What the Duke Wants

Agents of Change #1

by Amy Quinton

Print Edition:

England 1814: Upstanding duke desperately seeks accident-prone wife from trade…

She is from trade. He is a duke and an agent for the crown with a name to restore and a mystery to solve.

Miss Grace (ha!) Radclyffe is an oftentimes hilariously clumsy, 20-year-old orphan biding her time living with her uncle until she is old enough to come into her small inheritance. Much to her aunt’s chagrin:

She isn’t:
• Reserved – not with her shocking! tendency to befriend the servants…
• Sophisticated – highly overrated if one cannot run around barefoot outside…
• Graceful – she once flung her dinner into a duke’s face… on accident, of course.

But she is:
• Practical – owning a fashion house is in her future; unless someone foils her plans…
• In love… maybe… perhaps… possibly…

The Duke of Stonebridge is a man with a tragic past. His father died mysteriously when he was 12 years old amid speculation that the old duke was ‘involved’ with another man. He must restore his family name, but on the eve of his engagement to the perfect debutante, he meets his betrothed’s cousin, and his world is turned inside out… No matter:

He is always:
• Logical – men who follow their hearts and not their heads are foolish…
• Reserved – his private life is nobody’s business but his own…

And he isn’t:
• Impulsive – it always leads to trouble…
• Charming – that’s his best friend, the Marquess of Dansbury’s, area of expertise…
• In love… maybe… perhaps… possibly…

Can he have what he wants and remain respectable? Can she trust him to be the man she needs?

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

320 pages, Paperback

First published January 11, 2015

About the author

Amy Quinton writes humorous historicals with heat, often from her back porch in Summerville, South Carolina but sometimes with her BFF at the kitchen table. And only when her dog and three cats allow. (She’s guilty of spoiling them horribly.)

She’s susceptible to shiny things, soft things, leather, trips to the thrift store, Whisky, tattoos, witchy things, Bunco with her Bitches, and men in kilts (particularly her husband)-but not necessarily in that order.

She adores her children (most of the time), finds a lot of humor being married to a Brit (usually), cusses (probably more than she should), and loves to read and write romance (always).

When she finds the time, she loves to crochet, knit, and make jewelry. And longs to travel to the UK every chance she gets.

Reviews

[Lauren · Rating 4 out of 5]

Read: 2014
Reread: 2/2/25
4 stars!

I haven't read this in years, but it's still a pretty good romance. I'm a sucker for an accident-prone h!

Poor Grace is definitely not graceful, but she has a great sense of humor about it. Grace's parents died a year ago, and she was forced to live with her uncle and aunt. In 2 months, she will inherit her father's shop, where she plans to design clothes. Her family keeps the girl from trade hidden but can't for this houseparty. Her spiteful cousin is about to marry a Duke. Now, Grace has to pray that she doesn't upset all their plans with her clumsiness. She doesn't even make it to the house before falling into the mud twice. Unfortunately, she is handed a hankerchief from behind her. Grace feels an instant attraction to the handsome Duke, even with all the mud she transfers to him.

The Duke of Stonebridge is a man with a tragic past. His father died mysteriously when he was 12 years old. He has vowed to bring honor to his name and to discover the truth of his father's death. He is going to marry Beatryce because of her looks and pedigree, everything he owes his title. Stonebridge is also following a lead about his father and has his spy network working on it. Everything is going to plan until he mets the muddy Grace. Stonebridge has never met anybody like her before. Grace is down to earth, funny, practical, and beautiful when she isn't endangering his life. Unfortunately, Stonebridge has to marry for pedigree, and a tradesman's daughter will not do.

I loved Grace! It's impossible not to. She saves the whole book. Stonebridge is a bit of a prig, but his real personality comes out around Grace. The whole book, he fights his attraction. It takes a long time for Stonebridge to come to his senses, but I enjoyed the journey!

The secondary characters were great! Aunt Harriet and Danbury were fantastic! The Earl made an interesting and devilish villain, as did his daughter. The 2nd book is going to redeem Beatryce, and that will be a tall order. I really hated her!

The mystery was okay. Stonebridge's father was killed a group of men. Grace's father might have been killed by those men as well. Tying the characters' histories together was interesting. Still, I felt the spy part took a way some of the humor of the story. I will omit crying at the end.

Conclusion:
I liked the 1st half better than the 2nd half. The book was still entertaining. I would recommend giving this fun book a try!

Sidenote: I wish the author understood how long it takes her characters to reach a destination. Some characters it took days while others were 1 day.

[Pam Bereznak · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really suck at reviews and never know what to say but if I really loved the book I want to say something. I do hate when other reviewers practically rewrite the whole synopsis in their review. I mean I just read the book...I know what it’s about. Geez.. Anyway, I am trying to do better about saying something to let the author know what I thought of the book.

I spend a lot of time researching the books I read. I read 415 books last year and 169 this year so far. I have read hundreds and hundreds of different authors over the years. I have a handful that I love and get all their new releases but have "branched" out looking for new authors. Amy Quinton is one of those new authors. I’ve had this book sitting on my Fire since September of 2020. I have to really be in a certain mood to pick up a new author and read it. I am so glad I finally got around to reading this book.

I couldn’t put this book down. I loved the characters and their personalities. I loved the story. Even the “minor” characters were really well written. The sexual tension was great and sex scene was just right. Such a great book.

Can’t wait for book 2. I would definitely recommend this book.

[Elaine · Rating 5 out of 5]

A stunning debut. A lovely storyline and great characters - loved Ambrose & Grace. Surprised how good this story is. Full of intrigue.
The only thing I did notice was an error in the money - 1775.51 - is this decimalisation?

[Candace N · Rating 5 out of 5]

What The Duke Wants is the first book by Amy Quinton that I have read, and I thoroughly enjoyed it. Honestly, this is a book I could read time and time again. Everything about it, from how it’s written, to the characters, and the storyline, is this amazing package of solid, and enjoyable reading pleasure. There is so much emotion in the writing and I was absolutely captivated by how brilliant and beautiful it was. I loved the characters! I was mesmerized by Ambrose and Grace and I loved Cliff as well. I am eager to hear more about him and to see if a certain Lady is not beyond redemption? I’m totally intrigued! The story is engaging, perfectly paced and kept me interested from beginning to end.

[Rosanna Leo · Rating 5 out of 5]

What The Duke Wants by Amy Quinton was a pleasure to read. In fact, I can honestly say it's one of the few books recently that I have been loathe to set aside. Upon reaching the end of a steamy scene, wanting desperately to know what happened next, I realized I was up way past my bedtime and made the decision to save the rest for the next day. I proceeded to wonder about where the plot would lead late into the night. To me, that makes a great book. This is a lovely historical piece with a healthy dose of sensuality. What I loved was that it never felt over done. I've read historicals that seem over-the-top with leering villains and simpering heroines. I've also read historicals that feel so ridiculous with their rampant sexuality. This one fits nicely somewhere in the middle and that made it believable. Credibility scores high on my list. Heroine Grace is sweet but strong in her way. Our hero the Duke of Stonebridge lives up to that moniker for much of the book. I confess, I worried he might not see the light and even found myself rooting for his friend and possible rival Cliff. However, Ms. Quinton helps him realize his love and we are never truly fearful that "what the duke wants" might not be the heroine. This is historical romance, after all. A man in his position would have had similar concerns about choosing a wife. Luckily for us, he makes the right choice. I look forward to reading more by this author and I will definitely be looking into the next book in this series.

[Angela · Rating 5 out of 5]

What could be more satisfying than a lovely, slightly complicated (as the best romances always are!) romance with a smattering of suspense? Not much. In What the Duke Wants, Amy Quinton has written a beautiful novel than engages the imagination and captures the complexity and beauty of Regency period England. With compelling characters and an intriguing mystery, this book hits all the right notes. I can't wait for the next in the series.

[Beth T Brown · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet and fun adventure

Great story. Funny,suspenseful and a sweet story. I really enjoyed the characters and cannot wait for the next book in this series.

[Pamela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rated 4.5
Review courtesy of Romance Junkies:

http://www.romancejunkiesreviews.com/...

[Jody · Rating 4 out of 5]

As a fan of historical romances I love discovering new authors able to breathe fresh air into the genre and with this debut work there's much that makes it memorable. From its delightful heroine to its sensual banter to a secondary character who's left me panting for the next installment I found this an enjoyable journey.

Grace is unlike most women of the time. Class distinction doesn't concern her, she aspires to design fashions and own her own shop when she comes of age, and she's incredibly clumsy but is able to laugh it off with a smile. In a nutshell, Grace is a delightful heroine who's strong-willed and intelligent. Though her vernacular seemed almost too modern her words and deeds often brought a smile to my face. She's immensely likable and friends with everyone, even amongst the servants, and her sunny disposition was a wonderful dichotomy to the nastiness of the relatives she's living with. From the moment she sees the dour countenance of Ambrose she fell for him despite their class differences and fought her heart and mind every step of the way. It's a difficult journey to reach her HEA as loyalty to her family has her denying what her heart truly wants as does a Duke who purposely hurts her as he too fights his attraction.

Since the day his father was murdered with his reputation torn to shreds Ambrose has felt the weight of the world on his shoulders. Desperate to clear his family's name he's walked the straight and narrow which has hardened his heart and turned his personality overly serious. Deciding that he's ready to marry, and to conceal the fact that he's looking into his father's murder, leads him to Beatryce and her family who he's known since he was younger. She'll make the perfect wife with her unquestionable manners and demeanor, but it's her cousin Grace who captivates him. From their memorable first meeting in a mud puddle to their clandestine meetings, Ambrose knows their match will mar his family's name but her joy in living slowly thaws his heart. Ambrose is a self-assured man with few friends he trusts, he's a bit cold and rude at times, but you can't help rooting for him and Grace. She makes him a better man and in return I wish he had treated her better throughout the story. When pushing her away he acted with cruelty, he immediately believed the lies her relatives told about her, and used their class differences against her. Through her eyes, and because of her forgiving nature, I too ultimately forgave him.

With witty banter teeming with sensuality Ambrose and Grace's burgeoning relationship was fun to watch. It was a slow burn of clandestine encounters, and hurtful behavior from him, that led to a culmination of their feelings very late in the story that was well worth the wait. Along with their engaging romance was an intriguing mystery that kept me on the edge of my seat. With two compelling main characters came an equally engaging cast of secondary characters. Beatryce and her parents provided plenty of villainy with their cruel words and deeds, which lent an air of Cinderella to the story, and had me booing whenever they came on the scene. Providing an air of sweetness and chivalry, as well as sexiness and loyalty, was the charming Dansbury. Ambrose's loyal friend was a giant with a big heart and I look forward to his story being told next. As a debut this story had a good flow and nicely juggled its romance with mystery. Though the hero was a bit tarnished, and the heroine a bit too forgiving, I found this a delightful read that still makes me smile just thinking about it.

[Ki · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is my first book from Amy and well, she’s a new-to me author and has just debuted. YAY!

From the moment I read the blurb of this book I was hooked, I mean come one, both the hero and heroine are total opposites and you know what they say, opposites attracts~ *wink wink*

Anyhow I also love a kind, friendly and imperfect heroine and an agent/spy for a hero. If you know me I really love spies so this was a hit for me.

I was surprise there was a secondary story within this one, which was great and didn’t lose me one bit because I would have wanted more if that didn’t happen. So the secondary story worked amazingly with this book.

The characters were both intriguing and likeable. They both had multiple layers to get through and it was nice seeing those different sides when they’re together and when they’re not, even if it’s not pretty sometimes and just makes me mad as heck! Stonebridge really needs most of the wack on the head but all is good with him and me, for now. I did question his abilities as an agent from some of these actions but then I thought, “He wasn’t dealing with a star struck love during his work so……” Yeah, I may have understood why he lost his head a bit.

But he was a hunk and a Duke so I can’t be too angry with him. And come on, he’s an agent! I love my agents! As for Grace, I got confused every time I hear her name, well especially in a sentence along with her calling Stonebridge, Your Grace. Can I say it was funny at the same time too? Teehee~

But Grace was a practical heroine for the Regency. I mean she’s not a wallflower nor is she the belle of the ball but she’s just that typical romance heroine from many of the other HR stories I’ve read. The same would go for Stonebridge but there’s always something about these characters that makes them different and unique in their own way so that’s always a good thing.

Like I said the secondary characters were a great add to the story. They helped moved the story along and shall I say, added tension too? However, it ended well and everything’s all swell.

There’s some mystery as to how Stonebridge’s father died and some evil doings going around which I enjoyed following. I also enjoyed spending time in both the minds of the two characters. What’s funny is that, what’s not so good is them being apart. Sure spending time in their own heads were great but sometimes it was just too much? Like Stonebridge is just too cruel when they are apart and it makes me wish there were more time for the two to be together to fix all these misunderstandings and such. And did I say I wanted to kick him? Yeah, that happens a lot, I have the same feelings with Grace too when she’s totally being a…..mute.

I’ll say the pace of the story was good. There were lots of details which worked well for capturing the feel of the Regency time and there were lots of thinking from the characters but it worked.

Overall the writing was smooth and easy to follow and it was a great read and a great start for a new author, so I’ll see what’s next from her in the near future.

*This book was provided for an honest review.

[Vikki Vaught · Rating 4 out of 5]

Rating: 3.75 Stars

Vikki’s Musings

I received What the Duke Wants from the publisher via Goddess Fish Promotions for an honest review. The book description sounded interesting, and I always love books set during the Regency period.

Ambrose Langtry, the tenth Duke of Stonebridge is ready to set up his nursery and chooses Lady Beatryce, the daughter of The Earl of Swindon, a longtime family friend. When he arrives at a house party the earl and his countess are giving, the last thing he expects is to stumble across Grace Radclyffe in a mud puddle needing rescue.

Grace Radclyff, the niece of the earl and cousin to Beatryce, is known for having unfortunate mishaps. In essence, she is clumsy. When she looks up into the most brilliant green eyes she has ever seen, she immediately falls under their spell. When she finds out they belong to none other than to her cousin’s duke, she feels most embarrassed and disappointed. Why did those eyes have to belong to someone so far above her in status and almost engaged to Beatryce?

Can Grace fight the growing attraction she and the duke feel for each other and retain her honor, or will she throw caution to the wind and give into the incredible passion she feels?

What the Duke Wants has plenty of moments of hilarity and witty dialogue between Grace and Ambrose. There is also an interesting mystery running along with the romance between the duke and Grace. The pacing is excellent and the plot engaging, keeping me entertained. I enjoyed the book for the most part, but there were issues.

While I immediately fell in love with Grace’s character, I did not care for Ambrose at all. I found him, crass, rude and without honor in his dealings with Grace throughout most of the book. Personally, I have no idea why a sweet, innocent young miss would fall in love with him. I guess this is a case where youth overrides good sense and love is indeed blind.

I found Ms. Quinton’s writing style interesting, especially Grace’s internal thoughts. She had me chuckling out loud several times. I always enjoy humor in a book. However, her use of parenthesis scattered throughout the story was distracting. I also would suggest she try to make her dialogue and narrative more in line for the period. Some of her phrasing sounded too modern for a Regency tale. Although quite amusing. Here is an example:

“Oh, Hello mud. Nice to meet you again. We really need to stop meeting this way.”

While very witty and it had me laughing, it is very modern phrasing. I also realize that many authors use the word hello, but it only began being used with the advent of the telephone, not suited for a Regency novel in my opinion.

Nonetheless, an amusing read and I will definitely want to read, Clifford’s story. He is a delightful character and will make a great hero. If you enjoy a light-hearted tale with a bit of mystery intermingled with an outstanding ending, then you will enjoy What the Duke Wants. Happy reading!

[Ermione Pickwick · Rating 5 out of 5]

OMG! OMG! OMG! This novel is sooooo AMAZINGLY PERFECT! I would give more than 5 if I could!

It was some time since I last read something so emotionally moving as this romance. I had shivers, I almost cried, I've fallen in love with the characters, the timing was so good, the developments even better, the chemistry between the protagonists, their incomprehensions and conflicts, the almost love triangle, the mystery (which by the way I want to know how is going to be progressed), the DECLARATIONS, the DIALOGS!!!...I adored each parts of this book!

Where was Amy Quinton hiding?!?!? Really, we are talking about her debut romance! If she gets any better with her next romance I'm pretty sure I'm going to have an heart attack.
I was desperately looking for an author who would have made me feel so much, it was some time (or at least many romances read recently) since I last experienced this empathy, this intense need to keep reading despite the late hour combined at the same time with the awareness that this fabulous story would have finished at a certain point (and who knows how long I have to wait before I'll have the chance to read again something like this...probably and hopefully the Lisa Kleypas' in October which sounds dreadfully far away will end my longing)!

From now on I'm Quinton's fan no.1 and I literally can't wait for more from her! I crave for more and I need an happy ending like this one for Lord Dansbury!

[Carla Smith · Rating 5 out of 5]

I loved this book and cannot wait to see where the author is going to take these characters. Although I found Stonebridge's preoccupation with the expectations of his title to be a little grating at times (he's an Agent for the Crown - show some backbone man!) it did not detract from the overall enjoyment of the story, but I confess, if it were me, I would so totally want to run off with Dansbury!

Grace is totally charming, and as klutzy as they come, something I can relate to. The dinner scene with the flying prawn had me howling! And although Beatryce is less than endearing, even I could feel some empathy for her in the end. Not a lot mind you, but just enough to make me think redemption (in another novel?) may be possible.

Speaking as someone who doesn't normally read Regency Romances - and how anyone can say this is not a romance is beyond me - I was delighted not to be overwhelmed by the history of the period. The author puts in just enough to let you know exactly where you are, but still allows you to enjoy the story which, let's face it, is the whole reason we're reading it to begin with, right? I predict a long and successful future for Amy Quinton.

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5⭐️ Another not-for-me. This book was included in The Dancing with Desire Collection. With nothing new on my Kindle I turned to it.

I did like the humor, but for the rest… where do I start? For a 257 page story, it felt like 457. The plot was all over the place, as were the personalities of some characters. They changed like the weather. There were a few charming, supporting characters. One disappeared early on, never to be seen again. Another was used as a foil to cap off scenes. I don’t want to spoil anything, but the author also fat shamed a character.

There was a sub plot about secret agents. A trope I avoid, so I skimmed it. Nevertheless, I learned more than I needed.

Anachronisms got in the way of period atmosphere, like “Shut off my feelings like a switch.” Switches weren’t introduced until the train era, 1853.

Last but not least was Ambrose’s horrible treatment of Grace toward the end of the story. He did not grovel nearly enough to compensate for his bad behavior.

[Julie reads romance · Rating 5 out of 5]

4.5/5 stars

This is an excellent read. It would have reached 5 stars if it weren't for the hero's grovel being totally inadequate. He was a real d*ck, and I absolutely still wanted the couple to get together, but he should have first had to do a lot of work to be worthy of our heroine. The turnaround was a bit too quick.

That being said, this really is a great historical romance. It hits all the major notes with great Regency scenes of country estates and London ballrooms, colorful side characters, class tension, etc.

P.S. (there was one comment in the book that felt homophobic to me? but it didn't really resonate with the book more generally, so I'm not sure exactly how to place it.)

[Philip Daniels · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love is in the air

Adult romance lovers, this is without a doubt a must have for your personal library...I enjoyed this book very much...laughter, intrigue, suspense, heroes, villains with only minor sadness. I rarely read any book twice, but this one...without a doubt I would again. Happy reading!!!

[Juliet DeTiberiis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Thoroughly enjoyed this and can't wait to read the next!

I wandered off my norm of paranormal romance and was not one bit disappointed. Loved the story and the characters and am thankful to have had my eyes opened to another genre of romance books.

[Amy Quinton · Rating 5 out of 5]

:)

[Debra Martin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Perfect!

This is the second time I have read this book within a year. I can't wait for Agents of Change Book 2.

[Claudia · Rating 2 out of 5]

this was a difficult read - not sure I really like it

review to come

[LOU71 · Rating 3 out of 5]

What the Duke Wants is the first book in the Agents of Change series, and a debut novel for the author. Set in London, England 1814. A mix of mystery, romance, and intrigue, the story has brilliant moments of story-telling. Unfortunately, the historical romance vibe felt modern, and the Hero’s lack of integrity was unappealing to me.

Ambrose Langtry, the tenth Duke of Stonebridge, is a man with a tragic past. His father died mysteriously when he was twelve years old. On a quest to restore his family’s name due to unsavoury speculations about his father, Ambrose is betrothed to an Earl’s daughter who he thinks will make the perfect wife...until he meets her cousin, Grace. What a pity he was a spineless Hero for too much of the story, imo. His cruel and cold behaviour lasted almost to the story’s end which was too long for my reading comfort. I didn’t like him. Maybe if he had been redeemed earlier, I could have warmed to him.

Grace Radclyffe is an accident-prone young lady waiting for the day when she comes into her inheritance so she can open her own fashion shop. With both her parents dead, Grace is living with her uncle’s family who sneer at her lack of sophistication. She is a likeable Heroine. I wasn’t fully convinced how she’d choose the ill treatment from Ambrose over the lovely sweetness of Cliff.

Ambrose and Grace’s intimate times had witty banter and clandestine encounters of captivating chemistry.

I particularly liked the secondary character Cliff.

When authors use the name Grace in historical books that show up in sentences along with the honorific “Your Grace”, it can become very annoying. Surely using one’s imagination could brainstorm a more suitable/becoming Heroine’s name other than Grace.

I recommend this book. The series is off to a promising start.

[Heather · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book. It has good characters and a well developed storyline with mystery and intrigue. There is also a surprising dose of sensuality and romance which was unexpected for this genre. Ambrose and Grace are likable and easy to route for.

Ambrose, the Duke of Stonebridge, is desperate to solve the mystery of his father’s death. He is getting closer to the truth, but will he sacrifice his true happiness to find it?

Grace is sent to live with her Uncle and his family after the death of her parents. She has no bloodline like her Uncle, who is an Earl and he and her cousin do not hesitate to remind her often. She has never attended any seasons and has kept to herself waiting for her time to go back to her life in Oxford.

Ambrose is set to be married to Grace’s cousin, Beatrice, but she catches the Duke’s eye and their story takes off. Her Uncle and cousin are desperate for the Duke to marry Beatrice each for their own reasons. The story revolves around discovering the mystery of several deaths from years past and the developing relationship between Ambrose and Grace.

This is an interesting storyline with good characters that add depth to the story. ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️

[Bona Caballero · Rating 3 out of 5]

Segunda novela de la antología Dancing with Desire.
El padre de Grace Radclyffe se dedicó al comercio. Por eso los parientes aristocráticos con los que vive desde que quedó huérfana la desprecian. Solo espera cumplir 21 años y poder independizarse, con la herencia paterna. Su prima está casi prometida a Ambrose, duque de Stonebridge. Cuando estos dos se conocen, se gustan pero ay, ella no puede ser para él, lo del ducado exige otra cosa... Alguien tan común, y un poquito torpe como Grace, no sería una duquesa adecuada, a pesar de que es atractiva y bien maja con la gente.
La cosa se complica con una trama de traiciones y política, una sociedad secreta que comete asesinatos. Lo investigan Ambrose y sus amigos, agentes encubiertos de la Corona.
El argumento está bien, lo que pasa es que hubo muchos párrafos que me salté porque no añadían nada y hacían pesada la lectura. Si quieres unas enaguas ligeras y no eres muy exigente, puedes probar si está gratis o baratita. No sabía si ponerle dos o tres estrellas y al final me he sentido generosa.

[Alejandra Guerrero · Rating 1 out of 5]

DNF at 50%. Grammar mistakes, punctuation mistakes, and a bunch of words and expressions that were used for the first time at least 50 years after this story supposedly takes place (I researched them). Everyone keeps addressing the Duke as "DUKE" WTF! There are random first person sentences all over the place, and the characters' thoughts ramble on for pages about inconsequential things. All these little details kept janking me out of the story.
I just couldn't understand why Grace was so infatuated with the Duke, when she spends way more time with his more charming friend the Marquiss. Especially when said Duke has been nothing but rude, when he deigned to speak two words to her. And in the same vein, why was he attracted to her? He has spent all of two minutes interacting with her! Really, if the love interest was the Marquiss, it would make so much more sense! Dansbury actually falls in love with Grace, after spending days in her company (chaperoned, mind you).
The murder-mystery/secret society sub-plot makes no sense, and I just stopped caring what happened to these people.

[Lesley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Readable.

This story had an interesting plot but was very much in the modern style of historical romances ie. rakish/caddish behaviour, unchaperoned single young women etc. I really enjoyed the character of Grace, though I disliked the extent of internal monologue (of both H and h) in the early stages of the novel. She had a lovely personality and I’m sure would make a good friend. In contrast we have Stonebridge whose actions are far from gentlemanly, in fact he is often cruel and not very likeable. I also disliked the swearing - didn’t see why the author couldn’t have just said “he swore long and loudly”.

The author would appear to be matching Dansbury with Beatryce in the next book, another couple who seem incongruous. As I liked the former and disliked the latter, I doubt whether I will read Book 2 even to find out who the mysterious villain is.

I voluntarily read and reviewed a giveaway copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

[BookishMya · Rating 5 out of 5]

Flying prawns!! This story boasts moments of rue levity and humour, from flying prawns (you’ve got to read it to believe it) to a rascally dragon with an umbrella. Grace Radclyffe was not raised for society, ridiculed by the only family she had left and unmistakably clumsy. When she falls in a puddle of mud thinking no one is around, she is surprised by the handsome man who comes to her rescue. Only to find out he is the Duke of Sundridge and is intended for her horrible cousin. Despite that fact, attraction still flares between the two, resulting in a story of attraction and denial that can only end one way. Add in the intrigue of the Duke’s fathers murder and his quest for answers and you have one madcap ride of longing and the search for truth. Quinton has a humour that underlies all her writing, and can often be seen hidden in even the most serious situations. A pleasantly enjoyable book!

[Ashley · Rating 4 out of 5]

Overall I enjoyed this book. I’d recommend it and will likely continue the series.

Here’s what I liked:
-Grace is easy to like. She’s quick witted and sharp.
-The story itself is intriguing and plot will continue on in subsequent books.
-It reads rather quickly and is easy to keep up with.
-I mostly liked Stonebridge. I like brooding heroes and he fits the bill.

Here’s what I didn’t like:
-Some things were just too convenient at times (a day spent not as a titled gentleman ending with a visit to the theater in street clothes without worry of being seen?) or (hey, here’s a house I happen to own with no servants so we can get it on discreetly).
-Sometimes I don’t think Stonebridge apologized enough for some of his quips.
-It wasn’t all that steamy (1 full scene) and the rhetoric chosen to describe the act was a bit cliche and a little silly.

[Dr. Lillian · Rating 4 out of 5]

Second book in the anthology “Dancing with Desire: A Series Starter” that was free from Amazon for Kindle (containing 14 full length books). With a Cinderella premise and an overarching murder mystery plot that promises to span the series, this book was an entertaining read. They plot was fairly fast paced and adequately developed. As the book progressed I had some difficulty reconciling some of the Duke’s actions and behaviors that seemed inconsistent with his character, but I chalk that up to his “personal growth” in the story. I definitely plan to read the other books in the series in part because I’d really like to know the resolution to the mystery that so deeply infiltrates this first book.

[Lu · Rating 2 out of 5]

I truly didn’t like Grace and Ambrose as a couple until the very end. He was very cold, and almost cruel at times, and while the reasons for that were explained, it didn’t make their budding romance appeal to me. The ending was super rushed, the final few chapters extremely short, and I was left confused as to what the resolution to the mystery was meant to be. I was also not a fan of the repeated “oh did I say that out loud?” “yes you did” trope. It reminded me too much of bad fanfiction from 2012. I did enjoy the intimate scenes (both emotional and physical) between Grace and Ambrose in the final third of the book and found them to be very sweet, and I wish this sort of dynamic was sprinkled in more earlier in the story.

[Becca Owen · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was part of a collection of similar books so I wanted to give it a go.
I don't think the Duke made a good hero. I felt more of a connection with Dansbury. Dansbury was not embarrassed by Grace. He encouraged her. He never treated her poorly.
Stonebridge did not do any of that until the end. I felt Grace fave him too many chances and kind of "forgot" how he had treated her.
Saying this, the ending was sweet that he went back for her.
I liked the concept. I look forward to Beatryce's book! I dont like her but that's the point, she wa written well. I think she will be an interesting redeeming story.
The support characters were great and worked well. The plot flowed.
I would definitely read Dansbury's book! So yes I would continue the series.