The Duchess of Drury Lane

The Scandals and Scoundrels of Drury Lane #4

by Janna MacGregor

She plays a part in society. He's convinced she's been miscast.

Raised to be a future duchess, Celeste Worsley must marry the duke her grandfather chooses for her. That means staying away from Malcolm Hollandale, one of the infamous self-made Millionaires of Mayfair. The only problem? He’s irresistible, completely unacceptable to her family, and she’s been in love with him since the first time she saw him.

On his hands and knees and covered in his newest attempt to varnish the Drury Lane stage, chemist Malcolm Hollandale tries to ignore the enticing woman everyone calls The Duchess. Celeste is everything he can’t have, but when she needs his help to right a wrong, he can’t refuse her or her plush red lips. A stolen moment leads to a forbidden love that neither can walk away from, but fate has other ideas. Yet, Malcom can’t stop thinking that perhaps this bold, passionate woman might be the perfect formula for achieving all his dreams.

Genres: Historical Romance, Historical, Romance, Regency, Historical Fiction, Steamy, Amazon

244 pages, Kindle Edition

First published September 26, 2023

About the author

Janna MacGregor was born and raised in the bootheel of Missouri. She credits her darling mom for introducing her to the happily-ever-after world of romance novels. Janna writes stories where compelling and powerful heroines meet and fall in love with their equally matched heroes. She is the mother of triplets and lives in Kansas City with her very own dashing rogue, and two smug, but not surprisingly, perfect pugs. She loves to hear from readers.

Visit her at www.JannaMacGregor.com.
Twitter: @JannaMacGregor
Facebook: Janna MacGregor
Sign up for her newsletter at www.JannaMacGregor.com

Reviews

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoy Janna MacGregor's writing and look for any new releases she may have coming out. This is my 12th book by her and I've been reading her since 2020.

This was a super cute story. I really enjoyed reading Celeste and Malcolm's story. Janna got pretty good depth. I loved Celeste and Malcolm's personalities and their chemistry.

[Rainelle · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duchess of Drury Lane. Well I have find myself asking what is a tipple. Celeste and Malcolm are the it couple of all it couples of Drury Lane. Their romance is one encased in the warm and sweet part of romance. Malcolm is my favorite character. His prowl for Celeste is one that was dangerously addictive. I loved the writing. The creativity with story is one made for the readers who crave romantic books. The characters backgrounds story provides the story with the exciting elements the makes the book a page turner. It’s the entertainment from the characters that makes the story real. It’s the characters dialogue, their emotions and actions that’s also apart of this. What’s so appealing about the book is the story of innocence, long standing love of two people who are meant to be. I give this story two snaps and a twist. Until next time my fellow readers. Read on! I received a copy of this book from the author in exchange for an honest review.
#TheDuchessofDruryLane #JannaMacGregor #JannaMacGregor’sLadies #Goodreads #Bookbub

[Rebecca · Rating 2 out of 5]

While many of the books in this series are part of authors' other ongoing series, this is the first one that has felt like it, and I was honestly a little lost.

[Brandy · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a bit of a slow start for me, but when it picked up, I was riveted! I couldn't help but root for Celeste, who is desperate to try and mend the rift between her parents and grandfather, but also figuring out what she wants out of a marriage and life. Malcolm, I adored him from the beginning, irreverent and wildly in love. And also smart and determined and hardworking. Also, KITTENS!! All in all, a lovely book.

[Lana Birky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Be ready to be swept you off your feet by this wonderful romantic story of forbidden love, passion, and chemistry between a future duchess and a self-made millionaire. Celeste Worsley is a dutiful daughter who must marry the duke her grandfather has chosen for her, but she can’t resist the charm and intelligence of Malcolm Hollandale, a chemist who works at the Drury Lane theatre. Malcolm knows he’s not worthy of Celeste, but he can’t deny his feelings for her or his desire to help her with a personal dilemma. When they share a stolen moment, they ignite a fire that can’t be extinguished, but can they overcome the obstacles that stand in their way? The Duchess of Drury Lane is an engaging and heartwarming read that will make you swoon and smile. Janna MacGregor has created a wonderful couple you will root for and a vibrant world that you will want to visit again and again. If you love historical romance with witty dialogue, steamy scenes, and a dash of drama, you will love this book. I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader's Copy of this book; all thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Lindsay pinkcowlandreads · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5⭐️

➖Open Scene➖
Celeste, the granddaughter of a Duke and self-made millionaire Malcolm are surprised when a mutual interest brings them together, and they find out that not only did they both find each other aloof and standoffish, but they both have also been using that as a Cover to hide their interest and attraction to the other!

Brought together with a mutual friendship and interest in their servants romance- these two find they have plenty of time to get to to know each other as they conspire to thwart Celeste’s demanding grandfather machinations.

Their love might’ve came to them quickly and easily, but they will have to fight for each other!

I absolutely loved how sweet these two are for each other, and how well they work together on multiple projects in common goals.

This was such a fun read, full of great great characters that will be explored further in MacGregor’s new series, The Millionaires of Mayfair!

😍Overall, this is a delightful drama, perfect for a Drury Lane stage! And to think, the multi-author Drury Lane series has 7 more exciting acts! I’m excited to see what happens in the next production!🎭

❤️Thanks to author and Jenna MacGregor for my e-book review copy - physical book purchased by myself. Opinions are my own.

[Eileen · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duchess of Drury Lane by Janna McGregor, book three in the Scoundrals and Scandles of Drury Lane series, is a wonderful romantic story of forbidden love, passion, and chemistry between a future duchess and a self-made millionaire. Celeste Worsley is a dutiful daughter determined to please her grandfather by marrying the man he chooses; but she can’t resist the charm and intelligence of Malcolm Hollandale, a millionaire without a title and a chemist working at the Drury Lane theatre. Malcolm knows he’s not worthy of Celeste, but he can’t deny his feelings for her or his desire to help her.

Ms. MacGregor has created an engaging and heartwarming story that will make you swoon and smile. Malcolm and Celeste were charming, with strong chemistry apparent in every scene. A couple you will root for and a vibrant world that you will want to visit again and again. I highly recommend The Duchess of Drury Lane to other readers who enjoy a love historical romance with witty dialogue, steamy scenes, and a bit of drama.

[Suzette · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a brilliantly written story by Janna MacGregor. Celeste is determined to please her grandfather by marrying the man he chooses. Malcolm is a millionaire without a title. The story has characters that are wonderful and interesting. The conversations are delightful and witty. Readers will enjoy this page turning story as they get to know how the plot unravels and watch Celeste and Malcolm fall in love. This will make a welcome addition to your bookshelf.

[Michelle Fritz PA · Rating 5 out of 5]

Entertaining and utterly captivating! This Regency romance gives us such a tender cinnamon roll hero and a brilliant heroine who discovers herself. There is a dash of family machinations, a few well-detailed passionate scenes, loyal friendships, a villain to boo, and adorably playful kittens! This is one delightful and delicious standalone romance that will keep you flipping through its pages. The cover is lovely, and the setting is just divine.

[Gail · Rating 5 out of 5]

Jenna MacGregor does it again

Creates a story that once you start you can't put down until you finish. Hoping that the grandfather doesn't win and love does. If you dont like reading about sex scenes then this book is not for you. I received this book free but now have to read the other books and can't wait. GP

[Catherine · Rating 1 out of 5]

It progressively kept getting worse.

[Hold-my-beer · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too childish: the premise, the characters, the dialogue. Amateur writing, too

[Space Cowgirl · Rating 3 out of 5]

Average
Way too neat and tied up with a pretty pink bow.
ADULT Historical Regency Romance💕

[Sally · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Regency romance Is always so much fun – and also always so infuriating. Society’s rules were strict, harsh, often cruel and unforgiving, and swiftly enforced without mercy. If you were not born to the aristocracy, a member of the ton, you were “beneath.” And if you were a woman, a member of society or not, you were under the so-called protection but actually the thumb of your father, brother, uncle, grandfather . . . almost all men had power over you. Not be punished, banished, ostracized, literally thrown out with nothing if you broke the rules or made your protector mad? Good luck with that. Not be told what to do, what to wear, who to see, who to marry – good luck with that, too. And marry for love? Ha, ha, ha. Marriages were brokered deals for the benefit of the men, for acquisition of land, power, money. Only widows had any autonomy because they were already ruined so society just didn’t care.

Celeste Worsley has been raised to be a future duchess. She’s only welcome in society by the grace of her grandfather, who agrees to see her through the Seasons in the ton and relieve her parents of their debt to him if Celeste marries a man of her grandfather’s choosing. Doesn’t sound much like grace, does it? Her grandfather is the Duke of Exehill and banished his own daughter when she married a man of her own choosing. He agreed to loan them funds to rebuild after a fire but the condition is Celeste’s marriage. Celeste wants her parents to be free so she agrees. She knows she won’t have any input into who her husband will be, but if that is the price to pay for her parents’ happiness, so be it.

There’s the little matter, though, of that unimaginably handsome, appealing Malcolm Hollandale, a chemist and one of the infamous self-made Millionaires of Mayfair. She’s loved him from the moment she first saw him (and that’s the best part of a romance novels: love is instant, from afar, and lasts a lifetime! Who wouldn’t swoon over that? It’s magical.). He’s always aloof around her and being a millionaire by no means makes him an accepted member of society, so she knows it’s hopeless to let herself imagine for even a minute that he could ever be her husband. Or reciprocate her feelings.

When the opportunity presents itself for a bit of naughty, wonderful, spicy time together – complete with kittens – she refuses to let it pass her by. This may be her only chance to experience something real with the man of her dreams, she may be married to one of her grandfather’s cronies soon for all she knows, and she makes it clear to Malcolm what she feels and what she wants.

Celeste is adorable. Honest, forthright, loyal, dependable, loving. And we get a little insight into her personality when she inwardly bristles at the part of her maid’s marriage vows that says, “I now pronounce you man and wife.” Why can’t it be, “I now pronounce you a couple dedicated to each other.” Equals, supporting each other.

Malcolm is the perfect hero, and perfect for Celeste. He’s not aloof, he has very definitely noticed her. But what he thought was snobbery on her part was shyness and discomfort. Now that they’ve cleared that up . . . . She loves the work he does and wants to be at his side helping, she feels valued and desired when she is around him – and he’s pretty darn good looking. He cherishes her, loves her mind, her spirit, her body. Yep, these two belong together. The scenes with them are so enjoyable – sweet, funny, steamy. But there is the evil Duke of Exehill to contend with and he has plans. Plans that are not for anyone’s benefit but his own. Can he be thwarted?

Author Janna MacGregor never fails to tell a delightful story that draws you in and thrills you from first page to last. Wonderful characters, wonderfully evil villains, perfectly-paced plot and just enough suspense before that HEA to keep things interesting. Thanks to the author for providing an advance copy of The Duchess of Drury Lane as part of her review crew. I love all her books, including this one, and recommend without hesitation. I voluntarily leave this review; all opinions are my own.

[Glittergirl · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a prequel for her new series Millionaires of Mayfair. It also bridges the characters we met in the Widow Rules series. I really wanted to know more about Duke of Pelham's life and this is about one of his friends, Malcolm Hollandale who is a member of this Millionaires Club. Malcolm is a self made man who's made his millions being a chemist and inventing glazes for china. He's barely tolerated by the Ton but his best friends are titled and they went to school together. He meets Miss Celeste Worsley, granddaughter of old Duke Exehill when her maid needs help. I really enjoyed these two kindred souls who discover they have much in common even though society thinks they are entirely unequal. Seeing them tumble into love was a great story!

Celeste Worsley is the daughter of Viscount Wiltshire who has a horse farm and produces some of the best race horses in the country. When he eloped with Celeste's mother, who was pregnant with Celeste, her father disowned her and called her a bad name. Then the estate burns down and her mother is forced to go to her father for a loan. This mortgage came with the price of Lucy. He would sponser and pay for her coming out and would pick her husband. If Celeste did this he would forgive the mortgage. Celeste would do anything to reconcile her family. She meets Malcolm Hollandale when her maid and best friend is pregnant by Malcolm's man Benjamin. She begs Malcolm to allow them to marry and employ Alice because her grandfather would turn her out without wages and references. He also threatened to accuse her of theft and have her transported. Celeste was determined to save her friend.

Malcolm has never had a better assistant than hard working Benjamin. When Celeste comes to him for help, he's delighted to aid her. He always assumed the beautiful woman was conceited by the looks he got at society events but boy was he wrong. She thinks he's the most handsome man she's ever met. The look was to keep her thoughts to herself and away from her grandfather. They see each other at events and things heat up quickly between them. I loved how they outsmarted her vindictive grandfather with his friend's help and found a way to be together.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced readers copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Jane · Rating 5 out of 5]

I was delighted to receive an ARC of Janna MacGregor's newest, book, The Duchess of Drury Lane, for my honest opinion. When I open one of Janna's books, I know I will be entertained by a well-developed story with suspense, humor, steamy romance and vivid scenes. She is well known for strong, independent heroines, handsome, dashing --sometimes misguided-- heroes and those villainous villains! I recommend this book for hours of reading enjoyment!

Regency England was not kind to women. Men ruled their lives and made decisions for them. Society deemed who was welcome and who was not. Anyone in trade was not acceptable! Celeste lives with her rigid grandfather. She desperately wants to mend the relationship between him and her mother. Grandfather holds the mortgage on her parents' horse farm. If Celeste accedes to all his wishes -- especially his selection of a bridegroom ---then he will see her mother and forgive the loan.

Celeste loves attending the theater, especially to surreptiously gaze at Malcolm, a wealthy inventor. They each believe the other doesn't like them. Helping her maid and friend, Celeste goes to the theater and finds Malcolm removing a floor varnish he invented. As they speak privately, the couple discovers that they have much in common, including passionate emotions. However, their path is full of drama and restrictions. She is the grand daughter of a prominent Duke. Malcolm is a member of the Millionaire's club, but he is in trade. Passion, deceit, lies and friendship unfold. Kittens --adorable kittens -- make an appearance, too. Buy this book for a wonderful read!

[Wendy LeGrand · Rating 5 out of 5]

What an endearing and entertaining story! I really liked Celeste and Malcolm. It is so interesting to read about the edicts of society at that time and even though Malcolm has become a millionaire from his inventions, he is mostly shunned by the aristocracy because he doesn't have a title. Even though his best friends are all titled, he just can't seem to break through that wall of judgement bestowed upon him at every turn. Except for Celeste, who had admired him for a long time.

Even though "money doesn't solve everything" it sure helps a lot when Celeste turns to Malcolm for help on several occasions, leading up to a showdown with her repugnant uncle, the Duke of Exehill. He has besmirched her parent's names, and she's basically agreed to do whatever he asks of her in order to set all of that to rights. But again, this uncle is dastardly and deceitful and Celeste finds herself in a seemingly unsolvable situation. But Malcolm and his aristocratic besties hatch a plan.

The chemistry between Celeste and Malcolm was magnetic and I loved all of their interactions, particularly in his study with the cutest kittens, ever!

I know this is just a novella and is a quick read for most people, but I am a super slow reader who still managed to finish very quickly because I couldn't put the book down. It was so good! I am excited to see what is in store for readers next in The Scandals and Scoundrels of Drury Lane series.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is an entertaining story with the Drury Lane Theatre as a backdrop that also introduces many of the characters in the upcoming Millionaires of Mayfair series. Malcolm Hollandale is a brilliant inventor and a friend of the Duke of Pelham. He's made millions with his glazes and varnishes, but it will never be enough to impress the Duke of Exehill, Celeste Worsley's grandfather. Only a titled man, preferably a duke, will do for Celeste. She hopes by appeasing her grandfather, he will reconcile with her parents. However, it's hard to keep her heart from falling for Malcolm since she's been infatuated with him for months. Every time she attends the theatre, she notices him, and Malcolm has definitely noticed her too. So much so that he calls her the "Duchess of Drury Lane."

I love how Celeste is a take-charge person who does all she can to help those around her. And she's a much more patient person with her grandfather than I would be. Malcolm is a problem solver, and he uses his position and money to help those who need it. Even though he is insecure in Celeste's world because he is a commoner, he has loyal friends among the Millionaires of Mayfair and is able to fit in with the best of them.

I recommend this story for anyone who is a fan of Regency romance, heroes outside the usual nobility, and kittens!

[Rae Latte · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Duchess of Drury Lane @jannamacgregor

Are you looking for a historical romance that has:

✔ Insta Love
✔ He's a commoner
✔ She's a duke's granddaughter
✔ Pelham is in it. If you know, you know!
✔ Hot kisses!
✔ Self-made man
✔ Fish out of water
✔ Believes in love, but not for herself
✔ There are kittens - OMG .... he NAMED the kittens!

Steamy.
Delicious.
Chemistry for days!

A historical romance that has the perfect balance of characters who will charm you, and a few will leave you screaming at your e-reader.

Will love conquer expectations?
Will a family be reunited?
Do you believe in love?
Do you believe in having a choice when it comes to love?

To be loved and find a love that is lifetime worthy. Would you defy expectations to have that?

☕🔥🔥🔥🔥 Caution, this scorchin' hot read, may lead to unexpected need to turn on the A/C.
So steamy the pages ignite. May include a dash of erotic element or elude to further exploration of desire and need.

I received an advance copy from Janna MacGreggor for an honest and fair review.
All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[Denise Stout · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste has agreed to marry whomever her grandfather demands in exchange for him welcoming her parents back into the family. Her grandfather has arranged for her Seasons, but he's particular about whom she marries.

Celeste fancies Malcolm, but her grandfather would never approve, even though he's a millionaire, he's not titled. The draw between them is undeniable, and Malcolm intends to woo her, though she's actually supposed to be finding him a wife.

Celeste asks Malcolm to give her a night of passion, so she'll know what it's like with someone she loves. She refuses his offer of marriage, knowing she must honor the promise to her grandfather. When she learns her grandfather has manipulated her future, she decides to fight back--it's her life and Malcolm is the only one she wants to marry.

When her grandfather's lies are outed, will Malcolm be there to help her pick up the pieces?

A delightful romance from beginning to end!

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book!!!!! What a great love story. Full of love, intrigue, drama, family and friends. All characters are well thought out, well developed and defined. Celeste is the granddaughter of a Duke who wants what he wants and doesn't care who he hurts to get it. She loves the theater and that's where she first sees Malcolm. When she seeks help for her maid from Malcolm , she learns more about him. Malcolm is a self made millionaire but has no title. He falls for her and she for him. Both knowing that her Grandfather has other plans for her. Her Grandfather has some secrets that he doesn't share with her until her groom comes for a visit. Lots of action happens at that point. Has lots of steamy scenes between them. An absolutely fabulous book to read. Love the way the story ends and can't wait for more from this author. Thank you to the author for allowing me to read and voice my opinion/review on it.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Brenda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste Worley
Malcolm Hallandale

Celeste is in London living with her Grandfather, the Duke of Exehill. She has agreed to marry the man of her Grandfather’s choice in hopes he would reconcile with her Mother and Father. Celeste has been in love with Malcolm Hallandale practically since she first saw him, but she knew it would not work out. When her lady’s maid Alice tells her she is carrying and the father is Benjamin and he works for Malcolm, Celeste goes to see Malcolm to help Alice. This starts the relationship between Celeste and Malcolm. This is good, enjoyable read. I liked Celeste, she’s a good, loyal person. Malcolm is a good friend and supports Celeste as she struggles with her Grandfather. He even helps Lord Grolier who was in London to marry Celeste in the arranged marriage by her Grandfather. I would read other books by this author.

[Winnifred D. · Rating 4 out of 5]

3.75 rounded up. The first third of this was rather slow, but the connection between the MC's, Malcom's friends, and the tension involving the nasty grandfather kept me reading. Janna MacGregor knows her way around family drama in a HR. My biggest nitpick: I'm not a major fan of angst, but in this case I wanted the prickly vibe that had been established for Celeste and Malcom to linger, just to spice things up. It's hard for me to buy into most "love at first sight" storylines.

In the end, however, the author brought out the emotional side of Celeste and Malcom's relationship (plenty of satisfying steam included), and even made the man Celeste was being forced to marry interesting. And unlike other entries in the series, this felt like a full-length novel.

[KelseyreadsHR · Rating 5 out of 5]

Full-length fourth novel in multi author series

The name of the this series is an apt description of the fourth book in The Scandals and Scoundrels of Drury Lane. Commencing with a scandal and a scoundrel of dukely proportions The Duchess of Drury Lane was filled with righting of wrongs, longing, and committed love. This was a new to me author and I was delighted when I realized this was a full length novel for this multi-author series. The first three are novellas. Tropes include class difference, love at first sight, and forbidden romance. I enjoy working my way through all an author’s works and will be adding this one to my list once I finish this current series. This story was well written with good pacing and had you invested in the MC.

[Darlene Foster · Rating 4 out of 5]

Imagine your horror of scandal coming true & you're involved in the scandal of the season. Celeste is doing her best to be a paragon of virtue, her parents happiness and livelihood are at stake. Her Grandfather is a most unlikeable character and has made her promises if she does what he says & she hopes he'll keep them. She's infatuated with Malcolm who is the most unsuitable man but he's too delicious to ignore. Malcolm is infatuated with Celeste as well but thinks Celeste disapproves of him, a millionaire true but a man in trade. The heart wants what it wants and the road to a HEA is a good journey for the reader. I liked all the characters, even the nasty Grandfather. I know who the next couple will be but I've got an idea of a match for another 2 characters.

[Diane · Rating 5 out of 5]

Marriage Made in the Theater

Celeste is spending her season with her grandfather the Duke of Elling. She agreed to marry his choice in return for him reconciling with her parents and forgiving their loan. Unfortunately, she met and fell in love with Malcolm Hallendale who may be a millionaire but was just a commoner.
Her grandfather would insist that she marry a high ranking peer. When he suspects something between Celeste and Malcolm he organizes a wedding to take place immediately. Unfortunately for him, Malcolm has many loyal friends in the ton and together they work to thwart the Dukes plan. When the Happily Ever After comes it is even better than expected.

[Nancy · Rating 5 out of 5]

Celeste lived with her grandfather who was a duke but he seemed to have love for no one and only wanted what would benefit him. Celeste went to Drury Lane to see the theater and a handsome young man she was attracted to and when she meets him the same seems to be true when he sees her. Malcolm is a success in every way but he does not hold a title. She has decided to marry him as their love for each other is more important than a title. They work together to out smart he grandfather and the story is about how they find the feelings they have for each other and getting around the grandfather who thinks he is in charge.

[J · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first Drury Lane book I’ve read, and it made me want to read the others in this series. I loved how Malcolm and Celeste learned to trust each other and work together instead of against each other to cause more problems. I also thought the author did a great job of describing their feelings toward each other. Both Malcolm and Celeste were charming, and their chemistry was apparent in every scene.
I received a free copy of this book, and I am voluntarily leaving an honest review.

[Pat Dupuy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Celeste has such a crush on Malcolm, she can't think straight when he's near. So, she avoids him. Malcolm sees her as haughty and thinks of her as the Duchess. He is a self made man who wants to marry into the ton. She is the granddaughter of a Duke and is prepared to sacrifice her happiness to get her parents back into his good graces. So, what happens when they finally meet? Preconceived notions blow up. Chemistry ignites. Major roadblocks to happiness appear.

[Lori · Rating 5 out of 5]

Delightful!

Oh how I loved The Duchess of Drury Lane, the fourth book in the Scandals and Scoundrels of Drury Lane World Series. Janna MacGregor brilliantly crafts the characters in this story, in Celeste and Malcolm, and the story is rich with plot as well. The secondary characters in the story leave you wanting more, so excited for the new series to come that will further explore these characters! This book is an absolute joy!