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The Duke of Strathmore #7
The Ice Queen
For Caroline Saunders, beauty is a curse. She is constantly surrounded by men who worship her. But Caroline knows none of them could ever love her just for herself.She treats her court of suitors with cool disdain, gaining herself the title of the Ice Queen.With a heart scarred by his parent’s disastrous marriage Julian Palmer, Earl Newhall has been in no particular hurry to take on a wife.But men with titles need heirs.The one name not on the list of young women Julian and his aunt have arranged to host over a week-long house party at Newhall Castle, Derbyshire is Caroline Saunders.But when a snowstorm and a disastrous accident sees these two enemies unexpectedly thrown together, Julian comes to realize that beneath Caroline’s icy demeanor there beats a passionate heart.Two stubborn souls come together in this beautiful tale of enemies to lovers.The Ice Queen is a full standalone book in the Duke of Strathmore series.This title is available in eBook, print, and audio.Sasha Cottman writes Regency romance with strong heroines and courageous heroes.
310 pages, ebook
First published February 11, 2019
198 people are currently reading
161 people want to read
About the author
Sasha Cottman
49 books248 followersBorn in England, but raised in Australia, Sasha has a love for both countries. Having her heart in two places has created a love for travel, which at last count was to over 55 countries. A travel guide is always on her pile of new books to read.
Sasha lives with her husband, her university student daughter and a cat who demands a starring role in the next book. She has found new hiding spots for her secret chocolate stash.
Sasha lives with her husband, her university student daughter and a cat who demands a starring role in the next book. She has found new hiding spots for her secret chocolate stash.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
April 22, 2021
This story had its good, even lovable moments but then it also had some awkward, silly and out and out weird moments. The dialogue, events and behavior alternated between kind of suitable and highly anachronistic for the times.
The extraordinarily beautiful h has been tagged the 'Ice Queen' by the ton.
But, what I saw was highly disagreeable and snarky behavior. Aren't Ice queens supposed to be cold and not 'hot'? Is it being Heartless when a girl turns down suitor after who hound her, without any encouragement from her? In her defense, what else is a girl to do if men do not get the hint? I feel the ton, her family, the H and she herself were too harsh on her. Yes, her snarky replies and behavior is unsuitable for the era but then it isn't as if the book is really going by the book anyways.
The H dislikes her on sight as she reminds him of his (very) cold-heated and selfish mother who broke his father's heart etc. Their antagonistic beginning is good and the idea of the house party (as it pans out) is unique. The H falls despite his dislike of what he thinks is her character. They develop a friendship, which is nice. The middle part is okay at times but with many skippable boring bits. The pace picks up slowly in the later portion but still some strange things happen as I lumbered on.
Overall- Hmmm okay! A different voice, and I like her h/H moments. Rest had discordant notes at places.
The extraordinarily beautiful h has been tagged the 'Ice Queen' by the ton.
But, what I saw was highly disagreeable and snarky behavior. Aren't Ice queens supposed to be cold and not 'hot'? Is it being Heartless when a girl turns down suitor after who hound her, without any encouragement from her? In her defense, what else is a girl to do if men do not get the hint? I feel the ton, her family, the H and she herself were too harsh on her. Yes, her snarky replies and behavior is unsuitable for the era but then it isn't as if the book is really going by the book anyways.
The H dislikes her on sight as she reminds him of his (very) cold-heated and selfish mother who broke his father's heart etc. Their antagonistic beginning is good and the idea of the house party (as it pans out) is unique. The H falls despite his dislike of what he thinks is her character. They develop a friendship, which is nice. The middle part is okay at times but with many skippable boring bits. The pace picks up slowly in the later portion but still some strange things happen as I lumbered on.
Overall- Hmmm okay! A different voice, and I like her h/H moments. Rest had discordant notes at places.
February 12, 2019
The Ice Queen is book seven in The Duke of Strathmore series by Sasha Cottman. Although this is a series, it truly isn’t necessary to read the books in order. But I always like to read a series in book order. I find that the stories build and are usually richer and deeper. The Ice Queen is a very good book although longer than I prefer. I love enemy to lover tropes and this one hits it out of the park. Caroline Saunders is the most sought after young woman at every event. She is constantly surrounded by beau vying for her attention. But when one gets too pushy and a handsome Earl tries to help her, she responds to the situation with venom towards both men. Julian Palmer, Earl of Newhall doesn’t need another venomous woman in his life. So he is just fine walking away from the Ice Queen Caroline Saunders. Cruelly thrown together at a week long event, will they get along or kill each other?
Looking forward to Ms. Cottman’s next in this series.
Looking forward to Ms. Cottman’s next in this series.
May 18, 2019
England 1817.
Julian was 9 when his beautiful mother cuckolded his dad
and ran away with the OM. Julian now distrusted beauties.
Caroline, niece of a duke, felt cursed by her beauty, and
thought men didn't see her true self. Men assumed she
wanted to dance with them, wanted to wed them. W/o
asking her. Caro admitted she acted frosty toward most
men. Male family members cautioned her not to tease men.
Julian, an earl, & his "Aunt" Lady Margaret, planned a house
party. He & Maggie lived in the same home & he considered
her, his late dad's mistress, more like his mother of choice.
The ton knew her mistress status w/ Julian's dad. The leads,
like 'oil & H2O' were rude to each other. W/o his knowledge,
his birth mom invited Caro to the party. H & h discovered
misconceptions about each other. They grew close around
ice skating and playing w/ his dog etc.
Some questionable story elements.
*Society may have assumed dad's mistress became the son's?
* The man who attacked Caro got off too easily.
* Caro's mom seemed too casual about Caro's V status.
* Caro seemed too sensible to walk London alone @night.
* The hero put too much emphasis on his family heirloom.
Was it or Caro more valuable?
Julian was 9 when his beautiful mother cuckolded his dad
and ran away with the OM. Julian now distrusted beauties.
Caroline, niece of a duke, felt cursed by her beauty, and
thought men didn't see her true self. Men assumed she
wanted to dance with them, wanted to wed them. W/o
asking her. Caro admitted she acted frosty toward most
men. Male family members cautioned her not to tease men.
Julian, an earl, & his "Aunt" Lady Margaret, planned a house
party. He & Maggie lived in the same home & he considered
her, his late dad's mistress, more like his mother of choice.
The ton knew her mistress status w/ Julian's dad. The leads,
like 'oil & H2O' were rude to each other. W/o his knowledge,
his birth mom invited Caro to the party. H & h discovered
misconceptions about each other. They grew close around
ice skating and playing w/ his dog etc.
Some questionable story elements.
*Society may have assumed dad's mistress became the son's?
* The man who attacked Caro got off too easily.
* Caro's mom seemed too casual about Caro's V status.
* Caro seemed too sensible to walk London alone @night.
* The hero put too much emphasis on his family heirloom.
Was it or Caro more valuable?
March 16, 2019
This series just gets better with each book MS Cottman writes, I have thoroughly enjoyed them all and this one is Carolyn’s story the true Ice Queen or is she, can her heart be melted by the Julian, Earl of Newhall as their first meeting gets off to a very rocky start, this one is a real page turner and book that has all the feels for a fabulous romance.
Carolyn Saunders has a bevy of suitors vying for her attention at every ball and rout that is held, she shows them no thought and is often quite rude to them, hence her nick name of the ice queen, but is that how she really is Carolyn is beautiful and this can be a real curse, for no one wants to get to know her. After she is upset by one of her suitors she decides that getting away from London will be best, and when she is invited to the Earl of Newhall’s house party her mother pushes her to go with her brother Frances and their cousin James as chaperones and this week turns out to be very enlightening for all.
Julian Palmer is not thinking of marrying any time soon after his parents disastrous marriage but he is an Earl and carrying on the family name is important so his aunt talks him into holding a house party at Newhall Castle, but with his dreadful mother stepping in, the guest list ends up with Carolyn Saunders on the list, this does not bode well after their first meeting, and then a heavy snow and a big mix up sees them spending a lot of time together, which changes a lot of his thinking.
This is a beautifully written story, both Carolyn and Julian had a lot of issues that needed to be sorted out and it does not take long before the feelings they have for each grow in such a sensual and moving way, both are stubborn but talking to each other comes easy, they are determined to make each other happy. Newhall Castle is the place that Carolyn comes alive with Julian by her side, in so many ways. I loved this one, so many wonderful characters, witty banter, smiles and sighs, I do highly recommend this one.
Carolyn Saunders has a bevy of suitors vying for her attention at every ball and rout that is held, she shows them no thought and is often quite rude to them, hence her nick name of the ice queen, but is that how she really is Carolyn is beautiful and this can be a real curse, for no one wants to get to know her. After she is upset by one of her suitors she decides that getting away from London will be best, and when she is invited to the Earl of Newhall’s house party her mother pushes her to go with her brother Frances and their cousin James as chaperones and this week turns out to be very enlightening for all.
Julian Palmer is not thinking of marrying any time soon after his parents disastrous marriage but he is an Earl and carrying on the family name is important so his aunt talks him into holding a house party at Newhall Castle, but with his dreadful mother stepping in, the guest list ends up with Carolyn Saunders on the list, this does not bode well after their first meeting, and then a heavy snow and a big mix up sees them spending a lot of time together, which changes a lot of his thinking.
This is a beautifully written story, both Carolyn and Julian had a lot of issues that needed to be sorted out and it does not take long before the feelings they have for each grow in such a sensual and moving way, both are stubborn but talking to each other comes easy, they are determined to make each other happy. Newhall Castle is the place that Carolyn comes alive with Julian by her side, in so many ways. I loved this one, so many wonderful characters, witty banter, smiles and sighs, I do highly recommend this one.
July 29, 2024
This is my 11th book my Sasha Cottman. I just started reading her the beginning of this year. I am really enjoying this series. I noticed the first couple chapters in the first books were a bit slow but really picked up in the middle and then has such great finishes. Once I started getting all the characters straight, the stories flowed much better. I hate she isn't KU but I was able to snag this one at a discount with my Kindle Awards :( I hadn't planned on reading so many right now but I am really loving this family and all their dynamics. I'm kind of hooked now.
I loved these two, Caroline and Julian. They had such disdain for each other in the beginning but you know how that goes. :) I love that they learned about each other first despite his bitch of a mother. God she was awful. Another good read.
I loved these two, Caroline and Julian. They had such disdain for each other in the beginning but you know how that goes. :) I love that they learned about each other first despite his bitch of a mother. God she was awful. Another good read.
February 21, 2019
Caroline Saunders has been dubbed The Ice Queen by the ton. While everyone sees only her outward beauty, they have little idea of the woman she is beneath. When her family calls her out on her careless behavior with the single men of the ton, she vows to become the woman she was and not just the ice queen everyone sees.
Julian Palmer, Earl Newhall, has had his fill of cold heartless beauty. He learned his lesson well at the hands of his own mother. When he and Caroline meet by chance, both take an instant dislike to each other. Julian vows to never marry a woman as cold and heartless as his mother. Fate has other ideas and they learn that no heart is safe when love comes to call. I truly loved this story!
Julian Palmer, Earl Newhall, has had his fill of cold heartless beauty. He learned his lesson well at the hands of his own mother. When he and Caroline meet by chance, both take an instant dislike to each other. Julian vows to never marry a woman as cold and heartless as his mother. Fate has other ideas and they learn that no heart is safe when love comes to call. I truly loved this story!
February 21, 2019
How would it feel to be only admired for your looks? Would anyone ever love you for who you are deep down? Caroline Saunders is tired of the endless men who follow her around and one really in particular who will not leave her alone. Titled the Ice Queen due to her distance and not giving favor to any suitor, all she wants to do is get away from London and the endless balls and parties.
But when Julian, Earl of Newhall steps in when a suitor gets too pushy with her, he is not thanked by Caroline but she rudely puts him down. Of course that puts Julian off because he had a mother that was just as abrasive and he seeks to avoid her and she him.
But as fate steps in as it often does, Caroline ends up at a week long house party given by Julian and his stepmother so he can begin trying to select a bride. His mother had actually invited her and it was a surprise to Julian when she, her brother and a friend show up!!
Sasha Cottman is an extraordinary storyteller and so creative in her narrative and characters! Once I started I could not wait to find out what happened! Surprises, annoying suitors and strong emotions all filter in to make this one of my favorite books of the year!
But when Julian, Earl of Newhall steps in when a suitor gets too pushy with her, he is not thanked by Caroline but she rudely puts him down. Of course that puts Julian off because he had a mother that was just as abrasive and he seeks to avoid her and she him.
But as fate steps in as it often does, Caroline ends up at a week long house party given by Julian and his stepmother so he can begin trying to select a bride. His mother had actually invited her and it was a surprise to Julian when she, her brother and a friend show up!!
Sasha Cottman is an extraordinary storyteller and so creative in her narrative and characters! Once I started I could not wait to find out what happened! Surprises, annoying suitors and strong emotions all filter in to make this one of my favorite books of the year!
March 30, 2019
The thing I love about this author is that her writing is engaging, enchanting and always very enjoyable to read. Once I open her books, I can't put them down until I've finished them.
I truly love this heartfelt story. Her characters come alive. I loved it! 5☆
I truly love this heartfelt story. Her characters come alive. I loved it! 5☆
February 17, 2019
The Ice Queen by Sasha Cottman is book 7 in The Duke of Strathmore Series. This is the story of Julian Palmer, Earl Newhall and Caroline Saunders. I thought this could be a standalone book if you wish to do so. Julian knows he has to marry even though it isn't something he is looking forward to it after seeing his parents marriage. But he gives in to having a party at Newhall Castle which to introduce him to eligible ladies of the town. But a snow storm prevents anyone from showing up but Caroline. Caroline is out to escape the town after one last altercation with a suitor and a run in with Julian. Caroline hurt from all the attention her looks give her she has put on a Ice Queen front to keep people at bay, which is how Julian thinks of her. Not wanting such a women as a wife must less as a women stranded at his house he tries to set up a solid front to her. But their time together let them to start taking down their guards and see the other for who they truly are. Loved their story.
April 21, 2021
I jumped in this series by reading book 6 and I loved it! Can’t wait to read James’s book next, with the teaser at the end. But then I will start from scratch with book 1.
I wasn’t familiar with this author and haven’t read any of her books before. I really liked her writing style. With this book she took you back in centuries and she described everything very lively. I loved the romance in this book and that the couple developed from enemies to lovers. They were both prejudiced and when they got to know each other they saw a different side of that person. Their love was a slow burn, which is my favorite.
This book was safe. Heroine was a virgin, hero had liaisons in his past but he wasn’t written as a rake. There was some OM drama in the fact that the heroine had multiple suitors. No OW drama. No sex scenes with OW/OM. No cheating. No OW/OM details of their past.
I wasn’t familiar with this author and haven’t read any of her books before. I really liked her writing style. With this book she took you back in centuries and she described everything very lively. I loved the romance in this book and that the couple developed from enemies to lovers. They were both prejudiced and when they got to know each other they saw a different side of that person. Their love was a slow burn, which is my favorite.
This book was safe. Heroine was a virgin, hero had liaisons in his past but he wasn’t written as a rake. There was some OM drama in the fact that the heroine had multiple suitors. No OW drama. No sex scenes with OW/OM. No cheating. No OW/OM details of their past.
February 10, 2024
Esse livro é o sétimo dessa série. Quando comparado ao primeiro, que foi o outro que li, a escrita melhorou bastante, mas a autora ainda precisa melhorar o ritmo. Ao menos agora não parece que os personagens são pessoas do séc. XXI vivendo na Regência inglesa.
February 11, 2019
Good story. I really liked the characters, especially the hero. I also liked how the heroine realized her faults and worked to be a better person. And of course, who wouldn't like Midas, the dog. I received an ARC of this book.
October 18, 2021
Caroline Saunders wird von allen nur wegen ihrer Schönheit geschätzt. Niemand sieht die Person in ihrem Inneren. Ihre zahlreichen Verehrer weist sie ab und so hat sie sich den Ruf als Eiskönigin eingehandelt.
Julian Palmer muss heiraten und eines steht für ihn fest, alle dürfen es sein, nur nicht die Eiskönigin. Doch ausgerechnet Caroline schafft als einzige durch den Schneesturm zu Julians Hausparty, auf der er sich eine Angetraute auserwählen will.
Caroline ist die Schwester unserer vorherigen Protagonistin, Eve. Mit der hatte sie ein eher zerrüttetes Verhältnis, da Caroline einen recht unterkühlten und arroganten Eindruck hinterlassen hat.
So lernen wir sie auch zu Beginn der Geschichte kennen. Caroline schart die Männer um sich und herrscht über sie. Doch keinen lässt sie an sich heran.
Julian rettet sie aus einer misslichen Lage mit einem ihrer Verehrer. Ihm ist direkt klar, er will sich auf keinen Fall in die Riege einordnen. Zu sehr erinnert ihn Caroline an seine Mutter, zu der er ein sehr schlechtes Verhältnis hat, da sie die Familie mit den teuersten Erbstücken verließ.
Doch Julian muss heiraten, damit die Linie der Grafen von New Hall fortbestehen kann und so will er eine Art Casting veranstalten und die beste heiratsfähige Lady Londons finden.
Ich muss sagen, dass es mir die beiden recht schwer gemacht haben. Caroline durch ihre unnahbare Art, die sich beschwert, dass sie immer nur auf ihre Schönheit reduziert wird. Doch viel mehr als das lernen wir von ihr auch nicht kennen. Und das fand ich zu wenig, um sie für eine würdige und sympathische Protagonistin in der Strathmore Reihe halten zu können.
Julian ist ein sehr pflichtbewusster Gentleman. An Liebesheiraten glaubt er nicht. Doch es dauerte gar nicht lange, da verliebt er sich in Caroline und das nahm ich ihm nicht ab, schließlich hat er zu oft gesagt, dass sie ihn an seine Mutter erinnert und die war wirklich fürchterlich.
Handlungstechnisch passierte leider auch nicht so viel Spannendes, sodass Band 6 für mich der Schwächste in der Reihe ist.
Sasha Cottmans "Die Eiskönigin" ist der mittlerweile 6. Teil in der Reihe um den Herzog von Strahmore. Leider konnten mich Caroline und Julian als Liebespaar nicht überzeugen. Da ihre Motive und Charakterentwicklung zu schwach waren, um meine Lieblinge zu sein.
3/5
Julian Palmer muss heiraten und eines steht für ihn fest, alle dürfen es sein, nur nicht die Eiskönigin. Doch ausgerechnet Caroline schafft als einzige durch den Schneesturm zu Julians Hausparty, auf der er sich eine Angetraute auserwählen will.
Caroline ist die Schwester unserer vorherigen Protagonistin, Eve. Mit der hatte sie ein eher zerrüttetes Verhältnis, da Caroline einen recht unterkühlten und arroganten Eindruck hinterlassen hat.
So lernen wir sie auch zu Beginn der Geschichte kennen. Caroline schart die Männer um sich und herrscht über sie. Doch keinen lässt sie an sich heran.
Julian rettet sie aus einer misslichen Lage mit einem ihrer Verehrer. Ihm ist direkt klar, er will sich auf keinen Fall in die Riege einordnen. Zu sehr erinnert ihn Caroline an seine Mutter, zu der er ein sehr schlechtes Verhältnis hat, da sie die Familie mit den teuersten Erbstücken verließ.
Doch Julian muss heiraten, damit die Linie der Grafen von New Hall fortbestehen kann und so will er eine Art Casting veranstalten und die beste heiratsfähige Lady Londons finden.
Ich muss sagen, dass es mir die beiden recht schwer gemacht haben. Caroline durch ihre unnahbare Art, die sich beschwert, dass sie immer nur auf ihre Schönheit reduziert wird. Doch viel mehr als das lernen wir von ihr auch nicht kennen. Und das fand ich zu wenig, um sie für eine würdige und sympathische Protagonistin in der Strathmore Reihe halten zu können.
Julian ist ein sehr pflichtbewusster Gentleman. An Liebesheiraten glaubt er nicht. Doch es dauerte gar nicht lange, da verliebt er sich in Caroline und das nahm ich ihm nicht ab, schließlich hat er zu oft gesagt, dass sie ihn an seine Mutter erinnert und die war wirklich fürchterlich.
Handlungstechnisch passierte leider auch nicht so viel Spannendes, sodass Band 6 für mich der Schwächste in der Reihe ist.
Sasha Cottmans "Die Eiskönigin" ist der mittlerweile 6. Teil in der Reihe um den Herzog von Strahmore. Leider konnten mich Caroline und Julian als Liebespaar nicht überzeugen. Da ihre Motive und Charakterentwicklung zu schwach waren, um meine Lieblinge zu sein.
3/5
February 21, 2019
Caroline Saunders is the center of attention at any ball. She holds court with many young gentlemen following her about the floor, awaiting the favor of her smile, conversation, or a dance. However, she treats her admirers with disdain and has already turned down multiple offers of marriage.
Enter Julian Palmer, Earl Newhall. He is in need of an heir so his ‘aunt’ decides a house party is the answer, inviting all the eligible women from London. His mother, with whom he does not get along, decides to help in the planning and creates the guest list. She gets very creative in the way she goes about the list and seeing who arrives at Newhall Castle.
Julian and Caroline do not like each other and the one time he stands up for her and protects her from a nasty suitor, she bites off his head! After the altercation, Caroline decides to spend time away from London finding the ‘real’ Caroline. However, before she can leave for Strathmore Castle, Julian’s mother invites her to the house party. How can Caroline refuse the Countess? After a difficult journey, Caroline, her brother and cousin, arrive at Newhall Castle only to find out they are the only ones invited! This is a shock to everyone, including Julian!
The next week finds Julian and Caroline battling against each other, against common foes, being self-reflective, and learning about each other. When Caroline left London for Newhall Castle, it was her way of escaping her troubles. Could she find other reasons for being there? For wanting to remain there? Can Julian get past the idea that he and Caroline were sworn enemies? Can he change his views on marriage?
This is Sasha Cottman’s 7th book in the Duke of Strathmore series and I hope there are many more like this to come. Her writing and descriptions make you feel you are watching the story unfold with the characters. I found myself wanting to find out if Julian and Caroline (and Midas) get their HEA, but not wanting the book to end! One of the best books I have read in a while!
Enter Julian Palmer, Earl Newhall. He is in need of an heir so his ‘aunt’ decides a house party is the answer, inviting all the eligible women from London. His mother, with whom he does not get along, decides to help in the planning and creates the guest list. She gets very creative in the way she goes about the list and seeing who arrives at Newhall Castle.
Julian and Caroline do not like each other and the one time he stands up for her and protects her from a nasty suitor, she bites off his head! After the altercation, Caroline decides to spend time away from London finding the ‘real’ Caroline. However, before she can leave for Strathmore Castle, Julian’s mother invites her to the house party. How can Caroline refuse the Countess? After a difficult journey, Caroline, her brother and cousin, arrive at Newhall Castle only to find out they are the only ones invited! This is a shock to everyone, including Julian!
The next week finds Julian and Caroline battling against each other, against common foes, being self-reflective, and learning about each other. When Caroline left London for Newhall Castle, it was her way of escaping her troubles. Could she find other reasons for being there? For wanting to remain there? Can Julian get past the idea that he and Caroline were sworn enemies? Can he change his views on marriage?
This is Sasha Cottman’s 7th book in the Duke of Strathmore series and I hope there are many more like this to come. Her writing and descriptions make you feel you are watching the story unfold with the characters. I found myself wanting to find out if Julian and Caroline (and Midas) get their HEA, but not wanting the book to end! One of the best books I have read in a while!
November 9, 2021
Caroline, Lady de Frost-Winter!
A beautifully written book that is set in the Regency period.
London, the winter of 1817. Caroline Saunders is a very attractive woman, but she doesn't like being reduced to her visible attributes. The ton is too superficial for her. She is unusual, personable, has warmth and depth.
However, none of this radiates outwards. Admirers cannot reach her with a ten foot pole. She has already been nicknamed "Ice Queen". Basically, however, she is not even aware of this "aura".
Julian Palmer is the Earl of Newhall and has to find a bride. But Caroline has already given him "frostbite" and that is why she would never be an option for him. If only because, without her suspecting it, she arouses uncomfortable associations with his mother in him.
But a blizzard plays fate and, due to certain circumstances, guides just that Caroline, totally deranged to Julian's property in Newhall Castle. And you don't let a damsel in distress down? Especially when mesmerism begins to unfold between them?
The book can also be read as a standalone independent of the other volumes, but because the plots are all intertwined due to the background and characters return as protagonists in later volumes, this is much more enjoyable and recommendable.
The work contains everything that makes you happy. Romance, misunderstandings, intrigues, twists and turns, sympathetic protagonists and at least one mean character.
Emotional and touching, with three-dimensional protagonists, with whom you fully go along. Well researched and written in many layers, very legible from beginning to end and extremely worthwhile! Thank you, Sasha Cottman !!!!!
A beautifully written book that is set in the Regency period.
London, the winter of 1817. Caroline Saunders is a very attractive woman, but she doesn't like being reduced to her visible attributes. The ton is too superficial for her. She is unusual, personable, has warmth and depth.
However, none of this radiates outwards. Admirers cannot reach her with a ten foot pole. She has already been nicknamed "Ice Queen". Basically, however, she is not even aware of this "aura".
Julian Palmer is the Earl of Newhall and has to find a bride. But Caroline has already given him "frostbite" and that is why she would never be an option for him. If only because, without her suspecting it, she arouses uncomfortable associations with his mother in him.
But a blizzard plays fate and, due to certain circumstances, guides just that Caroline, totally deranged to Julian's property in Newhall Castle. And you don't let a damsel in distress down? Especially when mesmerism begins to unfold between them?
The book can also be read as a standalone independent of the other volumes, but because the plots are all intertwined due to the background and characters return as protagonists in later volumes, this is much more enjoyable and recommendable.
The work contains everything that makes you happy. Romance, misunderstandings, intrigues, twists and turns, sympathetic protagonists and at least one mean character.
Emotional and touching, with three-dimensional protagonists, with whom you fully go along. Well researched and written in many layers, very legible from beginning to end and extremely worthwhile! Thank you, Sasha Cottman !!!!!
May 7, 2020
Overall, I really like this book because I thought it was very interesting to include two completely different main characters with different backgrounds.
I thought the addition of the Countess of Lienz (Julian's) mother was very interesting and made the story a bit different as it was suprising to find out that the Countess would go as far as to sabotage her son's party as well as keeping the Crusader Ruby.
I also enjoyed the addition of Harry Menzies as it was a bit shocking to discover that he would go as far as trying to force Caroline to marry him.
However, it was a bit unrealistic that Caroline would give up her virginity to Julian before marriage (at the time). This could have caused a scandal or for her to become pregnant. The timing and flow was also a bit unrealistic (for so much happened in a couple of weeks including: meeting, hating eachother, letting caroline fall in the lake, having her arrive at the party, becoming friends, finding out the real side to each other, falling in love, avoiding scandal, get engaged, get married, retrieve the Crusader Ruby). I also thought it peculiar that Lady Margaret was excepted by the ton.
But that being said I enjoyed the end where the Countess if Lienz has to hand over the Crusader Ruby (although too much emphasise was put on the heirloom).
I thought the addition of the Countess of Lienz (Julian's) mother was very interesting and made the story a bit different as it was suprising to find out that the Countess would go as far as to sabotage her son's party as well as keeping the Crusader Ruby.
I also enjoyed the addition of Harry Menzies as it was a bit shocking to discover that he would go as far as trying to force Caroline to marry him.
However, it was a bit unrealistic that Caroline would give up her virginity to Julian before marriage (at the time). This could have caused a scandal or for her to become pregnant. The timing and flow was also a bit unrealistic (for so much happened in a couple of weeks including: meeting, hating eachother, letting caroline fall in the lake, having her arrive at the party, becoming friends, finding out the real side to each other, falling in love, avoiding scandal, get engaged, get married, retrieve the Crusader Ruby). I also thought it peculiar that Lady Margaret was excepted by the ton.
But that being said I enjoyed the end where the Countess if Lienz has to hand over the Crusader Ruby (although too much emphasise was put on the heirloom).
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 27, 2019
There is so much more to a person than their looks! The Ice Queen is book 7 in The Duke of Strathmore series and what a great series. Though in a series this story can be read as a standalone. I found this story of enemies to lovers a true delight. The story is original and so very creative and It was simply a joy to read. Sasha has a way of building such wonderful and lovable characters and she can really write great evil characters as well. Her descriptions give you a real feel for the regency era. This story has an evil mother, coldness, being rude, realizing a change is needed, kindness, schemes, a house party, injury, hurt, a forced betrothal, protection, misunderstandings, scandal, acceptance, hesitance and falling in love. I highly recommend this book!
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
***This book was gifted to me and I am voluntarily reviewing.
November 5, 2020
This was an enjoyable and lovely crafted story by Sasha Cottman. Caroline and Julian were wonderful characters and their story was well paced.
Caroline is known as the Ice Queen for treating her suitors with disdain. She doesn't want to be seen just for her beauty. Julian is emotionally scarred from his parent's disastrous marriage, in particular his mother who holds no affection for him. He doesn't want to be caught in the same trap with the Ice Queen and would never consider her as a prospective bride. However, Caroline becomes stranded at his estate during a snow storm and he must make the best of a bad situation.
Her heart starts to melt for Julian and he slowly starts to see Caroline for who she really is and not just her beauty.
Caroline is known as the Ice Queen for treating her suitors with disdain. She doesn't want to be seen just for her beauty. Julian is emotionally scarred from his parent's disastrous marriage, in particular his mother who holds no affection for him. He doesn't want to be caught in the same trap with the Ice Queen and would never consider her as a prospective bride. However, Caroline becomes stranded at his estate during a snow storm and he must make the best of a bad situation.
Her heart starts to melt for Julian and he slowly starts to see Caroline for who she really is and not just her beauty.
February 14, 2020
Charming Read
The main reason Caroline and Julian ended up together portrayed Julian as naive (never entrust a task to the untrustworthy). However, it created an ideal circumstance for romance. Julian's initial disdain for Caroline and her tight-knit family was amusing. The story was drawn out in places, and there was a scene near the end with the villain that was so implausible it would have been better left out. Overall, a good read.
The main reason Caroline and Julian ended up together portrayed Julian as naive (never entrust a task to the untrustworthy). However, it created an ideal circumstance for romance. Julian's initial disdain for Caroline and her tight-knit family was amusing. The story was drawn out in places, and there was a scene near the end with the villain that was so implausible it would have been better left out. Overall, a good read.
March 24, 2020
Meh
This one just seemed to be rushed the characters lacked charm for each other til the end.. The story ran in circles til towards the end of the book.. I will read the next one hopefully the characters and the story are better and less rushed.. Then this one.. I'm sorry for the 2 star but only at the end of the story did it get to become an interesting story
This one just seemed to be rushed the characters lacked charm for each other til the end.. The story ran in circles til towards the end of the book.. I will read the next one hopefully the characters and the story are better and less rushed.. Then this one.. I'm sorry for the 2 star but only at the end of the story did it get to become an interesting story
November 17, 2020
The Ice Queen is a terrific period romance about a young woman with too many suitors and the man whose love will melt her frozen heart. This is part of a series of fabulous romances.
Contains graphic sex scenes.
The narrator of the audiobook is well suited to the material and does a nice job bringing it to life.
Contains graphic sex scenes.
The narrator of the audiobook is well suited to the material and does a nice job bringing it to life.
October 29, 2021
This is a pretty standard regency except for the hideous mother and the sort of strange morals of a woman who is a virgin and is concerned about the opinion of the ton pre birth control and with zero attention to it by the groom who needs a few months to court her in public. So it was kind of wacky and felt forced rather than romantic.
December 22, 2022
Amazing!!!
Such a great book! Caroline's story is truly incredible... Loved the story and the plot. Impossible not to love the Saunders and Radleys ! A lot of laughs and great moments! Julien us such a swear heart! Great love story.
Such a great book! Caroline's story is truly incredible... Loved the story and the plot. Impossible not to love the Saunders and Radleys ! A lot of laughs and great moments! Julien us such a swear heart! Great love story.
March 6, 2019
The Ice Queen (The Duke of Strathmore Book 7)
Another great Regency Romance! I promise that you will not want to put it down. It keeps your attention! Enjoy!
Another great Regency Romance! I promise that you will not want to put it down. It keeps your attention! Enjoy!
January 23, 2020
It’s soooooooo long and drawn out for no reason. DNF
October 27, 2021
Es más un 3.5
February 19, 2022
Unexpectedly pleased.
I liked how Caroline's problem was presented and addressed. The sexy times do not seem out of place. Good book.
I liked how Caroline's problem was presented and addressed. The sexy times do not seem out of place. Good book.
October 19, 2022
A little repetitive and lacking in any real excitement or character development.
But I finished it in the end skimming the last section.
But I finished it in the end skimming the last section.
Read
August 4, 2025You’d think she killed someone dog the way everyone who was supposed to like her was treating her like the devil’s incarnate.
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