A Year Without A Duke Box Set: Books 1-5

by Kate Pearce

The duke has died. Long live the duke! The only problem is no one knows who the new Duke of Beckworth is. All of England wonders, but no one more so than the people who depend upon Beckworth for their livelihood. In 1816, a year so cold that the word “summer” is a cruel joke, that livelihood is even more uncertain. However, they are all about to find out, with the duke away, there is nothing more warming than scandal and love…

Jilted in January by Kate Pearce

When matrimonial matters don’t go quite as planned, can one jilted bride and an unlikely hero save the day?

Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros

Robert Milton’s very existence has proven to him that romantic entanglements are to be avoided at all costs. But then he meets Isabel Durham, and his desire for Isabel could cost him the one thing he’s vowed never to lose—his heart.


Seduced in September by Genevieve Turner

When a repressed governess is thrown together with a roguish stable master, the sparks generated will be enough to heat even the Year Without a Summer.

An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore

Heated passion erupts between friends-turned-enemies trapped together on a long sea voyage, but whether that passion will lead to them strangling each other or kissing each other senseless is yet to be determined…

A Duke by December by Sabrina Darby

When Nathaniel Hughes discovers he is the next Duke of Beckworth, of the utmost importance is finding his duchess and providing an heir. But the only woman he wants is the one he has vowed to protect—even from his secretary, Elizabeth Smith. Can he find the strength to choose duty over desire?”

Genres: Historical Romance, Regency

425 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2016

About the author

New York Times and USA Today bestselling author Kate Pearce was born in England in the middle of a large family of girls and quickly found that her imagination was far more interesting than real life. After acquiring a degree in history and barely escaping from the British Civil Service alive, she moved to California and then to Hawaii with her kids and her husband and set about reinventing herself as a romance writer.

She is known for both her unconventional heroes and her joy at subverting romance clichés. In her spare time she self publishes science fiction erotic romance, historical romance, and whatever else she can imagine. You can find Kate on katepearce.com.

Reviews

[Jennifer · Rating 3 out of 5]

Overall rating: 3.5 stars

A Year Without a Duke is a fun box set featuring stories from five different authors that take place during 1816. Each story can be read as a stand-alone, but they follow the same external plot so it would be beneficial to read them in order. The connection between the novellas is that a duke has died and the search is on for the heir while the people who rely on the estate try to live as normally as possible. I have read two of these authors before (Genevieve Turner and Sabrina Darby) and jumped at the chance to try the others.

Jilted in January by Kate Pearce
This story features Colin, the assistant land agent for the Duke of Beckworth, and Rose, a Beckworth relative who is living on the estate until her betrothed returns to marry her. Unfortunately, Rose's fiance has no intention of marrying her which puts her in the position of a poor relation of a duke that cannot be found. Colin sees Rose's predicament and decides to help her out. I thought the characterization of Colin and Rose was well-done. The romance was sweet, but happened very quickly. I liked the story and wanted much more. (3 stars)

Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros
The focus now shifts to the late Duke of Beckworth's young valet who travels to settle his recently deceased mother's estate. He arrives at her house and is shocked to discover that her companion is still living there. What follows is an entertaining battle between Robert and Isabel as both characters try to deal with their changes in fortune and their obvious chemistry. I enjoyed the valet/companion pairing, but found that there was too much insta-love for my taste. I also didn't care for Robert's early treatment of Isabel. (3 stars)

Seduced in September by Genevieve Turner
This was a very different story which takes place on the Beckworth estate and features a romance between a governess and a stable master. Adele is the governess to the late duke's young ward and has had an interest in Edward, the sexy stable master, ever since she took the position. There is a lot of flirtation surrounding riding lessons that I found amusing and I loved the little background details on the running of a large estate. The pacing of this story was well-done for the shorter page length and I liked the realistic approach the couple took to their situation. (3.5 stars)

An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore
This is an entertaining "at sea" romance with reunited childhood friends, Mark and Caro. They are off to find another friend of theirs who is believed to be the missing Duke of Beckworth in America. What makes this story work is that the couple had a connection before appearing on the page. The close proximity of the ship's journey forced them to evaluate their true feelings for one another which is always a lot of fun. This novella also has a connection to Haymore's House of Trent books and interested me enough to want to try more in that series. (3.5 stars)

A Duke By December by Sabrina Darby
The Duke of Beckworth has finally be found! Nathaniel left England for America in order to amass his own wealth and was shocked to discover that he had inherited a title. His strong sense of responsibility forces him to set sail for his birthplace though he also had to bring along Lizzie, a beautiful young woman that he rescued and placed as his secretary. Once at the Beckworth estate, Nathaniel and Lizzie have to figure out to run the place and deal with their secret feelings for one another. This is the longest story in the collection and is the best, in my opinion. I loved both main characters and the way that the author showed their relationship growing. It is always great to read about two likable characters finding happiness with the person they have loved for a long time. (4 stars)

[Cynthia · Rating 4 out of 5]

I thought all these were well written by very talented authors giving very touching passion filled reads.

Jilted in January by Kate Pearce
Colin knew that being the fifth son he would have to make his own way in the world. He was fine with that he had no trouble finding things he was interested in doing. He is a wonderful kind, caring handsome man a true gentleman. Rose is a wonderfully sweet lady who has no trouble standing up for herself in a time that is so different from ours she is strong and will make her own choices in life. These two make a wonderful friendship with no pressure for more. They get along well and really enjoyed each other’s company. They made a lovely couple as they worked out the issues having no trouble being up front and honest with each other and their feelings. This was a lovely story that really makes you smile.

Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros
Robert comes home to take care of his mother’s estate and see Isabel he knows she is going to be trouble from the time his eyes met hers. She is trying to get out of a marriage of convenience she is taken back by Robert. It was love at first sight but they start out as friends getting to know each other and letting love walk through their hearts. The was a very sweet story that touches your heart.

Seduced in September by Genevieve Turner
This starts off with passion, tension as Adele and Edward meet. Adele loves everything about Edward from the way he stands, talks, his body and hands. The chemistry is strong passion flares making Adele want and needs things that are only for a husband. It doesn’t take long for Edwards mind to get on the marriage track. This was a cute sweet romance.

An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore
Mark and Caro are on a ship going to find their childhood friend in America. These two will work on the broken friendship as it leads to more. The author really pulls you in with a detail description of the ship and all that is around them. This author pulls you in with some very heated passionate scenes which will make you fan yourself.

A Duke by December by Sabrina Darby
Here we have Nate and Lizzie who he rescues in the great frontiers of America. These two work well together and became the best of friends. Now with Nate going back home to straight out his land and title he finds he must find a wife to carry on the family line. With this new twist will they be lost to each other for ever losing more than their friendship or will they find they truly belong together as man and wife.

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This was a really sweet set of romance that bring each character to life giving a wonderful read that keeps you hook as you turn the pages to the next one in line. Each author gives a very well written story of love, finding ones way and getting the love they want. Love that starts with friendship is the best love of all as each of these characters find out it is a love that will last through time and all that life throws at you. I have enjoyed all of these authors and will be looking more into each one.

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[Kathy Johnson · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the box set of A Year Without a Duke multi author series. All five of the stories are great historical romances. I started the series by reading the first story Jilted in January by Kate Pearce. I really enjoyed it and thought the premise of the series was interesting. Each story follows different characters affected by the missing duke; some of them are household staff while others are friends helping in the search. Each author followed a pattern with how to begin the story and some of the characters appear in later stories. Another thing I found interesting, is that the location of the stories change. Some are set in London, some in Beckworth and one is even set predominantly on a ship crossing the Atlantic. Each story can be read as a stand-alone story, but I enjoyed reading them as a series.

[Cathy Geha · Rating 5 out of 5]

Loved every one of the stories and read each one as it came out. I am thrilled it is now in a boxed set an recommend it highly!

[Maria Rose · Rating 4 out of 5]

Jilted in January by Kate Pearce
I really enjoyed this introduction to the series, and the romance within. There is a clear picture of the responsibilities and expectations of the time for all of the characters. Colin knows that as the fifth son of an impoverished Earl, he's got to make his own way in life and he's quite happy working as a businessman, numbers and accounting being his forte. He's a handsome gentleman too, and a kind and generous man. He and Rose clearly get along well together, and they both enjoy the relative freedom of being friendly with each other without any commitments (since when they meet Rose is engaged). I liked Rose's character too, her desire to stand up for herself and ensure that her future is going to be of her choosing (even though it ends up not quite how she expected!). Colin and Rose made a lovely couple, and they definitely share an attraction to each other that leads to some sensual scenes. I appreciated their ability to be truthful with each other and that communication definitely wasn't a problem. Lovely happy ending to this one, and an entertaining and solid story.

Forbidden in February by Suzanna Medeiros
This story is the second in the Year Without a Duke series, a romantic novella about Robert,the valet to the Duke of Beckworth (and therefore currently without a position as the Duke has passed away with no clear successor) and Isabel, a woman who was his mother's companion in the year before she passed away. He's come to make headway of his mother's estate and finds Isabel to be an attractive woman who is in a spot of trouble, wishing to avoid a marriage of convenience her cousin is foisting upon her. I liked the two of them together as they quickly become friends and then more. It's a case of insta-love here, but the setting is well drawn and the story was entertaining and a quick read.

Seduced in September by Genevieve Turner
I really enjoyed this story! There is a delicious sexual tension between Adele and Edward right from the first scene, wherein Adele (from whose point of view the story is told) reveals right away that she is fascinated by Edward and by his hands, which to date have only been on her to help her on and off of her horse during their riding lessons, but which she imagines elsewhere. As the story progresses, their attraction to each other unfolds as does Adele's realization that he makes her want things she shouldn't, in part because of her feelings of duty towards her adopted mother. The tension is thick between them culminating in Edward giving Adele food for thought with a marriage proposal and a clear indication of his desire for her. It was an easy read in one sitting, and a lovely romantic story.

An Affair in Autumn by Jennifer Haymore
I quite enjoyed this fourth story in the Year Without a Duke series, consisting of 5 novellas written by different authors but linked with an overall story arc (though it's easy to read them as a standalone romances). Unlike the first three in the series, the majority of this story takes place aboard ship, as Mark and Caro, childhood friends with Nate whom they will be seeking in America, repair their fractured friendship and admit their true feelings for each other. I loved the descriptions of the ship and their sometimes treacherous ocean voyage. As well, I enjoyed seeing them give into their buried attraction with some sexy love scenes. As well, I'm suitably intrigued enough to want to read more of the House of Trent series, and learn more about Mark's family.

A Duke by December by Sabrina Darby
This is the fifth and last story in the 'A Year without a Duke' series, which can all be read as standalone novellas, but with a story arc that continued from the beginning of the 5 book linked series.

The series has culminated with, lo and behold, the finding of the Duke! From a brief stint in the wilds of the American frontier where we meet Nate ( a secondary character in book 4, An Affair in Autumn) and the young woman, Lizzie that he rescues, it's a quick trip overseas to England where Nate must assume his new duties. Lizzie has been his assistant in his business in New York since he brought her there with him, but it was strictly a hands off arrangement. Now though he must find a bride to carry on the familial line, something both he and Lizzie realize is going to affect their friendship. Will it make them realize that what they have between them will be lost if they don't act soon?

I enjoyed this tying together of the series with a sweet a lovely romance between Nate and Lizzie. Nate's reasons for leaving England in the first place are dwelt upon briefly, and he again feels the tension of English society and his expected duties. But with Lizzie at his side, it's different than when he was a younger man. He's come to rely on her for many things, and he's always kept his more desirous feelings locked down, until the truth of her beauty and strength can no longer be put aside. Lizzie comes across as a strong and intelligent woman who has managed to take her own future in her hands and become invaluable to Nate as his assistant. That she's in love with him doesn't change her determination to do what is best for him, even if that means finding him a wife. It's a slow burn romance, but as the end of the story nears, they both finally acknowledge that what they really want is right there in front of them. Lizzie's half brother John, a boy of mixed black and white blood, gives the opportunity to look a bit into the issue of slavery in America as well as its lingering prejudices in England. As well, at the start and end of each of the stories there has been a correspondence between a lawyer and the housekeeper of Beckworth Park, which culminates in a sweet ending of its own. 4 stars for this final installment and the series as a whole.

Note: copies of these novellas were provided by the authors via NetGalley for review.

[Ira · Rating 3 out of 5]

~Review in English at the bottom~

Dieses Buch besteht aus einer Reihe von Erzählungen verschiedener Autoren, die alle bereits als Einzelbände erschienen sind und die die Geschichte des Haushalts des Duke of Beckworth nach dem Tod des Dukes erzählen. Jeder sucht nach dem Erben, aber es dauert ein ganzes Jahr, um ihn zu finden und dieses Jahr sorgt für viele Veränderungen im Leben der Menschen um ihn herum.

Jede dieser fünf Geschichten begleitet ein Paar vom Kennenlernen (oder auch Wieder-Kennenlernen) zum Altar. Ich muss zugeben, dass ich die Geschichten alle zwar wirklich gerne mag, ich aber trotzdem das Gefühl hatte, (zu) genau zu wissen, wie es weitergeht und natürlich auch, wie das Ganze enden wird (okay, wegen des Endes lese ich die Bücher ja auch ) . Da alle Geschichten vergleichsweise kurz sind, ist nicht viel Raum für irgendwelche überraschenden Wendungen in der Handlung trotzdem gelingt es dem Buch durch die verschiedenen Autoren, die für die einzelnen Geschichten gewählt wurden, so unterschiedliche Töne in das Geschehen zu bringen, dass der Leser interessiert bleibt, so dass ich das Buch wirklich gerne gelesen habe.

Mir gefiel sehr, wie die Autoren zusammengearbeitet haben, um eine in sich homogene Geschichte über den Duke, seinen Haushalt und seine Freunde zu spinnen, die aus fünf verschieden erzählten, unterschiedlichen Geschichten besteht, aber tatsächlich einheitlich wirkt.

Gut entwickelte Charaktere, ein interessantes Konzept und gut geschriebene Geschichten, machen dieses Buch trotz einiger kleinerer Schwächen zu einem erfreulichen Leseerlebnis.

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This book consists of a series of stories that were already published as individual books and that were all written by different authors. They tell the story of the household of the Duke of Beckworth after the Duke's sudden and unexpected death. Everybody is searching for the heir but it takes a year to find him and this year changes a lot for many of those connnected to him.

Each of these five stories follows a couple of people on their way from getting to know each other (or reacquainting themselves with each other) to the altar. I must admit that even though I really liked each and everyone of these stories I felt like I knew too well how every story would evolve and of course also how it would end. As none of them are very long, there are not many surprises along the way but by choosing a different author for each of the stories they varied enough to keep me interested and I enjoyed reading them.

I loved especially how the authors worked together to weave a story telling five stories in five different voices that ends up as one homogenous story about the Duke, his household and his friends. Well developed characters, an interesting concept and well written stories make this book a really enjoyable read.

*I received an ARC of this book from Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.*

[Anna Swedenmom · Rating 5 out of 5]

A wonderful series of works from superb authors!
Writing such a series must take a great deal of collaboration for it to flow so wonderfully from one story to another! I was impressed that this started with all walks of life romance in the era, while still being a part of the main story. Each story was involving the supporting characters and giving them life while making you long for the entry of the Duke at the same time. Each novella had life of its own while still remaining a part of the whole. This was a very unique way of writing that truly continued to impress me while I read each novella. The only slightly negative that I can give is one of the novellas felt a little rushed but in the end it still came out well. I was caught up in each of the novellas that led to the Dukes entrance.

This was a new type of reading for me when it involves the romance of all classes and the aristocracy as well. Each has passion and romance. Each has humor and stubbornness. All the characters seemed well thought out and just mesh with each other wonderfully!
I must say You will enjoy this so make sure you buy all of them for they are truly worth the read.

I was given this in return for an honest review. Anna Swedenmom

[JoRead · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five different stories each written by five different authors. I was already a fan of most of them (this was my first read by Genevieve Turner) so I was very excited when these stories came out and I’m glad to say I was not disappointed.

Each story was unique and offered a different premise yet what I found most appealing about the set was the fact that they were all connected somehow, not only by a missing duke but by characters from one story showing up or just by being mentioned in another. It sort of kept the flow of the whole “who is the new duke?” going.

Although some stories were more sensual (for mature audiences) than others the core of them all was always romance. Of course I liked some stories more than others and I’ve reviewed each story separately but I definitely recommend this box set (as a matter of fact I recommend reading as a whole set rather than separately) to any historical romance lover. 4 stars.

[Jan Goodard · Rating 4 out of 5]

I received this ebook from NetGalley for an honest review.
The Duke of Beckworth has died, but who is the new Duke. It takes a lot of searching and researching to find who and where he is. This anthology of five novellas from five different authors takes us through the year from the death of the old duke until the new one is found. Without a Duke and not knowing the new Duke' s preferences, those depend on the Duke worry what will happen to them. Each tale tells the story of various people who are or have been bound to Beckworth either the old duke or the new one. Although the novellas are written by different authors, the characters appear in the other stories even though they are not the main character. Each story begins with letters between the estate housekeeper and the estate solicitor, setting up the next story, a nice bridge tying the stories together. Each story is an enjoyable read, the characters find love, it may be the land manager, or the old duke' s valet, childhood friends or the new Duke himself. Love always finds a way.

[Sofia Lazaridou · Rating 4 out of 5]

A year without a duke box set includes 5 novellas about the people who worked for the now dead duke. With the exception of the last two stories are about people who don’t have any title and have to work in order to get some coin. It was a nice and welcome change for once.

I think it would have been a good idea if the box set was consisted of 12 novellas, each having in its title the name of a month, making the final novella, Nate’s story, the ending of a year without a duke.

I wanted to write a separate review for each novella, but unfortunately I found them too short and after finishing one I immediately began another. I wanted at least one of them to have some angst in it or a little heartache, but all of them were just short and sweet. I liked how each story was a stand alone and yet they were all connected and a theme,. I would recommend the box set without a second thought.

[Sarah · Rating 4 out of 5]

It always amazes me how multiple authors can write a series of books connected and intertwined, making them seamless and completely flawless. All 5 authors did a superb job writing each story in the "A Year Without a Duke" box set.

Each story had great character development and were individually engaging. I loved how the author wrapped up everyone's individual story in the last book drawing it to a complete close. The only drawback I found was that each story went from either the main characters first meeting or barely knowing each other to declaring their love in a matter of days. I do realize that since these were very short, the story did need to move fast but it seemed a bit too fast.

I had only read 2 of these authors works previously and was already impressed with their writing. I now have 3 more authors to works to add my list and look forward to reading more from each of them in the future.

A complimentary copy was received in exchange for my honest review.

[Alexis · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Year Without a Duke is a 5 book bundle from Kate Pearce, Suzanna Medeiros, Genevieve Turner, Jennifer Haymore and Sabrina Darby. Each book is centered on one main event and piggybacks off of each other. This gives us 5 different books with 5 different writing styles that come together to deliver one fantastic read.

***ARC kindly provided by the publisher via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review***

[Isha Coleman · Rating 5 out of 5]

This series packs romance, adventure, mystery and charm. A Year Without A Duke begins with a mystery that plays throughout this five book series. Join in the search for the missing duke. With some of regencies biggest names in romance and compelling stories of love, bravery and suspense, A Year Without a Duke has it all.

[Tammy · Rating 4 out of 5]

Five great historical romances! The Duke has died and now everyone is trying to figure out who the new Duke of Beckworth is. The search is on for the new Duke however the Dukes estates must continue to run even without his presence. These are fast paced stories with plenty of drama and romance. If you are a fan of historical romance you will not be disappointed.