not good. He closed himself off, kept a distance from Victoria and was a different man from when he first was when he met her. It made Victoria insecure and unhappy and I felt he could have done a better job at that. I mean he did promise to make her happy and yet by closing himself off, thinking it would be for her own good, it instead made her even sadder.
Even toward the end, he never did fully confide in her his reasons for holding in his feelings towards her. I felt he just didn’t tell her enough.
Nevertheless, this book was an enjoyable read and kept me hooked on it most of the time. I only wish there was more bantering between them.
I really enjoyed the first half of the book where they just spent a lot of time alone together getting to know each other better. It served as a very good foundation to their relationship. I do like that they both have something they needed fixing, for Victoria, it was her fear of stepping outside and for Jonathan, it was his leg and his past. It allowed for good bonding between them.
However, after they reached London, I felt Jonathan’s behaviour was not good. He closed himself off, kept a distance from Victoria and was a different man from when he first was when he met her. It made Victoria insecure and unhappy and I felt he could have done a better job at that. I mean he did promise to make her happy and yet by closing himself off, thinking it would be for her own good, it instead made her even sadder.
Even toward the end, he never did fully confide in her his reasons for holding in his feelings towards her. I felt he just didn’t tell her enough.
Nevertheless, this book was an enjoyable read and kept me hooked on it most of the time. I only wish there was more bantering between them.
June 14, 2020
Frustrating, this book had without a doubt one of the most irritating main characters. A heroine who is afraid to go outside. A hero who abandons his wife for months. I didn’t enjoy it at all. I have two more books in this series, but I have no plans to read them.
October 1, 2019
WOW! BEEN AWHILE SINCE I'VE GOTTEN THE CHANCE TO READ A HR THAT REALLY REELED ME IN AND HAD ME EAGER TO FINISH THE WHOLE STORY IN A DAY!
HERO was a Duke gone to claim a land he's "inherited" from a gamble and by a stroke of bad luck, he got shot in the thigh by a boy who assumed he was the previous, unsavoury Earl who left most of the crofters homeless. When he was rescued and put to recover under Victoria's home, the two unlikely lonely souls find companionship with the other and were irrevocably drawn to the other. Both from two different worlds...well they might as well be seeing the rift in their social status. The chemistry between the two were alive! And amazing. I rather like the tantalizing, almost slow burn attraction at the beginning because it kept their romance burning till the end. It didn't fizzed out like most other stories where once the passion begins...and etc etc, I just get bored of it all. Here, it didn't happened at all. While Jonathan was a cranky and not friendly character at all due to his status and past, Victoria's sensual innocence managed to do what the social debutantes failed to do - steal his heart. Despite his desire to protect himself, it doesn't take long before his attention and intentions shifted to our dear Victoria.
HEROINE might have appeared fragile in the beginning but she was by no definition weak. Bound by the traumatic experience of being lost in the highlands when she was younger, Victoria hasn't left the house in 5 years. She's also tired of being kept in by her silly fear but FEAR is real sometimes and it doesn't just go away by wishing it away. Lonely but content to live by her sewing, which I loved by the way because an innocent woman sewing sexy lingerie? That's a sure way to attract any man just like that. Victoria's father was out at war, and their family was facing serious financial dilapidation. She's taken it unto herself to help their family earn some coin by sewing and who knew her inventions would be raving popular among the ton! When an injured Jonathan drops into her life, she believed this was her chance to get to know a man. True, her secret desires rises its curious head but not everything is black and white, especially when he was leaving and the fact that he refuses to divulge his identity.
OVERALL you won't regret picking up this book. My advice is that when certain things the characters do might not agree with you, just put yourself in their shoes. I loved both the MCs and it certainly made my Monday night.
HERO was a Duke gone to claim a land he's "inherited" from a gamble and by a stroke of bad luck, he got shot in the thigh by a boy who assumed he was the previous, unsavoury Earl who left most of the crofters homeless. When he was rescued and put to recover under Victoria's home, the two unlikely lonely souls find companionship with the other and were irrevocably drawn to the other. Both from two different worlds...well they might as well be seeing the rift in their social status. The chemistry between the two were alive! And amazing. I rather like the tantalizing, almost slow burn attraction at the beginning because it kept their romance burning till the end. It didn't fizzed out like most other stories where once the passion begins...and etc etc, I just get bored of it all. Here, it didn't happened at all. While Jonathan was a cranky and not friendly character at all due to his status and past, Victoria's sensual innocence managed to do what the social debutantes failed to do - steal his heart. Despite his desire to protect himself, it doesn't take long before his attention and intentions shifted to our dear Victoria.
HEROINE might have appeared fragile in the beginning but she was by no definition weak. Bound by the traumatic experience of being lost in the highlands when she was younger, Victoria hasn't left the house in 5 years. She's also tired of being kept in by her silly fear but FEAR is real sometimes and it doesn't just go away by wishing it away. Lonely but content to live by her sewing, which I loved by the way because an innocent woman sewing sexy lingerie? That's a sure way to attract any man just like that. Victoria's father was out at war, and their family was facing serious financial dilapidation. She's taken it unto herself to help their family earn some coin by sewing and who knew her inventions would be raving popular among the ton! When an injured Jonathan drops into her life, she believed this was her chance to get to know a man. True, her secret desires rises its curious head but not everything is black and white, especially when he was leaving and the fact that he refuses to divulge his identity.
OVERALL you won't regret picking up this book. My advice is that when certain things the characters do might not agree with you, just put yourself in their shoes. I loved both the MCs and it certainly made my Monday night.
August 28, 2025
I imagine that the idea of this book started with the question: how did Victoria's Secret get started? You see, the heroine is Victoria, she creates sexy lingerie and everybody who knows keeps saying how they must keep it a secret because scandal!
Anyhow, this was a solid story. I only wish the author would have kept Victoria's fears to one type instead of multiple. You see, she's afraid of leaving the house, she's afraid of crowds, she's afraid of being judged, she's afraid of sex. Obviously with all these fears, most of the book was about her, with the hero doing a lot to reassure her. But I wish we had spent some time on his issues, which were also considerable.
The issue at the end was a bit silly and eyerolling. Who the hell would pit himself openly against a rich and influential Duke? There should have been way bigger consequences after what happened.
Anyhow, this was a solid story. I only wish the author would have kept Victoria's fears to one type instead of multiple. You see, she's afraid of leaving the house, she's afraid of crowds, she's afraid of being judged, she's afraid of sex. Obviously with all these fears, most of the book was about her, with the hero doing a lot to reassure her. But I wish we had spent some time on his issues, which were also considerable.
The issue at the end was a bit silly and eyerolling. Who the hell would pit himself openly against a rich and influential Duke? There should have been way bigger consequences after what happened.
May 29, 2021
Great listen
I loved the narration. This a great book, so romantic and such a great slow burn.p. I truly enjoyed this book and will be listening to the next!!!!
I loved the narration. This a great book, so romantic and such a great slow burn.p. I truly enjoyed this book and will be listening to the next!!!!
March 10, 2019
❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️
A wonderful read with great characters. Totally enjoy the writing style of this author, and look forward to the other stories in the Secrets in Silk series.
A wonderful read with great characters. Totally enjoy the writing style of this author, and look forward to the other stories in the Secrets in Silk series.
January 19, 2014
Ms. Willingham is an excellent writer. This series of has an intriguing group of characters from which to draw upon for future books. In this first book in the series, Jonathan Nottoway, the Duke of Worthingstone, has traveled to Scotland to check out a property he has won from the local bad guy - the Earl of Strathland. Jonathan avoids London society due to a scandal in his family which resulted in his parents' deaths. Instead, he focuses primarily on building up his wealth and at some point, has intentions to marry and beget an heir, although marrying for love is not part of his plan.
There is trouble in Scotland between Strathland and local crofters. As a result Jonathan is shot by a young lad who mistakes him for Strathland. He is carried to the home of the Andrews family to be treated for his wound. The only person at home is the eldest Andrews daughter -Victoria who hasn't gone outside in five years due to being lost for several days in the cold countryside of Scotland when her family first moved there. She longs to go outside and realizes she will never have a normal life if she can't get past her fears. In fact, her mother and three sisters - Margaret, Juliette and Amelia have traveled to London to try and find husbands for the girls but Victoria is alone at home during the Christmas season with only two servants to keep her company.
She does have a passion, however. She sews beautiful undergarments and dresses and arranges for them to be sold to a well known London dressmaker. The funds she earns from this secret enterprise brings in much needed funds into the family coffers. Her father has been away to war for several years and Victoria, her mother and sisters never seem to have enough funds.
**Spoilers**When Jonathan is brought to her home to be treated for his gunshot wound, he doesn't tell Victoria he is a duke, however, it is obvious from his clothing he is a wealthy man. Jonathan's and Victoria's relationship and its buildup is obviously the main part of the storyline. Although it was somewhat interesting, it was too slow for me. Ultimately, they do marry and travel to London where their relatinship slides downhill due to past wounds in Jonathan's life. It was almost too much for me when he basically abandoned Victoria for several months toward the end of the story without any real warning or details about what was going on during that time. Yes, stuff is resolved during the last few pages of the book but I must confess to being thoroughly disappointed with Jonathan for the last 1/3 of the book.
So what is left? The reader is left to look forward to the next books in this series hoping they will answer some of the following questions about the characters we have come to care about:
Beatrice, Victoria's mother and her regretful and sorrowful thoughts about her life with her absent husband who is away fighting England's war makes one wonder how their relationship will evolve in future stories.
Juliette and Dr. Fraser - there's was obviously something going on there but Juliette has turned cold toward the doc.
And then perhaps the most intriguing character of all - the somewhat sexy, rough looking, Cain Sinclair - the man the Andrews girls hire to sell their line of undergarments - is my favorite. Will he and Margaret eventually wind up together? I will be very disappointed if his story is not written.
Lastly, there is Amelia, the feisty, youngest sister - what will her story turn out to be?
Okay, since I have stated that I found much of the storyline somewhat slow and didn't care for Jonathan's part in the last 1/3, why have I given this book 4 stars? In part because the writing is very good but also I loved the characters in the story. I have already purchased the second book in this series - Juliette's story. I look forward to reading it and plan to continue with the rest of the series.
There is trouble in Scotland between Strathland and local crofters. As a result Jonathan is shot by a young lad who mistakes him for Strathland. He is carried to the home of the Andrews family to be treated for his wound. The only person at home is the eldest Andrews daughter -Victoria who hasn't gone outside in five years due to being lost for several days in the cold countryside of Scotland when her family first moved there. She longs to go outside and realizes she will never have a normal life if she can't get past her fears. In fact, her mother and three sisters - Margaret, Juliette and Amelia have traveled to London to try and find husbands for the girls but Victoria is alone at home during the Christmas season with only two servants to keep her company.
She does have a passion, however. She sews beautiful undergarments and dresses and arranges for them to be sold to a well known London dressmaker. The funds she earns from this secret enterprise brings in much needed funds into the family coffers. Her father has been away to war for several years and Victoria, her mother and sisters never seem to have enough funds.
**Spoilers**When Jonathan is brought to her home to be treated for his gunshot wound, he doesn't tell Victoria he is a duke, however, it is obvious from his clothing he is a wealthy man. Jonathan's and Victoria's relationship and its buildup is obviously the main part of the storyline. Although it was somewhat interesting, it was too slow for me. Ultimately, they do marry and travel to London where their relatinship slides downhill due to past wounds in Jonathan's life. It was almost too much for me when he basically abandoned Victoria for several months toward the end of the story without any real warning or details about what was going on during that time. Yes, stuff is resolved during the last few pages of the book but I must confess to being thoroughly disappointed with Jonathan for the last 1/3 of the book.
So what is left? The reader is left to look forward to the next books in this series hoping they will answer some of the following questions about the characters we have come to care about:
Beatrice, Victoria's mother and her regretful and sorrowful thoughts about her life with her absent husband who is away fighting England's war makes one wonder how their relationship will evolve in future stories.
Juliette and Dr. Fraser - there's was obviously something going on there but Juliette has turned cold toward the doc.
And then perhaps the most intriguing character of all - the somewhat sexy, rough looking, Cain Sinclair - the man the Andrews girls hire to sell their line of undergarments - is my favorite. Will he and Margaret eventually wind up together? I will be very disappointed if his story is not written.
Lastly, there is Amelia, the feisty, youngest sister - what will her story turn out to be?
Okay, since I have stated that I found much of the storyline somewhat slow and didn't care for Jonathan's part in the last 1/3, why have I given this book 4 stars? In part because the writing is very good but also I loved the characters in the story. I have already purchased the second book in this series - Juliette's story. I look forward to reading it and plan to continue with the rest of the series.
April 4, 2013
book provided by NightOwlReviews
Victoria is a very selfless person. He has not taken a step outside her home in over five years. She made her mother and sister to go London without her for the holidays. She just never knew that making them leave would change her fate and future. She never thought that by helping a wounded man her entire world would change.
Jonathan was shot because he was mistaken for someone else. He was then brought to the nearest household for help and recovery. He never thought that a gunshot wound would change his life so completely. He never thought that he would find his match.
Victoria brought Jonathan back to his perfect health. She took care of him until he was well enough to leave on his own. Throughout their time together they talked about themselves but very little was said on Jonathan’s part. He did not want anyone to know exactly who his is. Jonathan found out that Victoria is completely afraid of leaving her home. So they both made a deal. He would help her get over her fear before he was well enough to leave.
As Jonathan was healing Victoria and he got closer and closer. They talked about a lot of things when they were together. It helped because they always shared their meals and it stopped the uncomfortable silence. Victoria actually started to have some feelings for him. But she knew that she would never be able to make him a good wife because of her fear.
Jonathan finally got Victoria outside one day. But it was not in the way he thought. They were having an argument and Victoria got up and ran away. She ran outside and into the snow. She did not realize it until Jonathan mentioned it to her. Then she turned to rush back into the house and almost fell on ice. When Jonathan caught her, he kissed her. She did not know what to make of it but she knew that she enjoyed it very much. Neither one of them knew that her mother saw it.
When Victoria’s mother came back to check up on her daughter, she told Jonathan that she needed to talk to him. Jonathan told her mother who he really was and that he wanted to marry Victoria because it was the right and proper thing to do. Her mother was worried because Victoria really cannot do what society requires of a wife. But Jonathan promised that she would be taken care of. And when Victoria found out she was happy because she was secretly in love with Jonathan from the very beginning and only fell more in love with him as she got to know him.
When they returned to Jonathan’s home in London, everything changed. He left her alone; she was basically on her own. He did not want anything to do with her. The only one who helped her was his sister. Jonathan’s sister helped Victoria with her new status and made sure that she was comfortable. When Victoria voiced that she was not happy and started standing up for her, Jonathan finally realized that he was in love with her. When he told her she told him that she has loved him since he came to her house with the bullet wound.
I liked this book. It brought a lot with it. It had drama and romance. It was the perfect blend for a historical romance. I loved how the author put everything together. I am looking forward to reading the next book written by this author. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical writers.
Victoria is a very selfless person. He has not taken a step outside her home in over five years. She made her mother and sister to go London without her for the holidays. She just never knew that making them leave would change her fate and future. She never thought that by helping a wounded man her entire world would change.
Jonathan was shot because he was mistaken for someone else. He was then brought to the nearest household for help and recovery. He never thought that a gunshot wound would change his life so completely. He never thought that he would find his match.
Victoria brought Jonathan back to his perfect health. She took care of him until he was well enough to leave on his own. Throughout their time together they talked about themselves but very little was said on Jonathan’s part. He did not want anyone to know exactly who his is. Jonathan found out that Victoria is completely afraid of leaving her home. So they both made a deal. He would help her get over her fear before he was well enough to leave.
As Jonathan was healing Victoria and he got closer and closer. They talked about a lot of things when they were together. It helped because they always shared their meals and it stopped the uncomfortable silence. Victoria actually started to have some feelings for him. But she knew that she would never be able to make him a good wife because of her fear.
Jonathan finally got Victoria outside one day. But it was not in the way he thought. They were having an argument and Victoria got up and ran away. She ran outside and into the snow. She did not realize it until Jonathan mentioned it to her. Then she turned to rush back into the house and almost fell on ice. When Jonathan caught her, he kissed her. She did not know what to make of it but she knew that she enjoyed it very much. Neither one of them knew that her mother saw it.
When Victoria’s mother came back to check up on her daughter, she told Jonathan that she needed to talk to him. Jonathan told her mother who he really was and that he wanted to marry Victoria because it was the right and proper thing to do. Her mother was worried because Victoria really cannot do what society requires of a wife. But Jonathan promised that she would be taken care of. And when Victoria found out she was happy because she was secretly in love with Jonathan from the very beginning and only fell more in love with him as she got to know him.
When they returned to Jonathan’s home in London, everything changed. He left her alone; she was basically on her own. He did not want anything to do with her. The only one who helped her was his sister. Jonathan’s sister helped Victoria with her new status and made sure that she was comfortable. When Victoria voiced that she was not happy and started standing up for her, Jonathan finally realized that he was in love with her. When he told her she told him that she has loved him since he came to her house with the bullet wound.
I liked this book. It brought a lot with it. It had drama and romance. It was the perfect blend for a historical romance. I loved how the author put everything together. I am looking forward to reading the next book written by this author. She is quickly becoming one of my favorite historical writers.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2016
This book was just alright for me. It had elements I liked but I wasn't really attached to the characters. I liked the idea of a romance with an agoraphobic heroine but when I actually read the story, I was more apathetic than interested. I expected to like it. I liked the beginning. I liked the idea of an agoraphobic heroine who sews underwear saving a wounded duke's life. I thought it was an interesting setting. I felt like the romance could have been better developed if it was more of a stuck in a cottage during a snowstorm romance. Instead, they were bombarded with other people in the house. Anyways, the middle, the actual meat of the story, is a bit underwhelming. The ending finally picked up with the earl's factotum abducting Victoria but by then, the long lull cemented my opinion of the book. I liked the beginning and ending but the middle was a bit of a bore.
This is a poor standalone book. It has different character perspectives and their respective romances. It didn't really relate to the two main characters and they weren't really resolved. If I didn't read future books in the series, I wouldn't even know why they're mentioned in this book. A passing mention is fine but there are pages dedicated to them, which are wholly unrelated to the two main characters. I think the worst offender of this was the mother. She goes on and on about her failed marriage and the poor state of her family. She wonders where everything went wrong and by the end, there really is no answer. It's so frustrating to read about other characters as a set up for future books. I can do passing mentions but when the heroine or hero is totally absent from the scene and it takes up a lot of pages AND the conflict isn't resolved in the book, it annoys me.
I also liked the idea of the lingerie business but the actual story was a bit conflicting. There is a real doom and gloom that permeates the book. For a playful riff on Victoria's secret in the nineteenth century, this book was a real downer. Everything was serious and I think there was a conflict between the cheeky idea and the gloomy atmosphere. I also wish her name wasn't Victoria. It, coupled with Aphrodite's unmentionables, was a bit much. I think you should have one or the other. It's like being beaten over the head with it. Get it? Victoria's secret. Yes, I got it.
So the story revolves around Victoria and Jonathan. Jonathan is shot since he was mistaken for the earl of Strathland. The earl had been burning people's homes to clear the land. He needed the land for his sheeps to graze since he was in the business of wool. Anyways, the duke was taken to Victoria's home and she ended up providing refuge for other wounded people. The wives ended up as her workers sewing lingerie. She divvied up the profits. She needed to work since her family's finances weren't that great.
The duke helped her with her issues. He asked her to marry him. She worked harded to overcome her phobia. They married. A contrived conflict of him not wanting to be like his father pops up on the second half of the book. She thought the distance between them was because he was ashamed of her being a recluse. He was being distant because his father was obsessed with his mother to the point of violence. They work things out when she was abducted and there was a real chance of miscarrying.
This is a poor standalone book. It has different character perspectives and their respective romances. It didn't really relate to the two main characters and they weren't really resolved. If I didn't read future books in the series, I wouldn't even know why they're mentioned in this book. A passing mention is fine but there are pages dedicated to them, which are wholly unrelated to the two main characters. I think the worst offender of this was the mother. She goes on and on about her failed marriage and the poor state of her family. She wonders where everything went wrong and by the end, there really is no answer. It's so frustrating to read about other characters as a set up for future books. I can do passing mentions but when the heroine or hero is totally absent from the scene and it takes up a lot of pages AND the conflict isn't resolved in the book, it annoys me.
I also liked the idea of the lingerie business but the actual story was a bit conflicting. There is a real doom and gloom that permeates the book. For a playful riff on Victoria's secret in the nineteenth century, this book was a real downer. Everything was serious and I think there was a conflict between the cheeky idea and the gloomy atmosphere. I also wish her name wasn't Victoria. It, coupled with Aphrodite's unmentionables, was a bit much. I think you should have one or the other. It's like being beaten over the head with it. Get it? Victoria's secret. Yes, I got it.
So the story revolves around Victoria and Jonathan. Jonathan is shot since he was mistaken for the earl of Strathland. The earl had been burning people's homes to clear the land. He needed the land for his sheeps to graze since he was in the business of wool. Anyways, the duke was taken to Victoria's home and she ended up providing refuge for other wounded people. The wives ended up as her workers sewing lingerie. She divvied up the profits. She needed to work since her family's finances weren't that great.
The duke helped her with her issues. He asked her to marry him. She worked harded to overcome her phobia. They married. A contrived conflict of him not wanting to be like his father pops up on the second half of the book. She thought the distance between them was because he was ashamed of her being a recluse. He was being distant because his father was obsessed with his mother to the point of violence. They work things out when she was abducted and there was a real chance of miscarrying.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
April 29, 2013
At one time in her life Victoria Andrews was a vivacious and adventuresome young lady, until five years ago when a most traumatic experience had since turned her into a recluse. As a result, Victoria had not set foot outside her door (agoraphobia) for the last five years. Jonathan Nottoway, the fourth Duke of Worthingstone, was traveling to Scotland to investigate a new property when he was mistaken for a ruthless landowner and shot. Luckily for him, he was found and brought to a nearby house where Miss Victoria Andrews was determined not to let him die.
*** This was a totally new author for me, and why I picked it up must have been a gift from my book loving guardian angel. Not only did I discover a new author whom I will want to check mark as an auto-buy author but UNDONE BY THE DUKE will find a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.
First of all, I loved the unusualness of having an agoraphobic heroine! Naturally, in the Regency period, they didn’t have a name for it, but it existed with Victoria. Not only was Victoria an agoraphobic who, incidentally hated her condition, Victoria was also a secret dress designer. Secret because persons of the nobility -no matter that they were living on a very reduced income - thought it better to starve than to be in ‘trade’. From dress-maker to a maker of very sexy unmentionables - whew!
When Victoria, alone but for a cook and a man-of-all trades was presented with a wounded man, bleeding all over knew she must stop the bleeding one way or another. Naturally, she sewed him up - using pink thread. And this is just an inkling of the beginning of what turns out to be a very intensely moving story I thoroughly fell in love with! Still in disguise and never letting Victoria know who he was, Jonathan fell in love with his angel of mercy, then worked feverishly to help Victoria conquer her demons.
Bottom line: UNDONE BY THE DUKE is just a superb example of why I love to read - clever, intoxicating and thoroughly entertaining. HIGHLY Recommended!!! Can’t wait for more from both this series and this author!
*** This was a totally new author for me, and why I picked it up must have been a gift from my book loving guardian angel. Not only did I discover a new author whom I will want to check mark as an auto-buy author but UNDONE BY THE DUKE will find a permanent spot on my keeper shelf.
First of all, I loved the unusualness of having an agoraphobic heroine! Naturally, in the Regency period, they didn’t have a name for it, but it existed with Victoria. Not only was Victoria an agoraphobic who, incidentally hated her condition, Victoria was also a secret dress designer. Secret because persons of the nobility -no matter that they were living on a very reduced income - thought it better to starve than to be in ‘trade’. From dress-maker to a maker of very sexy unmentionables - whew!
When Victoria, alone but for a cook and a man-of-all trades was presented with a wounded man, bleeding all over knew she must stop the bleeding one way or another. Naturally, she sewed him up - using pink thread. And this is just an inkling of the beginning of what turns out to be a very intensely moving story I thoroughly fell in love with! Still in disguise and never letting Victoria know who he was, Jonathan fell in love with his angel of mercy, then worked feverishly to help Victoria conquer her demons.
Bottom line: UNDONE BY THE DUKE is just a superb example of why I love to read - clever, intoxicating and thoroughly entertaining. HIGHLY Recommended!!! Can’t wait for more from both this series and this author!
August 9, 2015
BAD ENDING TO A GOOD STORY!!
I started out liking Undone by the Duke but it crashed an burned right at the end of a the story.
Victoria Andrews is Agoraphabic, She can't go outside. She was traumatized 5years ago when she was 17. Now at 22 she still is unable to leave the house. This was a good storyline but it got a little unrealistic. Like when she was going to stay in a burning house and be burned to death. It seems like you make a great effort to get out of a burning house. Instead of risking loved ones coming in after you. But she does eventually get a little better with the help of Jonathan Nottoway the Duke of Worthinghstone.. Jonathan is brought to the Andrews home after being shot and Victoria nurses him and saves his life. In turn he helps her venture outside.
Jonathan and Victoria are forced to marry becasue he has been living with her alone with only a few servants in attendance since he was shot. I
loved there Christmas together where they were totally alone.
There are villains in the story. The Earl of Castleton who wants The Andrews land. At the end of the story is were I had the most problem and down rated a 4 star story to a 2 star. What fool goes to the home of a powerful rich Duke and threatens his Duchess and her family in front of all the servant. That was Dumb and then Kidnapped the sister and Victoria in plan sight. An Earl is no were near as powerful as a Duke. They don't even come close. Only a Prince is higher in rank then a Duke and just below a Duke is a Marquess. Earls are in the middle of the hierarchy. No sane Earl would tangle with a Duke. This Earl was just evil and mean not insane. He was a rapist also. This is what made the story unbelievable for me. The ending ruined the entire story!! Just for a few more pages the author writes dumb stuff.
I know I Won't be reading bk2 Unraveled by the Rebel. Juliet's story. I don't like the storyline and what happen to Juliet and the results of her abuse. I might read bk 3. Michele Willingham has promise as an author.
I started out liking Undone by the Duke but it crashed an burned right at the end of a the story.
Victoria Andrews is Agoraphabic, She can't go outside. She was traumatized 5years ago when she was 17. Now at 22 she still is unable to leave the house. This was a good storyline but it got a little unrealistic. Like when she was going to stay in a burning house and be burned to death. It seems like you make a great effort to get out of a burning house. Instead of risking loved ones coming in after you. But she does eventually get a little better with the help of Jonathan Nottoway the Duke of Worthinghstone.. Jonathan is brought to the Andrews home after being shot and Victoria nurses him and saves his life. In turn he helps her venture outside.
Jonathan and Victoria are forced to marry becasue he has been living with her alone with only a few servants in attendance since he was shot. I
loved there Christmas together where they were totally alone.
There are villains in the story. The Earl of Castleton who wants The Andrews land. At the end of the story is were I had the most problem and down rated a 4 star story to a 2 star. What fool goes to the home of a powerful rich Duke and threatens his Duchess and her family in front of all the servant. That was Dumb and then Kidnapped the sister and Victoria in plan sight. An Earl is no were near as powerful as a Duke. They don't even come close. Only a Prince is higher in rank then a Duke and just below a Duke is a Marquess. Earls are in the middle of the hierarchy. No sane Earl would tangle with a Duke. This Earl was just evil and mean not insane. He was a rapist also. This is what made the story unbelievable for me. The ending ruined the entire story!! Just for a few more pages the author writes dumb stuff.
I know I Won't be reading bk2 Unraveled by the Rebel. Juliet's story. I don't like the storyline and what happen to Juliet and the results of her abuse. I might read bk 3. Michele Willingham has promise as an author.
February 12, 2013
I loved how Jonathan and Victoria started out slow. They got to know one each at a nice pace. They become friends first. Both are hiding from their fears. Some fears are easy to get over and others do take time. They helped each other over come their fears. Jonathan slowly stole Victoria's heart. Day by day he broke down her resistance. He had the arrogance down. ;-) Victoria was tormented. She wanted things to change but was scared of that change. Jonathan wanted to "save" Victoria, for he was unalbe to do that in his past for someone close to him.
I had to admit this book was not what I had originally expected. But it was a great change in pace and reading material. Over all I really enjoyed reading Undone By the Duke. And now I would love to read other stories about the sisters. I will be keeping my eye out for them.
POSSIBLE SPOILERS:
Some lines I loved in the book:
" In my experience, the quietest women tend to be the most adventurous. There's a wildness that they let no one see. "
I have to agree with this one. :-)
"Beyond the glass lay her deepest fears and the future she wanted."
"It has been my experience that the women who do not desire notice are the ones most worthy of it."
July 6, 2015
I am all for complicated stories and multi-layered plots. But some writers confuse a complicated plot with side stories about the secondary characters. I feel that this book is one of those "confused books".
I like Jonathan much better than Victoria, but nothing was spetacular about either one of them. Jonathan is the typical supposedly tortured hero who, quite honestly, did not seem all that tortured to me. But at least he had characters. Victoria is a wet blanket. On my annoying heroine ranking, a web blanet is only second to a shrew. I appreciate that she was a recluse and has had little contact to the world. I do not mind that. But I don't see why anyone would fall in love with her.
I feel that there is not much more to say about this book. I do not dislike the characters intensely. But the plots, the characters, the relationship, the chemistry, the land problems, the turmoil in Scotland or the intricacies of the ton, the irrelevant his parents and her parents and all the sisters and their future lovers in subsequent books in the series.....nothing held my interest. I was rather, uninspired.
I like Jonathan much better than Victoria, but nothing was spetacular about either one of them. Jonathan is the typical supposedly tortured hero who, quite honestly, did not seem all that tortured to me. But at least he had characters. Victoria is a wet blanket. On my annoying heroine ranking, a web blanet is only second to a shrew. I appreciate that she was a recluse and has had little contact to the world. I do not mind that. But I don't see why anyone would fall in love with her.
I feel that there is not much more to say about this book. I do not dislike the characters intensely. But the plots, the characters, the relationship, the chemistry, the land problems, the turmoil in Scotland or the intricacies of the ton, the irrelevant his parents and her parents and all the sisters and their future lovers in subsequent books in the series.....nothing held my interest. I was rather, uninspired.
July 26, 2020
The mistaken/unknown identity tropes is one of my favorites (most of the time). I was really enjoying this right to Jonathon's ultimatum (marry me or else!). After that, it was downhill for me. Not talking, making (wrong) assumptions, and misunderstandings. Jonathon not wanting to open up about the death of his parents, but expecting total honesty from Victoria.
Victoria was an interesting character (after she was lost in the highlands for a few days, she developed a fear (agoraphobia) and never left the house). It took a long time for her to grow some spine and stand up to Jonathon.
There's also an evil lord who is a neighbor, arson, and a secondary love story (well kind of- I thought there might be a little more there, but that story line got dumped) featuring Victoria's parents.
Victoria was an interesting character (after she was lost in the highlands for a few days, she developed a fear (agoraphobia) and never left the house). It took a long time for her to grow some spine and stand up to Jonathon.
There's also an evil lord who is a neighbor, arson, and a secondary love story (well kind of- I thought there might be a little more there, but that story line got dumped) featuring Victoria's parents.
February 29, 2016
Wonderfully written! I couldn't put it down.
I started with book three, then one. They are so well written that it didn't matter. I'm starting book two next. I love stories about families, especially sister's. Michelle brings the Highlands of Scotland to life.
I started with book three, then one. They are so well written that it didn't matter. I'm starting book two next. I love stories about families, especially sister's. Michelle brings the Highlands of Scotland to life.
February 15, 2013
Two wounded souls. I liked it!
April 23, 2016
A wonderful historical romance with an enchanting love story. A hero and heroine who know both true pain and sacrifice, and still are blessed to find one another. Get the kleenex out!
October 30, 2016
After a traumatic experience, Victoria Andrews retreats to the safety of her home. But her fears turn her sanctuary into a prison when she finds herself unable to take a single step outside in five years. Her only solace is in the design and sewing she does in secret to help her family with their financial problems, but if anyone ever discovered that Victoria is the force behind the scandalous lingerie taking London by storm, she and her sisters would be ruined.
Seeking suitable (and preferably wealthy) husbands, but unable to afford all that goes along with a complete London season, Victoria's mother and sisters go to London to visit the aunt for Christmas to attend her events and meet her candidates. Because of her fear of leaving the house, Victoria is left behind with only a few loyal servants even though the Scottish countryside around her home is in a time of violent unrest due to land clearances. Victoria takes in some wounded in the upheaval, including a stranger with a gunshot wound. By his clothing and mannerisms, she can tell that he is clearly wealthy, but seeking to avoid a scandal involving the violent deaths of his parents and enjoying the attentions of someone interested in his person and not his money or title, the man keeps his identity a secret, revealing only that his first name is Jonathan. As Jonathan heals physically, Victoria begins to heal emotionally. But will the secrets they hide destroy the progress they make, or will it bond them together more strongly?
This novel tackles a few interesting topics, including agoraphobia, sexual liberation, Scottish land clearances, and abusive relationships. Victoria's fears and the scars left on Jonathan's emotional well-being due to witnessing his parents' abusive relationship are a palpable force throughout the book. Without giving away any spoilers, I will only say that while the ending felt conclusive with a HEA for Victoria and Jonathan, there were plenty of unresolved issues that would provide promising plot lines for future books in the series, featuring Victoria's sisters and some of the minor characters. The narrator's voice had little inflection, and the voice used for male characters in particular seemed somewhat garbled, as though talking with a full mouth or through pursed lips. Rather than enhancing the experience, I found the narrator to be a little distracting. However, overall, I enjoyed the book and plan to continue with the next book in the series.
Seeking suitable (and preferably wealthy) husbands, but unable to afford all that goes along with a complete London season, Victoria's mother and sisters go to London to visit the aunt for Christmas to attend her events and meet her candidates. Because of her fear of leaving the house, Victoria is left behind with only a few loyal servants even though the Scottish countryside around her home is in a time of violent unrest due to land clearances. Victoria takes in some wounded in the upheaval, including a stranger with a gunshot wound. By his clothing and mannerisms, she can tell that he is clearly wealthy, but seeking to avoid a scandal involving the violent deaths of his parents and enjoying the attentions of someone interested in his person and not his money or title, the man keeps his identity a secret, revealing only that his first name is Jonathan. As Jonathan heals physically, Victoria begins to heal emotionally. But will the secrets they hide destroy the progress they make, or will it bond them together more strongly?
This novel tackles a few interesting topics, including agoraphobia, sexual liberation, Scottish land clearances, and abusive relationships. Victoria's fears and the scars left on Jonathan's emotional well-being due to witnessing his parents' abusive relationship are a palpable force throughout the book. Without giving away any spoilers, I will only say that while the ending felt conclusive with a HEA for Victoria and Jonathan, there were plenty of unresolved issues that would provide promising plot lines for future books in the series, featuring Victoria's sisters and some of the minor characters. The narrator's voice had little inflection, and the voice used for male characters in particular seemed somewhat garbled, as though talking with a full mouth or through pursed lips. Rather than enhancing the experience, I found the narrator to be a little distracting. However, overall, I enjoyed the book and plan to continue with the next book in the series.
January 25, 2021
An intriguing, romantic story
4 stars
I have enjoyed many novels by Michelle Willingham but tend to favour her viking romances. Having said that, this book has definitely made me want to check out other books by her set in other time periods, especially the Regency.
The characters in this book are what makes it stand out. The secrets that they have aren’t typical for a romance novel and while it might not be what I would normally pick, it really worked and kept me turning the pages. You are really rooting for both characters to find a way to be together and work everything out. There are also some nicely sexy scenes contained which always adds a little extra to the love and romance.
This is the first book in the Secrets in Silk series by Michelle Willingham and I thoroughly enjoyed it. The next is set to be released in September 2013 (Unraveled by the Rebel) and I will try to remember to check it out. 4 stars.
March 4, 2021
*Regal Romance & More*
I read & listened to this book and absolutely fell in love with it. Victoria a lady in waiting with a huge problem she is afraid to go outside. She resigns herself to becoming a spinster. She has younger siblings who go to every ball in an attempt to find a husband. The family have fallen on hard times as their father is at war and as a way to make money Victoria designs and makes gowns. One day she decides to make corsets which are scandalous for the time. They have a man who delivers them to London and they prove to be a big hit.
One of the many occasions she is left behind whilst her siblings go to another ball a wounded man has been found nearby and she gets her staff to bring him in. He does not reveal his title and he is abrupt a bit like Mr Darcy character and she is unaffected by him, which makes her more appealing to him, what happens beyond.... I will stop there.
Full of drama, a touch of romance, threats of violence and so much more....
I read & listened to this book and absolutely fell in love with it. Victoria a lady in waiting with a huge problem she is afraid to go outside. She resigns herself to becoming a spinster. She has younger siblings who go to every ball in an attempt to find a husband. The family have fallen on hard times as their father is at war and as a way to make money Victoria designs and makes gowns. One day she decides to make corsets which are scandalous for the time. They have a man who delivers them to London and they prove to be a big hit.
One of the many occasions she is left behind whilst her siblings go to another ball a wounded man has been found nearby and she gets her staff to bring him in. He does not reveal his title and he is abrupt a bit like Mr Darcy character and she is unaffected by him, which makes her more appealing to him, what happens beyond.... I will stop there.
Full of drama, a touch of romance, threats of violence and so much more....
July 19, 2024
The first in the Secrets in Silk series, Undone by the Duke introduces us to four single young sisters. After experiencing a traumatic situation, Victoria is an agoraphobic who is resigned to her lonely spinster life. One night while she is alone an injured man arrives at her door in need of assistance. He is immediately taken by her and being an accomplished seamstress Victoria shows up his cuts. She is not impressed with titles and sensing this, he just does not divulge the fact that he is a duke.
A second storyline in this book is the fact that the girls make Aphrodites and mentionables - undergarments worn under their Regency dresses. Their styles are scandalous, but they sell like crazy.
It’s interesting to see how the Duke reveals himself to Victoria and how he Feels about her product
It was interesting to see the transformation of Victoria and her life.
A second storyline in this book is the fact that the girls make Aphrodites and mentionables - undergarments worn under their Regency dresses. Their styles are scandalous, but they sell like crazy.
It’s interesting to see how the Duke reveals himself to Victoria and how he Feels about her product
It was interesting to see the transformation of Victoria and her life.
July 11, 2023
Wonderful
This was a very intriguing story. I’m so glad I got the chance to read it. Lots of suspense and romance. Who could have known the shy, fearful sister that refused to leave the house would be the first of the sisters to get married and leave the house. But most wonderful of all was her meeting a man with a gunshot wound would lead to her (Victoria, the oldest daughter) happily ever after. He, the Duke, helped her her over come her fear of leaving the house and she helped him to relinquish his demons of his parent death. This is just a teeny part of this wonderful stories that you get with reading this book. But most importantly is they found their happily ever after. I loved it and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. WOW!!
This was a very intriguing story. I’m so glad I got the chance to read it. Lots of suspense and romance. Who could have known the shy, fearful sister that refused to leave the house would be the first of the sisters to get married and leave the house. But most wonderful of all was her meeting a man with a gunshot wound would lead to her (Victoria, the oldest daughter) happily ever after. He, the Duke, helped her her over come her fear of leaving the house and she helped him to relinquish his demons of his parent death. This is just a teeny part of this wonderful stories that you get with reading this book. But most importantly is they found their happily ever after. I loved it and it kept me on the edge of my seat the entire time. WOW!!
May 26, 2020
The very basic storyline of a young woman with a fear of leaving the house that secretly makes gowns and later lingerie to support her family who nurses a gentleman, who later turns out to be a duke, back to health, who then falls in love with her and coerces her into marriage, they both secretly love each other and finally get their HEA at the end was good and worth reading. What made the book unsatisfying was all the extra plot lines that never got resolved. I hope these get explored in later books in the series, but the ending of this book felt unfinished.
December 3, 2022
Started out slow and I almost didn’t continue. After sticking with it, picked up into almost Cinderella like story with what grabbed my interest.
It seemed as if the author spent to much time with tedious details in the first half of the story and then decided to pick up the pace. And that she did. She jumped from current plot to weeks ahead and before we know it, it was months. It’s a good thing I understood what the author was doing, so I followed closely.
I still enjoyed it through the last quarter choppy story telling, and the rushed ending.
It seemed as if the author spent to much time with tedious details in the first half of the story and then decided to pick up the pace. And that she did. She jumped from current plot to weeks ahead and before we know it, it was months. It’s a good thing I understood what the author was doing, so I followed closely.
I still enjoyed it through the last quarter choppy story telling, and the rushed ending.
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