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Properly Spanked #4
Under A Duke's Hand
Take a rousing romp through 1790s England with this fourth and final book in the Properly Spanked series…
A duke as wealthy and powerful as the Duke of Arlington requires, by matter of course, an elegant, perfectly pedigreed bride. Unfortunately, he must settle for the king’s choice: Miss Guinevere Vaughn, the rough-edged daughter of a border baron. She’s pretty enough for a Welsh hellion, but she hasn’t the necessary polish to succeed in London society. When Aidan explains that she’ll need to improve her manners—and her disposition—he finds himself locked in a vexing battle of wills.
Gwen never asked to wed a duke. Her new husband is haughty, inflexible, and demanding, and makes no secret of his disdain for her upbringing. No matter how hard she tries to please him, she’s never good enough. He disciplines her with an iron hand, and then expects her to submit to his vile whims in bed. Not that his whims are…completely…vile...all of the time. It’s only that her husband doesn’t love her, and she wants him to love her.
If only her feelings were not so complicated.
If only life was not so difficult Under A Duke’s Hand …
A duke as wealthy and powerful as the Duke of Arlington requires, by matter of course, an elegant, perfectly pedigreed bride. Unfortunately, he must settle for the king’s choice: Miss Guinevere Vaughn, the rough-edged daughter of a border baron. She’s pretty enough for a Welsh hellion, but she hasn’t the necessary polish to succeed in London society. When Aidan explains that she’ll need to improve her manners—and her disposition—he finds himself locked in a vexing battle of wills.
Gwen never asked to wed a duke. Her new husband is haughty, inflexible, and demanding, and makes no secret of his disdain for her upbringing. No matter how hard she tries to please him, she’s never good enough. He disciplines her with an iron hand, and then expects her to submit to his vile whims in bed. Not that his whims are…completely…vile...all of the time. It’s only that her husband doesn’t love her, and she wants him to love her.
If only her feelings were not so complicated.
If only life was not so difficult Under A Duke’s Hand …
214 pages, Unknown Binding
First published April 12, 2015
77 people are currently reading
564 people want to read
About the author
Annabel Joseph
70 books2,216 followersAnnabel Joseph is a NYT and USA Today bestselling BDSM erotic romance author. She writes mainly contemporary romance, although she has been known to dabble in the medieval and Regency eras. She is recognized for writing emotionally intense BDSM storylines, and strives to create characters that seem real--even flawed--so readers are better able to relate to them.
Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...
Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.
Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.
Annabel also writes non-BDSM erotic romance under the name Molly Joseph. You can sign up to receive Annabel's newsletter here: http://wordpress.us7.list-manage.com/...
Some of Annabel's favorite authors are Laura Kinsale, Judith McNaught, Jo Beverley, Flannery O'Connor, Molly Weatherfield, and Anneke Jacob.
Annabel Joseph loves to hear from her readers at annabeljosephnovels(@)gmail.com.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
November 27, 2021
I was so torn about how to rate this book...
I didn't like the hero at first, I felt really uncomfortable reading about how he molested the heroine, both physically and mentally, spanking her "husbandly" to correct her as his wife, not as a part of some sex play... And feeling underappreciated by her at the same time. As she daydreamed of true love, he dreamed of the perfect wife.
But as rough as the beginning of their marriage was, they grew to love each other without even realizing it. And the angst and their love/hate relationship was so well written, I couldn't put the book down.
I didn't like the hero at first, I felt really uncomfortable reading about how he molested the heroine, both physically and mentally, spanking her "husbandly" to correct her as his wife, not as a part of some sex play... And feeling underappreciated by her at the same time. As she daydreamed of true love, he dreamed of the perfect wife.
"There is nothing more humiliating to a man than a wife who is not within his control. I’m tired of battling with you, Guinevere. One of us is going to break in this marriage, and it shall not be me."
She was thinking how horribly lonely it was, to be looked at in that distant, detached way. Maybe love didn’t matter to the upper crust, but it mattered to her. Arlington’s physical attentions weren’t enough. His title and his protection weren’t enough either. Her heart cried out for something deeper.
But as rough as the beginning of their marriage was, they grew to love each other without even realizing it. And the angst and their love/hate relationship was so well written, I couldn't put the book down.
“Love is necessary, isn’t it?”
“Unavoidable, with you around.”
March 1, 2021
4.6 stars
Annabel did a good job with this one. The hate to love storyline was emotionally intense. I abhorred Aiden at times and still don't think he deserved Gwen. I loved to hate him though. Full review to come.
Annabel did a good job with this one. The hate to love storyline was emotionally intense. I abhorred Aiden at times and still don't think he deserved Gwen. I loved to hate him though. Full review to come.
April 21, 2015
Loved Loved Loved!!!
So sad it was the last in the Properly Spanked series..
Full Review Here...
All the men were just so domineering, possessive, arrogant, wicked and deliciously lewd! Everything flowed so elegantly and I adored the whole erotic historical 18th Century theme.. Gahhh!! these story's had lust, passion & angst by the boat loads especially Aidan & Gwen's.. I was devouring every word, action, circumstance simply dreading the end of it!!
And as with every one of the Properly Spanked books the Disciplining scenes as well as the Love scenes were equally as SCORCHING!!!
www.bookaholicconfessions.com
http://dianas-confessions.blogspot.com/
So sad it was the last in the Properly Spanked series..
Full Review Here...
All the men were just so domineering, possessive, arrogant, wicked and deliciously lewd! Everything flowed so elegantly and I adored the whole erotic historical 18th Century theme.. Gahhh!! these story's had lust, passion & angst by the boat loads especially Aidan & Gwen's.. I was devouring every word, action, circumstance simply dreading the end of it!!
And as with every one of the Properly Spanked books the Disciplining scenes as well as the Love scenes were equally as SCORCHING!!!
www.bookaholicconfessions.com
http://dianas-confessions.blogspot.com/
January 22, 2016
I did not enjoy this book at all. A BDSM historical romance that didn't seem at all consensual.
I didn't understand what Aiden got from the relationship, this is the first book of the series I read so maybe I missed the character development in the other books. Aiden seemed to like spanking the same way as we breathe air, that was basically his solution to everything, even so far as going on to spank his on the first day of marriage. He had a total disregard for the heroine and with almost every scene I felt he was molesting her both physically and mentally.
Gwen on the other hand seemed immature and not too sensible. She always complained about his spankings but she wasn't sure she could leave him, if that doesn't scream domestic violence I don't know what does. I absolutely disliked her.
Towards the end we are thrown some drama, as most authors do, spin some story about a near death experience and then the hero realizes what an ass he was and tries to make amends. That usually works wonders for me but it didn't work with this book. The instantaneous love they felt for each other when almost the entire book was filled with how much they hated each other was more than annoying to read. Aiden was still an overbearing ass and Gwen was a simpleton.
I usually enjoy BDSM but this was poorly constructed in my opinion.
I didn't understand what Aiden got from the relationship, this is the first book of the series I read so maybe I missed the character development in the other books. Aiden seemed to like spanking the same way as we breathe air, that was basically his solution to everything, even so far as going on to spank his on the first day of marriage. He had a total disregard for the heroine and with almost every scene I felt he was molesting her both physically and mentally.
Gwen on the other hand seemed immature and not too sensible. She always complained about his spankings but she wasn't sure she could leave him, if that doesn't scream domestic violence I don't know what does. I absolutely disliked her.
Towards the end we are thrown some drama, as most authors do, spin some story about a near death experience and then the hero realizes what an ass he was and tries to make amends. That usually works wonders for me but it didn't work with this book. The instantaneous love they felt for each other when almost the entire book was filled with how much they hated each other was more than annoying to read. Aiden was still an overbearing ass and Gwen was a simpleton.
I usually enjoy BDSM but this was poorly constructed in my opinion.
April 17, 2015
“…I never thought to marry for love, but now that I’m married, my every care is for your security and happiness…”
I don’t do well with goodbyes…things that end…things that are finished, so it didn’t come as any surprise to me that I was extremely teary eyed at the end of Under a Duke’s Hand, book 4 and the final installment of Annabel Joseph’s Properly Spanked series. It was the perfect ending to an incredible series. It is the love story of the Duke of Arlington and his beautiful Welsh fairy queen.
I really loved this book…being from the South, both Arlington and Gwen reminded me a bit of Rhett and Scarlett…well if there was a XXX version of Gone With the Wind. Arlington was an entitled Duke and used to living a life of wealth and titles. Gwen was from Wales and was anything but. As Gwen daydreams of true love, Arlington dreams of the perfect wife….educated, refined, oh and under his command…in every way. The battle of wills that ensues between these two is pretty epic, but as Arlington is trying to bend her will to his, he realizes something….his fairy queen has a bit of masochistic tendencies to her. Ahhhh what a revelation for this scoundrel of a Duke!
“I suggest you set yourself to your duties and stop playing a victim of fate. I have no stomach for drama unless I’m sitting at the theater.”
Annabel really wrote Arlington to be a pompous ass at times. Of all the men, most definitely the most narcissistic. He had a way of cutting Gwen down that really broke your heart and sadly he had no idea he was even doing it. All Gwen wanted was to be loved….truly loved and she really struggled with his attitude towards her. Arlington thought his “providing” for her was all a husband needed to do, and don’t get me wrong. He provided for her very well…in all categories, monetarily and physically but he missed the finishing class lesson on doling out emotional love. As Gwen realizes she is doomed for a loveless marriage she takes and stand and makes a move that none of us really saw coming.
Please settle down, she thought. I am waiting to love you.
I don’t know how she does it, but Annabel just continues to crank out characters that have such an amazing depth to them and captivate you from page to page. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but they all piece together. Each of the 4 couples are soooo very different from one another yet you can totally see how they fit together and make up a family. Seeing all the players come back to help Arlington and Gwen with their marriage….a back in the day type of marriage counseling intervention….you can truly sense the love all these characters have for one another. The epilogue was bitter sweet and it warmed my heart to see the lives they all created. Although I have claimed my favorite of all the men in this series, they are all really perfect. I hope you pick up this amazing series. It has love and history and all the feels you can look for in a book plus the Annabel Joseph Schizzle that we have come to love and crave! 5 you can spank me but don’t bring out the ginger stars!
Ask the heavens for what your heart wants.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OOApT7
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review.
I don’t do well with goodbyes…things that end…things that are finished, so it didn’t come as any surprise to me that I was extremely teary eyed at the end of Under a Duke’s Hand, book 4 and the final installment of Annabel Joseph’s Properly Spanked series. It was the perfect ending to an incredible series. It is the love story of the Duke of Arlington and his beautiful Welsh fairy queen.
I really loved this book…being from the South, both Arlington and Gwen reminded me a bit of Rhett and Scarlett…well if there was a XXX version of Gone With the Wind. Arlington was an entitled Duke and used to living a life of wealth and titles. Gwen was from Wales and was anything but. As Gwen daydreams of true love, Arlington dreams of the perfect wife….educated, refined, oh and under his command…in every way. The battle of wills that ensues between these two is pretty epic, but as Arlington is trying to bend her will to his, he realizes something….his fairy queen has a bit of masochistic tendencies to her. Ahhhh what a revelation for this scoundrel of a Duke!
“I suggest you set yourself to your duties and stop playing a victim of fate. I have no stomach for drama unless I’m sitting at the theater.”
Annabel really wrote Arlington to be a pompous ass at times. Of all the men, most definitely the most narcissistic. He had a way of cutting Gwen down that really broke your heart and sadly he had no idea he was even doing it. All Gwen wanted was to be loved….truly loved and she really struggled with his attitude towards her. Arlington thought his “providing” for her was all a husband needed to do, and don’t get me wrong. He provided for her very well…in all categories, monetarily and physically but he missed the finishing class lesson on doling out emotional love. As Gwen realizes she is doomed for a loveless marriage she takes and stand and makes a move that none of us really saw coming.
Please settle down, she thought. I am waiting to love you.
I don’t know how she does it, but Annabel just continues to crank out characters that have such an amazing depth to them and captivate you from page to page. Each book in this series can be read as a standalone, but they all piece together. Each of the 4 couples are soooo very different from one another yet you can totally see how they fit together and make up a family. Seeing all the players come back to help Arlington and Gwen with their marriage….a back in the day type of marriage counseling intervention….you can truly sense the love all these characters have for one another. The epilogue was bitter sweet and it warmed my heart to see the lives they all created. Although I have claimed my favorite of all the men in this series, they are all really perfect. I hope you pick up this amazing series. It has love and history and all the feels you can look for in a book plus the Annabel Joseph Schizzle that we have come to love and crave! 5 you can spank me but don’t bring out the ginger stars!
Ask the heavens for what your heart wants.
Amazon US: http://amzn.to/1OOApT7
I received this ARC from the author in exchange for a honest review.
May 28, 2019
Steamy to the ceiling, from the beginning to the end. A big round of applause for Annabel Joseph. Interesting dynamic between the hero and heroine - can't recall if I empathized or wanted to roll my eyes while I was reading but the love-to-hate dynamic made for some epic scenes, both in dialogue and in action. Gwen is a minor noblewoman from Wales ordered to marry an English duke in a state-sanctioned marriage. Aiden, the Duke of Arlington, has been a good-natured cipher so far in the series. He is similar to Warren with his happy countenance, but he is also autocratic and dismissive. Gwen feels inadequate in her new position in life and has cast Aiden in the role of the villain. She is also struggling with her sadomasochistic tendencies too. Gwen constantly berates Aiden for never understanding: “You don’t even hear me when I say things. You only hear what you believe is true.”
To her credit, Aiden doesn’t understand how to see things from her perspective, and he does ride roughshod over her, but Aiden also has one of the best rebuttals EVER to all that. Possibly one of my favourite rants captured in a book in a very long time:
“You say you want love, but you offer me no respect. You have crossed me from the beginning, from the inn the night after we wed. Oh, he wants me to eat duck. But I won’t, because that’s what he wants. Never mind that it’s just a piece of f***ing duck that any normal person would eat without thinking. Everything has to be a fight with you… if you want me to love you, Guinevere, stop being so hateful.”
That's gotta hurt.
And this is what I'm here for. All about that drama.
Joseph is amazing and her Final Note? Hilarious. Ginger. Nuff said :)
To her credit, Aiden doesn’t understand how to see things from her perspective, and he does ride roughshod over her, but Aiden also has one of the best rebuttals EVER to all that. Possibly one of my favourite rants captured in a book in a very long time:
“You say you want love, but you offer me no respect. You have crossed me from the beginning, from the inn the night after we wed. Oh, he wants me to eat duck. But I won’t, because that’s what he wants. Never mind that it’s just a piece of f***ing duck that any normal person would eat without thinking. Everything has to be a fight with you… if you want me to love you, Guinevere, stop being so hateful.”
That's gotta hurt.
And this is what I'm here for. All about that drama.
Joseph is amazing and her Final Note? Hilarious. Ginger. Nuff said :)
November 26, 2017
This was sexy and kinky. This was one hero in a historical romance who was definitely not afraid to explore his sexual horizons. The sex scenes were scorching hot. I loved this little historical journey into light BDSM and enjoyed seeing how the innocent heroine was introduced to all this sexy stuff by her hot but sometimes overbearingly stuffy husband. I should have read the first 3 novels in this series first, but I decided to start with the this one. Now I cannot wait to try the first 3.
April 17, 2015
A lovely ending. Aiden could really be a pain in the ass...
April 30, 2015
I'm very close to rating this book 5 stars, and may end up changing my mind by the time I've finished this review. Again, Annabel Joseph's ability to give her characters complex emotions and depth is a wonder.
Throughout the first three books in the series, Aiden, Duke of Arlington, observes the problems his three friends have during the early days of their marriages, and gives insightful advice and support when they need it. Aiden is a wonderful friend but, when it comes to his own relationship, is just as blind as they were. In fact he commits pretty much every misstep with his own wife as his friends did with theirs. His character was very realistic and highly believable... for a sinfully rich, incredibly handsome duke anyway.
These two, Aiden and Gwen, have what is termed a massive failure to communicate while completely failing to see their spouse's point of view. I did have a hard time with Gwen, although I understood why she was so unhappy. She wallowed in self pity to such an extent that she behaved childishly and very selfishly at several points. She had a very different upbringing but, even with her much less aristocratic background, she really should have known better than her behavior indicated. Still, she was a sympathetic character, and I really felt for her... most of the time.
On the other hand her behavior gave Aiden good reason to punish her, which he did... often. ;-)
The heat in this book was much higher than the previous story, My Naughty Minette, and I greatly enjoyed both the intimate and punishment scenes.
I sure hope Annabel Joseph decides to write more books in this series, even though this is the natural end to the story about four kinky friends in the 1790's. I was a bit sad when I got to the end of this book realize there weren't any more to read.
Throughout the first three books in the series, Aiden, Duke of Arlington, observes the problems his three friends have during the early days of their marriages, and gives insightful advice and support when they need it. Aiden is a wonderful friend but, when it comes to his own relationship, is just as blind as they were. In fact he commits pretty much every misstep with his own wife as his friends did with theirs. His character was very realistic and highly believable... for a sinfully rich, incredibly handsome duke anyway.
These two, Aiden and Gwen, have what is termed a massive failure to communicate while completely failing to see their spouse's point of view. I did have a hard time with Gwen, although I understood why she was so unhappy. She wallowed in self pity to such an extent that she behaved childishly and very selfishly at several points. She had a very different upbringing but, even with her much less aristocratic background, she really should have known better than her behavior indicated. Still, she was a sympathetic character, and I really felt for her... most of the time.
On the other hand her behavior gave Aiden good reason to punish her, which he did... often. ;-)
The heat in this book was much higher than the previous story, My Naughty Minette, and I greatly enjoyed both the intimate and punishment scenes.
I sure hope Annabel Joseph decides to write more books in this series, even though this is the natural end to the story about four kinky friends in the 1790's. I was a bit sad when I got to the end of this book realize there weren't any more to read.
January 23, 2022
Wow, what a roller-coaster of a story. I didn’t much like these characters in the beginning, both selfish, stubborn and not very self-aware. As always, things get wrapped up in the last 25% of the story.
May 28, 2016
Spoiler Ahead Read At Your Own Risk
This was the fourth and final book in the"Properly Spanked" series. When the King arranges a wife for the Duke of Arlington he has no choice but to accept her although he doesn't want to especially when he finds out the lady is Welsh. Miss Guinevere " Gwen" Vaughn doesn't want to marry a duke she wants to marry for love she takes a ride on her horse one last time to her favorite meadow she meets a handsome stranger who draws her picture and spanks her she tells him her name is Rose and he tells her his name is Jack. When the Duke arrives the day before the wedding it is a shock to both of them that they met a few days ago in the meadow. This was a really good book Gwen isn't as polished as the duke would like her to be so he tells her that her manner's has to improve. Gwen for her part is homesick and doesn't want to improve her manner's she wants to be loved for who she is. When she writes a letter to her father hoping he would come get her the Duke gets it and has one of the servant's read it because she wrote it in Walsh he is really mad and although he has spanked her before and used a birch rod on her so he canes her and has anal sex with her. The sex scenes in this book were hot and this book as more BDSM in it than the other books because Arlington realizes that Gwen is a masochist although she is confused by the fact that she likes to be hurt and denies it. As these two continue to battle it is clear to Arlington's friends that they need help so they come to the rescue and although Gwen gets along with the other women she still feels that she is not good enough for him so with Minette, Josephine and Aurelia help they throw a party and she is just not feeling it. So after another fight with Arlington she takes off in a snowstorm and falls off her horse and by the time they find her she is cold with a fever and is out for three days. Arlington realizes that he loves his wife and he doesn't want to lose her. This was a really good book they all had there ups and downs and each man in this series comes to love his wife. This book was really well written with no errors in grammar or spelling. I have enjoyed reading this series so if you like reading erotic historical books than I recommend that you read this series and I really hope that Miss. Joseph writes about the children of these couples.
March 10, 2022
I was a bit torn whether I liked the Hero or not.
He's so oppressive and so autocratic; most of all tyrannical all throughout the his marriage.
He instigated bdsm (if this is a taboo for you, please refrain from reading this story) - creating havoc and uncertainties in the innocent and virgin heroine. Even though the heroine liked it (aroused and everything) she felt confused. He spanked her nonsensely, punishing her when she defied him authority.
It was super annoying.
And the cover of the book ... oh puhlease, it was so off-putting, such a turn off, luckily I used that as a basis of the book.
This was a pleasant story, not a long one.
There's a tiny bit of angst and I wished he would grovel more.
He's so oppressive and so autocratic; most of all tyrannical all throughout the his marriage.
He instigated bdsm (if this is a taboo for you, please refrain from reading this story) - creating havoc and uncertainties in the innocent and virgin heroine. Even though the heroine liked it (aroused and everything) she felt confused. He spanked her nonsensely, punishing her when she defied him authority.
It was super annoying.
And the cover of the book ... oh puhlease, it was so off-putting, such a turn off, luckily I used that as a basis of the book.
This was a pleasant story, not a long one.
There's a tiny bit of angst and I wished he would grovel more.
Read
January 13, 2021I enjoyed the duke finally appreciating his wife and changing his ways.
The writing of the angst between them was well done.
The writing of the angst between them was well done.
April 15, 2015
Okay! I lied when I said book 3, My Naughty Minette was my favorite.
Under A Duke's Hand is my favorite of The Properly Spanked Series.
The love story of Gwen and Arlington is not an easy one. An arranged marriage by the King himself for The Duke of Arlington makes no one in the situation happy, Except maybe Gwens father. They are strangers on their wedding day, or so they thought.
The Duke sweeps Gwen off to mold her into the perfect Duchess but what he is missing is the perfect woman she actually is for him. His arrogance and title are a barrier to his happiness…..and hers.
I did not want this book to end because then the series would be over and then my heart would hurt.
Now…my heart hurts.
I loved, loved, loved this book. Watching them grow together, emotionally and sexually. GAH! Sexually….She fits right in with all of them! All of them are perverts and I will miss them so….
Thank you, Annabel Joseph.
The Properly Spanked Series is now one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!!!!
Under A Duke's Hand is my favorite of The Properly Spanked Series.
The love story of Gwen and Arlington is not an easy one. An arranged marriage by the King himself for The Duke of Arlington makes no one in the situation happy, Except maybe Gwens father. They are strangers on their wedding day, or so they thought.
The Duke sweeps Gwen off to mold her into the perfect Duchess but what he is missing is the perfect woman she actually is for him. His arrogance and title are a barrier to his happiness…..and hers.
I did not want this book to end because then the series would be over and then my heart would hurt.
Now…my heart hurts.
I loved, loved, loved this book. Watching them grow together, emotionally and sexually. GAH! Sexually….She fits right in with all of them! All of them are perverts and I will miss them so….
Thank you, Annabel Joseph.
The Properly Spanked Series is now one of my ALL TIME FAVORITES!!!!!
July 2, 2015
Wow! Steamy, hot and a historical Fifty Shades of Grey! I have not read the first books in this series but now I will have to read them. I loved all the characters but sometimes I thought the Duke needed some discipline himself. It is wicked with steamy hot love scenes and a very domineering Duke! I seriously loved the ending.
I would recommend to read the other books first since this is the last installment of this series. However, it is still a great read!
I would recommend to read the other books first since this is the last installment of this series. However, it is still a great read!
June 4, 2015
I can't believe that this is the last installment of the Properly Spanked series. It was good while it lasted. I intend to reread this series in the future! I hope Annabel Joseph decides to write a new kinky historical series starring the next generation like she'd teased at the end of the book.
April 18, 2015
A great end to the series. I enjoyed the book and the eventual realization of love of both Gwen and Aidan. Of course, Minette turned out to be the wisest of them all with her advice. If you haven't read the Properly Spanked series yet, I highly recommend you do!
April 20, 2015
I'm so sad to see this series end. This was a fitting ending though. Aiden and Gwen had such a rough beginning to their marriage. I enjoyed seeing the other couples as they tried to make things better. It worked eventually and we get a glimpse of the future and their family.
July 31, 2016
I wanted to like this book. I really did. A book group I'm on, several of the members have raved about her books. So I really wanted to like this.
I found the heroine to be annoying and whiny and the hero to be a self-centered ath-hat. I didn't finish it. I just didn't have the heart for it.
I found the heroine to be annoying and whiny and the hero to be a self-centered ath-hat. I didn't finish it. I just didn't have the heart for it.
November 3, 2015
I really wanted to give this 5 starts but the heroine annoyed me with her non-stop crying and childlish act. Aidan, ah, I loved him more than the others. This was an amazing, short and fun series.
December 27, 2018
The story is slightly better than others. The Duke is oh-so-patient and kinky AF.
July 6, 2024
I'd say this is 1.5 stars for me and it saddens me because frankly, Gwen and Arlington could have easily been the most interesting couple in the whole series. The premise is really not bad with the marriage that comes to pass because the King wishes to reward Gwen's father and Arlington being game because he seeks a wife and wants to ingratiate himself with the King. But all that could have been better handled. They both experienced quite a shock given their imbalance in societal standing and cultural differences so this could have been explored with a bit more understanding and kindness. Instead Arlington seemed constantly annoyed with Gwen and she at times seemed truly afraid – not to be able to meet the standards, not to be able to please him, and also to disappoint herself in the process. There was very little effort made to describe the two of them getting to know each other. Not that this may not have been the case in a marriage such as this but it made for poor reading.
We know from Gwen's internal monologue that she enjoyed some of the rougher aspects of their intimate life but I don't know how Arlington arrived at knowing that she is a masochist (and I mean that purely in their intimate life). It was also quite torturous when she fell in love with him but was rightfully convinced that all he cared about was her not setting a foot wrong in society and begetting an heir.
I also didn't care very much for when the author made Gwen look stupid, say in her audience with the King. Yes she was homesick but she clearly knew that this was not the time to mention it and I don't think she would have either, it was just another segway to get into a punishment scene.
The novel had the occasional sweet moment like Arlington buying Gwen a horse but I think it would have been good to see Gwen keeping a connection to home and maybe writing to Tilda etc. ... see this could have been something to subsitute for the inner monologue and her writing her cousin about how she feels she is falling in love with her husband but is worried that he may not even manage to respect her despite her trying... since he was reading her correspondence this could have made it easier to show him how things are really going with his marriage and then try and course correct – generally I thought there was not a lot of Arlington trying to maybe allow that there were good things in her previous life and while social climbing was a sport at the time, Gwen, as the daughter of a knight (or baronet) from Wales would have never even considered it a possiblity to marry one of the most prominent Dukes in England.
It would have been nice to see him showing an interest maybe and instead of just hiring somebody who can read Welsh and rifle through her correspondence perhaps also ask her to teach him a bit. That's a missed opportunity to finding closeness that wouldn't have been contrived. It could have even worked within the scope of the erotica if he had asked her for certain things to say. But no, didn't happen.
I think this was the book of sadly lost opportunities. It could have been so much more and the best of the series but then it was just lacking. I am glad for the sequel series – the glimpses we get there of Arlington and Gwen and their children show them in a matured light that I can see happening after the last few chapter of this novel where a reconciliation happened but it was rather hasty. The best part about the latter by the way was in my opinion that it was Minette giving Arlington advice. It showed her kindness and how she had matured during the previous novel.
We know from Gwen's internal monologue that she enjoyed some of the rougher aspects of their intimate life but I don't know how Arlington arrived at knowing that she is a masochist (and I mean that purely in their intimate life). It was also quite torturous when she fell in love with him but was rightfully convinced that all he cared about was her not setting a foot wrong in society and begetting an heir.
I also didn't care very much for when the author made Gwen look stupid, say in her audience with the King. Yes she was homesick but she clearly knew that this was not the time to mention it and I don't think she would have either, it was just another segway to get into a punishment scene.
The novel had the occasional sweet moment like Arlington buying Gwen a horse but I think it would have been good to see Gwen keeping a connection to home and maybe writing to Tilda etc. ... see this could have been something to subsitute for the inner monologue and her writing her cousin about how she feels she is falling in love with her husband but is worried that he may not even manage to respect her despite her trying... since he was reading her correspondence this could have made it easier to show him how things are really going with his marriage and then try and course correct – generally I thought there was not a lot of Arlington trying to maybe allow that there were good things in her previous life and while social climbing was a sport at the time, Gwen, as the daughter of a knight (or baronet) from Wales would have never even considered it a possiblity to marry one of the most prominent Dukes in England.
It would have been nice to see him showing an interest maybe and instead of just hiring somebody who can read Welsh and rifle through her correspondence perhaps also ask her to teach him a bit. That's a missed opportunity to finding closeness that wouldn't have been contrived. It could have even worked within the scope of the erotica if he had asked her for certain things to say. But no, didn't happen.
I think this was the book of sadly lost opportunities. It could have been so much more and the best of the series but then it was just lacking. I am glad for the sequel series – the glimpses we get there of Arlington and Gwen and their children show them in a matured light that I can see happening after the last few chapter of this novel where a reconciliation happened but it was rather hasty. The best part about the latter by the way was in my opinion that it was Minette giving Arlington advice. It showed her kindness and how she had matured during the previous novel.
January 13, 2021
Historical with Spanking
This is the last book in the properly spanked series and I really liked it. It starts out with Guinevere in Wales, who is the daughter of a Baron who has arranged a marriage between his daughter and an English Duke, Aidan the Duke of Arlington.
The marriage took place in the afternoon of the day after Aidan arrived and then that night Aidan made sure that their marriage was consummated with Gwen enjoying herself and climaxing.
Then they leave for England and while they are traveling Aidan plays with Gwen and has her play with herself until she comes.
Then they stop at an inn and Gwen does not politely eat her food , so she gets birched that evening. Then Aidan has sex with Gwen again and this time he tells her that she doesn't get to come until the next day.
The next day they are at their country house and when Aidan takes her to bed he makes her come first.
The next day Gwen writes a letter in Welsh complaining about her treatment by her husband to her father in which she asks her father to come rescue her, however a servant reads Welsh and tells her husband about it. As punishment Aidan puts ginger in Gwen's bottom and spanks her.
On another couple of occasions Gwen gets in trouble and she gets a punishment caning and then has to take Aidan in her bottom. Eventually however they do work out that they actually do love each other and there is an HEA that is quite good with an Epilogue that wraps up the series nicely.
This is the last book in the properly spanked series and I really liked it. It starts out with Guinevere in Wales, who is the daughter of a Baron who has arranged a marriage between his daughter and an English Duke, Aidan the Duke of Arlington.
The marriage took place in the afternoon of the day after Aidan arrived and then that night Aidan made sure that their marriage was consummated with Gwen enjoying herself and climaxing.
Then they leave for England and while they are traveling Aidan plays with Gwen and has her play with herself until she comes.
Then they stop at an inn and Gwen does not politely eat her food , so she gets birched that evening. Then Aidan has sex with Gwen again and this time he tells her that she doesn't get to come until the next day.
The next day they are at their country house and when Aidan takes her to bed he makes her come first.
The next day Gwen writes a letter in Welsh complaining about her treatment by her husband to her father in which she asks her father to come rescue her, however a servant reads Welsh and tells her husband about it. As punishment Aidan puts ginger in Gwen's bottom and spanks her.
On another couple of occasions Gwen gets in trouble and she gets a punishment caning and then has to take Aidan in her bottom. Eventually however they do work out that they actually do love each other and there is an HEA that is quite good with an Epilogue that wraps up the series nicely.
September 14, 2018
What a perfect ending to a wonderful series. I need Annabel Joseph to write more historicals!
June 11, 2018
3,5 stars
February 11, 2016
Masih dalam edisi kaga ngantor karena ga enak body, maraton baca 3 judul novel dlm 2 hari.. kelar baca berasa kek digebukin malah *ya iyalah* kwkwkkww
Aidan, buku ke 4 nya... Aidan Duke of Arlington, salah satu Duke yg powerfull pada masanya, kaya raya, ganteng, dan deket sama Raja yang menyebabkan die dijodoin sama Putri baron perbatasan Wales. Aidan ude skiptis, Wales kan masih dianggep rada bar-bar, mkn kek Scott lah ya biasanya, trs ga yakin jg cantik, trs miskin pula ahahaha.. pokoknya tdk berharap banyak. Aidan dateng ke Wales ga naek kereta, die jg kaga langsung ke kota nya tp keliling dulu sampe di suatu tempat (gw lupa sebutannya) pokoknya disitu die liat cewe super cantik, dengan body yang aduhai. Kenalan, ngobrol2 ngaku sbg artis gt.. pelukis trs ngelukis si cewe yang berakhir dgn kissu2 dan laennya (ga sampe uhuk2 si) terakhir lah sebelum merit dan sibuk ngajarin istrinya buat berbudaya. Keesokan harinya, pas die dateng ke rumah calon istrinya ternyata eng ing eng.. si mba2 yg ngaku namanya Rose ini taunya Lady Guenevere, seneng dong si Aidan kwkwkwkw
Gwen, ga mau merit sama Duke yang kaga di kenal, cuma karena Rajanya kasih perintah dan bpknya ntar dikasih tanah dan kekayaan bla bla, pokoknya ga mau! die mau merit karena cintaa ta ta ta.. makanya sehari sebelum calon semuaminya dateng (yg die yakin bakalan gendut, tua dan jelek itu) die pergi ke tempat rahasia (ah gw lupa namanya masih)trs ketemua pelukis muda yg ganteng nan menawan hati, eh taunya itu calon suaminya. Seneng si, suaminya kaga jelek bla bla.. tapi ternayta nyebelin banget! nyuruh2, ngritik terus2an, maunya banyak dll, lagi2 Gwen kaga mau, pengen kabur sampai sering banget ribut b2 yg berakhir dgn "ditabokin" (u know lah *angkat bahu*) dan Gwen ternyata enjoy *aisstt yg baca kesel*.
Intinya si Aidannya pengen Gwen nurutin die, Gwen maunya diterima apa adanya.. apalagi pas abis dibawa ke London, trs gosip ton bla bla.. dan Gwen nya makin kesel sama Aidan, Aidannya jg makin kesel kr istrinya ngelawan terus.. ya gt deh, sampe dibantuin Warren - Hunter sama August buat mendamaikan keduanya. Sama-sama keras kepala, maunya banyk dan ga ada yg mau bersyukur **pembaca sewot** tapi gw bacanya cepet si hahaahhaaha.. dan yah, in the end.. cinta mengalahkan segalanya.. kelar gw baca series ini yatta!!!
Aidan, buku ke 4 nya... Aidan Duke of Arlington, salah satu Duke yg powerfull pada masanya, kaya raya, ganteng, dan deket sama Raja yang menyebabkan die dijodoin sama Putri baron perbatasan Wales. Aidan ude skiptis, Wales kan masih dianggep rada bar-bar, mkn kek Scott lah ya biasanya, trs ga yakin jg cantik, trs miskin pula ahahaha.. pokoknya tdk berharap banyak. Aidan dateng ke Wales ga naek kereta, die jg kaga langsung ke kota nya tp keliling dulu sampe di suatu tempat (gw lupa sebutannya) pokoknya disitu die liat cewe super cantik, dengan body yang aduhai. Kenalan, ngobrol2 ngaku sbg artis gt.. pelukis trs ngelukis si cewe yang berakhir dgn kissu2 dan laennya (ga sampe uhuk2 si) terakhir lah sebelum merit dan sibuk ngajarin istrinya buat berbudaya. Keesokan harinya, pas die dateng ke rumah calon istrinya ternyata eng ing eng.. si mba2 yg ngaku namanya Rose ini taunya Lady Guenevere, seneng dong si Aidan kwkwkwkw
Gwen, ga mau merit sama Duke yang kaga di kenal, cuma karena Rajanya kasih perintah dan bpknya ntar dikasih tanah dan kekayaan bla bla, pokoknya ga mau! die mau merit karena cintaa ta ta ta.. makanya sehari sebelum calon semuaminya dateng (yg die yakin bakalan gendut, tua dan jelek itu) die pergi ke tempat rahasia (ah gw lupa namanya masih)trs ketemua pelukis muda yg ganteng nan menawan hati, eh taunya itu calon suaminya. Seneng si, suaminya kaga jelek bla bla.. tapi ternayta nyebelin banget! nyuruh2, ngritik terus2an, maunya banyak dll, lagi2 Gwen kaga mau, pengen kabur sampai sering banget ribut b2 yg berakhir dgn "ditabokin" (u know lah *angkat bahu*) dan Gwen ternyata enjoy *aisstt yg baca kesel*.
Intinya si Aidannya pengen Gwen nurutin die, Gwen maunya diterima apa adanya.. apalagi pas abis dibawa ke London, trs gosip ton bla bla.. dan Gwen nya makin kesel sama Aidan, Aidannya jg makin kesel kr istrinya ngelawan terus.. ya gt deh, sampe dibantuin Warren - Hunter sama August buat mendamaikan keduanya. Sama-sama keras kepala, maunya banyk dan ga ada yg mau bersyukur **pembaca sewot** tapi gw bacanya cepet si hahaahhaaha.. dan yah, in the end.. cinta mengalahkan segalanya.. kelar gw baca series ini yatta!!!
April 30, 2015
Loved, loved, loved it!!!! This series was amazing, with each book, while tethered with friends, completely different and examined the relationship from a different perspective
It started with an arranged marriage and it ends with one. Our Duke was ordered to marry by the king. Our poor heroine is quite happy with her simple life and tries to learn and act as she is expected, but doesn't quite get it. The other trouble, she blames her husband for everything. While he certainly can be pinned with many things, they are both too stubborn to concede to the other
The best part, when the other three couples move in with them to set things straight. Even their meddling doesn't help things and it really does completely hopeless. Luckily before all is lost, or all seems lost, because neither is willing to give up, tragedy nearly strikes. This makes our Duke realize a few things and finally has our Duchess becomes self-aware
The best thing about the story, really, is that our couple never wants to give up on each other. They fight and spark and threaten but after the first real problem, they won't let the other go. Completely unaware of themself or the other, it is so blindingly obvious to the reader how deeply they feel for the other, it is kinda scary
And, of course, they have absolutely no problems in the bedroom. Even from the beginning, the bedroom is hot stuff and neither has an issue there. If they agree on one thing, that is it. They compliment each other perfectly, and while it causes our Duchess some internal struggles, in the moment, she is all in
This was a wonderful historic romance with BDSM elements and ended our series in a most wonderful of way!
It started with an arranged marriage and it ends with one. Our Duke was ordered to marry by the king. Our poor heroine is quite happy with her simple life and tries to learn and act as she is expected, but doesn't quite get it. The other trouble, she blames her husband for everything. While he certainly can be pinned with many things, they are both too stubborn to concede to the other
The best part, when the other three couples move in with them to set things straight. Even their meddling doesn't help things and it really does completely hopeless. Luckily before all is lost, or all seems lost, because neither is willing to give up, tragedy nearly strikes. This makes our Duke realize a few things and finally has our Duchess becomes self-aware
The best thing about the story, really, is that our couple never wants to give up on each other. They fight and spark and threaten but after the first real problem, they won't let the other go. Completely unaware of themself or the other, it is so blindingly obvious to the reader how deeply they feel for the other, it is kinda scary
And, of course, they have absolutely no problems in the bedroom. Even from the beginning, the bedroom is hot stuff and neither has an issue there. If they agree on one thing, that is it. They compliment each other perfectly, and while it causes our Duchess some internal struggles, in the moment, she is all in
This was a wonderful historic romance with BDSM elements and ended our series in a most wonderful of way!
April 20, 2015
Annabel, thanks for giving us such an AMAZING book .
Your writing makes me not want to leave the book, the way you describe the scenes, their wardrobe, the scenery, but especially their feelings makes me “feel”.
After reading Properly Spanked 3, I thought it was my favorite book of the series, but after reading this 4th. one I have to say this is THE best of all 4.
I love all the male characters in this series, especially Lord Warren and of course The Duke (not always), and all 4 of the females characters are wonderful, but there was something special about Minette and about Gwen (Rose, when she was just a free and happy soul) that stayed in my hart.
It is an amazing love story between the Duke and his fairy queen, I loved their first meeting, it was so unexpected, and they felt free, without all the formalities of that time.
Gwen and Arlington are very stubborn people, sometimes I wanted to slap him for making her feel like she didn’t deserve to be his wife, always judging her, and all she ever wanted was to be loved.
In this book all of the 4 couples interact, I felt them as a big family, taking care of each other, and always looking after everyone.
I didn’t want to end this book, because I knew and was sad knowing that Under a Duke’s Hand, book 4 Properly Spanked series was the last book of this amazing series….. Until I read the epilogue, maybe there will be more in the future?
Your writing makes me not want to leave the book, the way you describe the scenes, their wardrobe, the scenery, but especially their feelings makes me “feel”.
After reading Properly Spanked 3, I thought it was my favorite book of the series, but after reading this 4th. one I have to say this is THE best of all 4.
I love all the male characters in this series, especially Lord Warren and of course The Duke (not always), and all 4 of the females characters are wonderful, but there was something special about Minette and about Gwen (Rose, when she was just a free and happy soul) that stayed in my hart.
It is an amazing love story between the Duke and his fairy queen, I loved their first meeting, it was so unexpected, and they felt free, without all the formalities of that time.
Gwen and Arlington are very stubborn people, sometimes I wanted to slap him for making her feel like she didn’t deserve to be his wife, always judging her, and all she ever wanted was to be loved.
In this book all of the 4 couples interact, I felt them as a big family, taking care of each other, and always looking after everyone.
I didn’t want to end this book, because I knew and was sad knowing that Under a Duke’s Hand, book 4 Properly Spanked series was the last book of this amazing series….. Until I read the epilogue, maybe there will be more in the future?
April 18, 2015
This was a bittersweet read for me. Under A Duke's Hand was my favorite in the Properly Spanked series but it was also the last. For now......
I loved being transported into the past for a few hours while I read the story between Aiden and Guinevere. These are two headstrong and stubborn characters who are brought together by duty and circumstance.
I loved their carefree first meeting. There were no preconceptions or ideas. Just two young adults looking for a bit of fun in the meadow. The connection that they shared was instant and helped paved the way for them to explore each other as man and wife.
Unfortunately, this didn't last long as the Duke couldn't stop his haughty ways. He couldn't stop judging his new wife. She was less then and he often voiced his disapproval with her. Gwen tried but she was not born in his class. Plus, the young wife was looking for love in her arranged marriage.
While they are trying to make their marriage work in the eyes of the King and the Ton, they had no trouble behind closed doors. I liked the kinky side of the Duke and his Duchess. The pair are able to use this to help them find their forever
I loved being transported into the past for a few hours while I read the story between Aiden and Guinevere. These are two headstrong and stubborn characters who are brought together by duty and circumstance.
I loved their carefree first meeting. There were no preconceptions or ideas. Just two young adults looking for a bit of fun in the meadow. The connection that they shared was instant and helped paved the way for them to explore each other as man and wife.
Unfortunately, this didn't last long as the Duke couldn't stop his haughty ways. He couldn't stop judging his new wife. She was less then and he often voiced his disapproval with her. Gwen tried but she was not born in his class. Plus, the young wife was looking for love in her arranged marriage.
While they are trying to make their marriage work in the eyes of the King and the Ton, they had no trouble behind closed doors. I liked the kinky side of the Duke and his Duchess. The pair are able to use this to help them find their forever
August 9, 2015
This book is the Fourth in the Properly Spanked Series, but the first one that I have read. I state this because it is important to me that this book stands completely on it's own without having to have read the first three. (Though I am now very curious about the first three and plan to go back and read them.)
Under A Duke's Hand, is a historical romance novel (with spanking, as the series implies). The book does a great job of taking you to 1790's England and entering the lives of Gwen and the Duke of Arlington who have had their marriage arranged by the Royalty of England. It is easy to sympathize with Gwen while admiring the Duke.
There are many layers of the story that drew me in, arranged marriage, homesick, answering to the royalty of England, and of course the development of their sexual interaction.
I did receive this book, for free, in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.
Under A Duke's Hand, is a historical romance novel (with spanking, as the series implies). The book does a great job of taking you to 1790's England and entering the lives of Gwen and the Duke of Arlington who have had their marriage arranged by the Royalty of England. It is easy to sympathize with Gwen while admiring the Duke.
There are many layers of the story that drew me in, arranged marriage, homesick, answering to the royalty of England, and of course the development of their sexual interaction.
I did receive this book, for free, in exchange for my review. All opinions expressed in the review are completely my own.
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