No Dukes Allowed

by Kelly Bowen, Grace Burrowes, Anna Harrington

Who doesn't love a duke?
Find out in this Regency novella trio by Kelly Bowen, Grace Burrowes, and Anna Harrington...

Three ladies share a temporary seaside residence in Brighton to escape the London season's gossip and matchmaking. These women are most assuredly not looking for flirtation--much less love--and they would all agree that dukes are a perishing lot of bother anyway. Fortunately for our heroines, three fellows who are not dukes come waltzing by with much more than casual flirtation in mind...

Genres: Historical Romance, Romance, Anthologies, Novella, Historical, Regency, Fiction

308 pages, Kindle Edition

First published May 15, 2018

About the author

Award-winning author Kelly Bowen attended the University of Manitoba, earning a BSc & MSc in veterinary studies. She worked as a research scientist before realizing her dream to write historical fiction. Currently, Kelly lives with her family in Winnipeg, Canada.

Reviews

[Aly · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.5

I'll only review two of the three novellas because I didn't read the first one.



Pursuit of Honor-Kelly Bowen
3 star

Diana thinks her friend Hannah want to hide behind plants at a ball to avoid the Duke of Riddington, the man who wants to marry Diana (for her fortune mostly) but she won't have him, no matter what gossips says. But Hannah doesn't want to be seen by Oliver Graham, Diana's childhood best friend and secret crush, but also the man Hannah is supposed to marry because of an arrangement between their families years ago. Diana has known her whole life Oliver was promised to an other, but that didn't stop her from falling in love.

Olivier Graham, third son of Viscount Hambleton, didn't miss London and the ton the dozen years he's been away for studies and then work. Now that he made his fortune, it's time for him to settle down. He's an honorable man and he intend to respect his family's arrangement, but he never expected to see Diana at Brighton nor to feel something other and stonger than friendly feelings.

At the beginning, I had a hard time figuring out if the heroine would be Diana or Hannah. It's not that this novella wasn't good, it's just that with Kelly Bowen, I'm used to something more original. Usually, her stories are exciting and her characters so memorable, with an amazing chemistry between the MC but this one felt flat to me.




The double duchess- Anna Harrington
4 star

The man who broke Belinda's heart ten years ago is back and leading the meeting about shutting down the Royal Hospital to transform it into a training facility for soldiers. Belinda refuse to let that happen and as the Duchess of Winchester, she have influence. That's where they met when he was wounded and she was doing charity work there, and where they fell in love. But back at war, he never answered her letter asking for his help or else she would have to marry an other man. So she didn't marry for love and was left to think that he didn't love her after all. A widow for the last couple of years, the Royal Hospital and their residents are too important for her to let others interfere with it.

Lieutenant Maxwell Thorpe thought he did what was best for Belinda at the time. But he never stopped loving her. So having to convince her to change her mind about the Royal Hospital will soon turn more into convincing her to give him a second chance.

This storyline of second chance romance is very similar to an other novella that this author wrote before but I enjoyed it anyway.

[Sissy's Romance Book Review · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Dukes Allowed is a great box set with three books by three great authors!
Three widows who didn't have the best marriages are not out to get married again. They are looking for peace and to pursue there own interest. Each story was a quick easy read that you won't want to put down. But with box sets they are always good for a bedtime read or while waiting and for when you need your quick romance fix. In addition, its a great way to find new authors!

Book 1;
Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
This is the story of Eugenia 'Genie' Dowager Duchess of Tindale and Adam Morecambe.
Genie has had it with the next door neighbor who is building a club. They are constantly making noise all hours of the day into the night. So Genie goes and confronts Adam about his noise level. They come to an agreement each thinking that they will be leaving the area in a few days so they won't see or hear the other one again. But soon they find themselves back together as they end up in the same place. Enjoyed their story!

Book2;
Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
This is the story of Diana Thompson and Oliver Graham.
Diana and Oliver had been childhood friends but were separated when Oliver left. Diana went on to marry but now her husband has past. Oliver is back but he is to marry another women and Diana is being perused by The Duke of Riddington. But they are finding that their feelings are more than just friends now. Loved this friends to lovers story.

Book 3;
The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington
This is the story of Belinda Collins, Duchess of Winchester and Maxwell Thorpe.
Belinda and Maxwell were once in love but he joined the Army and thinking she was better off to marry a title left her to do so. But now he is back and she is a widow but harsh feelings are between the two due to misunderstanding and their feelings for a veteran’s hospital. Belinda wants it to stay a hospital but Maxwell wants a training center. But the past feelings of love start working again and the disagreements starts falling away.
Great Second Chance at Love Story!!

What a wonderful box set with some really great authors!

[Barbara Rogers · Rating 4 out of 5]

Series: Stand Alone
Publication Date: 5/15/18

What a delightful concept – none of the heroes are titled gentlemen. As a matter of fact, all of them seem to have a distinct dislike, for some or all, of the titled, privileged folks of the ton. Include that three of my favorite authors (Grace Burrowes, Kelly Bowen and Anna Harrington) wrote the stories and you have a keeper. I really do have to congratulate a couple of the authors on the names they chose for their dukes – Riddington (because they wanted to get rid of him?) Pomperly (because he was pompous?) Sorry, those names just tickled my fancy.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes – 3.5 Stars

I enjoyed this story but thought it was a bit too modern for the time in which it is set.

The Dowager Duchess of Tindale is twenty-eight years old and free from a less than happy marriage. Her husband didn’t mistreat her, he was just oblivious to her. He married her for one reason only – her money and to produce an heir. She feels guilty because she never produced that heir – and now he is gone. However, she really likes his cousin who inherited the title – he always treated her with fondness and respect.

Eugenia 'Genie', Dowager Duchess of Tindale, has absolutely had it with her new neighbor in Mayfair. He’s building a gentleman’s club and there is constant hammering, shouting, banging and all of the other sounds of construction going on at all hours. So, the tiny little woman marches out her door and into his yard and confronts him. The ensuing conversation is wonderful as she takes him to task.

Three days later, she has traveled to Brighton – only to discover that her noisy neighbor is there as well. There is an instant attraction and they spend time together and come to love each other. However, there is a very nasty fly in the ointment. Someone else wants to marry her (for her money, of course) and has threatened to ruin the man who inherited her former husband’s title as well as her neighbor, Adam Morecambe.

The solution is delightful and there is even an epilogue – I just love epilogues – and this one is just perfect.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen – 4 Stars

Diana Thompson and Oliver Graham were childhood friends who did everything together. Oliver’s family had contracted a betrothal for him with Hannah when they were just children. So, Oliver and Diana always knew he’d marry someone else – but – well – they were only friends anyway. Oliver leaves England to pursue his fortune and is gone for ten years. When he returns, he learns that his sister disappeared six years ago and he is determined to find her. The only clue he has is that, at one point, she was in Brighton.

Oliver travels to Brighton to find his sister and sees Diana at a ball. It is a funny scene because Diana looks as if she is having a conversation with a potted plant. She is really talking to Hannah who does NOT want to see Oliver. She’s not happy with the betrothal.

Diana has long been pursued by a duke (Riddington) who is determined to make Diana his mistress. Diana refuses him, but he won’t take no for an answer. This same duke also hates Oliver – so you can imagine that he wants to thwart the growing recognition of love between Diana and Oliver.

Of course, there is also the little matter of Hannah. How can Diana and Oliver pursue their love and still be honorable toward Hannah? Well – turns out Hannah solves that little issue for them.

All seems lost when Oliver leaves Diana to punish the man who seduced his sister. However, we have all learned how clever and resourceful Oliver is. Oliver’s way of punishing the seducer is absolutely priceless. You will love it!

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington 4-Stars

This is a lovely, poignant, second-chances love story.

Maxwell Thorpe is the son, but not the heir, of a minor baron and he has to make his own way in the world. He joins the army and is gravely injured early on and is sent to the Royal Hospital in Brighton to heal. While there, he meets and falls in love with Belinda who is all heart, filled with sweetness. She helps heal his soul as well as his body. The wondrous thing is – Belinda loves Maxwell as much as he loves her.

After release from the hospital, Maxwell is posted to India. He receives two letters on the same day – one is from Belinda begging him to come home and save her from having to marry someone else in order to save her family from ruin – the second one is from the brother of a duke, who asks Maxwell to please give Belinda up because he wants to offer for her and he promises that he will do all in his power to see that Belinda has everything in life. Maxwell knew that he didn’t have the money to save her family and that if he married her and brought her with him, she’d be living in poverty. So, he makes the hardest decision he’s ever – or will ever – make. He writes to Belinda and tells her that the army is his life and she should forget him.

Belinda marries the duke’s brother – and he later becomes the duke. He does all in his power to make Belinda’s life happy and when he dies, he leaves her a very wealthy woman. Belinda has always loved Maxwell – no matter what – but she hates him. He betrayed her at the worst time in her life.

As Belinda walks into a meeting at the Royal Hospital in Brighton she is shocked and dismayed to see Maxwell across the table. Her anger flares and then gets even hotter when she finds out why he is at her beloved hospital. She’ll fight him tooth and nail to keep him from succeeding in his mission.

You’ll love both Belinda and Maxwell. Their love was truly epic and it was wonderful to see how they worked their way back toward each other. The fact that they thwarted another duke (Pomperly) in the process just puts the icing on the cake.

These lovely stories are all well written and complete within themselves. The only thing that would have made it better would have been a group epilogue showing all of the couples at a get together a year or so later than the stories in the book. Maybe a re-visit to Brighton for all of them – and all of them with babies and happy family stories.

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"I requested and received this e-book at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher."

[Em · Rating 4 out of 5]

In No Dukes Allowed, three widowed duchesses travel together to Brighton hoping to escape the petty gossip and claustrophobia of London. Although each woman has personal reasons for wanting to get away, each quickly realizes the problems that plagued them in Town have followed them to their seaside retreat. Fortunately, true love and plot contrivances are here in abundance, and as the anthology unfolds, each eventually finds her prince charming where they least expected it. The trio of novellas is uniformly romantic and the writing is strong, but with the exception of Ms. Bowen’s story, Pursuit of Honor, it’s also a bit dull.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
3.5 stars

Eugenia, Dowager Duchess of Tindale, has had enough. Normally, her corner of Mayfair is a bastion of calm and quiet, but

… this was the third week of incessant racket from the construction across the street, the third week of being roused scant hours after her head hit the pillow.

So, fed up and exhausted from lack of sleep, she decides to confront the architect.

Adam Morcambe is visiting his current construction project – a gentleman’s club whose membership will be limited to commoners – when he spots a potential problem. Two fetching women in fashionable day dresses are bearing down on him, and it’s clear that one of them (probably the lady’s companion) is angry. When she launches into a complaint about the construction noise, he attempts to placate her with promises that the work will soon be done. Genie isn’t having any of it. Delivering a stinging rebuke to his condescending platitudes, she then proceeds to tell him when his workers are permitted to work before she departs for Brighton the following week. Speechless and stunned by his formidable neighbor (whom he belatedly realizes is a duchess), he agrees to her conditions. She departs and both assume they’ll never meet again – but fate and the machinations of the plot have different plans. Ms. Burrowes skips quickly past the acrimony and gets right to the love. It’s an awkward leap, but once you get past it, the novella is a delight. Adam and Genie have wonderful chemistry and their passion for each other is nice and steamy. Unfortunately, Genie has a secret that threatens to end her burgeoning love affair with Adam; finally, after he presses her for answers, Genie confesses her secret and, lo and behold, he’s familiar with the villain in her past and quickly plots how to deal with him. Of course he does! This is a romance after all.

The principal characters are lovely, the pacing of the story (after that odd transition from enemies to friends) is perfectly suited to the story length, and the romance is both swoony and sexy. I wasn’t sold on the deus ex machina that conveniently resolves all the conflict in the story – but it works anyway.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
4.5 stars

Diana Thompson didn’t expect to find herself talking to a fern at the side of a crowded ballroom, but when her friend Hannah Burton beckons her over, she’s curious – and alarmed – by Hannah’s agitation. After a confusing conversation wherein Hannah admits she’s avoiding a gentleman in the ballroom, she’s shocked when Hannah finally confesses who it is. “It’s Oliver.”

Oliver Graham has spent a dozen years abroad making his fortune, but he’s finally returned to England to marry Hannah, the woman with whom his parents arranged a match years earlier. He’s followed her to Brighton but he’s yet to catch her at home; he’d hoped to find her at this ball, but again, she’s nowhere to be found. Distracted and anxious to begin a search for his younger sister Madeleine – his other purpose for traveling to Brighton – he’s decided it’s time to go when he slowly becomes aware of a conversation between a pair of dandies behind him. They’re discussing a nearby woman – who appears to be talking to a fern – and when Oliver turns to look at her, he can’t believe his eyes. It’s his closest childhood friend Dee, nearly unrecognizable from the girl she once was. He’s stunned by the captivating beauty Dee has become, and when she spots him staring at her, she can’t hide her smile of delight.

Sigh. These two. Via their individual PoVs it’s immediately clear that Dee loves Oliver and Oliver loves Dee… only Oliver is engaged to Hannah. So despite their intense attraction to each other, they keep each other at a distance – Oliver out of a sense of honor, and Dee because she won’t betray her friend. But it tortures them. When the pair join forces to find Oliver’s missing younger sister, they can barely keep their attraction at bay.

Pursuit of Honor is a delicious bit of torture. For years, Oliver and Dee have exchanged letters and kept abreast of each other’s lives, but once they reconnect, it’s like they’ve never been apart. Only there’s that tricky new layer to the relationship – they’re madly in love/lust with each other. Oliver’s sense of honor nearly derails this love match, but again, a convenient plot twist provides the perfect means for them to be together. With terrific principals; he’s smoking hot, smart, kind and good (but stubborn) and she’s beautiful, loyal, kind and good, seemingly insurmountable obstacles to their happily ever after, and a villain who just won’t go away, Pursuit of Honor is a treat from start to finish.

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington
3 stars

Belinda Collins, dowager Duchess of Winchester, who’s taken her husband’s place on the board of the Royal Hospital (a home for war heroes), is vehemently opposed to the plan to turn it into a military academy. She’s shocked to discover Brigadier Maxwell Thorpe, the man who chose his military career over his love for her, spearheading the proposed change. Belinda embraces the surge of anger she feels when she sees Maxwell, and makes it abundantly clear she’ll do whatever she can to scuttle the plan. The two butt heads until the meeting finally comes to an end.

Unfortunately, moments after this antagonistic and bitter reunion, the author makes an abrupt change in tone. Maxwell engineers the Board’s exit so that only he and Belinda are left in the room, and then he… well, he tries to put the moves on her. Oh geez. Belinda, bewildered by his tenderness, ruthlessly suppresses her response, and rebuffs his attempt to butter her up. Time and place Maxwell, time and place. The Double Duchess unfolds as Belinda tries to resist Maxwell, Maxwell tries to win her over – and they both attempt to convince the other that their plan for the hospital is best. Belinda won’t trust Maxwell, and he’s stymied by a reluctance to reveal why he ended their previous relationship. Then he goes ahead and blurts it out anyway. A Big Misunderstanding complicates matters, but is quickly resolved, as is the question of what to do with the Royal Hospital.

I liked everything about the set-up of this second chance love story – Belinda is convinced Maxwell used her family connections to advance his career; Maxwell is gutted to realize how deeply he hurt the woman he loves – but the relationship feels forced, and the convenient plot resolutions are not nearly as clever as the author intended.

Though I liked Belinda and Maxwell as a pair, Maxwell is overly aggressive as a suitor and Belinda a bit too bitter. Both are consumed with lust whenever they’re together, and for two people who purport to be enemies, they’re awfully cozy whenever it suits.

This collection of novellas is a pleasant diversion and each story works well on its own if you’re looking for something quick between full length novels. Featuring many of Romancelandia’s favorite tropes, No Dukes Allowed is a low-angst collection of historical romance comfort food.

[Phoenix77 · Rating 3 out of 5]

Kind of a mixed bag. All three stories really depend on lust as the primary motivator rather than a deep love between main characters. Anna Harrington's story probably works best as far as believability (which is saying something as she's my least favorite author out of the trio). The other two were fine but didn't really make me feel the love.

[Maria Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

No Dukes Allowed by Grace Burrowes, Kelly Bowen and Anna Harrington is a delightful collection of novellas set on the seaside in Brighton, with a trio of widowed female friends – Genie, Diana and Belinda- residing together who are fed up with Dukes and find love with other much more worthy gentlemen instead!

For a detailed look at all three novellas, please visit Harlequin Junkie: http://harlequinjunkie.com/review-no-...

A copy of this story was provided by the authors for review.

[Susan · Rating 5 out of 5]

Sweet Read. Three stories that definitely provide an interesting and enjoyable afternoon of escape. 💙📚💙

[Laura J. · Rating 4 out of 5]

If you like Grace Burrows, you'll like this short story. Genie is a widow; she was married to a Duke who wasn't a bad person, just a bad husband (he ignored her and didn't bother to get to know her). Adam is a self-made man who followed in his father's footsteps as a builder. The antagonist is the son of a Duke. I liked both characters and was rooting for them to get together and find a solution to a blackmail attempt. My issue with some of Ms. Burrows books is that the main characters don't confide their troubles in each other. Thankfully, in this one, Genie trusts Adam and he comes up with a perfect solution.

Kelly Bowen's story was of two old friends who have been apart years but continued to stay in contact via letters. Diana's being pursued by a Duke and Oliver has an understanding (almost engaged) with a family friend. Oliver's solution to the pesky Duke problem is ingenious (if not a bit far fetched).

Anna Harrington's story is of another Duchess, Belinda, being pursued by a Duke and an old lover, Matthew, who comes back into her life. Years ago he made the decision to abandon her and used a lie to do so. All for her own good of course.

I would have like to have read more of the friendship between the three women. They didn't seem to confide in each other or care about each others' romances or troubles.

2 out of 3 stories were 5 stars. Grace Burrowes and Kelly Bowen are favorites and did not disappoint. The 3rd story was heavy handed.

[Karishma · Rating 2 out of 5]

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes - 4*

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen - 2*
The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington - DNF

[Andree · Rating 2 out of 5]

2.5 stars, but I'm not feeling generous. 3 ladies (all Dowager Duchesses) share a seaside residence in Brighton. I get the sense the three stories occur roughly concurrently, but you wouldn't know, because said three ladies rarely interact in their own novellas, and the events of their stories are not referenced in the others.

The Kelly Bowen is probably my favourite, with Mr. Morecombe the architect. But it's one heck of a case of insta-love, plus a large helping of a very insidious Duke, followed by a very neat solution. Basically, too much drama and hateful side characters for the length of the novel. That said, I do like the family members kicking around. This one uses its secondary cast the best. And Brighton is used well as a setting.

The Grace Burrowes just never really landed for me. It felt too complex, with people not being introduced particularly well when they appear. Plus the conflict also just sort of was this huge thing until it.... conveniently went away. Right in time for one more major conflict to be hinted at... and then be subverted. I don't know, it also felt ramped up to 11, but the characters were also not as memorable. It felt far too blown out of proportion to have been a conflict between two old friends. It is fine, I suppose, but also didn't sit right.

The Anna Harrington is my least favourite. One, because the hero and heroine have essentially the same conversation about 5 times, around their tragic past. An evil duke is present, but essentially ineffectual and pointless. Actually, the whole story felt a bit ineffectual. The central conflict was a bit absurd, given how easily it was eventually resolved. I mean, the resolution is as simple as a contested building will be shared by the two groups vying for its use.

[Connie · Rating 4 out of 5]

“Architect of My Dreams” - Grace Burrowes

Lady Alice is praising her hostess, Eugenia (Genie) the Dowager Duchess of Tindale, age 28, for being able to watch such gorgeous men as they work in constructing a new place across from her home. The newcomer is Adam Morecambe. Lady Alice’s husband has informed her that it will not be a residence but a gentleman’s club called the Blackball Club. It will be a club that is open only to commoners. The noise of the construction is so intense that Genie and Alice go out to berate Mr. Morecambe. She insists that his crew limit their work hours until she leaves town the following week.

Genie is going to Brighton with some friends because she knows the irritating Marquess of Dunstable will not look for her there. Ah, but as she is walking with her friends, she comes upon the man. She manages to get away from him and then finds that Mr. Morecambe is in town. They discover a mutual interest in architecture so she offers to show him the architectural wonders of her home and other properties. They soon become friends and spend time together.

Mr. Morecambe is searching for the home that his architect father had built in Brighton. It had been rumored that the building was built very poorly and Morecambe knows that cannot be true. With Genie’s influence, they get to the bottom of a cruel plot.

This story started out a bit slow for me but I truly came to love the main characters and the ending.


“Pursuit of Honor” - Kelly Bowen

Brighton, England - 1823

Diana Thompson and Hannah Burton have been friends for a long time. When at a ball, Hannah drags Diana behind a potted plant, she is surprised to find that Hannah is hiding from someone. Diana is worried about Hannah because she seems truly frightened. Diana is a widow whose husband, Lawrence, was killed in Belgium fighting the French just shortly after they had been married.

Oliver Graham, third son of Viscount Hambleton, is in Brighton searching for his sister, Madelene, whom he has not seen in years. She had run away and no one had been able to find her. When he sees Diana, they are so happy as it has been many years since they have been together. Diana is privately crushed because Oliver is to marry Hannah. It is a marriage that has been planned since they were children. It breaks Diana’s heart because she has loved Oliver for so very long. He asks her to help him find Madelene to which she agrees.

But, the arrogant Duke of Reddington tries to make Diana go home because he plans to marry her. She rejects him and Oliver backs her up. The odious Duke is determined to marry Diana but she refuses to accept him.

When Diana and Oliver are together again, they realize they truly love one another. But Diana knows he must honor his betrothal to Hannah. Will they both find happiness in their lives?

I really liked this story and I know other readers will as well. The characters are real which makes such a difference in making a good story. Kelly Bowen is a favorite author of mine and I have always enjoyed her books.


“The Double Duchess” - Anna Harrington

Fort St. George, India - 1813

Lieutenant Maxwell Thorpe has received a letter from Belinda whom he loved saying that her father wants her to marry Lord George Collins and begging him to come home. But he pens her a note saying he cannot come home and she must forget about him.

Brighton, England - 1823

Belinda, age 28, has taken her late husband’s place on the board of the Royal Hospital. She had been married to the Duke of Winchester. She is fighting to keep the hospital open to care for the men who have been injured in fighting for their country. The representative from the War Office appears to be intent on closing the hospital and turn it into an academy instead. This representative is none other than Brigadier Maxwell Thorpe, age 32. The two clash on their opinions.

The Duke of Pomperly has his eye on Belinda for his Duchess and is determined to keep Maxwell away from her.

Maxwell apologizes for not being there for her 10 years ago and does what he can to make up for it, but she is not yet ready to forgive him. Belinda feels there needs to be a dedicated place for the men when they retire if they have no home to go to. Maxwell feels the men will be better prepared for battle by attending the academy. When Belinda meets many of the infantrymen, she sees the deep respect they have for Maxwell. But although they love one another, they still disagree. Are they destined to always be apart?

I like Anna Harrington’s books, but did not care a lot of this one. It’s come down to a choice of the academy or the hospital. Why not both?

Copy provided by the authors in exchange for a fair and honest review.

[Janet · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three widowed ladies, Eugenia Dowager Duchess of Tindale, Belinda Duchess of Winchester known as the Double Duchess & Diana Thompson retire to Brighton to share Genie’s Godmother’s house, to escape the London season's gossip and matchmaking. These women are most assuredly not looking for flirtation much less love and they would all agree that dukes are a perishing lot of bother anyway.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
Eugenia Dowager Duchess of Tindale lives in an exclusive street in Mayfair but her peace has recently been shattered by the renovations to a neighbouring property, one day enough is enough & she confronts the new owner Adam Morecambe. Genie retires to Brighton & whilst there Genie meets Adam again. They go to Petworth to see the architecture & their attraction sizzles & combusts. However Isambard Bentley Marquis of Dunstable & heir to the Duke of Sidmouth has his beady eye on Genie.
A easy to read short story with lovely characters & a well paced story, I read it in an afternoon.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
Diana Thompson waved Oliver Graham third & youngest son of Viscount Hambleton goodbye many years ago when he left for India to try to make his fortune, the pair have written numerous letters to each other but now Oliver is back to marry Hannah Burton to whom their parents arranged a marriage when they were children. Oliver has come to Brighton to try & find his sister Madelene
Diana widowed eight years ago after only three months of marriage is being pursued by Duke of Riddington.
A lovely story of friends to lovers, there are obstacles in their path, a well written page turning novella

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington

Belinda Collins, Duchess of Winchester is being pursued by Richard Marbury, the Duke of Pomperly & she’s been given the nickname of the Double Duchess. Brigadier Maxwell Thorpe has returned to England after years in India where he had a distinguished military career but he is now jaded & determined to fight for a training centre for recruits. Ten years ago Maxwell & Belinda were in love but her family’s debts meant that she had to marry for money, George Collins came from a wealthy family & could give Belinda all the security she needed especially after her father died. The pair meet & lock horns over the future of a veteran’s hospital. However their feelings for each other can’t be denied but misunderstandings & conflicting views could jeopardise their reunion. Another lovely novella, with lovely characters & a well paced story.
Three well written novellas that mesh together so well. The characters in each are well fleshed & really likeable. Each of the stories flows well & are long enough to read in an afternoon.

My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

[vaneeta naik · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a boxset of Three stories written by Grace Burrowes , Kelly Bowen & Anna Harrington. It is about three Friends ( Eugenia , Diana , Belinda ) ..

I read all the stories but the best i loved was the story by Anna Harrington in the collection. So i am writing a Review for " The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington "

This book is on the cooncept of " Second Chance at love " .. This is the story of Belinda Collins, Duchess of Winchester and Maxwell Thorpe.
Belinda and Maxwell were once in love but he joined the Army and thinking she was better off to marry a title sacrificed his love so she could do well for herself but Belinda is unaware of it...

They meet again after nearly ten years , Belinda is widowed and is involved with a veteran's of war hospital & Maxwell wants to open a training center in the same hospital ... The actual story starts from here... Belinda & Maxwell both fight for there beliefs & sparks fly . The love & passion of there past,present ignites . The story is not lengthy but is worth reading .. Anna is a wonderful story teller ... a very well written scripted book ...well developed plot & the pace is fast not boring at all..

Anna started her book with a bang !!! the first page u read u get captivated ... there is bold, strong ,sensible ,intelligent , sharp & headstrong heroine in Belinda as opposed to the Regency Era where women had no say in society & its dictates ... very refreshing outlook Anna has presented ...Maxwell's character also comes out as compassionate ,strong , broadminded,big hearted ... i absolutely loved him ,he was adorable & my heart broke for his sacrifice for Belinda .. The chemistry between them is so sizzling , love comes across in all the scenes...

Anna has done a brilliant job on this Second Chance at love story ...The flow of the story was cozy & sweet ...Overall a good read & i would Recommend it ...please read , You wouldn't want to miss it !!!

" I got an ARC copy of this book . This is my honest & voluntary Review "

[Beverly Laude · Rating 4 out of 5]

Who doesn't love a duke? Well, I would say the three ladies in these three novellas! Despite being dowager duchesses, each one chooses another type of man to pursue!

The stories are all entertaining and do a great job in describing the Regency period, with all of its fashion, balls, décor and romance. I love the fact that these women decide what they want and then pursue it. The male love interests are well-developed and likeable and the Dukes that our ladies want to avoid are sufficiently odious and pompous to make the most gentle of ladies cringe!

I enjoyed the descriptions of the architecture from the viewpoint of Adam Morecambe and found them to be unique in Regency books that I have read. And, Anna Harrington continues to be one of my favorite Regency authors!

If you love the Regency period and are looking for some short and entertaining reads, grab this book! I agree with the three Duchesses: No Dukes Allowed!

[Sally Lake · Rating 3 out of 5]

Nice stories

I will admit that I read this book for the Kelly Bowen story, as she is one of my favourite romance writers. The other two were nice enough but not quite to my taste. I would have liked a bit more interconnection between the stories, since the heroines were sharing a house and two of the heroes were friends, that might have given the whole collection more substance. Overall, a pleasant read.

[Whitney · Rating 5 out of 5]

Dukes are always a girl’s best... or are they? In this clever book of three novellas dukes are anything but the answer. Each story focuses on one of the trio of dowager duchesses who have traded the Mayfair ballrooms for the Brighton seaside. However there is no escape from a troublesome duke, salacious scandals, and pompous dandys. This was a quick read that left me wanting more.
I received this book from the author at no cost to me and volunteered to read it; my review is my honest opinion and given without any influence by the author or publisher.

[Angela · Rating 4 out of 5]

Architect of My Dreams, Grace Burrowes
You know, I have never read about an architect in an historical romance and I liked it. I loved Adam’s kind of laid back attitude and Genie’s go-get-them attitude. No holdbacks allowed. Theirs is a sweet romance.

Pursuit of Honor, Kelly Bowen
A heartbreaking story of honor and courage. Whew, I was a little worried that Oliver and Diana would not find their way to each other, but hey, it is a romance and all worked out. A lovely story all around, except for Riddington….

The Double Duchess, Anna Harrington
I loved this story. Maxwell does the honorable thing and gives up his hold on her for her benefit. Belinda is oblivious to what he did and is fighting mad. Their joining forces to try and make things work out personally and professionally was a joy to read. Maxwell, sigh!!

I received a complimentary copy from the author.

[G · Rating 4 out of 5]

"No Dukes Allowed" is a book containing three Regency novellas. I'm choosing to review "Pursuit of Honor" by Kelly Bowen. I enjoyed reading Diana and Oliver's story. One of my favorite parts of the story was how Oliver dealt with the Duke of Riddington. These novellas are a pleasure to read.

[Alison · Rating 3 out of 5]

A trio of historical novellas featuring three widowed women spending the season in Brighton: Eugenia (Genie) Dowager Duchess of Tindale; Belinda Duchess of Winchester (the Double Duchess); and Diana Thompson.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
This book starts in London when Genie's peace is shattered by the noisy building works in the house next door. She confronts the new owner Adam Morecambe in a spirited exchange before heading to Brighton. They meet again by chance in Brighton where Adam, who is an architect, is looking for a house to establish a sister club to the one he is renovating in London, these clubs are for wealthy men, like himself, who are refused entry to the normal men's clubs which are reserved for the aristocracy. Adam and Genie enjoy each others company and Genie is happy to get entry for Adam to various buildings for him to enjoy the architectural features. Rather to the surprise of both of them, they start an affair. However, Genie is being blackmailed by the Marquis of Dunstable and he has the ability to ruin Adam as well.

Very enjoyable, loved Adam, loved the clever resolution of the plot, Grace Burrowes at her best. Four stars.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
Diana Thompson and Oliver Graham (youngest son of Viscount Hambleton) have been friends for many years, since they were children. He left England to make his fortune in India ten years ago and the two of them have corresponded ever since. Despite their friendship, Oliver is promised to Diana's BFF Hannah Burton. Having returned to England, Oliver discovers that his beloved sister Madelene is not, as he believed, in Boston but has been ostracised by his parents and siblings after becoming pregnant. His only clue is a letter from Brighton and so he travels there, only to run into his old friend Diana. Diana is a wealthy widow, after eight years gentlemen are waging bets on who will marry/ bed the wealthy widow and the Duke of Riddington is a firm favourite, helped no doubt by his own rumours that they are already lovers.

This felt very much like a comedy of errors novella. Diana and Oliver are in love but Oliver is promised to Hannah. Hannah is desperate to avoid Oliver and Diana is desperate to avoid the Duke of Riddington.

I enjoyed this, although not as much as the first novella. Three and a half stars.

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington

Belinda Collins, the dowager Duchess of Winchester is being pursued by the Duke of Pomperly - this has earned her the nickname 'The Double Duchess'. Following her husband's death she has taken on many of his responsibilities, including being on the board of a veteran's hospital.

Ten years ago Belinda was in love with Maxwell Thorpe but was forced to marry for money to clear her family’s debts. Now Maxwell is in Brighton charged with building a new training centre for recruits on the site of the veteran’s hospital.

Sorry, tried again and still couldn't get into this third novella, DNF.

[Carrie · Rating 4 out of 5]

All the stories had a love triangle of sorts including a duke, and common-man (an architect, a nabob, and a career military man respectively), and the widows (two dowager duchesses and one plain Mrs.)

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes
4/5 My favorite of the three.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen
3.5/5 Friends to lovers

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington
3/5 Second chance

[Deborah Cleaves · Rating 3 out of 5]

A book to sell books.

I anticipated 3 novellas. What was delivered was more like short stories followed by ads for upcoming novels plus excerpts from said novels. The stories were okay, but all the ads and trailers were unwelcomed additions.

[Elaine · Rating 3 out of 5]

Just two favourites here for me. Enjoyable. 3☆

[Peggy · Rating 5 out of 5]

In No Dukes Allowed, three couples, actually four, fall in love and two pompous dukes and an arrogant marquess get their deserved and quite amusing comeuppance.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes

After an argument with a noisy architect across the street from her residence, Eugenia, Dower Duchess of Tindale, decamps to Brighton to escape her unwanted suitor, an arrogant marquess, and join her friends for a holiday. Geni and Adam Morcambe meet again in Brighton, become friends and fall in love. When Lord Dunstable threatens Geni (he wants to marry a fortune), the two of them work together to thwart his plans. If they succeed, they can have a very happy ever after.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen

Diana Thompson wants desperately to avoid the Duke of Riddington, who has taken into his head that she will be his duchess (ew). The man is a pompous dolt who has authored rumors that he and Diana are already involved. When he friend, Hannah Hutton go into full panic at a ball, Diana discovers that the person causing this reaction is not the duke, but Hannah’s supposed betrothed and the man whom Diana has loved for as long as she can remember, Oliver Graham. Oliver wants Diana to help him find his sister. Even though the two of them acknowledge their love, they feel honor-bound by the betrothal. As it turns out, Hannah solves the situation, and you won’t believe how. Riddington creates his own comeuppance with his inexhaustible, and quite public boasting (even if not all of it is true). You will laugh out loud at this one.

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington

Ten years ago, Belinda, now the Dowager Duchess of Winchester, and Maxwell Thorpe fell deeply in love. However, he seemingly abandoned her to further his military career. Now he is Brighton to set up a military academy. In order to do this he wants to move the Pensioners from the Royal Hospital so that the building can be used for the academy. As they spend time together attempting to bring some suitable solution to the opposing ideas, they become reacquainted and realize they are still in love. Belinda is still doesn’t quite trust him. In the meantime the Duke of Pomperly (who wants to marry Belinda for her duchess experience and money) works behind the scenes to keep them apart. It doesn’t look promising. Then while working to save the hospital from a fire, Belinda has an idea that just might be the solution they need. Will Maxwell agree, the hospital board, the Secretary of War? If it works, will it give Belinda and Maxwell a second chance? Last, but not least, will it cause the duke to throw up his hands in defeat?

Three talent authors, three terrific stories, 5 stars x 3.

I received an ARC of this set. My review is voluntary.

[Sandy · Rating 3 out of 5]

This was a mixed batch for me. I liked the idea of three loosely connected stories (3 widows stay in the same home in Brighton). Overall I'd say about 3.5 stars.

Architect of My Dreams (Grace Burrowes) - I had some major issues with this one, particularly Genie's character. In the first chapter she's depicted as this diminutive but fierce duchess who has no qualms standing up to a man and inventing creative threats -- as long as he's a man beneath her socially, and that's where I had an issue with her character. She hates being a duchess, hates the whole social hierarchy and yet is basically a snob to the man who is supposed to be her love interest. She never stands up to the slimy duke who tries to blackmail her (ok in the beginning you could believe she's trying to protect others but later in the story she has a chance to finally say what she wants and it's nowhere near as assertive as she was with Mr. Morecambe in the beginning. I also don't understand how she's threatening Mr. Morecambe in the first chapter and then next chapter she sees him on the street and she's all smiles and then the romantic relationship speeds ahead. I love feisty heroines and the banter between the characters but Genie just seems poorly and inconsistently written. It was also more difficult to accept the quick progression in this relationship since they'd just met, vs the other two stories where the hero and heroine had a prior connection. So this was my least favorite story.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen - This was probably my favorite story. I liked the way the characters were written and the tension and resolution was well done. I really liked Oliver's character - until he left at a crucial moment (it was in keeping with his character but totally contradicted his "I will always choose you" declarations). But overall still good chemistry and I loved how the duke was handled.

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington - This probably fell between the two stories in my enjoyment. I felt like she gave in too quickly for someone who was so heartbroken and angry. I didn't mind her flip-flopping emotionally as that is realistic but in the beginning I wish she had resisted more. I did enjoy seeing Oliver from story #2 make brief appearances.

Grace Burrowes' story didn't make me want to seek out any of her other stories, but I wouldn't avoid a story of hers either. I'd give her another try if the story idea intrigued me. The other two tales already have me looking at the teasers included for other works by Kelly Bowen and Anna Harrington.

[Lux Lindsay · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three great authors. One superb anthology of second chances. Three sensational widows eschewing all persistent dukes. Their stories intertwined with one another.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes. Five stars.
Eugenia 'Genie' Dowager Duchess of Tindale and Architect Adam Morecambe got off on the wrong foot. The incessant construction noise across Genie's Mayfair townhouse deprived her of sleep. Words were exchanged but they reached a compromise of sorts. Their next encounter was in Brighton. Adam was pursuing a project, Genie was being pursued by Dunstable, heir to the Duke of Seymouth. Genie and Adam deliciously desire each other. Brighton seems a good omen. The plot twist did surprise me!
I highly appreciate Grace Burrowes' dry, razor-sharp wit.

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen. Five stars.
Diana Thompson and Oliver Graham are childhood friends and have mutual deep affection, but they said goodbye to each other twelve years ago on the docks when his ship was bound for India. Diana married someone her parents chose but is now a widow. Oliver is promised to another and came back to marry his intended and to find his missing sister. The Duke of Riddington is persistent in pursuing Diana but she doesn't return his affection. Oliver is falling in love with her. Diana is forever in love but keeping secrets from Oliver. I could weep for their unrequited love. The twist, and their HEA was so wonderful!
Kelly Bowen is getting better every time.

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington. Five stars.
Belinda Collins, Duchess of Winchester and Brigidair Maxwell Thorpe find themselves at cross-purposes with regards to veterans and the hospital.
Belinda and Maxwell were in love a decade past. His job in the army took him away from England. Belinda is marrying someone her parents approve of. She wrote Maxwell to come home and save her but Maxwell declined. He's in no position to give her the life she deserves. Now a widow and Maxwell back at home, she still harbours feeling of ill will and resentment towards him. Belinda is being pursued by the arrogant Duke of Pomperley. But she abhors her Double Duchess sobriquet and won't accept his suit. Belinda and Maxwell are two strong passionate characters. Their love story is heart rending.
Anna Harrington writes seamlessly, beautifully.

This trio of exceptional wordsmiths produced three beautiful stories of second chances, my favourite trope. The leeway accorded to widows, which could not be afforded to debutantes, make these narrative free of ton's moral restrictions which make these stories beautiful and utterly, gloriously steamy. I shall visit the Pavillion in Brighton.

I received a complimentary ecopy which I voluntarily read. My review is impartial and honest.

[Mary · Rating 5 out of 5]

The Architect of My Dreams
This is a warm, romantic and sweet story. Adam is charming, unpretentious and irresistible. Genie is sweet, kind and generous. They have a unique and special relationship that leaves you all warm and fuzzy inside. It's a must read story that belongs on your TBR list.

The Pursuit of Happiness
This is an entertaining and suspenseful story. Oliver is honorable, stubborn and kind. Diana is caring, loyal and honorable. Having been in love with each other for years, neither is happy that Oliver is to marry their friend Hannah, but he won't break off the engagement, that would not be an honorable thing to do. But Hannah has her own reasons for not wanting to marry Oliver. Oliver also needs to find his missing sister, and deal with the consequences that required her to flee London. What happened to the man who ruined his sister was brilliant and inspired. It's a satisfying and enjoyable story that I couldn't put down.

The Double Duchess
This is a of love, sacrifice and regret. Max is a noble, caring and dedicated man. Belinda is kind, generous and determined woman. He sacrificed their love for her to have a better life, but now that they have a second chance, and he will do anything to get her and keep her. Belinda believes that he used her ten years earlier, and he wants her to keep thinking that, which makes it hard to get her to trust him again. Being on opposing sides of an issue that is dear to both of them makes it very difficult for Max to gain her trust, add to that a man who wants her for himself, and there is plenty of drama and tears. And the solution to their problems is bittersweet. And as much as Max tries to be the unbending military man, he's really a nice guy underneath all the bluster.
I received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This is my honest and voluntary opinion of it.

[Jane · Rating 4 out of 5]

No dukes, just gentlemen

Three friends share a residence in Brighton, each one of their own reason. All three are duchesses and had their issues with dukes, the ton and men, still have in fact. Avoiding unwanted attention, they fight for what is important to them.

“Genie” is butting head with Adam, who happens to build a gentlemen’s club in her street, bothering her with the noise. Genie seeks refuge in Brighton only to be bothered by a man who blackmails her in order to get his hands on her money. Adam, not of title, is a pleasant company and he could help her as she could help him, couldn’t they?

Diana is our second heroine, secretly pining for Oliver, who is now back, but not in reach, because he is already engaged to one of her friends, Hannah. Comical how he searches for her and she does everything to avoid him. Then we have a very annoying man pursuing Diana.Backwards and forwards it goes with these two.

Belinda is, you could say, harassed by a duke who is convinced that she will become his duchess and so is the ton. He is quite mean in order to achieve his goal. Matthew, her old flame comes back and is ruining her dreams for the hospital. His plans for it collide with hersand we have a battle of wills and power.

Thank you for hero’s who are no dukes and for most not of the ton’s cream.

All three stories where nice reads. What I missed a bit had been an overall arch. While the three ladies share a house and claim to be friends, we have little action over their stories. For most the heroines deal with their own issues in their story and the others are just mentioned. I would have liked more interaction and support from friends, but besides that, nice reads.

[Donna McMaster · Rating 4 out of 5]

This anthology contains three stories from the Georgian era (1923). The heroine in each story is a widowed duchess, and each is being pursued by an pesky duke, for marriage or otherwise. They decide to decamp to Brighton to avoid their pursuers, but the three dukes also end up in Brighton. While there, each heroine falls in love with a wonderful someone of lesser consequence and the dukes are foiled. This plot device is hard to take seriously. I enjoy books with a sense of humor but am not especially fond of farce.

Architect of My Dreams by Grace Burrowes: The storyline was implausible, but as always I loved her characters so much that I didn't care. YMMV, but this story worked for me. 5*

Pursuit of Honor by Kelly Bowen: Her storyline went too far into the realm of the ridiculous for my taste, but was salvaged by her prose and characters. 4*

The Double Duchess by Anna Harrington: I am having trouble finishing this one; in fact I may not return to it. The characters make no sense to me. They dislike each other and the author has given me no reason to believe that will change, yet they are humping like monkeys on every other page. I'm okay with sex but not when it's a substitute for character development. 2*

So overall I'm giving it 4*. Given the $2.99 Kindle price, I think it was a good buy.

[Sharyn · Rating 4 out of 5]

I like this kind of Anthology where 3 authors write of the same characters. Also I have a need to read everything by Grace Burrowes. 3 widowed Duchesses are sharing a house in Brighton. Each are being pursued by men they either actively dislike, or just don't want. Burrowes story was my favorite, a Duchess and an architect. She is a wonderful character, and unlike some stories, she actually tells her problems to Adam, the architect. And together they solve the problem.
The next story, one of the widows sees her childhood friend, returned from a decade abroad. I loved Oliver (and he turns up in the next story also) but there is a little more ridiculous self sacrificing, but all works out in the end, due to Oliver's clever manipulations.
The 3rd story is another thwarted love, self sacrificing and misunderstanding, which I liked the least. But all were good reads nonetheless. However, my dislike of reading on kindle is my inability to just check the book while I do.my reviews, hence few names remembered.

[Irene Langston-Butler · Rating 5 out of 5]

Three terrific stories by 3 great authors all in one place. These stories are about three female friends who each finds her happiness. I enjoyed all of the stories from Architect of my Dream about Genie and Adam who meet while he is building a club across from her and she doesn't like the he making at all hour, it is fun watching their journey to love. In Pursuit of Honor it tells about Diana and Oliver who were childhood friends who kept in touch over the year. When he finally returns home it to marry her friend and to help him search for his sister. The final story Double Duchess which I loved is by Ann Harrington is about Belinda and Maxwell who are former sweethearts who meet again when he is trying to turn the hospital for older soldiers which supports into a training school for new soldiers. This is a second chance at love for them if they can work out third differences. I received this book at no cost from the author.