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Evading the Duke

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When the Duke of Danby comes to London for the Season, anything can happen!

Evading the Duke contains...

THE WOOING GAME by ROSE GORDON
The first meeting for James, Earl of Wynn and Miss Charlotte Cavanaugh was not so spectacular. Come to think of it, neither was the second which led to a hasty marriage followed by three years of speculation as to why the two were never seen in the same room. But that’s all about to change…

When an anonymous letter of admiration—and scandalous invitation—arrives for Charlotte, James realizes this might be his chance to start over, and thus begins The Wooing Game.

RUINED BY A LADY by JANE CHARLES
There is nothing Samuel Storm wants more than to leave London behind him and return to his plantation in Barbados, until he sees a portrait come to life. At least he’s fairly certain the girl across St. Paul's is the same one depicted in the scandalous painting he owns back in the Caribbean. But how can he be sure? And why would a lady pose for such a painting?

Lady Jillian Simpson has made many mistakes in her life, but the worst was falling for an artist who took advantage of her trust. She is fairly certain her father has found and destroyed all of the paintings, all but one, at least until she encounters the dashing Mr. Storm and learns another exists. But after everything she’s experienced, how can she ever trust him with her secret or her heart?

ONE LESS LONELY EARL by SAMANTHA GRACE
Colin MacBride, Earl of Blackwood, is well aware that only a fool would answer the Duke of Danby’s summons. But with many mouths to feed, poor fields, and a failing flock that might not survive winter, he sets aside a decades’ old feud with his neighbor and calls on him to make a proposition. If Blackwood sheep are allowed to winter on the duke’s land, Colin will share the profits when they are sheared in the spring. Naturally, the duke has a better idea, and it involves a lovely young lady who is dear to his heart. Colin can use the land if he agrees to hire Meredith Halliday to be his nieces' governess, then convince her to quit before the man the duke has chosen to marry her arrives in Yorkshire. Oh, and if Colin would flirt with her a bit to build her confidence, that would be splendid, indeed. Appalled to be labeled a Lothario for hire, Colin storms from the study and straight into the old curmudgeon’s trap—and she is every bit as beautiful and charming as promised.

319 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 24, 2016

25 people are currently reading
60 people want to read

About the author

Rose Gordon

48 books473 followers
USA Today Bestselling Author and writer of eight unusually unusual historical romances that have been known to include scarred heroes, feisty heroines, marriage-producing scandals, far too much scheming, naughty literature and always a sweet happily-ever-after.

When not escaping to another world via reading or writing a book, she spends her time chasing two young boys around the house, being hunted by wild animals, or sitting on the swing in the backyard where she has to use her arms as shields to deflect projectiles AKA: balls, water balloons, sticks, pinecones, and anything else one of them picks up to hurl at his brother who just happens to be hiding behind her.

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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
Profile Image for Elaine.
4,517 reviews91 followers
May 26, 2016
Loved this first of 4 Danby novels. Made great reading. The stories in this book complimented each other. A rather lovely trio of enjoyable reading!
Profile Image for Kristi.
458 reviews12 followers
September 28, 2017
This was alright, but a little bland. It did introduce me to a new author whose other books I may try, so that's something.

What I really want to know is how many works have been written involving the Duke of Danbury and his matchmaking machinations.
Profile Image for Sharlene.
1,066 reviews28 followers
June 1, 2016
I read One Less Lonely Earl, by Samantha Grace. I love all of her books & love this one! Cute novella with a little twist. Lovable characters.
Profile Image for Dee Deacon Foster.
421 reviews19 followers
June 5, 2016
The Wooing Game by Rose Gordon
Three years. That’s how long Charlotte Noble, nee Cavanaugh, has been married to her arse of a husband. A marriage in name only, never seen in the same places at the same time, communication by written notes. But then their beginning was NOT the stuff of romantic novels.
James Noble, Earl of Wynn, cannot abide his wife. Three years of marriage have not changed his feelings. Now, however, he knows it’s time they produce the required heir. How does he announce this to his wife? By a written note of course. Not one of his best moves, but then when it comes to his wife none of them are – from their first meeting at a young age to their second meeting years later which led to their wedding.
Will a note of admiration, a jack arse of a friend, and a few well-placed jabs from a meddling uncle be enough to make James and Charlotte thaw out their hearts and let the other in? Or will a supposed betrayal separate them forever?
Another wonderful story by Rose Gordon. A well written beginning will have the reader wanting to kick sense into James and Charlotte and the action doesn’t stop until “The End” is written.
Ruined by a Lady by Jane Charles
The last thing Samuel Storm expected to see while attending a friend’s wedding in London is the live version of the goddess from his most prized painting; a painting that has a place of prominence in the bedroom of his home in Barbados. While longing to return to Barbados, he must decide between leaving or remaining and trying to uncover the identity of the lady and if she is the one who posed for the portrait. Surprised to learn the identity Samuel now longs to know the woman who holds such sadness in her eyes and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal despite the hatred flowing from her father and the warnings from his friends.
A naive mistake made in her youth, a mistake her father will not let her forget nor will he forgive her. A mistake that she thought was taken care of with the exception of one remaining canvas and the family who owns it, a family she did a terrible injustice to while trying to please her father, but promises to never reveal its existence. All leads to a lifetime of making up for said naïve mistake is what Lady Jillian Simpson has resigned herself to. That is until a handsome gentleman approaches her at the wedding ball; a ball where Jillian’s world could rip apart.
Follow along as Samuel inserts himself into Jillian’s life in hopes of getting to know her better while Jillian does her best to rebuff all Samuel’s attempts in fear of what her father will do. As Jillian learns there is more to her life than her father’s dictates and starts to live a little.
A beautiful tale by Jane Charles that will have the reader rooting for Samuel, despising Jillian’s former antics while coming to understand why she has done the things she has, and cheering as a beautiful transformation takes place.
One Less Lonely Earl by Samantha Grace
Failing crops; decimated flocks; an uncooperative, demanding widow; and family and tenants relying on him to put food on their tables. That’s what Colin MacBride, Earl of Blackwood, inherited upon the death of his older brother; all of which have taken their toll. Knowing the Duke of Danby’s reputation but desperate to save his flocks Colin answers a summons from his hated neighbor. However, Colin goes in with a plan of his own to avoid Danby’s parson’s trap. After all, the last thing he needs is another mouth to feed. Imagine his shock when the Duke agrees to Colin’s deal with stipulations of his own but Colin needs to remain alert because you never know what the Duke of Danby has up his sleeve.
Meredith Halliday knows she is not attractive and will never earn the attentions of gentlemen; her last season in London proved that. She is more than happy (she thinks) to live the life of a spinster and fully intends to take as position as a governess much to her sister’s dismay. Thankfully she has the support of the Duke of Danby, her brother-in-law’s great uncle. Hired as a governess to girls at the neighboring home Meredith is delighted but is this what she wants and how will she react when she finds out the Duke’s true plan?
A wily Duke, a spiteful widow, adorable nieces, a “helpful” brother, an enchanting governess, and a lonely Earl equal an entertaining story by talented Samantha Grace.
Profile Image for Dee Deacon Foster.
421 reviews19 followers
June 5, 2016
The Wooing Game by Rose Gordon
Three years. That’s how long Charlotte Noble, nee Cavanaugh, has been married to her arse of a husband. A marriage in name only, never seen in the same places at the same time, communication by written notes. But then their beginning was NOT the stuff of romantic novels.
James Noble, Earl of Wynn, cannot abide his wife. Three years of marriage have not changed his feelings. Now, however, he knows it’s time they produce the required heir. How does he announce this to his wife? By a written note of course. Not one of his best moves, but then when it comes to his wife none of them are – from their first meeting at a young age to their second meeting years later which led to their wedding.
Will a note of admiration, a jack arse of a friend, and a few well-placed jabs from a meddling uncle be enough to make James and Charlotte thaw out their hearts and let the other in? Or will a supposed betrayal separate them forever?
Another wonderful story by Rose Gordon. A well written beginning will have the reader wanting to kick sense into James and Charlotte and the action doesn’t stop until “The End” is written.
Ruined by a Lady by Jane Charles
The last thing Samuel Storm expected to see while attending a friend’s wedding in London is the live version of the goddess from his most prized painting; a painting that has a place of prominence in the bedroom of his home in Barbados. While longing to return to Barbados, he must decide between leaving or remaining and trying to uncover the identity of the lady and if she is the one who posed for the portrait. Surprised to learn the identity Samuel now longs to know the woman who holds such sadness in her eyes and will stop at nothing to achieve his goal despite the hatred flowing from her father and the warnings from his friends.
A naive mistake made in her youth, a mistake her father will not let her forget nor will he forgive her. A mistake that she thought was taken care of with the exception of one remaining canvas and the family who owns it, a family she did a terrible injustice to while trying to please her father, but promises to never reveal its existence. All leads to a lifetime of making up for said naïve mistake is what Lady Jillian Simpson has resigned herself to. That is until a handsome gentleman approaches her at the wedding ball; a ball where Jillian’s world could rip apart.
Follow along as Samuel inserts himself into Jillian’s life in hopes of getting to know her better while Jillian does her best to rebuff all Samuel’s attempts in fear of what her father will do. As Jillian learns there is more to her life than her father’s dictates and starts to live a little.
A beautiful tale by Jane Charles that will have the reader rooting for Samuel, despising Jillian’s former antics while coming to understand why she has done the things she has, and cheering as a beautiful transformation takes place.
One Less Lonely Earl by Samantha Grace
Failing crops; decimated flocks; an uncooperative, demanding widow; and family and tenants relying on him to put food on their tables. That’s what Colin MacBride, Earl of Blackwood, inherited upon the death of his older brother; all of which have taken their toll. Knowing the Duke of Danby’s reputation but desperate to save his flocks Colin answers a summons from his hated neighbor. However, Colin goes in with a plan of his own to avoid Danby’s parson’s trap. After all, the last thing he needs is another mouth to feed. Imagine his shock when the Duke agrees to Colin’s deal with stipulations of his own but Colin needs to remain alert because you never know what the Duke of Danby has up his sleeve.
Meredith Halliday knows she is not attractive and will never earn the attentions of gentlemen; her last season in London proved that. She is more than happy (she thinks) to live the life of a spinster and fully intends to take as position as a governess much to her sister’s dismay. Thankfully she has the support of the Duke of Danby, her brother-in-law’s great uncle. Hired as a governess to girls at the neighboring home Meredith is delighted but is this what she wants and how will she react when she finds out the Duke’s true plan?
A wily Duke, a spiteful widow, adorable nieces, a “helpful” brother, an enchanting governess, and a lonely Earl equal an entertaining story by talented Samantha Grace.
Profile Image for Mary.
527 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2016
If you are looking for some light, quick reads in the Regency genre, this is a great collection of novellas. These stories are all part of the collection featuring the Duke of Danby working his matchmaking magic in the background. All the stories focus on different characters and settings, but it centers on one season in 1817 London when the duke comes to town and turns his attention to his great-nieces and nephews and the few grandchildren who have yet to marry.

The Wooing Game by Rose Gordon features a couple who are forced to marry unexpectedly because of an embarrassing situation. For three years, they barely speak to each other. James and Charlotte are growing increasingly bitter toward each other, and each is dreading having their marriage drag on in this fashion. Spurred on by an anonymous love note sent to his wife, James decides to woo her himself through letters, since he can't quite find the right words to speak to her in person. Will Charlotte finally get the husband and family she's always dreamed of, or will she be forced to seek out the anonymous lover who seems to appreciate her more than her husband ever has?

In Jane Charles' Ruined by a Lady, the lady in question is Lady Jillian Simpson, who has been the villain, or at least adversary, in a few of Charles' previous stories. Jillian has failed utterly in her attempts to land a husband and please her father. Her underhanded actions have alienated her from anyone she might have formed a friendship with. She'd like to thwart her father and just marry a nice, decent man instead of having to nab the highest ranking man in the room. However, a terrible mistake from her past has led her to question her judgement where love is concerned. When Samuel Storm starts paying attention to her and happens to mention that she looks just like a woman in a painting in his possession, Jillian panics. Sam is the first man to be interested in her for herself and not just her dowry or connections, but can she trust him with her secrets, and will he still love her when he finds out what she's done in the past?

One Less Lonely Earl by Samantha Grace is a fun story featuring an earl who needs a governess for his nieces and a lady of modest background who wants to be a governess. Her sister married one of Danby's grandsons, but Meredith doesn't just want to sit around and live off her brother-in-law's charity. In this story, the Duke of Danby plays a more direct role. He knows that Colin MacBride, the neighboring earl, will need the duke's grazing ground to get his sheep through the winter, so he's determined to strike a deal that gets Meredith the governess job. Of course, Danby doesn't want her to stay a governess for long, and Meredith may not survive the week if the widowed dowager countess (the girls' mother) doesn't stop being such a shrew. Can Meredith prove her worth as a governess and guard her heart from the handsome earl?
Profile Image for Mary.
527 reviews3 followers
June 17, 2016
If you are looking for some light, quick reads in the Regency genre, this is a great collection of novellas. These stories are all part of the collection featuring the Duke of Danby working his matchmaking magic in the background. All the stories focus on different characters and settings, but it centers on one season in 1817 London when the duke comes to town and turns his attention to his great-nieces and nephews and the few grandchildren who have yet to marry.

The Wooing Game by Rose Gordon features a couple who are forced to marry unexpectedly because of an embarrassing situation. For three years, they barely speak to each other. James and Charlotte are growing increasingly bitter toward each other, and each is dreading having their marriage drag on in this fashion. Spurred on by an anonymous love note sent to his wife, James decides to woo her himself through letters, since he can't quite find the right words to speak to her in person. Will Charlotte finally get the husband and family she's always dreamed of, or will she be forced to seek out the anonymous lover who seems to appreciate her more than her husband ever has?

In Jane Charles' Ruined by a Lady, the lady in question is Lady Jillian Simpson, who has been the villain, or at least adversary, in a few of Charles' previous stories. Jillian has failed utterly in her attempts to land a husband and please her father. Her underhanded actions have alienated her from anyone she might have formed a friendship with. She'd like to thwart her father and just marry a nice, decent man instead of having to nab the highest ranking man in the room. However, a terrible mistake from her past has led her to question her judgement where love is concerned. When Samuel Storm starts paying attention to her and happens to mention that she looks just like a woman in a painting in his possession, Jillian panics. Sam is the first man to be interested in her for herself and not just her dowry or connections, but can she trust him with her secrets, and will he still love her when he finds out what she's done in the past?

One Less Lonely Earl by Samantha Grace is a fun story featuring an earl who needs a governess for his nieces and a lady of modest background who wants to be a governess. Her sister married one of Danby's grandsons, but Meredith doesn't just want to sit around and live off her brother-in-law's charity. In this story, the Duke of Danby plays a more direct role. He knows that Colin MacBride, the neighboring earl, will need the duke's grazing ground to get his sheep through the winter, so he's determined to strike a deal that gets Meredith the governess job. Of course, Danby doesn't want her to stay a governess for long, and Meredith may not survive the week if the widowed dowager countess (the girls' mother) doesn't stop being such a shrew. Can Meredith prove her worth as a governess and guard her heart from the handsome earl?
Profile Image for Diane.
1,096 reviews
May 26, 2016
This series of 4 books is like a box of chocolates - each piece is different yet all are a tasty treat. All the stories deal with the Duke of Danby and his matchmaking (or match-meddling) ways. Based on how many books he has appeared in, it's a wonder that there is anyone left in England to marry off. Once again he does his best matching in these 3 stories. Unlike some other books, his action takes place mostly in the background in this book.
Of the 3 authors only Samantha Grace was a new author to me and I look forward to reading more of her work. I had previously read Rose Gordon's The Perfect Lady Worthe which involved the sister of the heroine in this book and I am a frequent reader of Jane Charles' books.
These three stories provide a quick and delightful taste of each author's work while using the Duke of Danby as the tie that binds.
Profile Image for Judy.
3,313 reviews
July 1, 2016
The Wooing Game by Rose Gordon
James Noble, Earl of Wynn had a few of his male friends over to play cards and go hunting at his country estates. That was all. Until the incident that changes everything.

Charlotte Cavanaugh just wanted to see her sister. That's all. Somehow it ends up she's being forced to marry this stranger. What's worse is he stays a stranger even after marriage.

While all the newlyweds surrounding James and Charlotte enjoy their marital state...the two of them, don't. When mysterious love letters start coming Charlotte's way—temptation comes right along with them. She's being offered a chance at happiness, finally. What choice will she make?
Charlotte's sisters stories are in the first two books; The Perfect Lady Worthe and Mistletoe & Michaelmas.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Profile Image for Judy.
3,313 reviews
July 1, 2016
The Wooing Game by Rose Gordon
James Noble, Earl of Wynn had a few of his male friends over to play cards and go hunting at his country estates. That was all. Until the incident that changes everything.

Charlotte Cavanaugh just wanted to see her sister. That's all. Somehow it ends up she's being forced to marry this stranger. What's worse is he stays a stranger even after marriage.

While all the newlyweds surrounding James and Charlotte enjoy their marital state...the two of them, don't. When mysterious love letters start coming Charlotte's way—temptation comes right along with them. She's being offered a chance at happiness, finally. What choice will she make?
Charlotte's sisters stories are in the first two books; The Perfect Lady Worthe and Mistletoe & Michaelmas.
http://justjudysjumbles.blogspot.com/...
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews

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