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Sin and Sensibility #3
Anyone But a Duke
For fans of HBO’s The Gilded Age, explore the dark side of the alluring world of America’s 19th century elite in this gripping series of riveting mysteries…
New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn delivers an irresistible romance shimmering with light-hearted wit and thrilling twists...
The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother’s attempts to find her a titled husband among London’s aristocracy. Now, after an earl’s very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount...
Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah’s brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence...
Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about “Art,” the roguish interloper—now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber—smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities...
New York Times bestselling author Betina Krahn delivers an irresistible romance shimmering with light-hearted wit and thrilling twists...
The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother’s attempts to find her a titled husband among London’s aristocracy. Now, after an earl’s very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount...
Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah’s brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence...
Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about “Art,” the roguish interloper—now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber—smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities...
352 pages, Kindle Edition
First published November 26, 2019
168 people are currently reading
2112 people want to read
About the author
Betina Krahn
60 books311 followersKrahn, born Betina Maynard, is the second daughter of Dors Maynard and Regina Triplett. Krahn learned to read at the age of four, and began making up her own stories when she was only six. In fifth grade she won a silver "Noble Order of Bookworms" pin for her achievements in reading, and the following year she began writing down her stories.
Krane was graduated from high school in Newark, Ohio and received a B.S. in Education (Biological Sciences) at Ohio State University. After college, Krahn taught science in Newark, and studied for a graduate degree at Ohio State in the summers. It was during those summers that she met her future husband, physics graduate student Donald Krahn.
The family moved to Oklahoma, where Krahn finished the work for her Masters of Education in Counseling in 1973. In 1974, she gave birth to her first child, Nathan, with the second son Zebulun arriving in 1978. With two young children, Krahn became a stay-at-home mother for a time, also finding time to volunteer on a community board working to get funding for mental health care in part of Western Oklahoma. Once the funding was secured, Krahn worked as an HR director for a mental health center.
Krane was graduated from high school in Newark, Ohio and received a B.S. in Education (Biological Sciences) at Ohio State University. After college, Krahn taught science in Newark, and studied for a graduate degree at Ohio State in the summers. It was during those summers that she met her future husband, physics graduate student Donald Krahn.
The family moved to Oklahoma, where Krahn finished the work for her Masters of Education in Counseling in 1973. In 1974, she gave birth to her first child, Nathan, with the second son Zebulun arriving in 1978. With two young children, Krahn became a stay-at-home mother for a time, also finding time to volunteer on a community board working to get funding for mental health care in part of Western Oklahoma. Once the funding was secured, Krahn worked as an HR director for a mental health center.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 80 reviews
December 7, 2019
Having read and enjoyed the previous book in this series, I was happy to embark in another romance with a Bumgarten sister. I did not read the first story, which does have a closer related story to this one than the second. I followed along fine, but I do think it advisable to read the first before reading this one. This story is about the youngest Bumgarten sister, Sister, and the long, lost Duke of Meridian, Arthur.
At the start of the novel, Sarah suffers a heartbreak and public embarrassment that causes her to flee London to her sister and brother-in-laws unkempt estate (they are residing in New York). Once there, she finds an outlet for her disappointment in restoring the estate, tending the animals and helping the locals. She soon becomes an endeared resident and is often mistakenly referred to as the duchess. Arthur shows up in the nearby village as unrecognizable stranger, having survived a journey home worthy of the Odyssey. He remains anonymous while getting the lay of the land. He ends up in a couple scapes, earning him respect and landing him as a patient under Sarah’s care. I enjoy stories that have the h&h working toward a shared goal, with an attraction that is founded in mutual respect. It makes for a more believable romance, and this story definitely has that.
Krahn has a light touch with pleasing results. I like the depiction of the Nevada-raised Bumgarten sisters in this series. They don’t fit in with London society, but they have their own charms without every other word being twangy. There is also a great cast of secondary characters. Overall, this was an enjoyable romance that was more original than most offerings today.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an unbiased review of this story.
At the start of the novel, Sarah suffers a heartbreak and public embarrassment that causes her to flee London to her sister and brother-in-laws unkempt estate (they are residing in New York). Once there, she finds an outlet for her disappointment in restoring the estate, tending the animals and helping the locals. She soon becomes an endeared resident and is often mistakenly referred to as the duchess. Arthur shows up in the nearby village as unrecognizable stranger, having survived a journey home worthy of the Odyssey. He remains anonymous while getting the lay of the land. He ends up in a couple scapes, earning him respect and landing him as a patient under Sarah’s care. I enjoy stories that have the h&h working toward a shared goal, with an attraction that is founded in mutual respect. It makes for a more believable romance, and this story definitely has that.
Krahn has a light touch with pleasing results. I like the depiction of the Nevada-raised Bumgarten sisters in this series. They don’t fit in with London society, but they have their own charms without every other word being twangy. There is also a great cast of secondary characters. Overall, this was an enjoyable romance that was more original than most offerings today.
*Thank you to the publisher and NetGalley for the opportunity to read and provide an unbiased review of this story.
February 13, 2023
I think this author just isn't for me.
I almost DNFed around a third into it, but than Art finally comes clean about who he really is and I just kept going but skimmed a fair bit.
The whole blah blah about him being besotted by her older sister Daisy was dealt with in the last few pages
I was not a fan of Daisy (Sarah's older sister) or Ashton (Art's younger brother). And I didn't like the way the they stole the stage from the MCs for the end of the story.
My biggest beef was the bad-guys. A bunch of roll yer eyes obvious evil never-d0-wells. They might as well have had mustaches to twirl.
They stole half the story but gave nothing to it.
So sorry not sorry.
The romantic arc between the H,h was pretty much non-existent for the H.
Anyways, I thought the author could've put a little more thought into this one.
safety is good.
I almost DNFed around a third into it, but than Art finally comes clean about who he really is and I just kept going but skimmed a fair bit.
The whole blah blah about him being besotted by her older sister Daisy was dealt with in the last few pages
I was not a fan of Daisy (Sarah's older sister) or Ashton (Art's younger brother). And I didn't like the way the they stole the stage from the MCs for the end of the story.
My biggest beef was the bad-guys. A bunch of roll yer eyes obvious evil never-d0-wells. They might as well have had mustaches to twirl.
They stole half the story but gave nothing to it.
So sorry not sorry.
The romantic arc between the H,h was pretty much non-existent for the H.
Anyways, I thought the author could've put a little more thought into this one.
safety is good.
November 11, 2019
When a long-lost duke reappears, what will do the woman who have taken the mantle of managing his estate...
This is my first read by Mrs Betina Krahn, and despite this book being the last in a series, I never felt lost.
At first I wondered during which period the story was set, thermometers and stethoscope plus train, I knew we were probably during the Victorian area, then a note of the author by the end of the book, settles the action in 1890, which explains more easily the different advancements in science.
I just loved this tale, nothing was rushed, and even if the novel is essentially from the main couple’s point of view, it has some insights from side characters.
The tension in the story is brought slowly, the author takes her time to introduce the different protagonists, then she sets everything in motion.
It was not a lust-charged romance, Arthur and Sarah get to know one another, then learn about each other before being able to give their truth.
Noting is rushed, a round of events bring them on the same path, yet they will have to work together before they might believe they can count on the other.
Sarah has sought shelter at her brother-in-law’s estate, yet there she found a true new direction for her life, slowly she is rebuilding her sister’s husband holdings, and there she felt at her right place. Here, she feels she is more than tolerated, she has been accepted as part of their own.
Yet things are not quiet and all is not rosy, danger and greed lurk in the corner.
And It is this threatening menace that brought Arthur at her doorstep.
Arthur left his home and country heartbroken, and from there, he accumulated issue after issue. My heart rooted with him for everything he endured before he was able to regain his freedom. He payed a heavy price during his six years of estrangement, it shaped him in a very different man, his errors and pains made him grow. Now back home, he is no longer the young confused lord he once was, he learned the value of hard works and being accepted in the heart of a clan.
It is spirited and delightful tale of a second chance at life and love, with two peoples who work hand in hand to revive a country’s land, and in the process come to view the other as an asset for their own life.
Up to them to fight their own demons and go for what or who really matters.
I just loved they do not let miscommunication nor misconceptions ruin their relationship, they are able to discuss and express their fears and doubts. And they are reasonable when it is shown they were on a wrong path.
They do not let anger or worry damage their link.
5 stars for this astonishing tale of two resilient persons whose love and care for all the life’s around, pet or human, shows their true color.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher on Netgalley, I also purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
This is my first read by Mrs Betina Krahn, and despite this book being the last in a series, I never felt lost.
At first I wondered during which period the story was set, thermometers and stethoscope plus train, I knew we were probably during the Victorian area, then a note of the author by the end of the book, settles the action in 1890, which explains more easily the different advancements in science.
I just loved this tale, nothing was rushed, and even if the novel is essentially from the main couple’s point of view, it has some insights from side characters.
The tension in the story is brought slowly, the author takes her time to introduce the different protagonists, then she sets everything in motion.
It was not a lust-charged romance, Arthur and Sarah get to know one another, then learn about each other before being able to give their truth.
Noting is rushed, a round of events bring them on the same path, yet they will have to work together before they might believe they can count on the other.
Sarah has sought shelter at her brother-in-law’s estate, yet there she found a true new direction for her life, slowly she is rebuilding her sister’s husband holdings, and there she felt at her right place. Here, she feels she is more than tolerated, she has been accepted as part of their own.
Yet things are not quiet and all is not rosy, danger and greed lurk in the corner.
And It is this threatening menace that brought Arthur at her doorstep.
Arthur left his home and country heartbroken, and from there, he accumulated issue after issue. My heart rooted with him for everything he endured before he was able to regain his freedom. He payed a heavy price during his six years of estrangement, it shaped him in a very different man, his errors and pains made him grow. Now back home, he is no longer the young confused lord he once was, he learned the value of hard works and being accepted in the heart of a clan.
It is spirited and delightful tale of a second chance at life and love, with two peoples who work hand in hand to revive a country’s land, and in the process come to view the other as an asset for their own life.
Up to them to fight their own demons and go for what or who really matters.
I just loved they do not let miscommunication nor misconceptions ruin their relationship, they are able to discuss and express their fears and doubts. And they are reasonable when it is shown they were on a wrong path.
They do not let anger or worry damage their link.
5 stars for this astonishing tale of two resilient persons whose love and care for all the life’s around, pet or human, shows their true color.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher on Netgalley, I also purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
January 14, 2020
Sarah is the youngest of four American sisters. The story opens with her having her heart stomped on and she vows to leave London and find somewhere to belong away from the aristocracy. She flees to the estate of her sister and brother-in-law, though they are in America. The country home of the missing Duke. The mysterious, missing Duke, no one knows what happened to him. He's been gone for 5 years. When a friendless, tanned, tattooed man shows up, everyone wonders who he is. Named “Art” he forms a relationship with Sarah while recovering from a gunshot wound.
This book started out so strong for me. All I wanted to do was read it. I was sneaking it into the bathroom and hiding from my kids. Alas, about 1/3 of the way in my interest started to wane. This is my second try with Betina Kahn and I felt similar about the first one I tried. There just tends to be a lot of plot going on, mystery, action, and the characters get a little lost for me. I want more time spent on their relationship and the feels of the relationship. I think if you like your books fast paced with a hint of mystery and action you would like her writing. There's definitely a few parts that are funny.
I'd also like the say, even though this is book 3 in the series, it's fine as a standalone. Series are usually better in order, with knowing who is who and the character depth of seeing the family members, but you definitely won't be lost with just picking up this book. (I love series like this, it's nice to just pick up a book and read it and not have to hunt down everything else first.)
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
This book started out so strong for me. All I wanted to do was read it. I was sneaking it into the bathroom and hiding from my kids. Alas, about 1/3 of the way in my interest started to wane. This is my second try with Betina Kahn and I felt similar about the first one I tried. There just tends to be a lot of plot going on, mystery, action, and the characters get a little lost for me. I want more time spent on their relationship and the feels of the relationship. I think if you like your books fast paced with a hint of mystery and action you would like her writing. There's definitely a few parts that are funny.
I'd also like the say, even though this is book 3 in the series, it's fine as a standalone. Series are usually better in order, with knowing who is who and the character depth of seeing the family members, but you definitely won't be lost with just picking up this book. (I love series like this, it's nice to just pick up a book and read it and not have to hunt down everything else first.)
I was able to receive an ARC copy complimentary from netgalley. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
September 4, 2021
The Sin & Sensibility Series included:
A Good Day to Marry a Duke bk #1. I DNF.
The Girl w/ the Sweetest Secret bk #2, gave 4 stars
Anyone But a Duke bk #3, gave 2.5 stars.
This featured Arthur, a Duke thought dead &
Sarah a healer of animals and humans. She acted
as steward for her BIL Ash.
This story did not strike me as believable.
1) Art was captured/ imprisoned or forced to do
hard labor in one foreign country after another.
2) Art's loving family made little effort to find
Art: missing & presumed dead, over 6 yrs.
3) Constables made a perfunctory effort in in-
vestigating sabotage of humans & farm animals
& property in this small rural area.
4) The h ruminated that H still loved her older sis.
5) The baddie's faux demeanor gave him away.
6) The h seemed too perfect and loved animals.
I expected Sarah to dance/ sing in a circle with her
dogs, goats, horses and neighbor kids' owned rabbits.
Like an animated story.
IMO this author demonstrated in the past her writing
acumen, just not in this series.
A Good Day to Marry a Duke bk #1. I DNF.
The Girl w/ the Sweetest Secret bk #2, gave 4 stars
Anyone But a Duke bk #3, gave 2.5 stars.
This featured Arthur, a Duke thought dead &
Sarah a healer of animals and humans. She acted
as steward for her BIL Ash.
This story did not strike me as believable.
1) Art was captured/ imprisoned or forced to do
hard labor in one foreign country after another.
2) Art's loving family made little effort to find
Art: missing & presumed dead, over 6 yrs.
3) Constables made a perfunctory effort in in-
vestigating sabotage of humans & farm animals
& property in this small rural area.
4) The h ruminated that H still loved her older sis.
5) The baddie's faux demeanor gave him away.
6) The h seemed too perfect and loved animals.
I expected Sarah to dance/ sing in a circle with her
dogs, goats, horses and neighbor kids' owned rabbits.
Like an animated story.
IMO this author demonstrated in the past her writing
acumen, just not in this series.
December 24, 2022
Sarah Bumgarten left London to avoid scandal. Living at her brother- in-law's estate of Betancourt, she's made a miraculous change in it's upkeep and profitability. A stranger in the village is hesitant to reveal who he is. After he's shot, he recovers at Betancourt under Sarah's care. The more bits and pieces he reveals, the more it seems he may be the missing Duke of Betancourt, especially when he steps in to catch the men trying to destroy the estate. A sweet, laugh out loud, romantic love story. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
March 3, 2020
Anyone But a Duke features a delightful romance between a woman determined to forge her own path and a missing nobleman.
The youngest of four sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has avoided her mother’s matchmaking thus far and found someone on her own. However after she is publicly rejected and humiliated, Sarah retreats to her brother-in-law’s country estate seeking refuge from the ton. With the estate sorely neglected after its rightful owner disappeared, Sarah begins renovating the property. When Sarah is threatened by thugs, a stranger comes to her aid and becomes injured in the process. As Sarah assists in his recovery, she begins to wonder if Art could be the long lost duke?
Sarah and her sisters are from America and as such they do not fit in with London’s high society leading to Sarah frequently being alone. Once Sarah arrived at Betancourt, she became so much happier and I loved watching her settle into running and fixing up the estate. I also thought it was delightful how Betancourt’s tenants fell in love with her kindness and affectionately referred to her as the duchess.
Upon his return to England, Arthur wanted to be forewarned of what he was walking into and decided to anonymously check out the estate before he would reveal himself. Due to his experiences while gone, Arthur is very much a different person than the one who left, both mentally and physically. While I understood his hesitation to hold himself back, I was also frustrated by it due to the issues it causes.
Sarah and Arthur’s relationship started out very slowly as they are both unsure of the other’s motives. Arthur doesn’t understand why Sarah has taken over the estate and Sarah has a hard time trusting a man who won’t reveal anything about his identity. Things only really begin to progress between them after Arthur is forced to reveal his identity when his cousin shows up trying to weasel his way into ownership of Betancourt. From there, the two had a common enemy which allowed them to set aside their differences in order to work together and they ultimately form a wonderful friendship. After that their relationship progresses more quickly and I thought it was fantastically done. One of my favorite things about their romance was how they didn’t let simple misunderstandings come between them, but instead worked them out together.
The plot with Arthur’s cousin George was an interesting one and I was curious to see how the man would try to forcibly take the estate as it was clear he had no intention of giving up after Arthur’s identity was revealed. I don’t want to spoil how things came about, but I will say the man was relentless in his quest to take Betancourt and it was nice to get a bad guy who refused to back down. All too often in historical romances with mystery plots, the bad guy gives up too easily which makes for a lack-luster ending. In this book though I was happy with the way the situation was resolved and thought the ending had just the right amount of suspense.
Overall Anyone But a Duke was a great read and I definitely want to check out the first two books in the Sin and Sensibility series in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
The youngest of four sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has avoided her mother’s matchmaking thus far and found someone on her own. However after she is publicly rejected and humiliated, Sarah retreats to her brother-in-law’s country estate seeking refuge from the ton. With the estate sorely neglected after its rightful owner disappeared, Sarah begins renovating the property. When Sarah is threatened by thugs, a stranger comes to her aid and becomes injured in the process. As Sarah assists in his recovery, she begins to wonder if Art could be the long lost duke?
Sarah and her sisters are from America and as such they do not fit in with London’s high society leading to Sarah frequently being alone. Once Sarah arrived at Betancourt, she became so much happier and I loved watching her settle into running and fixing up the estate. I also thought it was delightful how Betancourt’s tenants fell in love with her kindness and affectionately referred to her as the duchess.
Upon his return to England, Arthur wanted to be forewarned of what he was walking into and decided to anonymously check out the estate before he would reveal himself. Due to his experiences while gone, Arthur is very much a different person than the one who left, both mentally and physically. While I understood his hesitation to hold himself back, I was also frustrated by it due to the issues it causes.
Sarah and Arthur’s relationship started out very slowly as they are both unsure of the other’s motives. Arthur doesn’t understand why Sarah has taken over the estate and Sarah has a hard time trusting a man who won’t reveal anything about his identity. Things only really begin to progress between them after Arthur is forced to reveal his identity when his cousin shows up trying to weasel his way into ownership of Betancourt. From there, the two had a common enemy which allowed them to set aside their differences in order to work together and they ultimately form a wonderful friendship. After that their relationship progresses more quickly and I thought it was fantastically done. One of my favorite things about their romance was how they didn’t let simple misunderstandings come between them, but instead worked them out together.
The plot with Arthur’s cousin George was an interesting one and I was curious to see how the man would try to forcibly take the estate as it was clear he had no intention of giving up after Arthur’s identity was revealed. I don’t want to spoil how things came about, but I will say the man was relentless in his quest to take Betancourt and it was nice to get a bad guy who refused to back down. All too often in historical romances with mystery plots, the bad guy gives up too easily which makes for a lack-luster ending. In this book though I was happy with the way the situation was resolved and thought the ending had just the right amount of suspense.
Overall Anyone But a Duke was a great read and I definitely want to check out the first two books in the Sin and Sensibility series in the future.
**I received an advance copy of this book from Netgalley and the publisher in exchange for an honest review.**
November 12, 2019
Anyone But a Duke
Sin & Sensibility Series #3
Betina Krahn
https://betinakrahn.com
Release date 11/26/2019
Publisher Kensington / Zebra
Blurb :
The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother’s attempts to find her a titled husband among London’s aristocracy. Now, after an earl’s very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount . . .
Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah’s brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence . . .
Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about “Art,” the roguish interloper—now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber—smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities . . .
My review :
When a long-lost duke reappears, what will do the woman who have taken the mantle of managing his estate...
This is my first read by Mrs Betina Krahn, and despite this book being the last in a series, I never felt lost.
At first I wondered during which period the story was set, thermometers and stethoscope plus train, I knew we were probably during the Victorian area, then a note of the author by the end of the book, settles the action in 1890, which explains more easily the different advancements in science.
I just loved this tale, nothing was rushed, and even if the novel is essentially from the main couple’s point of view, it has some insights from side characters.
The tension in the story is brought slowly, the author takes her time to introduce the different protagonists, then she sets everything in motion.
It was not a lust-charged romance, Arthur and Sarah get to know one another, then learn about each other before being able to give their truth.
When a round of events bring them on the same path, from this point they will have to work together before they might believe they can count on the other.
Sarah has sought shelter at her brother-in-law’s estate, she is clever and not afraid of hard work why it is there she found a true new direction for her life, slowly she is rebuilding her sister’s husband holdings, and there she felt at her right place. Here, she feels she is more than tolerated, she has been accepted as part of their own.
Yet things are not quiet and all is not rosy, danger and greed lurk in the corner.
And It is this threatening menace that brought Arthur at her doorstep.
Arthur left his home and country heartbroken, and from there, he was bond to bad luck, accumulating issue after issue. My heart rooted for him with everything he endured before he was able to regain his freedom. He payed a heavy price during his six years of estrangement, it shaped him in a very different man, his errors and pains made him grow. Now back home, he is no longer the young confused lord he once was, unaware of his duty, he learned the value of hard works and now is ready to prove his worth to be accepted in the bosom of a clan.
It is a spirited and delightful tale of a second chance at life and love, with two peoples who work hand in hand to revive a country’s land, and in the process come to view the other as an asset for their own life.
Up to them to fight their own demons and go for what or who really matters.
I just loved they do not let miscommunication nor misconceptions ruin their relationship, they are able to discuss and express their fears and doubts. And they are reasonable when it is shown to them they were on a wrong path. They do not let anger or worry damage their link.
5 stars for this astonishing tale of two resilient persons whose love and care for all the lives around, pet or human, shows their true color.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher on Netgalley, I also purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
Sin & Sensibility Series #3
Betina Krahn
https://betinakrahn.com
Release date 11/26/2019
Publisher Kensington / Zebra
Blurb :
The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother’s attempts to find her a titled husband among London’s aristocracy. Now, after an earl’s very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount . . .
Thankfully, there are no noblemen in sight at Betancourt, the country estate where Sarah takes refuge. Its rightful owner, the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah’s brother-in-law, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence . . .
Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack. Nothing about “Art,” the roguish interloper—now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber—smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke? If so, Sarah soon realizes this homecoming promises to be filled with unexpected challenges and passionate possibilities . . .
My review :
When a long-lost duke reappears, what will do the woman who have taken the mantle of managing his estate...
This is my first read by Mrs Betina Krahn, and despite this book being the last in a series, I never felt lost.
At first I wondered during which period the story was set, thermometers and stethoscope plus train, I knew we were probably during the Victorian area, then a note of the author by the end of the book, settles the action in 1890, which explains more easily the different advancements in science.
I just loved this tale, nothing was rushed, and even if the novel is essentially from the main couple’s point of view, it has some insights from side characters.
The tension in the story is brought slowly, the author takes her time to introduce the different protagonists, then she sets everything in motion.
It was not a lust-charged romance, Arthur and Sarah get to know one another, then learn about each other before being able to give their truth.
When a round of events bring them on the same path, from this point they will have to work together before they might believe they can count on the other.
Sarah has sought shelter at her brother-in-law’s estate, she is clever and not afraid of hard work why it is there she found a true new direction for her life, slowly she is rebuilding her sister’s husband holdings, and there she felt at her right place. Here, she feels she is more than tolerated, she has been accepted as part of their own.
Yet things are not quiet and all is not rosy, danger and greed lurk in the corner.
And It is this threatening menace that brought Arthur at her doorstep.
Arthur left his home and country heartbroken, and from there, he was bond to bad luck, accumulating issue after issue. My heart rooted for him with everything he endured before he was able to regain his freedom. He payed a heavy price during his six years of estrangement, it shaped him in a very different man, his errors and pains made him grow. Now back home, he is no longer the young confused lord he once was, unaware of his duty, he learned the value of hard works and now is ready to prove his worth to be accepted in the bosom of a clan.
It is a spirited and delightful tale of a second chance at life and love, with two peoples who work hand in hand to revive a country’s land, and in the process come to view the other as an asset for their own life.
Up to them to fight their own demons and go for what or who really matters.
I just loved they do not let miscommunication nor misconceptions ruin their relationship, they are able to discuss and express their fears and doubts. And they are reasonable when it is shown to them they were on a wrong path. They do not let anger or worry damage their link.
5 stars for this astonishing tale of two resilient persons whose love and care for all the lives around, pet or human, shows their true color.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher on Netgalley, I also purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
March 30, 2020
"If I conferred with our furry friends, man to animal
Think of the amazing repartee
If I could walk with the animals, talk with the animals
Grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals
And they could talk to me" - Leslie Bricusse
Anyone but a Duke is the last book in Betina Krahn’s Sin and Sensibility series. While I am excited to see Betina Krahn wielding her pen again, her latest series was a little underwhelming. Ms. Krahn is one of those authors who I hold to higher expectations. She has been around for a while. She is what I would call a veteran, and is responsible for some of my favorite “old” romance books. Although, I will admit that when I recently reread her old classic Caught in the Act, it did not pass the test of time. It melted down in the Way-back machine. Back to Anyone but a Duke. Be warned, there is a large amount of plausibility stretching in this story.
Anyone but a Duke returns us to those wild and woolly cowpoke girls, the Baumgarten sisters. This story is about the youngest sister, Sarah. When the story begins, she is in the process of having her feelings hurt by one of her suitors. She believed he was the man for her, she thought he was in luvvvv with her. However, Sarah is not wise to the way of the aristocracy. Evidently, inheriting an Earldom turns her suitor into a worm, and he dumps the brash American for an Italian heiress. Sarah is embarrassed. She decides to leave London and hide out at her brother-in-law’s estate. She has had enough of the backbiting society world. She is off to the country! Did I mention she was nineteen, her brother-in-law and sister are not at the estate, and she is going without any chaperones? Not only that, but once she gets there she notices that the estate is in shambles. As any nineteen-year-old girl would do, she takes over the management of the estate, and in just a matter of months, she is getting everything in order. It would seem that servants and village people do not have any trouble following the orders of a teenager. A teenager, by the way, who is not the owner of the property, nor do they have the authority to manage said property. Not only that, she is an American teenager and she’s giving orders to British servants/villagers/farmers/cow-herders/etc. That whole scenario was one big hurdle to jump. Dare I say it was ludicrous? I do not care if it was the 1890s. Let’s take that scenario out of the past and bring it into our age. Seriously, would any of us take orders from a nineteen year old who has no experience, and who does not have the authority to make changes to the land/property/whatever? “What’s that you say little lady? You want to build a new roof. Sure, sure! I’ll get right on it! You’re going to get the money from where? No proble-mo! By the way, just who are you?” I can only arrive at the conclusion that Sarah was a Vulcan who could control people with a mind-meld. But it is not just people. She also has a way with animals. Not just a way, but a waaaay.
Sarah communes with the animals, she sings, she dances, she whispers, and they follow her around. All of them fighting just to get close to her. It’s probably the peanut butter she wears behind her pointy ears. There was one particular scene in this book, which reminded me of Disney’s Snow White cleaning the dwarf’s house. That was the scene where Snow White sang while allll the animals helped her. Not only is she super-duper with the animals, and bends servants to her will, she can heal human gunshot victims. Enter our hero, Arthur.
Now on to another convoluted plot: Arthur. The estate Sarah is saving, Betancourt, belongs to her brother-in-law – sort of. Her brother-in-law, Ashton, was the hero from A Good Day to Marry a Duke. Ashton married Sarah’s sister Daisy. Daisy had set her sights on Ashton’s brother Arthur, the Duke of Meridian. But, in the end she decided Ashton was her man. I guess Arthur had his heart broken, so he decided to leave, and journey the world. In his absence, he left Ashton with the responsibility of managing the estate. He also said that if he didn’t return in six years Ashton would be the Duke, or something like that. I would think that Arthur would have to be declared legally dead for that to happen. However, I am not a solicitor, or a lawyer. Anyway, it seems that neither brother is alllll that responsible. Arthur is off seeing the world and Ashton is off touring America with his new wife. Both brothers are ignoring the poor starving people on their estate. Then Arthur disappears, his family thinks he is dead. Does anyone try to find him? Not that I know of. Nah, Ashton is too busy showing off in America to take the time to find his brother, or help the struggling people at Betancourt. In the meantime, Arthur’s tour of the world is not turning out to be what he wanted. He is kidnapped, imprisoned, works for a pirate, escapes, is captured, imprisoned, then escapes again. He does not let anyone know he is alive. True, there weren’t smartphones then, but this story takes place in the 1890s, and there were telegraphs strung across continents, there were telephone systems, there were postal deliveries, and don’t forget about those carrier pigeons. There had to have been a way for Arthur to communicate to someone that he was still alive. In the meantime, people are starving back at Betancourt, houses are falling down, and cows are drying up. However, then super-duper girl shows up to save the day. Then one day while she was walking along talking to the squirrels, she stumbles across an injured stranger. She takes him back to Betancourt, puts him in his old bed and treats him. Of course, she does not remember him; she was only thirteen the last time she saw him. However, he looks mighty familiar. Arthur, on the other hand remembers her. Does he tell her who he is? Oh, you silly-willies, of course not!
If it were just Arthur and Sarah, I might have bought into the story, but there were a whole lot of other things going on. There was an obvious villain. He looks, tastes, smells, and acts like a villain. However, Sarah and Arthur do not catch on. There are gangs of house and stable burning, scum-sucking, hoodlums, who are out to disrupt the peaceful village. I never quite understood a secondary-secondary bad-guy-good-guy. Even in the end, I was puzzled as to whether he was protecting Sarah, or trying to kill her. There were Ashton and Daisy returning from America, and trying to explain their neglect of Betancourt. There was Daisy’s mother, who was over-protective in all the other books, but did not seem to care that her nineteen-year-old daughter was managing an estate miles, and miles away. And, of course there was Uncle Red.
This story was an “if-only story”. If only the heroine was older, and/or chaperoned. If only the heroine was not such a super-duper girl. If only the hero was honest about his identity. If only Ashton had lived up to his hero status from the previous books. If only the villains were not in the book. If only someone cared about the poor villagers, someone with the authority to do so. While Sarah and Arthur had possibilities, the rest of the story was a convoluted narrative, and it did not live up to my expectations. Sorry to say, the last book in this series was a disappointment for me. As much as it pains me to say, I cannot recommend it.
Think of the amazing repartee
If I could walk with the animals, talk with the animals
Grunt and squeak and squawk with the animals
And they could talk to me" - Leslie Bricusse
Anyone but a Duke is the last book in Betina Krahn’s Sin and Sensibility series. While I am excited to see Betina Krahn wielding her pen again, her latest series was a little underwhelming. Ms. Krahn is one of those authors who I hold to higher expectations. She has been around for a while. She is what I would call a veteran, and is responsible for some of my favorite “old” romance books. Although, I will admit that when I recently reread her old classic Caught in the Act, it did not pass the test of time. It melted down in the Way-back machine. Back to Anyone but a Duke. Be warned, there is a large amount of plausibility stretching in this story.
Anyone but a Duke returns us to those wild and woolly cowpoke girls, the Baumgarten sisters. This story is about the youngest sister, Sarah. When the story begins, she is in the process of having her feelings hurt by one of her suitors. She believed he was the man for her, she thought he was in luvvvv with her. However, Sarah is not wise to the way of the aristocracy. Evidently, inheriting an Earldom turns her suitor into a worm, and he dumps the brash American for an Italian heiress. Sarah is embarrassed. She decides to leave London and hide out at her brother-in-law’s estate. She has had enough of the backbiting society world. She is off to the country! Did I mention she was nineteen, her brother-in-law and sister are not at the estate, and she is going without any chaperones? Not only that, but once she gets there she notices that the estate is in shambles. As any nineteen-year-old girl would do, she takes over the management of the estate, and in just a matter of months, she is getting everything in order. It would seem that servants and village people do not have any trouble following the orders of a teenager. A teenager, by the way, who is not the owner of the property, nor do they have the authority to manage said property. Not only that, she is an American teenager and she’s giving orders to British servants/villagers/farmers/cow-herders/etc. That whole scenario was one big hurdle to jump. Dare I say it was ludicrous? I do not care if it was the 1890s. Let’s take that scenario out of the past and bring it into our age. Seriously, would any of us take orders from a nineteen year old who has no experience, and who does not have the authority to make changes to the land/property/whatever? “What’s that you say little lady? You want to build a new roof. Sure, sure! I’ll get right on it! You’re going to get the money from where? No proble-mo! By the way, just who are you?” I can only arrive at the conclusion that Sarah was a Vulcan who could control people with a mind-meld. But it is not just people. She also has a way with animals. Not just a way, but a waaaay.
Sarah communes with the animals, she sings, she dances, she whispers, and they follow her around. All of them fighting just to get close to her. It’s probably the peanut butter she wears behind her pointy ears. There was one particular scene in this book, which reminded me of Disney’s Snow White cleaning the dwarf’s house. That was the scene where Snow White sang while allll the animals helped her. Not only is she super-duper with the animals, and bends servants to her will, she can heal human gunshot victims. Enter our hero, Arthur.
Now on to another convoluted plot: Arthur. The estate Sarah is saving, Betancourt, belongs to her brother-in-law – sort of. Her brother-in-law, Ashton, was the hero from A Good Day to Marry a Duke. Ashton married Sarah’s sister Daisy. Daisy had set her sights on Ashton’s brother Arthur, the Duke of Meridian. But, in the end she decided Ashton was her man. I guess Arthur had his heart broken, so he decided to leave, and journey the world. In his absence, he left Ashton with the responsibility of managing the estate. He also said that if he didn’t return in six years Ashton would be the Duke, or something like that. I would think that Arthur would have to be declared legally dead for that to happen. However, I am not a solicitor, or a lawyer. Anyway, it seems that neither brother is alllll that responsible. Arthur is off seeing the world and Ashton is off touring America with his new wife. Both brothers are ignoring the poor starving people on their estate. Then Arthur disappears, his family thinks he is dead. Does anyone try to find him? Not that I know of. Nah, Ashton is too busy showing off in America to take the time to find his brother, or help the struggling people at Betancourt. In the meantime, Arthur’s tour of the world is not turning out to be what he wanted. He is kidnapped, imprisoned, works for a pirate, escapes, is captured, imprisoned, then escapes again. He does not let anyone know he is alive. True, there weren’t smartphones then, but this story takes place in the 1890s, and there were telegraphs strung across continents, there were telephone systems, there were postal deliveries, and don’t forget about those carrier pigeons. There had to have been a way for Arthur to communicate to someone that he was still alive. In the meantime, people are starving back at Betancourt, houses are falling down, and cows are drying up. However, then super-duper girl shows up to save the day. Then one day while she was walking along talking to the squirrels, she stumbles across an injured stranger. She takes him back to Betancourt, puts him in his old bed and treats him. Of course, she does not remember him; she was only thirteen the last time she saw him. However, he looks mighty familiar. Arthur, on the other hand remembers her. Does he tell her who he is? Oh, you silly-willies, of course not!
If it were just Arthur and Sarah, I might have bought into the story, but there were a whole lot of other things going on. There was an obvious villain. He looks, tastes, smells, and acts like a villain. However, Sarah and Arthur do not catch on. There are gangs of house and stable burning, scum-sucking, hoodlums, who are out to disrupt the peaceful village. I never quite understood a secondary-secondary bad-guy-good-guy. Even in the end, I was puzzled as to whether he was protecting Sarah, or trying to kill her. There were Ashton and Daisy returning from America, and trying to explain their neglect of Betancourt. There was Daisy’s mother, who was over-protective in all the other books, but did not seem to care that her nineteen-year-old daughter was managing an estate miles, and miles away. And, of course there was Uncle Red.
This story was an “if-only story”. If only the heroine was older, and/or chaperoned. If only the heroine was not such a super-duper girl. If only the hero was honest about his identity. If only Ashton had lived up to his hero status from the previous books. If only the villains were not in the book. If only someone cared about the poor villagers, someone with the authority to do so. While Sarah and Arthur had possibilities, the rest of the story was a convoluted narrative, and it did not live up to my expectations. Sorry to say, the last book in this series was a disappointment for me. As much as it pains me to say, I cannot recommend it.
November 28, 2019
I’ve absolutely loved this series about the Bumgarten ‘dollar princesses’, four American sisters making their way and meeting their matches in Victorian high society. This one is the story of Sarah, the youngest sister, an animal-loving girl just as strong-willed as her older sisters, and Arthur, Duke of Meridian, the man her eldest sister Daisy was supposed to marry in the first book of the series but ended up with his brother Ash instead. Arthur left to go travel the world and find himself, but things didn’t go the way he expected and he endured a great deal of hardship and privation by anyone’s standards, never mind that of a sheltered English lord.
Reeling from rejection by the man she hoped to marry, Sarah’s taken refuge at the ducal residence. Arthur is thought dead and Ashton and Daisy are living in New York, so she has free run of the place - the locals even call her ‘the duchess’. There’s trouble in paradise with a gang of troublemakers terrorising the locals, though, and when a handsome man turns up on her doorstep with a bullet hole in his shoulder, she can’t turn him away.
I was a little confused about why exactly Arthur didn’t announce himself the minute he arrived home, a choice which left an opening for his weasel cousin George to plant doubts in Sarah’s mind and which for me was never adequately explained. He had no cause to hide himself from Sarah; there was no external danger so far as he knew at that point, and waiting felt like something of a plot contrivance.
Nevertheless, Sarah and Arthur’s romance felt real and charming, with Sarah showing Arthur by example who he needed to be in order to be a duke for his people. She’s wonderfully indomitable, refusing to back down no matter how much danger she finds herself in, but her animal helpers Nero and Fancy are the true heroes of the story. Arthur’s drawn into her orbit inexorably, helpless against her charm.
Five stars for a delightful conclusion to this series, and I can hardly wait to see what Betina Krahn will write next!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
Reeling from rejection by the man she hoped to marry, Sarah’s taken refuge at the ducal residence. Arthur is thought dead and Ashton and Daisy are living in New York, so she has free run of the place - the locals even call her ‘the duchess’. There’s trouble in paradise with a gang of troublemakers terrorising the locals, though, and when a handsome man turns up on her doorstep with a bullet hole in his shoulder, she can’t turn him away.
I was a little confused about why exactly Arthur didn’t announce himself the minute he arrived home, a choice which left an opening for his weasel cousin George to plant doubts in Sarah’s mind and which for me was never adequately explained. He had no cause to hide himself from Sarah; there was no external danger so far as he knew at that point, and waiting felt like something of a plot contrivance.
Nevertheless, Sarah and Arthur’s romance felt real and charming, with Sarah showing Arthur by example who he needed to be in order to be a duke for his people. She’s wonderfully indomitable, refusing to back down no matter how much danger she finds herself in, but her animal helpers Nero and Fancy are the true heroes of the story. Arthur’s drawn into her orbit inexorably, helpless against her charm.
Five stars for a delightful conclusion to this series, and I can hardly wait to see what Betina Krahn will write next!
Disclaimer: I received a review copy of this book via NetGalley.
December 20, 2019
Very good conclusion to the trilogy. The youngest of the sisters, Sarah, is the last one unmarried. Her mother has tried hard to find a titled husband for Sarah, and just when it looks like she has succeeded, disaster strikes. The earl that Sarah had believed was her future mate returned to London after a trip with a fiancée. After such public humiliation, Sarah retreated to Betancourt, one of her brother-in-law's family properties. There she cheers herself up by setting the neglected property to rights and spending time with her assortment of critters. But trouble is brewing as a group of ruffians cause problems for town and estate. A handsome stranger steps in when Sarah and one of her dogs are attacked, and later shows up wounded for Sarah to nurse back to health.
Arthur showed up in town with little except the clothes on his back. He had left home heartbroken, determined to spend some time learning about himself and seeing some of the world. He got more than he bargained for, and it has changed him from the heedless young lord he used to be. After years away, he is wary of his welcome and chooses to conceal his identity until he gets the lay of the land.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sarah and Arthur. It is a wary one at first, with Sarah unsure if he can be trusted and Arthur questioning what Sarah is up to. It was fun to see his reactions to her activities, from riding to shooting. It also didn't take him long to appreciate what she has done for his home and his people. I also enjoyed seeing the sparks that flew between them, as attraction flared. Arthur also suffers a little jealousy when his cousin shows up, claiming to be worried about Sarah being alone and unprotected. It's this reaction that ultimately motivates Arthur to reveal his identity and take his place as the duke.
One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the influence that Sarah had on Arthur. It was watching her interact with his tenants and neighbors that showed him how to regain his place. I loved watching them work together, and in the process, get to know each other. It wasn't all smooth sailing, as Arthur isn't exactly smooth in communicating his feelings, leaving room for misinterpretation. Sarah also suffers from a bit of insecurity, knowing that Arthur had initially been engaged to her sister and believing that he still cares for her. As various people from Arthur's past show up, Sarah learns more about what Arthur has been through, and falls more deeply for him. I laughed out loud when Arthur's brother, Ashton, shows up and they go from tears of joy at being reunited to pounding on each other because of other things. Once the air is cleared, they can move on to other things.
Matters are further complicated by the continuing attacks that the estate suffers. The reader is well aware of who is behind the attacks and why, but the residents have their work cut out for them. The attacks escalate in intensity, and Arthur and the others are hard-pressed to protect the people and the land. Matters come to a head when the culprit goes after Sarah and loses control of his ruffians. There were definitely some nail-biting moments in the barn. I liked how the bad guy got his comeuppance - it was a very satisfying case of karma. I also had to laugh out loud as the men arrived back at the house, only to discover that the ruffians were already vanquished.
The ending was fun as Arthur received a whole bunch of unsolicited advice on how to proceed with Sarah. I have to admit that I felt a little sorry for the poor guy, but he did manage to come through it successfully. The epilogue was especially grand, and I loved the unexpected encounter at Ascot. It was another well-deserved example of reaping what you sow.
Though I haven't read the first book in the series (yet), where the trouble with Arthur and Ashton began, there was enough background provided that I never felt lost. However, I will go back and read that book soon. I'm looking forward to the author's next book, though I believe it will be a while before it comes out.
Arthur showed up in town with little except the clothes on his back. He had left home heartbroken, determined to spend some time learning about himself and seeing some of the world. He got more than he bargained for, and it has changed him from the heedless young lord he used to be. After years away, he is wary of his welcome and chooses to conceal his identity until he gets the lay of the land.
I enjoyed the development of the relationship between Sarah and Arthur. It is a wary one at first, with Sarah unsure if he can be trusted and Arthur questioning what Sarah is up to. It was fun to see his reactions to her activities, from riding to shooting. It also didn't take him long to appreciate what she has done for his home and his people. I also enjoyed seeing the sparks that flew between them, as attraction flared. Arthur also suffers a little jealousy when his cousin shows up, claiming to be worried about Sarah being alone and unprotected. It's this reaction that ultimately motivates Arthur to reveal his identity and take his place as the duke.
One of the things I enjoyed most was seeing the influence that Sarah had on Arthur. It was watching her interact with his tenants and neighbors that showed him how to regain his place. I loved watching them work together, and in the process, get to know each other. It wasn't all smooth sailing, as Arthur isn't exactly smooth in communicating his feelings, leaving room for misinterpretation. Sarah also suffers from a bit of insecurity, knowing that Arthur had initially been engaged to her sister and believing that he still cares for her. As various people from Arthur's past show up, Sarah learns more about what Arthur has been through, and falls more deeply for him. I laughed out loud when Arthur's brother, Ashton, shows up and they go from tears of joy at being reunited to pounding on each other because of other things. Once the air is cleared, they can move on to other things.
Matters are further complicated by the continuing attacks that the estate suffers. The reader is well aware of who is behind the attacks and why, but the residents have their work cut out for them. The attacks escalate in intensity, and Arthur and the others are hard-pressed to protect the people and the land. Matters come to a head when the culprit goes after Sarah and loses control of his ruffians. There were definitely some nail-biting moments in the barn. I liked how the bad guy got his comeuppance - it was a very satisfying case of karma. I also had to laugh out loud as the men arrived back at the house, only to discover that the ruffians were already vanquished.
The ending was fun as Arthur received a whole bunch of unsolicited advice on how to proceed with Sarah. I have to admit that I felt a little sorry for the poor guy, but he did manage to come through it successfully. The epilogue was especially grand, and I loved the unexpected encounter at Ascot. It was another well-deserved example of reaping what you sow.
Though I haven't read the first book in the series (yet), where the trouble with Arthur and Ashton began, there was enough background provided that I never felt lost. However, I will go back and read that book soon. I'm looking forward to the author's next book, though I believe it will be a while before it comes out.
November 27, 2019
When American Sarah Bumgarten is rejected by an earl, she decides she's had enough of the marraige mart for now. She decides to goes to an estate that is in her brother in law's family, with the current Duke of Meridian being absent for several years.
Relieved to be away from the Ton, she and her wonderful menagerie of animals, decide to make improvements to the country estate. But not everyone is happy about her being there and when a stranger shows up who gets injured, he ends up recooperating at the manor.
Then the journey begins! Arthur, the Duke who has been away has suffered a lot of heartbreak but after being away many years. He has come back to take back his life and he finds Sarah in his home.
I have to say, this story had a little of it all! Humor, heartache, suspense, romance, wonderful secondary characters and of course a hero I could not help but love with a strong heroine. Just adored this story!
Relieved to be away from the Ton, she and her wonderful menagerie of animals, decide to make improvements to the country estate. But not everyone is happy about her being there and when a stranger shows up who gets injured, he ends up recooperating at the manor.
Then the journey begins! Arthur, the Duke who has been away has suffered a lot of heartbreak but after being away many years. He has come back to take back his life and he finds Sarah in his home.
I have to say, this story had a little of it all! Humor, heartache, suspense, romance, wonderful secondary characters and of course a hero I could not help but love with a strong heroine. Just adored this story!
May 10, 2023
Aaaand... after finally ending my mediocre streak with books, I've run into another bad one. This one just felt plain silly to me. I didn't really buy Arthur's character arc in the first book but it was tolerable. He was just a side character then. In this book, my issues with him feel more glaring. While he was hard to invest in the first book, it's impossible now. When he's the main character, he feels like a generic duke, even with his sea-faring past.
So yeah. This was a miss. I think my problem is that I've been reading too much since I've been sick and I need a change-up. I have a couple of books read to borrow on Libby so I'll give those a go. I might have to take a brief break from hisrom, as much as it pains me.
So yeah. This was a miss. I think my problem is that I've been reading too much since I've been sick and I need a change-up. I have a couple of books read to borrow on Libby so I'll give those a go. I might have to take a brief break from hisrom, as much as it pains me.
August 19, 2023
Plutôt boring, ça tourne vite en rond avec des histoires lues et relues.
Je ne sais pas ce que valent les 2 autres tomes précédents 🤷🏼♀️
Je ne sais pas ce que valent les 2 autres tomes précédents 🤷🏼♀️
Want to read
November 11, 2019My second advanced copy you guys!!! I'm so glad and thankful!! 🙏🏻 thank you so much Betina Krahn, Kensington Publishing and Goodreads! Adore the purple cover!
November 21, 2019
This is the final story in a series about a group of spitfire Nevada-born sisters who came to England to join the upper reaches of the Ton after a failed bid for joining society in New York. At this point in the overall story arc, Sarah is the last and youngest unmarried sister. We meet Sarah as she is hoping to reconnect with a suitor who had recently inherited an earldom. The newly minted Earl promptly ditches Sarah for a family-approved Italian heiress in front of her mother and the Ton at a ball. embarrassed and heart broken she leaves London and moves to her brother-in-law's estate.
As unlikely as this scenario sounds, even in 1890s England, Sarah (by herself, without any chaperone or other family) effectively takes over the management of the estate and brings it back from being in disrepair due to neglect. She is basically snow white with medical training. She fixes up the estate and develops her own little hoard of animals - that she sings to and talks to. Like I said - she's snow white. Some time into her sojourn at Betancourt, some troublemakers have moved in to the area and are causing trouble. When they threaten one of her beloved dogs one day, a stranger steps in to help. That stranger turns out to be her brother-in-law's brother, the lost duke.
Arthur had left England to travel the world the day after his brother married Sarah's sister Daisy (the subject of which is a prior book), six years earlier. Since that time, Arthur has had nothing but trouble. He was captured and held prisoner multiple times - and basically couldn't get home. No one wanted to assume he was dead, but Arthur had left instructions that if he was gone more than 5 years everything should pass to his brother.
What a mess. Arthur hides is identity for some time (really way to long in my opinion - tho I got the idea, it just didn't work for me). And once he reveals himself there is DRAMA because he looks and sounds different from when he left. He also has FEELINGS about what happened both to him and while he was gone.
There is also drama with a relative trying to move in to take control of things - and steal any money associated with the estate. Overall - that plot, I think, could have been completely missing from the book and I wouldn't have minded. I think there was quite enough to be getting along with without it.
I liked Daisy a lot - she was definitely modern and AMERICAN and capable. I actually thought, to a certain extent, her level of capability in all things was somewhat unbelievable. I am willing to uphold my disbelief that a young, unmarried, upperclass, woman in the 1890s would be alone on an estate for 18 months, but that she is immediately and totally capable of all things - including be a doctor, basically a vetrinarian, and estate manager - perhaps not. I also didn't really get Arthur's personality. I think a lot of his history would have been more clear if I had read the first book in the series - but I'm not sure I really understood who he had evolved into as a person either. I think Sarah's overarching capableness - maybe cast a shadow over Arthur? Not that I wanted to take away from him, but she truly didn't seem to need him for much. Sex and bay making - but otherwise, he kind of seemed like he would weigh her down instead of lifting her up. He did seem like he was content to let her shine - which I appreciated. But, I don't think Arthur really came to terms with who he is other than that he loved his estate. I have a feeling that as the years go by, he might disappear somewhat behind the force of nature that is Sarah.
I liked a lot about this story - if you are a fan of historicals set in the 1890s with fun Americans trampling all over controlled british sensibilities - you will definitely enjoy this one!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own!
Want to read more of my reviews? You can find me at http://thisbookthatlife.com
As unlikely as this scenario sounds, even in 1890s England, Sarah (by herself, without any chaperone or other family) effectively takes over the management of the estate and brings it back from being in disrepair due to neglect. She is basically snow white with medical training. She fixes up the estate and develops her own little hoard of animals - that she sings to and talks to. Like I said - she's snow white. Some time into her sojourn at Betancourt, some troublemakers have moved in to the area and are causing trouble. When they threaten one of her beloved dogs one day, a stranger steps in to help. That stranger turns out to be her brother-in-law's brother, the lost duke.
Arthur had left England to travel the world the day after his brother married Sarah's sister Daisy (the subject of which is a prior book), six years earlier. Since that time, Arthur has had nothing but trouble. He was captured and held prisoner multiple times - and basically couldn't get home. No one wanted to assume he was dead, but Arthur had left instructions that if he was gone more than 5 years everything should pass to his brother.
What a mess. Arthur hides is identity for some time (really way to long in my opinion - tho I got the idea, it just didn't work for me). And once he reveals himself there is DRAMA because he looks and sounds different from when he left. He also has FEELINGS about what happened both to him and while he was gone.
There is also drama with a relative trying to move in to take control of things - and steal any money associated with the estate. Overall - that plot, I think, could have been completely missing from the book and I wouldn't have minded. I think there was quite enough to be getting along with without it.
I liked Daisy a lot - she was definitely modern and AMERICAN and capable. I actually thought, to a certain extent, her level of capability in all things was somewhat unbelievable. I am willing to uphold my disbelief that a young, unmarried, upperclass, woman in the 1890s would be alone on an estate for 18 months, but that she is immediately and totally capable of all things - including be a doctor, basically a vetrinarian, and estate manager - perhaps not. I also didn't really get Arthur's personality. I think a lot of his history would have been more clear if I had read the first book in the series - but I'm not sure I really understood who he had evolved into as a person either. I think Sarah's overarching capableness - maybe cast a shadow over Arthur? Not that I wanted to take away from him, but she truly didn't seem to need him for much. Sex and bay making - but otherwise, he kind of seemed like he would weigh her down instead of lifting her up. He did seem like he was content to let her shine - which I appreciated. But, I don't think Arthur really came to terms with who he is other than that he loved his estate. I have a feeling that as the years go by, he might disappear somewhat behind the force of nature that is Sarah.
I liked a lot about this story - if you are a fan of historicals set in the 1890s with fun Americans trampling all over controlled british sensibilities - you will definitely enjoy this one!
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are my own!
Want to read more of my reviews? You can find me at http://thisbookthatlife.com
November 26, 2019
The youngest of four spirited American sisters, Sarah Bumgarten has studiously avoided her mother’s attempts to find her a titled husband among London’s aristocracy. Now, after an earl’s very public rejection, it seems her ideal mate will be anyone but a duke, a marquis, a baron, or a viscount .
Sarah takes refuge at Betancourt, the country estate of the Duke of Meridan. Its rightful owner, Arthur the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah’s brother-in-law Ashton, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence. Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack in the local pub. Nothing about “Art,” the roguish interloper—now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber—smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke?
This is the third & final book in the series & my favourite of the three, we last saw Arthur in the first book of the series when he left to travel following Ashton & Daisy’s wedding. Over five years have past & Ashton has assumed the duchy. I loved the animal loving Sarah who was strong, feisty, caring & loving. I also loved Arthur who had suffered so much in his time away which was gradually revealed throughout the book. I loved how their relationship developed, a lovely slow burn wakening to their feelings. It was pretty obvious who the villain was & his motives but it didn't spoil the suspense & he did get his just desserts . I absolutely adored that women acted together & wielding pots, pans & pokers. An engrossing read that I found myself loath to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Sarah takes refuge at Betancourt, the country estate of the Duke of Meridan. Its rightful owner, Arthur the Duke of Meridian, sibling to Sarah’s brother-in-law Ashton, has been absent for years. Accompanied by her bevy of beloved animals, Sarah delights in refurbishing the once-grand property. But even a self-assured frontier heiress needs help when greedy tenants are threatened by her presence. Out of nowhere, a stranger jumps into the fray when ruffians attack in the local pub. Nothing about “Art,” the roguish interloper—now recuperating in the ducal bedchamber—smacks of nobility, with his brazen sensuality, worldly knowledge, and deeply seductive voice. Yet could he be the errant duke?
This is the third & final book in the series & my favourite of the three, we last saw Arthur in the first book of the series when he left to travel following Ashton & Daisy’s wedding. Over five years have past & Ashton has assumed the duchy. I loved the animal loving Sarah who was strong, feisty, caring & loving. I also loved Arthur who had suffered so much in his time away which was gradually revealed throughout the book. I loved how their relationship developed, a lovely slow burn wakening to their feelings. It was pretty obvious who the villain was & his motives but it didn't spoil the suspense & he did get his just desserts . I absolutely adored that women acted together & wielding pots, pans & pokers. An engrossing read that I found myself loath to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
November 1, 2019
I received an ARC of this book to read through NetGalley in exchange for a fair review. Anyone But A Duke by Betina Krahn is the third and final book in her delightful Sin and Sensibility Series. I do think you should read the first two in order to understand and enjoy this book completely. Sarah the youngest of the Bumgarten sisters heartbroken when she discovered that man she thought she would marry had returned from a trip to Italy with a fiancé. Wanting to escape London society she has retreated to Betancourt, the estate of her brother-in-law the new Duke of Meridian and has taken on the task of caring for the estate as it was becoming run down in the absence of the Duke. Arthur Michael Randolph Graham the 6th Duke of Meridian long presumed to be dead has returned to England after a series of harrowing adventures and not quite sure is he will be welcomed gives his name as Michael Grant when he is shot in the shoulder and brought to Betancourt to be treated by Sarah who also acts as a medic for the estate and the village. As they work together to help save the village and estate from a band of roving thieves and he deals with the machinations of his nasty cousin they become friends and perhaps something more … but she’s afraid that he still loves her older sister and he knows that she would rather anyone but a duke for a husband. A thoroughly enjoyable read. Medium Steam. Publishing Date November 26, 2019 #NetGalley #AnyoneButADuke #BetinaKrahn #KensingtonBooks #ZebraRomanceNovels #Bookstagram #HistoricalRomance
October 21, 2019
This is the third book in this series, I however started with the second which I loved! This is Sarah's story the youngest of the Baumgarten. Sarah who a little different and didn't really fit in with the ton and she was also American. She felt like she had a friend and love interest in one of the young men, but he was sent away was finally back and she knew that he was going to be hers she had a gift for him and all because she truly missed him, but when he came back he came with a wife and she was not very nice. Heartbroken Sarah moves to her sisters husband home and started taking care of it since her sister and her husband the now duke because his brother passed where still in America. But, Arthur, the real duke was not dead after all, and now we have lies, betrayal, some danger and a love where they don't expect it..I normally do not like reading stories of guy now falls for the sister of his previous love, but I was ok with this one..
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
rcvd an ARc at no cost to author..(netgalley) Voluntarily reviewed with my own thoughts and opinions
November 23, 2020
How its love this time
Sarah is the youngest of the girls and after having her heart broken she retreats to her brother-in-law estate and her affinity with animals turns things around quickly and the village and staff call her Success but the "real" Duchess Daisy her sister is in America! Art aka Michael saves Sarah from ruffians and he is injured she takes him in and saves his life! When his oily cousin comes and tries to take over he has no choice but to declare he is the Duke no one really believes him until Sarah uncle arrives! He recognized Art from years earlier! Sarah and Art have grown close but the last thing she wants to be is a Duchess and she's not entirely sure he ever got over her sister and where has been for almost 6 years?? Well the truth is almost too much!! Can they get past misunderstanding and meddlesome relatives ?? Is there a love after deception!! Read on...
Sarah is the youngest of the girls and after having her heart broken she retreats to her brother-in-law estate and her affinity with animals turns things around quickly and the village and staff call her Success but the "real" Duchess Daisy her sister is in America! Art aka Michael saves Sarah from ruffians and he is injured she takes him in and saves his life! When his oily cousin comes and tries to take over he has no choice but to declare he is the Duke no one really believes him until Sarah uncle arrives! He recognized Art from years earlier! Sarah and Art have grown close but the last thing she wants to be is a Duchess and she's not entirely sure he ever got over her sister and where has been for almost 6 years?? Well the truth is almost too much!! Can they get past misunderstanding and meddlesome relatives ?? Is there a love after deception!! Read on...
March 6, 2023
This was pretty good until it got to the jealousy part.
However , the timeline of the book left me wondering when this was supposed to have taken place. Late Georgian, early Victorian? Aspects of the novel make it seem to be primitive times, then other aspects like running water inside the mansion made it seem like a later Victorian period. Didn't make sense, maybe because the author needs to study history more before writing.
However , the timeline of the book left me wondering when this was supposed to have taken place. Late Georgian, early Victorian? Aspects of the novel make it seem to be primitive times, then other aspects like running water inside the mansion made it seem like a later Victorian period. Didn't make sense, maybe because the author needs to study history more before writing.
July 4, 2024
My favorite of the three in the series because of the animals mostly but also like the hero and heroine best as well.
September 17, 2019
Want to read
December 26, 2019
This was disappointing. I don't think this story worked on a lot of levels, most of them having to do with common sense. There is a huge subplot where everyone is unsure whether Arthur is still the duke or if it's passed on to Ashton because of how long Arthur has been away. However, if a duke is declared dead, it's a big deal. It could not have happened without anyone noticing. I'm pretty sure it requires something from Parliament or the House of Lords - my point is that I, as an American living over 100 years later, know that, so it seems inconceivable that a bunch of people living in the upper classes of British society would have no idea.
Also I really didn't like how this novel portrayed Ashton, who had been the hero two novels previously. He's portrayed as being irresponsible and shirking his duties to Betancourt by almost immediately moving to the States after Arthur asked him to take care of the estate for him. (The reason for which is unclear to me, by the way. I understood in their novel when Daisy said she wanted to go back to the States to show off her awesome husband, because spite is a powerful motivator. But it says in this novel that it's because Daisy doesn't like British high society. But she didn't like New York society either, and England had her family and friends, which was supposed to be one of the most important things for her.) So Betancourt is abandoned and uncared for for years before Sarah decides to hide out there and appoint herself as steward.
Why that was allowed is also a bit of a mystery! The mother who we've seen be overprotective to a fault in the previous novels (and later parts of this one) is suddenly totally chill with her 19 year old unmarried daughter leaving in the middle of the Season to hang out at an estate without any type of chaperone? For months?? Then suddenly she remembers she has a daughter and hustles off to Betancourt after Sarah has been there for seven months totally alone because she's worried about Arthur's influence. It's been seven months! Sarah could have had tons of lovers by then! Or started a drug habit or run away to a brothel or really any scandalous thing she wanted because nobody was around to care.
The mother, by the way, tries to make up for this by swinging crazy far in the other direction once she's there; at one point she scolds Sarah for riding out to a farm that was on fire to provide medical assistance, telling her that she didn't care if there wasn't a doctor for 100 miles, she shouldn't ride out at night to help. Which seems crazy callous to me, and makes me wonder how she survived in the West on a ranch with that attitude.
Anyway, Ashton and Daisy finally show up and he and Arthur get in a fight because Ashton's mad Arthur stayed away so long and Arthur's mad Ashton neglected the estate. Arthur actually had a pretty good excuse, which is that he was almost immediately taken captive and didn't have much of a choice. Ashton's excuse, frankly, sucks. He says that he didn't want to respond to their lawyer's letters to come home because it would mean accepting his brother was dead and that he was taking his place. Which would have made sense if that was the first time he was supposed to be at Betancourt, but he had been hiding away for years! The tenants were in trouble, the manor was in bad need of repairs, the grounds were a mess, and there was basically a skeleton staff of elderly retainers to keep it all going. It was incredibly irresponsible, and felt very out of character for the man we met before who was devoted to helping his brother and their people.
The reason this got two stars at all was because I actually liked Sarah and Arthur's relationship. I thought their personalities meshed well together and they had amusing banter. But the plot didn't support it. I haven't even gotten into the villain of the piece, who was so obviously a Villain that I genuinely couldn't understand how Sarah didn't understand that immediately. He was one mustache twirl away from tying her to a train track.
I admit I'm a little relieved this is the end of the trilogy. While I liked Sarah and Arthur here, who knows how their characters might have been changed to fit the plot needs of any sequels. (The only characters who I actually thought were consistent throughout were Red and Reynard. Frankie doesn't even appear in this one so I couldn't speak for her.)
Also I really didn't like how this novel portrayed Ashton, who had been the hero two novels previously. He's portrayed as being irresponsible and shirking his duties to Betancourt by almost immediately moving to the States after Arthur asked him to take care of the estate for him. (The reason for which is unclear to me, by the way. I understood in their novel when Daisy said she wanted to go back to the States to show off her awesome husband, because spite is a powerful motivator. But it says in this novel that it's because Daisy doesn't like British high society. But she didn't like New York society either, and England had her family and friends, which was supposed to be one of the most important things for her.) So Betancourt is abandoned and uncared for for years before Sarah decides to hide out there and appoint herself as steward.
Why that was allowed is also a bit of a mystery! The mother who we've seen be overprotective to a fault in the previous novels (and later parts of this one) is suddenly totally chill with her 19 year old unmarried daughter leaving in the middle of the Season to hang out at an estate without any type of chaperone? For months?? Then suddenly she remembers she has a daughter and hustles off to Betancourt after Sarah has been there for seven months totally alone because she's worried about Arthur's influence. It's been seven months! Sarah could have had tons of lovers by then! Or started a drug habit or run away to a brothel or really any scandalous thing she wanted because nobody was around to care.
The mother, by the way, tries to make up for this by swinging crazy far in the other direction once she's there; at one point she scolds Sarah for riding out to a farm that was on fire to provide medical assistance, telling her that she didn't care if there wasn't a doctor for 100 miles, she shouldn't ride out at night to help. Which seems crazy callous to me, and makes me wonder how she survived in the West on a ranch with that attitude.
Anyway, Ashton and Daisy finally show up and he and Arthur get in a fight because Ashton's mad Arthur stayed away so long and Arthur's mad Ashton neglected the estate. Arthur actually had a pretty good excuse, which is that he was almost immediately taken captive and didn't have much of a choice. Ashton's excuse, frankly, sucks. He says that he didn't want to respond to their lawyer's letters to come home because it would mean accepting his brother was dead and that he was taking his place. Which would have made sense if that was the first time he was supposed to be at Betancourt, but he had been hiding away for years! The tenants were in trouble, the manor was in bad need of repairs, the grounds were a mess, and there was basically a skeleton staff of elderly retainers to keep it all going. It was incredibly irresponsible, and felt very out of character for the man we met before who was devoted to helping his brother and their people.
The reason this got two stars at all was because I actually liked Sarah and Arthur's relationship. I thought their personalities meshed well together and they had amusing banter. But the plot didn't support it. I haven't even gotten into the villain of the piece, who was so obviously a Villain that I genuinely couldn't understand how Sarah didn't understand that immediately. He was one mustache twirl away from tying her to a train track.
I admit I'm a little relieved this is the end of the trilogy. While I liked Sarah and Arthur here, who knows how their characters might have been changed to fit the plot needs of any sequels. (The only characters who I actually thought were consistent throughout were Red and Reynard. Frankie doesn't even appear in this one so I couldn't speak for her.)
December 1, 2019
Anyone But a Duke is the third and final book in Betina Krahn's Sin and Sensibility series. I haven't read the first two yet (though I most definitely plan to!), but this installment stands alone perfectly well. I especially want to read the book in which our hero of this one initially appeared. Warning: The song "Clementine" will be stuck in your head after reading, whether you like the song or not...and I don't.
Sarah Bumgarten is the youngest of four sisters who were brought to England to wed. When she is publicly humiliated by the man she cares for at a party, she retreats to the country estate belonging to her brother-in-law while he and her sister Daisy are in America. The estate is in disrepair, and Sarah is bringing it back to rights, being kept company by her contingent of pets and farm animals. When an injured man is brought to the house for her to render treatment, she is drawn to the handsome stranger. Could this man possibly be the duke, who was missing for five years? And what's up with a group of men who are terrorizing the tenants of the estate and villagers?
This was a sweet, fun story with plenty of intrigue and action. Sarah is a wonderful heroine; I totally loved her affinity for critters. She was a knowledgeable healer, besides being a strong woman who is revitalizing a run-down estate on her own. Arthur is a great character, too, though I'm not entirely sure why he kept his identity a secret from Sarah. It was heartbreaking to learn of the hardships he endured during the time he was missing. Both characters had a sense of humor that I found engaging. I really liked the family dynamics, especially those between Sarah and Daisy, and Arthur and his brother Ashton. The scene where the two brothers are reunited was both funny and touching. My favorite characters, however, were the animals...they had great personalities all their own. All-in-all, a fun romance not to be missed. Except that I can't get "Clementine" out of my head!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
Sarah Bumgarten is the youngest of four sisters who were brought to England to wed. When she is publicly humiliated by the man she cares for at a party, she retreats to the country estate belonging to her brother-in-law while he and her sister Daisy are in America. The estate is in disrepair, and Sarah is bringing it back to rights, being kept company by her contingent of pets and farm animals. When an injured man is brought to the house for her to render treatment, she is drawn to the handsome stranger. Could this man possibly be the duke, who was missing for five years? And what's up with a group of men who are terrorizing the tenants of the estate and villagers?
This was a sweet, fun story with plenty of intrigue and action. Sarah is a wonderful heroine; I totally loved her affinity for critters. She was a knowledgeable healer, besides being a strong woman who is revitalizing a run-down estate on her own. Arthur is a great character, too, though I'm not entirely sure why he kept his identity a secret from Sarah. It was heartbreaking to learn of the hardships he endured during the time he was missing. Both characters had a sense of humor that I found engaging. I really liked the family dynamics, especially those between Sarah and Daisy, and Arthur and his brother Ashton. The scene where the two brothers are reunited was both funny and touching. My favorite characters, however, were the animals...they had great personalities all their own. All-in-all, a fun romance not to be missed. Except that I can't get "Clementine" out of my head!
I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.
December 31, 2019
Betina Krahn is a really accomplished writer, who is great at what she does and I have enjoyed everything I have read so far I really did enjoy this book in many ways, but it did require a huge suspension of disbelief.
Sarah Bumgarten is the youngest of four sisters who have come to England to marry into British society, after being public ally humiliated by a suitor in London, Sarah has refused her mother’s matchmaking attempts and has retired to her sister’s husband’s family estate, Betancourt. Arthur, the Duke, has left England to travel the world, and signed over the dukedom to Ash, his younger brother who married Daisy, Sarah’s oldest sister.
Daisy and Ash are in America, and Sarah has assumed control of the management of Betancourt. Incredibly fond of and good with animals, she has made herself at home and has invested her own money in restoring the estate.
When a group of thugs try to harass and intimidate her when she is in the village pub, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue. When he is shot whilst defending himself against the thugs, he is brought to Sarah for medical attention.
When Arthur’s horrible cousin George comes to Betancourt, intending to be appointed caretaker of it, in the absence of both brothers, and mayhem is unleashed on the village and the estate, Art, Sarah, her American uncle, and eventually Daisy and Ash are all involved in fighting off the threat from George and his thugs.
We slowly learn how Art, really Arthur the Duke, had been isolated and neglected by his uncle and guardian, and how he left because his brother had married Daisy, the woman he was also in love with at the time. Unable to return because of a series of difficult situations abroad, he reflects on how he has changed, and how to introduce himself as the Duke. He inevitably begins to fall for Sarah, but when she discovers who he is, can she trust that he loves her, and not Daisy?
The unbelievable aspect of this, is that is read more like a frontier romance, with the estate like a ranch, and all the protagonists interacted in that way, like a small township, rather than an aristocratic estate., almost like cowboys and Indians.
The supporting characters are delightful, especially the animal helpers Nero the dog and Fancy the horse.
I enjoyed it very much, especially the romance between Sarah and Arthur.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
Sarah Bumgarten is the youngest of four sisters who have come to England to marry into British society, after being public ally humiliated by a suitor in London, Sarah has refused her mother’s matchmaking attempts and has retired to her sister’s husband’s family estate, Betancourt. Arthur, the Duke, has left England to travel the world, and signed over the dukedom to Ash, his younger brother who married Daisy, Sarah’s oldest sister.
Daisy and Ash are in America, and Sarah has assumed control of the management of Betancourt. Incredibly fond of and good with animals, she has made herself at home and has invested her own money in restoring the estate.
When a group of thugs try to harass and intimidate her when she is in the village pub, a handsome stranger comes to her rescue. When he is shot whilst defending himself against the thugs, he is brought to Sarah for medical attention.
When Arthur’s horrible cousin George comes to Betancourt, intending to be appointed caretaker of it, in the absence of both brothers, and mayhem is unleashed on the village and the estate, Art, Sarah, her American uncle, and eventually Daisy and Ash are all involved in fighting off the threat from George and his thugs.
We slowly learn how Art, really Arthur the Duke, had been isolated and neglected by his uncle and guardian, and how he left because his brother had married Daisy, the woman he was also in love with at the time. Unable to return because of a series of difficult situations abroad, he reflects on how he has changed, and how to introduce himself as the Duke. He inevitably begins to fall for Sarah, but when she discovers who he is, can she trust that he loves her, and not Daisy?
The unbelievable aspect of this, is that is read more like a frontier romance, with the estate like a ranch, and all the protagonists interacted in that way, like a small township, rather than an aristocratic estate., almost like cowboys and Indians.
The supporting characters are delightful, especially the animal helpers Nero the dog and Fancy the horse.
I enjoyed it very much, especially the romance between Sarah and Arthur.
I voluntarily reviewed an advance reader copy of this book and all opinions are my own.
November 26, 2019
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Although ANYONE BUT A DUKE is the third story in the Sin and Sensibility series I wasn’t in the least bit lost and completely enjoyed my time in this world – enough so that I’ll go back to the beginning to get the stories I originally missed. (Sometimes stepping into a series out of order works out well in the end)
After her expected romantic entanglement turned embarrassing due to nothing she did, Sarah has left London for the estate of her sister and brother-in-law far from the humiliation and the gossiping tongues of the ton. Here she’s made a place for herself with purpose as she begins the task of bringing the estate back to its former beauty and usefulness. Yet not everyone is happy with her presence or her actions and Sarah will soon face danger from several fronts. An unlikely rescuer arrives just in time – and with far more knowledge than he should have about her and this particular estate.
I liked Sarah and Arthur both together as a couple and individually. My heart broke for “Art” as we slowly uncover what has happened to this man since he left home years ago. He is not the same man who left, and the man he is today couldn’t have happened if he hadn’t gone through so much and grew, not letting circumstances defeat him. Their romance is a slow burn with an underlying sizzle as they work their way toward a happy ending. Yet there is danger to be faced, a villain to reveal and truths to be told before that can happen for this couple – getting to their future was an enjoyable, emotional adventure. One that I completely enjoyed and would recommend for any Romance reader who enjoys a strong plot, believable characters, a touch of danger, a bit of mystery, and a love worth fighting for.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
Although ANYONE BUT A DUKE is the third story in the Sin and Sensibility series I wasn’t in the least bit lost and completely enjoyed my time in this world – enough so that I’ll go back to the beginning to get the stories I originally missed. (Sometimes stepping into a series out of order works out well in the end)
After her expected romantic entanglement turned embarrassing due to nothing she did, Sarah has left London for the estate of her sister and brother-in-law far from the humiliation and the gossiping tongues of the ton. Here she’s made a place for herself with purpose as she begins the task of bringing the estate back to its former beauty and usefulness. Yet not everyone is happy with her presence or her actions and Sarah will soon face danger from several fronts. An unlikely rescuer arrives just in time – and with far more knowledge than he should have about her and this particular estate.
I liked Sarah and Arthur both together as a couple and individually. My heart broke for “Art” as we slowly uncover what has happened to this man since he left home years ago. He is not the same man who left, and the man he is today couldn’t have happened if he hadn’t gone through so much and grew, not letting circumstances defeat him. Their romance is a slow burn with an underlying sizzle as they work their way toward a happy ending. Yet there is danger to be faced, a villain to reveal and truths to be told before that can happen for this couple – getting to their future was an enjoyable, emotional adventure. One that I completely enjoyed and would recommend for any Romance reader who enjoys a strong plot, believable characters, a touch of danger, a bit of mystery, and a love worth fighting for.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from the publisher via NetGalley. That does not change what I think of this story. It is my choice to leave a review giving my personal opinion about this book.*
November 12, 2019
Sarah Bumgarten has traded society balls and such for the quiet country life. It all came about when she realized the man she thought she would marry became engaged to another. Heartbroken, Sarah just wants to forget everything for a bit. That is how she found herself managing her brother-in-law's estate, Betancourt.
Arthur "Art" Michael Randolph Graham, the 6th Duke of Meridian, has returned to claim what is his. He left home for adventure, and got a little more than he bargained on. Having suffered some terrible plights, Art has come back to heal. Upon arriving, he runs into a true spitfire, Sarah. Together, they work to bring his estate back to it's former glory. Art is slowly, but surely, falling for Sarah. When her life is threatened, can he save her before it's too late, or is he cursed to always lose that which he loves?
Author Betina Krahn's SIN AND SENSIBILTY series comes to a close with ANYONE BUT A DUKE. This is the youngest Bumgarten, Sarah's, story, and d we finally get to see what happened to Ashton's older brother, Arthur. Sarah and Art are both kindred spirits... sensitive, caring and compassionate. They are truly a match made in Heaven. ANYONE BUT A DUKE is just heart-warming. I am so glad these two found one another and began the process of healing. For the full efffect, I recommend reading this series in order. It consists of three books, each one as compelling as the next, A GOOD DAY TO MARRY A DUKE, THE GIRL WITH THE SWEETEST SECRET and ANYONE BUT A DUKE.
Arthur "Art" Michael Randolph Graham, the 6th Duke of Meridian, has returned to claim what is his. He left home for adventure, and got a little more than he bargained on. Having suffered some terrible plights, Art has come back to heal. Upon arriving, he runs into a true spitfire, Sarah. Together, they work to bring his estate back to it's former glory. Art is slowly, but surely, falling for Sarah. When her life is threatened, can he save her before it's too late, or is he cursed to always lose that which he loves?
Author Betina Krahn's SIN AND SENSIBILTY series comes to a close with ANYONE BUT A DUKE. This is the youngest Bumgarten, Sarah's, story, and d we finally get to see what happened to Ashton's older brother, Arthur. Sarah and Art are both kindred spirits... sensitive, caring and compassionate. They are truly a match made in Heaven. ANYONE BUT A DUKE is just heart-warming. I am so glad these two found one another and began the process of healing. For the full efffect, I recommend reading this series in order. It consists of three books, each one as compelling as the next, A GOOD DAY TO MARRY A DUKE, THE GIRL WITH THE SWEETEST SECRET and ANYONE BUT A DUKE.
December 3, 2019
Miss Sarah Bumgarten suffers a public humiliation in front of the ton when she finds out the man she loves and expects to propose to her introduces her to his Italian betrothed. She flees London to the ducal seat of the Duke of Meridian which has been neglected when her brother-in-law travels in New York with her sister and kids. She sets to work getting the manor and ducal estate in good running order. When a stranger who has been shot is brought to the manor, Sarah uses her considerable medical skill to save his life. She is drawn to the sexy hunk, but who he is and why is he here?
This book started out great for me and though I hadn't read the previous books, I wasn't lost to what was going on although it would have helped understand the relationships between Sarah and her sisters better, especially her sister Daisy, who had a relationship with the previous duke. The further I got into the book, however, I found Sarah too good to be true especially her ability to connect with animals. Kind of reminded me too much of Snow White. When Art shows up at her doorstep, the book picked up a bit, but the villain was so obvious from the beginning. Also why wasn't there more of an effort to route out the ruffians if they were so close by and why wasn't there more of a concentrated effort to find Art when he was abroad? Wouldn't his brother have enlisted help trying to locate him as years go by with no contact? While this book is well-written, it isn't one of my favorites.
I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
This book started out great for me and though I hadn't read the previous books, I wasn't lost to what was going on although it would have helped understand the relationships between Sarah and her sisters better, especially her sister Daisy, who had a relationship with the previous duke. The further I got into the book, however, I found Sarah too good to be true especially her ability to connect with animals. Kind of reminded me too much of Snow White. When Art shows up at her doorstep, the book picked up a bit, but the villain was so obvious from the beginning. Also why wasn't there more of an effort to route out the ruffians if they were so close by and why wasn't there more of a concentrated effort to find Art when he was abroad? Wouldn't his brother have enlisted help trying to locate him as years go by with no contact? While this book is well-written, it isn't one of my favorites.
I voluntarily read this advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
November 30, 2019
Sarah is excited to have finally settled on a titled husband, but when he arrives back home after traveling abroad, he brings along a fiancée with him. After his very public rejection, she definitely doesn't want to get married to a titled gentleman. She ends up settling in at Betancourt, the family home of her sister's husband. She is having fun restoring the place to it's former glory and enjoying living in the country.
Arthur has been gone for years and when he finally arrives home, he is shot by an unknown assailant. When he awakens, he finds himself in his own home...even more specifically the duke's chambers, which are rightfully his own. Although no one knows he is actually the rightful heir as he has not told anyone of his true identity.
When someone starts wrecking havoc across the duke's property, Sarah and Arthur start to investigate. Spending so much time together brings them closer together. But what happens when Sarah learns that Arthur is really the long lost duke. Will she get her heart broken all over again?
I loved Sarah and Arthur's story!! I loved watching these two fall for one another. Having met Arthur in the first book in the series, it was interesting to see all the changes his travels had made. But under it all he was still the kind hearted man that he was when we first met him. This was a great conclusion to the Sin & Sensibility series and I'm excited to see what Krahn has in store for us next!!
Arthur has been gone for years and when he finally arrives home, he is shot by an unknown assailant. When he awakens, he finds himself in his own home...even more specifically the duke's chambers, which are rightfully his own. Although no one knows he is actually the rightful heir as he has not told anyone of his true identity.
When someone starts wrecking havoc across the duke's property, Sarah and Arthur start to investigate. Spending so much time together brings them closer together. But what happens when Sarah learns that Arthur is really the long lost duke. Will she get her heart broken all over again?
I loved Sarah and Arthur's story!! I loved watching these two fall for one another. Having met Arthur in the first book in the series, it was interesting to see all the changes his travels had made. But under it all he was still the kind hearted man that he was when we first met him. This was a great conclusion to the Sin & Sensibility series and I'm excited to see what Krahn has in store for us next!!
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