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Once Upon a Rogue #1
My Fair Duchess
After years of playing the rake to hide a dark family secret, the Duke of Aversley feels tainted beyond redemption and cynical beyond repair. Never does he imagine hope will come in the form of a quirky, quick-witted lady determined to win the heart of another gentleman.
Thanks to a painfully awkward past, Lady Amelia De Vere long ago relinquished the notion she was a flower that had yet to blossom. But when her family faces financial ruin and the man she has always loved is on the verge of marrying another, she’ll try anything to transform herself to capture her childhood love and save her family―including agreeing to participate in a bet between her brother and the notorious, dangerously handsome Duke Of Aversley.
Bound by the bet, Amelia and Aversley discover unexpected understanding and passion beyond their wildest dreams, if only they can let go of their pride, put trust in each other and chance losing their hearts.
Thanks to a painfully awkward past, Lady Amelia De Vere long ago relinquished the notion she was a flower that had yet to blossom. But when her family faces financial ruin and the man she has always loved is on the verge of marrying another, she’ll try anything to transform herself to capture her childhood love and save her family―including agreeing to participate in a bet between her brother and the notorious, dangerously handsome Duke Of Aversley.
Bound by the bet, Amelia and Aversley discover unexpected understanding and passion beyond their wildest dreams, if only they can let go of their pride, put trust in each other and chance losing their hearts.
265 pages, Kindle Edition
First published September 29, 2014
1276 people are currently reading
1121 people want to read
About the author
Julie Johnstone
96 books764 followersJulie Johnstone is a USA Today and #1 Amazon bestselling author. Scottish historical romance and Regency historical romance featuring highlanders and aristocrats are her love, and she enjoys creating both with a hefty dose of twists, plenty of heartstring tugs, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
Her books have been dubbed "fabulously entertaining and engaging," making readers cry, laugh, and swoon. Johnstone lives in Alabama with her very own lowlander husband, her two children - the heir and the spare, her snobby cat, and her perpetually happy dog.
In her spare time she enjoys way too much coffee balanced by super hot yoga, reading, and traveling.
Sign up for her newsletter here: http://juliejohnstoneauthor.com/newsl...
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 173 reviews
January 18, 2018
Potentially good historical Regency romance derailed by some serious unpleasantness with minor characters and unbelievable actions.
Well done writing. The main romance was a friends to lover deal with the over-protective hero and a supposedly breath of fresh air heroine, but I couldn't care by the end.
P.S.
One of the most interesting characters was Jemma despite being on site for a couple of pages (another Duke or something's illegitimate daughter) who apparently has her own book, My Enchanting Hoyden.
Well done writing. The main romance was a friends to lover deal with the over-protective hero and a supposedly breath of fresh air heroine, but I couldn't care by the end.
P.S.
One of the most interesting characters was Jemma despite being on site for a couple of pages (another Duke or something's illegitimate daughter) who apparently has her own book, My Enchanting Hoyden.
September 17, 2014
In 1795 when Colin Sinclair, Marquess of Nortingham, was born, he and his mother, Camilla, almost died during the birth. His father, the Duke of Aversley, does not want his wife to go through another pregnancy so he decides to stay away from her to avoid another pregnancy. Hurt and angry at her husband, Alexander, Camilla chooses to ignore her son Colin and begins having blatant affairs with other men.
In 1812 when he turns 17, Colin and his best friend, Philip de Vere, Viscount Rhetford, are students at Cambridge. As they are young and carefree, Colin vows that he will be a rake when he grows up.
London, 1820 finds Colin, now age 25 and the new Duke of Aversley. His father had passed away a year earlier. When Colin decides to visit his old friend, Philip de Vere, he finds that the family has become quite impoverished since Philip’s father died. Philip’s sister, 22-year-old Amelia is a tall young woman striving to keep the family together and help her mother through her grief.
Amelia fancies herself in love with Charles Stanhope, Baron Worthington. However, Charles is looking for a woman with a large dowry to supplement his small income. When Colin sees Amelia foolishly throwing herself at Charles, he becomes angry on her behalf for Colin has gotten to know the real Amelia and all that she has to offer.
Colin strives to help Amelia become a lady and coaches her to prepare her for a London season, including providing funds to dress her. In addition, Amelia is invited to stay with Colin’s aunt, Lady Langley, while in London.
Will Amelia continue her pursuit of Charles Stanhope? How will she take in her London season? But most of all, will Colin be able to resist his attraction to Amelia?
This is a sweet story with some humorous parts. The characters are all well developed and believable.
This book is due to be published on September 29, 2014. Therefore, I have strived to add some teasers but no spoilers in my review.
Complementary copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
In 1812 when he turns 17, Colin and his best friend, Philip de Vere, Viscount Rhetford, are students at Cambridge. As they are young and carefree, Colin vows that he will be a rake when he grows up.
London, 1820 finds Colin, now age 25 and the new Duke of Aversley. His father had passed away a year earlier. When Colin decides to visit his old friend, Philip de Vere, he finds that the family has become quite impoverished since Philip’s father died. Philip’s sister, 22-year-old Amelia is a tall young woman striving to keep the family together and help her mother through her grief.
Amelia fancies herself in love with Charles Stanhope, Baron Worthington. However, Charles is looking for a woman with a large dowry to supplement his small income. When Colin sees Amelia foolishly throwing herself at Charles, he becomes angry on her behalf for Colin has gotten to know the real Amelia and all that she has to offer.
Colin strives to help Amelia become a lady and coaches her to prepare her for a London season, including providing funds to dress her. In addition, Amelia is invited to stay with Colin’s aunt, Lady Langley, while in London.
Will Amelia continue her pursuit of Charles Stanhope? How will she take in her London season? But most of all, will Colin be able to resist his attraction to Amelia?
This is a sweet story with some humorous parts. The characters are all well developed and believable.
This book is due to be published on September 29, 2014. Therefore, I have strived to add some teasers but no spoilers in my review.
Complementary copy provided by the author in exchange for a fair and honest review.
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May 15, 2018This is probably a 3ish book for me. I was generally amused and finished it so that's pretty good.
The Good: The set up for this book is definitely an homage to My Fair Lady, down to the transformation of the wallflower who is really not a wallflower, she just dresses poorly and needs a confidence boost (not my favorite trope, but eh) and the silly wager between friends that you just know is going to cause trouble sooner or later. I could almost picture Colin stalking around and singing "I Will Never Let a Woman in my Life" at a few points. This amusement for the similarities probably meant I gave a little more leeway for what was a fairly predictable and, in several places, shallow plot.
I liked the brother sister relationship a lot. The focus on family relationships and working through issues was interesting, though I wish it would have been more developed.
I liked Amelia as the bookish heroine, and that even in her 'transformation' she never enjoyed the role she was playing.
The not so good: Depth of character... I felt like I was presented with a lot of characters in this book who I wanted to like. I wanted to want them to get their happy endings, and on the surface I connected, but then I wanted more depth which I never got. A good example is Amelia. She continually describes herself as an Elinor (Yes, from S&S). She says she's intelligent and bookish and unlike other girls and she's fine with that. All of this is a set up that usually really works for me, but the problem was she said she was these things, but didn't SHOW that she was. We see her with a book exactly twice, and by the end she treats her love of books as something she did as a shield before realizing she could be so good in public, etc. Well, the true booklovers I know - myself included - would never just put their books aside because they're finding love or society or whatever. I desperately wanted to see a scene where she ditched the ballroom and pulled a book out of some bag and snuck in a few more chapters. She does retreat to a library at one point, but just uses the space to consider her feelings and have action happen with two men. At no point does she wander those shelves looking for the comfort of a beloved book. And intelligent... Not so much. She never figures out what's going on with her mother until it is spelled out for her (I had it on the first scene with mother and Hungtington) and then sets up a physical altercation with a man much older, bigger, and stronger than she is, expecting to stop him from harassing herself and her mother. Umm...no. This is not a smart thing to do. This is not an intelligent thing to do. It's a set up so our hero can arrive just in time to save you thing to do. It was supposed to be the climax of the book, and was really one of the lowest points for me because I saw it coming 17 miles away and it was stupid and unnecessary.
Editing. I totally understand that books are going to have errors in them. No matter how many times you go through, the occasional issue is going to slide through (I have a trad published book where the letters pi have been changed to the pi symbol for like three pages. It makes me giggle every time). So I'm pretty forgiving for minor slips, especially if there are only a few of them. But I kept stumbling on strange errors in this book. Missing quotation marks in dialogue. Due verses do. Modern speech terms and anachronism. Heroin vs heroine - It's a big problem to mix these two up. It just seemed like there needed to be one more proofread before this book was released.
Sex. The whole book is really about sex, even though there is only one explicit scene (I'll get to that in a minute). It's about the power people get from bedding each other and the hurt it can do. And from that point of view it was interesting, but again without depth. The author kinda dances over big changes in various character's attitudes regarding what their infidelities have wrought when the change deserved both more time and more consequences. The
The Good: The set up for this book is definitely an homage to My Fair Lady, down to the transformation of the wallflower who is really not a wallflower, she just dresses poorly and needs a confidence boost (not my favorite trope, but eh) and the silly wager between friends that you just know is going to cause trouble sooner or later. I could almost picture Colin stalking around and singing "I Will Never Let a Woman in my Life" at a few points. This amusement for the similarities probably meant I gave a little more leeway for what was a fairly predictable and, in several places, shallow plot.
I liked the brother sister relationship a lot. The focus on family relationships and working through issues was interesting, though I wish it would have been more developed.
I liked Amelia as the bookish heroine, and that even in her 'transformation' she never enjoyed the role she was playing.
The not so good: Depth of character... I felt like I was presented with a lot of characters in this book who I wanted to like. I wanted to want them to get their happy endings, and on the surface I connected, but then I wanted more depth which I never got. A good example is Amelia. She continually describes herself as an Elinor (Yes, from S&S). She says she's intelligent and bookish and unlike other girls and she's fine with that. All of this is a set up that usually really works for me, but the problem was she said she was these things, but didn't SHOW that she was. We see her with a book exactly twice, and by the end she treats her love of books as something she did as a shield before realizing she could be so good in public, etc. Well, the true booklovers I know - myself included - would never just put their books aside because they're finding love or society or whatever. I desperately wanted to see a scene where she ditched the ballroom and pulled a book out of some bag and snuck in a few more chapters. She does retreat to a library at one point, but just uses the space to consider her feelings and have action happen with two men. At no point does she wander those shelves looking for the comfort of a beloved book. And intelligent... Not so much. She never figures out what's going on with her mother until it is spelled out for her (I had it on the first scene with mother and Hungtington) and then sets up a physical altercation with a man much older, bigger, and stronger than she is, expecting to stop him from harassing herself and her mother. Umm...no. This is not a smart thing to do. This is not an intelligent thing to do. It's a set up so our hero can arrive just in time to save you thing to do. It was supposed to be the climax of the book, and was really one of the lowest points for me because I saw it coming 17 miles away and it was stupid and unnecessary.
Editing. I totally understand that books are going to have errors in them. No matter how many times you go through, the occasional issue is going to slide through (I have a trad published book where the letters pi have been changed to the pi symbol for like three pages. It makes me giggle every time). So I'm pretty forgiving for minor slips, especially if there are only a few of them. But I kept stumbling on strange errors in this book. Missing quotation marks in dialogue. Due verses do. Modern speech terms and anachronism. Heroin vs heroine - It's a big problem to mix these two up. It just seemed like there needed to be one more proofread before this book was released.
Sex. The whole book is really about sex, even though there is only one explicit scene (I'll get to that in a minute). It's about the power people get from bedding each other and the hurt it can do. And from that point of view it was interesting, but again without depth. The author kinda dances over big changes in various character's attitudes regarding what their infidelities have wrought when the change deserved both more time and more consequences. The
January 7, 2015
A BIT BORING WITH AN UNDERDEVELOPED STORYLINE!!
Just a Bit to Boring!! "My Fair Duchess" had all the bones of a good Historical Romance but there was just not much sexual tension or encounters or sexual heat between Colin and Amelia. I don't have to have a lot of sex in a story but none in a romance story is just unacceptable for me.The one one encounter happens on the very last pages of the book. . The story lacked any real romantic connection between The Duke of Aversley "Colin" and Lady Amelia de Vere. There are some other interesting characters in the story; they could have been developed. I would be interested in reading there stories one is a Duke, two Marquess and Amelia's brother and Colins best friend Philip Viscount Rhetford at the beginning of the book. Now he is Earl of Harthorne, which was bit confessing until I made the connection.
The secondary story going on with Amelia's mother and Lord Huntington reminded me of bk1 of The Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas "Secrets of a Summers Night". It almost had the same scenario the mother forced to sell her favors to keep her family from financial ruin. The scenario in my Fair Duchess could have been explored more.
I did love Amelia, she was a strong beautiful intelligent women. I liked Colin and despite him thinking he was a cold heart person. He was actually a very loving and caring devoted friend. The end of the book was rushed and should have been developed more. Maybe and epilog or something. Colin and Amelia's love had just blossomed and then it just ends. After all is said and done the story was just OK!!
Just a Bit to Boring!! "My Fair Duchess" had all the bones of a good Historical Romance but there was just not much sexual tension or encounters or sexual heat between Colin and Amelia. I don't have to have a lot of sex in a story but none in a romance story is just unacceptable for me.The one one encounter happens on the very last pages of the book. . The story lacked any real romantic connection between The Duke of Aversley "Colin" and Lady Amelia de Vere. There are some other interesting characters in the story; they could have been developed. I would be interested in reading there stories one is a Duke, two Marquess and Amelia's brother and Colins best friend Philip Viscount Rhetford at the beginning of the book. Now he is Earl of Harthorne, which was bit confessing until I made the connection.
The secondary story going on with Amelia's mother and Lord Huntington reminded me of bk1 of The Wallflower series by Lisa Kleypas "Secrets of a Summers Night". It almost had the same scenario the mother forced to sell her favors to keep her family from financial ruin. The scenario in my Fair Duchess could have been explored more.
I did love Amelia, she was a strong beautiful intelligent women. I liked Colin and despite him thinking he was a cold heart person. He was actually a very loving and caring devoted friend. The end of the book was rushed and should have been developed more. Maybe and epilog or something. Colin and Amelia's love had just blossomed and then it just ends. After all is said and done the story was just OK!!
September 30, 2014
My Fair Duchess is a wonderful story!! It completely captivated me from the beginning to the end. I believe this is Ms. Johnstone’s best yet. I immediately feel in love with the characters. The family embarrassments, rejection and betrayal the Duke of Aversley experiences as a youth have taught him how cruel people and life can be. Seeing the pain his father went through in his marriage he was determined to guard his heart and never marry for love.
Lady Amelia De Vere who was tormented as an awkward youth seems to get into one interesting situation after another. She so loves her family and is determined to help them anyway she can including participating in a bet. She immediately sees the good in the Duke of Aversley and is determined to help him find love. My heart went out to her and I instantly liked her.
I enjoyed watching the Duke of Aversley help Lady Amelia prepare for her season while fighting to succumb to her beauty, love and kind heart. I loved the book and characters and cannot wait to see how Ms. Johnstone continues the series.
Lady Amelia De Vere who was tormented as an awkward youth seems to get into one interesting situation after another. She so loves her family and is determined to help them anyway she can including participating in a bet. She immediately sees the good in the Duke of Aversley and is determined to help him find love. My heart went out to her and I instantly liked her.
I enjoyed watching the Duke of Aversley help Lady Amelia prepare for her season while fighting to succumb to her beauty, love and kind heart. I loved the book and characters and cannot wait to see how Ms. Johnstone continues the series.
August 27, 2017
The heroes in her books always had wicked streaks that had to be tamed or demons that had to be destroyed, and only the perfect woman, the heroin, could help the hero do it.
That's the heroin talking about the books she reads. It also pretty much sums up what happens.
Intellectually, I know that the story is charming. I would have certainly enjoyed it much more if I hadn't already come across a dozen similar books. Truthfully, I was bored. The book had great potential for parody. Unfortunately, the author stayed on this side of seriousness, making it forgettable.
That's the heroin talking about the books she reads. It also pretty much sums up what happens.
Intellectually, I know that the story is charming. I would have certainly enjoyed it much more if I hadn't already come across a dozen similar books. Truthfully, I was bored. The book had great potential for parody. Unfortunately, the author stayed on this side of seriousness, making it forgettable.
November 13, 2014
Best read in a long while!
I enjoy the true romance of this book and the way the author thoroughly develops her characters! I literally couldn't put this book down. Thank you Julie Johnstone!!
I enjoy the true romance of this book and the way the author thoroughly develops her characters! I literally couldn't put this book down. Thank you Julie Johnstone!!
September 22, 2014
In 1795, Alexander Sinclair had a choice to make to save his son or his wife. He made a pledge to god that if he saved both that he would never touch his wife again. He thought that if he told anyone of his pledge then his wife or so would die. Camilla didn't like this and proceeded to have affairs and ignore her son Colin who she resented and blamed for her husbands abandonment. Colin is now 25 and the Duke of Aversley and his father has given him a year to marry andhis mother must determine if its a love match. Colin's best friend Phillip DeVere is having financial problems and has been writing about his sisters antics over the years and has invited Colin to his estate for his weedding. When Colin arrives the wedding is off and Phillip is at the pub drowning his sorrows. Ameilia DeVere is not like any other girl she is in love with her friend Charles Lord Worthington ever since he saved her from a runaway horse. Colin finds Ameilia interesting and beautiful and thinks she is just like all woen who is all about titles and money. He decides to help his friend by making a bet that he will help Amelia become a diamond to get her man and if she is like the other women then she has to marry him. And if Amelia marries him he will give her the money to help her brother. Amelia agrees to this ro help her brother and mother. Colin plans to court Amelia so that Charles notices and then becomes interested in her. But Colin starts to fall for Amelia also. As Amelia becomes popular Colin gets jealous especially when Phillip involves the Duke of Scarsdale who Colin hates. Phillip is trying to force Coilin to reconize his feelings for Ameilia. When Amelia finds out about Colin's fathers stipulation she is upset that it was all a fraud and leaves Colin. As Colin comes to terms with his feeling he finds that his mother is not the woman he thought she was and learns of his fathers deal with god when he was born and why his mother acted the way she did. Colin realizes that woman are not what he thought and he loves Amelia and heads out to find her and declare himself. When he arrives at her house he finds Amelia being attacked by a family friend and helps her. Then he declares he loves her.
I'm a reader of of romance books and not a reviewer but I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all.
I'm a reader of of romance books and not a reviewer but I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all.
September 30, 2014
This book was captivating. The prologue alone had me breathless with a sense of despair for the main characters parents at the beginning during his birth. It was simply heart breaking what happens to their marriage and subsequently how it affects everyone in the house. The book moves forward a bit and so we move on to our main character the naughty rakish Colin. He was terribly affected by the fallout of his parents marriage and became well known as a rake around ton. He works hard to perfect the image, but he does it for a reason. Now many years later that image is beginning to get old and the reasons behind it aren't needed. His lifestyle has begun to sour on him. But now though his image is tarnished and no one would see him as he truly is, as he wants to be. At least until he meets his best friends sister Amelia. The one he has heard about during the whole time they have been friends but had never met.
These two characters made me laugh with their antics as well as cringe in sympathy with Amelia as she struggled with ridicule by her peers. I can't help but love Amelia she makes me think of me when I was a teen. She is oblivious to what is in front of her and torn when she starts to see it. She thinks she is in love with another man because of one act of kindness. And this wouldn't be a good book without a bit of drama in it. It was perfectly orchestrated and the end results make me crave another book.. and after you read this one you will know who I want a book for.. who I want to have HIS happily ever after.
This book was well thought out, well written, and it was enjoyable to read. I don't think I put it down once I started reading it. Colin and Amelia were perfectly paired. Their romance was not easy and had plenty of bumps on the way, but when the passion between them ignited it really blew hot. I will be keeping my eyes out for further books and hoping for a few more with these characters. I truly do want that book for him! This is definitely a book to recommend.
These two characters made me laugh with their antics as well as cringe in sympathy with Amelia as she struggled with ridicule by her peers. I can't help but love Amelia she makes me think of me when I was a teen. She is oblivious to what is in front of her and torn when she starts to see it. She thinks she is in love with another man because of one act of kindness. And this wouldn't be a good book without a bit of drama in it. It was perfectly orchestrated and the end results make me crave another book.. and after you read this one you will know who I want a book for.. who I want to have HIS happily ever after.
This book was well thought out, well written, and it was enjoyable to read. I don't think I put it down once I started reading it. Colin and Amelia were perfectly paired. Their romance was not easy and had plenty of bumps on the way, but when the passion between them ignited it really blew hot. I will be keeping my eyes out for further books and hoping for a few more with these characters. I truly do want that book for him! This is definitely a book to recommend.
August 28, 2017
Hmmm… This book seemed longer than 265 pages. I guess because parts of it dragged a little. The bet between Colin and Harthorne was kind of silly, as was Harthorne’s refusal to borrow money from Colin. Philip was ready to be destitute, unable to care for his mother and sister, for the sake of his pride? That’s nonsensical.
Amelia was a little immature when it came to Charles and her “love” for him. She associated her feelings to him as the same as Elinor from Sense and Sensibility. I thought she was very silly.
It was kind of mysterious when it came to Huntington. He really did give the reader the creeps, so that made the love story a little better. And the last time you saw Huntington was kind of exciting. Although, you never found out what happened to him after Colin beat the hell out of him and took him away. The innkeeper did tell Amelia they didn’t kill him but that was it.
I’ve read 3 other books by this author but this would not be one of my favorites. I think too much time was spent on Colin’s feelings toward women because of his mother and trying to see that Amelia was going to turn into a woman just like his mother.
There was not an ounce of sexual tension in this book but there was a sex scene between pages 244 and 248. It isn’t even worth reading when there was never any desire or wanting throughout the book. Should have left the sex out, it would have made more sense.
September 30, 2014
As I was reading this book, I couldn't help but remember the classic romance novels that my mother read and I used to sneak when I ran out of books, except some of the scenes are definitely not my mother's romance but so much more.
I have to admit, romance and "chick lit" are not my typical genre, as you can see by previous reviews, but I was blown away by the writing in this book. Even though some may think the story, cliche' [without spoilers], love comes from a source unexpected to the characters.
The story is beautifully written with some scenes that make you wish you could jump right in. I could easily see this ending up [years down the road] as a classic romance novel. The characters and story were well developed and I was happily surprised that I enjoyed this tale of love, loss and overcoming obstacles [even yourself] when it comes to love. I am a romantic at heart, but this story is a beautiful tale I'd recommend to others.
This love story could easily be placed in another space and time by changing a few details, so I believe it is an everlasting tale of love and triumph. Well done, Julie Johnstone.
P.S. Did I mention the amazingly beautiful cover art?! I mean look at the color and style, absolutely stunning!
I have to admit, romance and "chick lit" are not my typical genre, as you can see by previous reviews, but I was blown away by the writing in this book. Even though some may think the story, cliche' [without spoilers], love comes from a source unexpected to the characters.
The story is beautifully written with some scenes that make you wish you could jump right in. I could easily see this ending up [years down the road] as a classic romance novel. The characters and story were well developed and I was happily surprised that I enjoyed this tale of love, loss and overcoming obstacles [even yourself] when it comes to love. I am a romantic at heart, but this story is a beautiful tale I'd recommend to others.
This love story could easily be placed in another space and time by changing a few details, so I believe it is an everlasting tale of love and triumph. Well done, Julie Johnstone.
P.S. Did I mention the amazingly beautiful cover art?! I mean look at the color and style, absolutely stunning!
March 27, 2015
3.5 stars. A light romance, with lots of wit and banter between the characters.
The dialogue leans towards modern American and not really 1820's English - but most new Authors seem to write this way. That said, if you are writing a historical story set in England, you should at least attempt to make the dialogue and characters mannerisms/actions a little more authentic that this author has.
Also, Lady Langley is a spinster, therefore she should be referred to Lady 'first name' NOT Lady Langley.
Also many grammar issues - eg - to name just some- the phrase is 'make do' not 'make due' This was used several times, so I had to comment on it. Also the word 'gotten' is not acceptable in British English. A more 'switched on' editor could have sorted all of these issues out.
Overall however - an enjoyable story and I will be reading more from this author in the future.
The dialogue leans towards modern American and not really 1820's English - but most new Authors seem to write this way. That said, if you are writing a historical story set in England, you should at least attempt to make the dialogue and characters mannerisms/actions a little more authentic that this author has.
Also, Lady Langley is a spinster, therefore she should be referred to Lady 'first name' NOT Lady Langley.
Also many grammar issues - eg - to name just some- the phrase is 'make do' not 'make due' This was used several times, so I had to comment on it. Also the word 'gotten' is not acceptable in British English. A more 'switched on' editor could have sorted all of these issues out.
Overall however - an enjoyable story and I will be reading more from this author in the future.
October 12, 2014
Colin Sinclair, Marquess of Nortingham, becomes Duke of Aversley at the age of 24. His life has been plagued with self-recrimination, self-loathing and a severe mistrust of women and love. He has never known love from the one woman who should have loved him unconditionally and he has seen love and scandal destroy his parent’s relationship. He decided at the young age of 17 to create his own scandals to draw attention away from his parents. Now at 25 he hates his life and the reputation he has built for himself.
Amelia de Vere is the sister of Phillip, Earl of Hawthorne and sees herself as plain, sensible and witty. She is very tall for a girl and slouches to try to avoid being teased; she loves reading novels and discovers it is her way of coping with the issues in her life- avoidance. Amelia is kind, loving, compassionate and patient. She sees through the social hype straight to the heart of a person. Most of all “she want(s) a marriage of supremely divine inconvenience full of passion, devotion, laughter and joy.”
Having received notice that he has until his 26th birthday to marry or lose his un-entailed properties, which support the entailed properties. Now he has to figure out how to find a good match despite his rakish reputation. Colin is friends with Phillip and has heard stories about Amelia’s antics that have him chuckling when he thinks about them and has him wondering about siblings. In his mind Amelia is still a young girl and is pleasantly surprised when he meets her and realizes she is 22. Phillip and his family are in pretty dire straits and Colin wants to help, but Phillip refuses a loan of a gift of money. They devise a “wager” as a face saving answer. It is brilliant on paper and if emotions can be kept out of the equation.
As Amelia and Colin travel toward their HEA they learn so much about themselves and each other. The biggest for Amelia is that she has an inner beauty and an innate confidence that required the right man and a few awesome gowns to bring out. Colin learned trust, trust in his own goodness and worth and more importantly- in women. My own faith in women was put through the wringer for Colin; I was relieved that it came out strong and healthy in the end. I really like when my emotions are so fully invested in the story and its characters, thank you Ms. Johnstone!
Ms. Johnstone creates characters and stories that have you wanting to know the characters personally and at the end of the book you feel that you do. The emotion she brings to her stories is brilliant. I enjoyed Amelia’s feisty attitude set in a time where quiet and demur is seen as the norm. The hidden villainy was a fabulous twist with hints throughout the book and the final comeuppance leaving me elated to see it come back around. I will continue to watch for new work from Ms. Johnstone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
Amelia de Vere is the sister of Phillip, Earl of Hawthorne and sees herself as plain, sensible and witty. She is very tall for a girl and slouches to try to avoid being teased; she loves reading novels and discovers it is her way of coping with the issues in her life- avoidance. Amelia is kind, loving, compassionate and patient. She sees through the social hype straight to the heart of a person. Most of all “she want(s) a marriage of supremely divine inconvenience full of passion, devotion, laughter and joy.”
Having received notice that he has until his 26th birthday to marry or lose his un-entailed properties, which support the entailed properties. Now he has to figure out how to find a good match despite his rakish reputation. Colin is friends with Phillip and has heard stories about Amelia’s antics that have him chuckling when he thinks about them and has him wondering about siblings. In his mind Amelia is still a young girl and is pleasantly surprised when he meets her and realizes she is 22. Phillip and his family are in pretty dire straits and Colin wants to help, but Phillip refuses a loan of a gift of money. They devise a “wager” as a face saving answer. It is brilliant on paper and if emotions can be kept out of the equation.
As Amelia and Colin travel toward their HEA they learn so much about themselves and each other. The biggest for Amelia is that she has an inner beauty and an innate confidence that required the right man and a few awesome gowns to bring out. Colin learned trust, trust in his own goodness and worth and more importantly- in women. My own faith in women was put through the wringer for Colin; I was relieved that it came out strong and healthy in the end. I really like when my emotions are so fully invested in the story and its characters, thank you Ms. Johnstone!
Ms. Johnstone creates characters and stories that have you wanting to know the characters personally and at the end of the book you feel that you do. The emotion she brings to her stories is brilliant. I enjoyed Amelia’s feisty attitude set in a time where quiet and demur is seen as the norm. The hidden villainy was a fabulous twist with hints throughout the book and the final comeuppance leaving me elated to see it come back around. I will continue to watch for new work from Ms. Johnstone.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for my honest review.
September 27, 2014
Julie Johnstone became one of my favorite authors with the very first book of her's that I read. Since then I've had the opportunity to read more of her work. With each book she just astonishes me with her incredible talent.
I do not always judge a book by it's cover. However, when the story inside is just as awesome as the cover I find I must at least mention how pretty it is. I just loved the cover if I had a print copy of this book it would certainly be one that I would want to display because it is gorgeous!
My Fair Duchess is a great example of Ms. Johnstone's wonderful work. I have to say I was captivated by this book from the very beginning and I had a really hard time setting it down until I found out what in the world could possibly happen.
I instantly formed a bond with Lady Amelia De Vere. Oh my goodness this girl has a way of getting herself into some interesting situations. At times my heart really went out to her. I loved how she is so willing to do whatever it may take to help her brother get out of the situation they are in. She loves her family very much and I admired her greatly for that.
The Duke Of Aversley has dealt with a lot of heartache and embarrassment in his young life. So to deal with the situations he decides to just make the worst reputation for himself that he can. However when he meets Lady Amelia she sees under all that bluster there really is a heart of gold.
I so enjoyed watching Aversley help Amelia prepare for her season. Not only was it fun to watch this young lady, whom was not use to being the center of attention shine. It was a lot of fun watching these two get to know each other so much better. They truly became friends and formed deeper feelings than either thought was possible.
I adored this book and the characters in the book. This is book one of Ms. Johnstone's new series so I can not wait to see who's story she has in store for us next. The one thing I do know is that no matter which character's story she tells next it will be awesome!
If you enjoy a fun historical romance, some drama and suspense, a few steamy scenes, and characters that are a great joy to meet, then you must grab this one now!
I was given the opportunity to read My Fair Duchess so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on this great story.
I do not always judge a book by it's cover. However, when the story inside is just as awesome as the cover I find I must at least mention how pretty it is. I just loved the cover if I had a print copy of this book it would certainly be one that I would want to display because it is gorgeous!
My Fair Duchess is a great example of Ms. Johnstone's wonderful work. I have to say I was captivated by this book from the very beginning and I had a really hard time setting it down until I found out what in the world could possibly happen.
I instantly formed a bond with Lady Amelia De Vere. Oh my goodness this girl has a way of getting herself into some interesting situations. At times my heart really went out to her. I loved how she is so willing to do whatever it may take to help her brother get out of the situation they are in. She loves her family very much and I admired her greatly for that.
The Duke Of Aversley has dealt with a lot of heartache and embarrassment in his young life. So to deal with the situations he decides to just make the worst reputation for himself that he can. However when he meets Lady Amelia she sees under all that bluster there really is a heart of gold.
I so enjoyed watching Aversley help Amelia prepare for her season. Not only was it fun to watch this young lady, whom was not use to being the center of attention shine. It was a lot of fun watching these two get to know each other so much better. They truly became friends and formed deeper feelings than either thought was possible.
I adored this book and the characters in the book. This is book one of Ms. Johnstone's new series so I can not wait to see who's story she has in store for us next. The one thing I do know is that no matter which character's story she tells next it will be awesome!
If you enjoy a fun historical romance, some drama and suspense, a few steamy scenes, and characters that are a great joy to meet, then you must grab this one now!
I was given the opportunity to read My Fair Duchess so that I may share my thoughts with you. As always it has been my great pleasure to share my thoughts with you on this great story.
November 7, 2014
This is the first book of a new series by Julie Johnstone and what a great beginning it is!! I read an excerpt from this book a few weeks prior to release of the book. After reading the excerpt I wanted the book immediately! This is a page turner that captures the reader’s attention from the first page and holds through until the last. I did not want to lay the book down or even take a break from reading it. I won't go into a lot of detail about the actual story as I don't like to give too much away and spoil the story for anyone.
The story not only includes the relationship between the hero, Duke of Aversley, and heroine Amelia, but provides the back story between the Duke’s parents to explain why he acted and reacted to certain situations. He is also Amelia’s brother’s best friend. Even for all the flaws he develops through his life he maintains honesty when the two men decide upon a wager involving Amelia.
The heroine considered herself very flawed when measured against other ladies of the ton. She grabs the Duke’s attention at their very first meeting like no other lady ever has. It takes a rakes experience and nerve to help her develop her full potential.
This book doesn’t leave anything hanging or leave the reader wondering about what happens to everyone, even the parents. The reader will immediately be pulled into the story and become involved with the characters. I found myself tearful, laughing, angry, and happy throughout the book. I count this as a complete romance as it involves every emotion a character possesses. I very highly recommend this book and will add this author to my favorites, keeper shelf reads. I anxiously await the next installment to the series. Since reading this book I purchased every historical romance Julie Johnstone has released.
The story not only includes the relationship between the hero, Duke of Aversley, and heroine Amelia, but provides the back story between the Duke’s parents to explain why he acted and reacted to certain situations. He is also Amelia’s brother’s best friend. Even for all the flaws he develops through his life he maintains honesty when the two men decide upon a wager involving Amelia.
The heroine considered herself very flawed when measured against other ladies of the ton. She grabs the Duke’s attention at their very first meeting like no other lady ever has. It takes a rakes experience and nerve to help her develop her full potential.
This book doesn’t leave anything hanging or leave the reader wondering about what happens to everyone, even the parents. The reader will immediately be pulled into the story and become involved with the characters. I found myself tearful, laughing, angry, and happy throughout the book. I count this as a complete romance as it involves every emotion a character possesses. I very highly recommend this book and will add this author to my favorites, keeper shelf reads. I anxiously await the next installment to the series. Since reading this book I purchased every historical romance Julie Johnstone has released.
December 19, 2016
Review in Portuguese: http://pepitamagica.blogspot.pt/2016/...
I received this book in a giveaway done by the author, and this was the first book I’ve read of hers, even though there’s already a published opinion of one of her books here, in the blog – the other one was an eArc received in exchange for an honest review, and it had a publishing date, that’s why it had to be written first.
This book had a big no for me, which was what gave the book its motto, but it did not ruin it: the hero, the Duke of Aversley, pretty much hates women, all because of a promise his dad made (and that he doesn’t know about) – which ruined his relationship with his mother, not even mentioning what it did to his parents' relationship.
Aversley spent his life reading about Amelia De Vere, through letters his best friend, her brother, sent him, telling him of every incident and weird situation she got herself in. When he meets her, the image he had of the little girl who has a bit clumsy and shy, vanishes.
To help his best friend, Aversley makes a bet with him, about Amelia. He bets that when Amelia blossoms (with his help), she will become what desirable women always become (cheating women, and vain, etc.), while her brother bets that Amelia will stay true to herself.
And as the time goes by, Amelia and Aversley become closer and he starts to realize that she is not like what he considers other women to be like. Amelia helps him overcome the problems of his past, and Aversley helps her become a better version of herself, keeping her essence the same.
It’s a love story, very romantic. Easily read, it gives you exactly what it promises: a sweet historical romance.
I received this book in a giveaway done by the author, and this was the first book I’ve read of hers, even though there’s already a published opinion of one of her books here, in the blog – the other one was an eArc received in exchange for an honest review, and it had a publishing date, that’s why it had to be written first.
This book had a big no for me, which was what gave the book its motto, but it did not ruin it: the hero, the Duke of Aversley, pretty much hates women, all because of a promise his dad made (and that he doesn’t know about) – which ruined his relationship with his mother, not even mentioning what it did to his parents' relationship.
Aversley spent his life reading about Amelia De Vere, through letters his best friend, her brother, sent him, telling him of every incident and weird situation she got herself in. When he meets her, the image he had of the little girl who has a bit clumsy and shy, vanishes.
To help his best friend, Aversley makes a bet with him, about Amelia. He bets that when Amelia blossoms (with his help), she will become what desirable women always become (cheating women, and vain, etc.), while her brother bets that Amelia will stay true to herself.
And as the time goes by, Amelia and Aversley become closer and he starts to realize that she is not like what he considers other women to be like. Amelia helps him overcome the problems of his past, and Aversley helps her become a better version of herself, keeping her essence the same.
It’s a love story, very romantic. Easily read, it gives you exactly what it promises: a sweet historical romance.
September 14, 2014
I think Julie Johnstone writes the HOTTEST, toe-curling KISSING scenes!! Colin, the Duke of Aversley is possibly the most dangerous rake in London, at least to the hearts of ladies, he has the most tortured soul in London as well. Lady Amelia De Vere wishes nothing more than to marry her childhood crush, however he has eyes only on the debutante with the largest dowry. This is a story that draws you in to the heart of a loving family, where the birth of a child alters their futures forever. All the characters is this amazing romance are strong, and interesting. The sub-characters are most interesting as well, and I hope they will appear soon in their own novel (hint, hint), especially Amelia's brother, Philip, Earl of Harthorne. Philip plays a key role in this romance, as best friend of Aversley, for he is determined to help him heal and find love. He has accepted a bet from his friend Aversley that turns the tables......in who's favor? You'll have to read this book to find out! I recommend this lovely book to all regency romance lovers. I've given this a five-star rating for good reason!
October 28, 2014
I had been eagerly anticipating this and Julie did not disappoint. I didn't want to be interrupted until the final word, not even to feed or walk my dog. I did it but as quickly as my dog would allow :) and finished the book in the wee hours of the morning.
Lady Amelia, awkward and gangly all her life and totally unaware of her beauty, begins to wonder if the man she "loves" will ever truly see that she is his perfect match and lay claim to her before a beautiful but empty headed wench can steal him away. The Duke of Aversley, jaded and beyond redemption, sees her but only as a way to help her prideful brother, his best friend. At least, that's the lie he tells himself.
Ms. Johnstone's delightful and heartwarming tale of misplaced love and loyalty will endear you to each character. I loved how each strove in their own ways to protect the ones they held most dear all the while still not seeing the truth right in front of their eyes and bungling it despite their best intentions. The little nod to My Fair Lady was a refreshing spin.
I can't wait for the next installment to her Once Upon a Rogue series. Her next hero has already captured my heart. :)
Lady Amelia, awkward and gangly all her life and totally unaware of her beauty, begins to wonder if the man she "loves" will ever truly see that she is his perfect match and lay claim to her before a beautiful but empty headed wench can steal him away. The Duke of Aversley, jaded and beyond redemption, sees her but only as a way to help her prideful brother, his best friend. At least, that's the lie he tells himself.
Ms. Johnstone's delightful and heartwarming tale of misplaced love and loyalty will endear you to each character. I loved how each strove in their own ways to protect the ones they held most dear all the while still not seeing the truth right in front of their eyes and bungling it despite their best intentions. The little nod to My Fair Lady was a refreshing spin.
I can't wait for the next installment to her Once Upon a Rogue series. Her next hero has already captured my heart. :)
October 12, 2014
A SPLENDID LITTLE BOOK
This is a lovely little just-off-sweet love story that has, at its ultimate beginning, a couple of childhood memories. In neither case are they accurate, but in both cases, they control the perceptions of their holders, and prevent them from seeing reality. Friends and relatives know that dreams die hard, but for true maturation, they must sometimes go. For our un-crossed lovers, the dreams need to give way to reality so that the people are not, ultimately, destroyed.
In manipulating her characters through the process of maturation, Ms Johnstone is by turns, gentle, firm, humorous, chiding, and when it seems all else may fail, brutal. In the final denouement, our hero and heroine engage in something close to baptism to mark their rebirth, or perhaps, to celebrate their final attainment of emotional maturity.
This is a lovely little just-off-sweet love story that has, at its ultimate beginning, a couple of childhood memories. In neither case are they accurate, but in both cases, they control the perceptions of their holders, and prevent them from seeing reality. Friends and relatives know that dreams die hard, but for true maturation, they must sometimes go. For our un-crossed lovers, the dreams need to give way to reality so that the people are not, ultimately, destroyed.
In manipulating her characters through the process of maturation, Ms Johnstone is by turns, gentle, firm, humorous, chiding, and when it seems all else may fail, brutal. In the final denouement, our hero and heroine engage in something close to baptism to mark their rebirth, or perhaps, to celebrate their final attainment of emotional maturity.
October 2, 2014
I love, love , LOVED this novel!!!! Whenever I read Mrs. Johnstone's work, I get lost in the novel and do not resurface until the novel is complete! Even then, I am sadden that the story has come to an end!
That being said, what do you get when you have a Duke who feels that he does not deserve to be loved; and a Lady who is a beautiful swan, but sees herself as a unwanted pigeon? A recipe for a GREAT story and that is exactly what Mrs. Johnstone gives in this novel. Throw in a bet that neither party wants to honor, and you have a Regency page-turner that once it ends, you are rooting for all parties involved. Mrs. Johnstone makes you feel as though you are a mouse in a corner eavesdropping on a scandal of the ton. Very well done, Mrs. Johnstone!!!!
That being said, what do you get when you have a Duke who feels that he does not deserve to be loved; and a Lady who is a beautiful swan, but sees herself as a unwanted pigeon? A recipe for a GREAT story and that is exactly what Mrs. Johnstone gives in this novel. Throw in a bet that neither party wants to honor, and you have a Regency page-turner that once it ends, you are rooting for all parties involved. Mrs. Johnstone makes you feel as though you are a mouse in a corner eavesdropping on a scandal of the ton. Very well done, Mrs. Johnstone!!!!
October 22, 2019
*** free on Amazon 10-22-2019 ***
Duke Colin grows up in a household with a loving father and promiscuous mother, which leads him to have a very low opinion of women in general.
Amelia believes in love and has her eyes set on a neighbor since childhood, but does not seem to see her as marriage material.
In a bet with her brother Colin promises to help her to seduce the neighbor.
This book was very straightforward and sweet, conflicts were not unreasonably stretched out, and the main characters likeable. I gave this book 5 stars for the first 30%, but then it got a little bit too sugary and dramatic, still a very good read.
Narration: Third person past tense.
The book has one explicit sex scene at the end that, IMHO, was not necessary after 250 pages of "clean" read.
Duke Colin grows up in a household with a loving father and promiscuous mother, which leads him to have a very low opinion of women in general.
Amelia believes in love and has her eyes set on a neighbor since childhood, but does not seem to see her as marriage material.
In a bet with her brother Colin promises to help her to seduce the neighbor.
This book was very straightforward and sweet, conflicts were not unreasonably stretched out, and the main characters likeable. I gave this book 5 stars for the first 30%, but then it got a little bit too sugary and dramatic, still a very good read.
Narration: Third person past tense.
The book has one explicit sex scene at the end that, IMHO, was not necessary after 250 pages of "clean" read.
October 7, 2014
Received this book for an honest review. My first foray into romance was historical. I eventually branched out and read all kinds of romance now. But this story reminded me of why I loved historical.
It was such a good story, with great characters, I just couldn't put it down and finished it in one night. Julie created the ultimate rake, a sexy bad boy with a jaded heart of gold. She paired him with a fabulous heroine who proved to our Duke that not all women are dishonest and selfish. A wonderful storyline, with strong characters, I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you for letting me read this book.
It was such a good story, with great characters, I just couldn't put it down and finished it in one night. Julie created the ultimate rake, a sexy bad boy with a jaded heart of gold. She paired him with a fabulous heroine who proved to our Duke that not all women are dishonest and selfish. A wonderful storyline, with strong characters, I would definitely recommend this book. Thank you for letting me read this book.
October 12, 2017
I really liked this....I felt like reading a good slow burn, appropriate historical romantic suspense and I did get this with this book. But it also had a lot of humor and 2 very likable leads. I loved Amelia. She was such a fun h. I loved Colin, watching him pretend he wasn't a good Duke when in reality he was.
Great story of 2 lonely people IMO, but nice people at the heart of it all. A very slow burn, so don't go reading into the book for any insta sex, its a serious wait. The story is truly about watching them fall, and fall they do. Great writing, great supporting characters. Recommend.
Great story of 2 lonely people IMO, but nice people at the heart of it all. A very slow burn, so don't go reading into the book for any insta sex, its a serious wait. The story is truly about watching them fall, and fall they do. Great writing, great supporting characters. Recommend.
September 6, 2017
'Pride goeth before a fall' is a repetitive theme in this drama based on intrigue, romance, and the lack of forgiveness for past transgressions.
It was a mostly, interesting and compelling tale, for the era.
However, it included some grammatical and era based bungles. Also, there was a major dissappointment with the unnecessary sexual explicty at the end; which kept the book from reaching it's full potential.
It was a mostly, interesting and compelling tale, for the era.
However, it included some grammatical and era based bungles. Also, there was a major dissappointment with the unnecessary sexual explicty at the end; which kept the book from reaching it's full potential.
May 8, 2017
Boring, lackluster narration, and an uninspired storyline. The chemistry wasn't there and the ending was strange.
October 21, 2014
Amazing story!!! So sweet and romantic!! Did not want it to finish!!!! A lot of chemistry !!
December 14, 2015
Seriously, a frigging epilogue is needed. Made my enjoyment of the book really drop.
April 19, 2020
A fun, fast read. Our heroine, Amelia, is, as she has been told all her life, too tall and plain. Her family is in financial trouble and though her brother is attempting to work it out they are not sure he will be able to do so successfully. Enter the Duke. He is, as in most Regencies, tall, good looking, rakish and wealthy. He is also one of her brother’s best friends. Amelia fancies herself in “love” with a neighbor and wants to attract his attention. His interests move in the direction of another neighbor who is wealthy and not unattractive. The Duke and her brother make a bet with Amelia as the prize. Either Amelia gets the neighbor to propose or she gets engaged to the Duke and he can take care of the family debt. Those readers who are Regency fans can well anticipate what comes next and those that aren’t won’t care. Thanks to the author and publisher for an e-galley for an honest review.
September 23, 2018
Love Colin and Amelia!
This book broke my heart from the beginning. I was so sad for Colin ‘s father and Mother and the choice they made that scarred a young boy and his friends. Then he met his best friend ‘s sister and he fell hard. Amelia thought she loved and wanted another since she was a young girl. But getting to know Colin taught her the difference between love and infatuation. Their road to HEA was excellent!
This book broke my heart from the beginning. I was so sad for Colin ‘s father and Mother and the choice they made that scarred a young boy and his friends. Then he met his best friend ‘s sister and he fell hard. Amelia thought she loved and wanted another since she was a young girl. But getting to know Colin taught her the difference between love and infatuation. Their road to HEA was excellent!
January 19, 2018
Loved it!
Well written, and while a bit predictable it was still a lovely story. The part with the heroine’s mother wasn’t exactly what I had thought (I thought she could be dying from an illness, not what it ended up being) but otherwise it was pretty easy to see where the storyline was going throughout the book. A nice, easy read and I finished it in a day.
Well written, and while a bit predictable it was still a lovely story. The part with the heroine’s mother wasn’t exactly what I had thought (I thought she could be dying from an illness, not what it ended up being) but otherwise it was pretty easy to see where the storyline was going throughout the book. A nice, easy read and I finished it in a day.
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