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The Way to a Lord's Heart #4
A Duke Too Far
Secrets to reveal, legends to unravel, and a love to fight for...
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is already struggling to handle the responsibilities of his family home and his grief over his sister, Delia's death when he's astonished by an unexpected visitor. Life is about to get even more complicated.
Miss Ada Grandison is desperate to throw off haunting memories, and she's sure the duke can help her find answers to the questions her friend, Delia, left behind. She brings a note that Delia claimed would change everything for the Rathbone family. Peter can't quite bring himself to believe the legends he's heard all his life, but something about Ada inspires him to hope.
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is already struggling to handle the responsibilities of his family home and his grief over his sister, Delia's death when he's astonished by an unexpected visitor. Life is about to get even more complicated.
Miss Ada Grandison is desperate to throw off haunting memories, and she's sure the duke can help her find answers to the questions her friend, Delia, left behind. She brings a note that Delia claimed would change everything for the Rathbone family. Peter can't quite bring himself to believe the legends he's heard all his life, but something about Ada inspires him to hope.
384 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published April 28, 2020
170 people are currently reading
300 people want to read
About the author
Jane Ashford
52 books402 followersJane Ashford has written historical and contemporary romances. Her books have been published in England, Spain, France, Italy, Sweden, Slovakia, Denmark, Russia, and Latvia, Croatia and Slovenia as well as the U.S. She was nominated for a Career Achievement Award by RT Book Reviews. Her latest book, Lost Time, is romantic suspense with a touch of magic.
Her website is https://www.janeashford.com/ and her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordW... If you'd like to subscribe to Jane's monthly newsletter go to www.eepurl.com/cd-O7r and sign up.
Her website is https://www.janeashford.com/ and her Facebook page is https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordW... If you'd like to subscribe to Jane's monthly newsletter go to www.eepurl.com/cd-O7r and sign up.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 85 reviews
May 9, 2020
Lost treasures and love!
The demented fairy godfather (my words) Macklin (or is he Yoda?) is at his grief counselling again. This time his sight falls on Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton, an impoverished lord whose sister Delia has died in a tragic cliff accident.
Of course Compton lives in a moldering ruin on the edge of the Welsh Marshes in far flung Shropshire, bordering Wales (well about as flung from London as you can get without actually crossing any borders.)
Macklin has decided to call upon Compton's residence for a brief visit. "The place is rather like a dragon lying along the ridge. The head is the ruined Norman tower on the high point, and the tail is the modern wing ... with a mass of muddled masonry in between.” It is a rather daunting description and internally even more dismaying.
Meanwhile Delia's friend Miss Ada Grandison, after recurring dreams, has persuaded and beguiled her friends into accompanying her to Peter and Delia's home, Alberdene, supposedly to carry out a dying wish of Delia. Accompanied by her aunt as chaperone, the rather imposing Miss Julia Grandison, who it turns out is acquainted with Macklin. Mmm!
Apart from Peter's struggle with so many unlooked for guests and his lack of funds, some hilarious scenes, particularly ridding the cavernous dining room of bats during dinner are on the cards. And that opening scenes of Peter's problems with eel pie!
Macklin's valet and young Tom are in evidence, adding interest.
Mystery and love are of course on the cards! Lost treasure becomes a siren's call, along with Ada's determination to discover the secret to Delia's strange note. And that energy that crackles between Ada and Peter!
A pleasing read with some enlivening moments. Tom makes an interesting decision.
p.s. I'm awaiting Macklin to receive his comeuppance (if he ever does).
A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley
The demented fairy godfather (my words) Macklin (or is he Yoda?) is at his grief counselling again. This time his sight falls on Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton, an impoverished lord whose sister Delia has died in a tragic cliff accident.
Of course Compton lives in a moldering ruin on the edge of the Welsh Marshes in far flung Shropshire, bordering Wales (well about as flung from London as you can get without actually crossing any borders.)
Macklin has decided to call upon Compton's residence for a brief visit. "The place is rather like a dragon lying along the ridge. The head is the ruined Norman tower on the high point, and the tail is the modern wing ... with a mass of muddled masonry in between.” It is a rather daunting description and internally even more dismaying.
Meanwhile Delia's friend Miss Ada Grandison, after recurring dreams, has persuaded and beguiled her friends into accompanying her to Peter and Delia's home, Alberdene, supposedly to carry out a dying wish of Delia. Accompanied by her aunt as chaperone, the rather imposing Miss Julia Grandison, who it turns out is acquainted with Macklin. Mmm!
Apart from Peter's struggle with so many unlooked for guests and his lack of funds, some hilarious scenes, particularly ridding the cavernous dining room of bats during dinner are on the cards. And that opening scenes of Peter's problems with eel pie!
Macklin's valet and young Tom are in evidence, adding interest.
Mystery and love are of course on the cards! Lost treasure becomes a siren's call, along with Ada's determination to discover the secret to Delia's strange note. And that energy that crackles between Ada and Peter!
A pleasing read with some enlivening moments. Tom makes an interesting decision.
p.s. I'm awaiting Macklin to receive his comeuppance (if he ever does).
A Sourcebooks Casablanca ARC via NetGalley
March 18, 2024
4.5 stars
This series has been hit or miss for me. I didn't really like the setup or book 1, but then I loved book 2. Book 3 was okay too. This was my second favorite thus far. The recurring characters have grown on me, and I look forward to completing the series in December.
This author does not only write clean romance, but this one was. It was a sweet story between the impoverished Duke and his deceased sister's best friend. In spite of what seems like trite character set up, the story was original.
This will not be to everyone's taste, but I found it to be refreshingly original. Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is a 24 year-old beta hero who has been poor all his life. He did not attend Eton or any traditional boy's school. He does not know others with titles and has not been out in society. We do not find out about any history with women, and he does not have sex in the story. He didn't have much opportunity to meet females, so he may even be a virgin. Although his castle was crumbling down around him and he had no money to hire anyone for repairs, he did as much work as he could himself and did not look to marry an heiress to solve his money problems. In fact, he had character; and his sense of honor would not let him bring a wife into such a situation.
Miss Ada Grandison was a close friend of his sister Delia and the one who found her dead body. Even though two years had passed, she continued to have nightmares and could not fully get past it. She was young, just out of the schoolroom, and about to come out in the next season. She had found a paper under Delia's bed in another language she could not read. To try to help deal with her grief, she convinces her aunt and other best friends to go with her to visit Delia's home. She already had a crush on Peter. While there, they proceed on a treasure hunt and, of course, fall in love. I enjoyed the adventure.
This series has been hit or miss for me. I didn't really like the setup or book 1, but then I loved book 2. Book 3 was okay too. This was my second favorite thus far. The recurring characters have grown on me, and I look forward to completing the series in December.
This author does not only write clean romance, but this one was. It was a sweet story between the impoverished Duke and his deceased sister's best friend. In spite of what seems like trite character set up, the story was original.
This will not be to everyone's taste, but I found it to be refreshingly original. Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is a 24 year-old beta hero who has been poor all his life. He did not attend Eton or any traditional boy's school. He does not know others with titles and has not been out in society. We do not find out about any history with women, and he does not have sex in the story. He didn't have much opportunity to meet females, so he may even be a virgin. Although his castle was crumbling down around him and he had no money to hire anyone for repairs, he did as much work as he could himself and did not look to marry an heiress to solve his money problems. In fact, he had character; and his sense of honor would not let him bring a wife into such a situation.
Miss Ada Grandison was a close friend of his sister Delia and the one who found her dead body. Even though two years had passed, she continued to have nightmares and could not fully get past it. She was young, just out of the schoolroom, and about to come out in the next season. She had found a paper under Delia's bed in another language she could not read. To try to help deal with her grief, she convinces her aunt and other best friends to go with her to visit Delia's home. She already had a crush on Peter. While there, they proceed on a treasure hunt and, of course, fall in love. I enjoyed the adventure.
August 15, 2020
Both Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton and Miss Ada Grandison are extremely saddened by the death of Delia, Peter's family. Delia was also Ada's closest friend. Ada approached Peter because she has possession of a note left to her by Delia that just might change the fate of the Rathbone family.
Both Peter and Ada are interesting in this book. Peter, despite his title, is all but destitute. Ava is plagued by nightmares. They soon discover that they are kindred spirits, especially as they are both mourning Delia. As Ada spends more time with Peter, getting to the bottom of the note that Ada found is excellent common ground.
This note gives an air of mystery to this story, and has the potential of changing not only Peter's life, but Ada's as well. The romance was slow, very slow. This pleasant book is part of an enjoyable Regency romance series. The other books are Brave New Earl, A Lord Apart, and How to Cross a Marquess. The fifth book in this series is titled Earl's Well That Ends Well, set for release in December.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
Both Peter and Ada are interesting in this book. Peter, despite his title, is all but destitute. Ava is plagued by nightmares. They soon discover that they are kindred spirits, especially as they are both mourning Delia. As Ada spends more time with Peter, getting to the bottom of the note that Ada found is excellent common ground.
This note gives an air of mystery to this story, and has the potential of changing not only Peter's life, but Ada's as well. The romance was slow, very slow. This pleasant book is part of an enjoyable Regency romance series. The other books are Brave New Earl, A Lord Apart, and How to Cross a Marquess. The fifth book in this series is titled Earl's Well That Ends Well, set for release in December.
Many thanks to Sourcebooks Casablanca and to NetGalley for this ARC to review in exchange for my honest opinion.
April 16, 2020
A Duke Too Far
The Way to a Lord's Heart Series #4
Jane Ashford
https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordW...
Release date 04/28/2020
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca
Blurb :
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is mourning the loss of his sister Delia, but the work of keeping his family's deteriorating estate afloat is never done. When Miss Ada Grandison, a close friend of his sister, arrives with a mysterious letter that she claims holds the secret to saving the family home, Peter is skeptical to say the least...his life is about to get even more complicated.
Ada is eager to do whatever she can to help the Rathbones. She brings clues that Delia claimed would change everything for the family and that lead Ada and Peter on a hunt to unravel the past. But they'll have to face their painful memories—and their true feelings for each other—to discover the truth.
My review :
Will his sister’s last quest bring love or one more deception in his life...
I wonder if this is the last book in this series as the four men invited to dine by the Earl of Macklin all got their second chance. It lives only the Earl and Tom, both alone.
I have only read the previous book, still, I liked Arthur, the Earl, in some way, he has decided to help those men, to smooth their grieving day and improve their future.
Peter Rathbone is his last project, yet I was dubious how he could help him, as he is nearly destitute and a bit of a recluse.
Still, the Earl is a kind of magic charm, where he goes, love follows him. And while he is not one to push over someone, he observes to determine the best road to assist.
My heart arched for Peter, he has lived quite a lonely life, loss after loss, disappointment after disappointment. But then he left bitterness cloud in some way his judgement.
After, having to scrape every coins he gets, doing himself his estate’s repairs, using his forefathers clothes to dress himself, he has every right to be dubious about a treasure tale when he lives in a shambles of a house.
Ada was attracted to her late friend’s bother since their first encounter, but very young to be able to act upon it. Yet, she is not one to let it pass before her, without a try. So in a way, to bring peace to her departed friend but also herself, she schemes a trip to meet the man she is attracted too. While she is young, she shows determination and a strong burgeoning personality.
I loved they were no beautiful people but while aware they were no hidden beauties, they become beautiful in the eyes of the other as their feelings move forward.
While the romance between Ada and Peter is the thread linking everything, this book was more a tale of the power of friendship with a side plot as the mystery indices by Peter’s sister, Delia, last words.
Ada is surrounded by her three friends, with Delia’s spirit between them. Together they plan, plot and have fun in this merry chase to solve a hundred old mystery if there were one. But there is also the relationship between the Earl with his protégé, Tom or with Peter or even Ada’s aunt, an old acquaintance of the Earl too.
I loved their many interactions, their banters, their reasoning. It was what infused life in this story.
4 stars for this fun read with many entertaining characters, I just do hope it is not the ending of this series as I would love to see the earl of Macklin get his own HEA and learn more about Tom’s future.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
The Way to a Lord's Heart Series #4
Jane Ashford
https://www.facebook.com/JaneAshfordW...
Release date 04/28/2020
Publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca
Blurb :
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is mourning the loss of his sister Delia, but the work of keeping his family's deteriorating estate afloat is never done. When Miss Ada Grandison, a close friend of his sister, arrives with a mysterious letter that she claims holds the secret to saving the family home, Peter is skeptical to say the least...his life is about to get even more complicated.
Ada is eager to do whatever she can to help the Rathbones. She brings clues that Delia claimed would change everything for the family and that lead Ada and Peter on a hunt to unravel the past. But they'll have to face their painful memories—and their true feelings for each other—to discover the truth.
My review :
Will his sister’s last quest bring love or one more deception in his life...
I wonder if this is the last book in this series as the four men invited to dine by the Earl of Macklin all got their second chance. It lives only the Earl and Tom, both alone.
I have only read the previous book, still, I liked Arthur, the Earl, in some way, he has decided to help those men, to smooth their grieving day and improve their future.
Peter Rathbone is his last project, yet I was dubious how he could help him, as he is nearly destitute and a bit of a recluse.
Still, the Earl is a kind of magic charm, where he goes, love follows him. And while he is not one to push over someone, he observes to determine the best road to assist.
My heart arched for Peter, he has lived quite a lonely life, loss after loss, disappointment after disappointment. But then he left bitterness cloud in some way his judgement.
After, having to scrape every coins he gets, doing himself his estate’s repairs, using his forefathers clothes to dress himself, he has every right to be dubious about a treasure tale when he lives in a shambles of a house.
Ada was attracted to her late friend’s bother since their first encounter, but very young to be able to act upon it. Yet, she is not one to let it pass before her, without a try. So in a way, to bring peace to her departed friend but also herself, she schemes a trip to meet the man she is attracted too. While she is young, she shows determination and a strong burgeoning personality.
I loved they were no beautiful people but while aware they were no hidden beauties, they become beautiful in the eyes of the other as their feelings move forward.
While the romance between Ada and Peter is the thread linking everything, this book was more a tale of the power of friendship with a side plot as the mystery indices by Peter’s sister, Delia, last words.
Ada is surrounded by her three friends, with Delia’s spirit between them. Together they plan, plot and have fun in this merry chase to solve a hundred old mystery if there were one. But there is also the relationship between the Earl with his protégé, Tom or with Peter or even Ada’s aunt, an old acquaintance of the Earl too.
I loved their many interactions, their banters, their reasoning. It was what infused life in this story.
4 stars for this fun read with many entertaining characters, I just do hope it is not the ending of this series as I would love to see the earl of Macklin get his own HEA and learn more about Tom’s future.
I was granted an advance copy by the publisher Sourcebooks Casablanca. Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
https://www.facebook.com/429830134272...
June 8, 2020
A very strong start but fell flat towards the end for me. The first half or so of this book had me invested, I enjoyed the mystery well enough. Towards the middle it got kind of dull for me. I wanted more from the romance. This was a very clean romance and I think I was just expecting a little bit more than what I actually got, and that's my fault with my personal preferences. Overall an average read for me.
April 25, 2020
3.5 Stars
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is mourning the loss of his sister Delia, but the work of keeping his family's deteriorating estate afloat is never done. When Miss Ada Grandison, a close friend of his sister, arrives with a mysterious letter that she claims holds the secret to saving the family home, Peter is skeptical to say the least...his life is about to get even more complicated. Ada is eager to do whatever she can to help the Rathbones. She brings clues that Delia claimed would change everything for the family and that lead Ada and Peter on a hunt to unravel the past.
This is the fourth book in the series & Arthur the Earl of Macklin is again meddling in the nicest possible way. I found it to be a fun, entertaining read that made me smile. The pace is good & held my interest all the way through, I liked both Peter & Ada but did feel that there wasn’t much chemistry between them & I was more caught up in the hunt than in the romance. I believe this is the last in the series & would have liked to have some conclusion for Macklin & Tom & hope we meet them again
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is mourning the loss of his sister Delia, but the work of keeping his family's deteriorating estate afloat is never done. When Miss Ada Grandison, a close friend of his sister, arrives with a mysterious letter that she claims holds the secret to saving the family home, Peter is skeptical to say the least...his life is about to get even more complicated. Ada is eager to do whatever she can to help the Rathbones. She brings clues that Delia claimed would change everything for the family and that lead Ada and Peter on a hunt to unravel the past.
This is the fourth book in the series & Arthur the Earl of Macklin is again meddling in the nicest possible way. I found it to be a fun, entertaining read that made me smile. The pace is good & held my interest all the way through, I liked both Peter & Ada but did feel that there wasn’t much chemistry between them & I was more caught up in the hunt than in the romance. I believe this is the last in the series & would have liked to have some conclusion for Macklin & Tom & hope we meet them again
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 29, 2020
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is still reeling from his younger sister Delia’s tragic death and barely scraping by financially, trying to salvage the ducal lands with nearly no income. He has nothing to lose, so when his late sister’s friends descend upon him unannounced, he has no choice but to host them in an impromptu house party that could change everything for him.
Miss Ada Grandison is haunted by dreams of her late friend and hopes a visit to her home, and her handsome brother, will help her overcome her grief. As Peter, Ada, and her friends try to parse meaning from the cryptic note Delia left behind, Peter finds himself increasingly skeptical and afraid to hope for a change in his circumstances, especially when his burgeoning feelings for Ada make him long for that change more than ever before.
This was an okay book for me, but I wouldn’t precisely call it entertaining. I was intrigued by the premise, but it seemed nothing really happened for much of the book. I was rather bored for much of it and it started to feel like I was reading the same scenes over and over with Peter being awkward, but rather adorable, if cynical, and Ada being a bit vapid and immature, but also admirably determined. I really didn’t enjoy the girl group shenanigans we got here; Ada and her friends just seemed rather immature much of the time and very rude to Peter. Despite his reduced circumstances, he was still a duke and their host and deserved better treatment. To that end, while his loneliness and cluelessness made him charming, Peter was also a bit too much of a beta hero and I wanted him to stand up for himself a bit more.
There was very little in the way of romance here. In fact, I think there were more scenes featuring Ada and her friends than there were between Ada and Peter. This combined with an utter lack of steam, not to mention the abject loneliness of Peter’s situation and the immaturity demonstrated by both himself and Ada, made this seem like a fleeting sort of puppy love more so than a lasting relationship with a true foundation. The mystery aspect here started out intriguing, but it just fizzled out and there was no romantic chemistry to keep things going either. Ada never tried to understand Peter or his worries, she was just determined to have her own way and it fortunately worked out, but there was never any real relationship development or attempts to get to know one another. This combined with the extremely slow pacing had me losing interest rapidly. There was a good set up for this to be a solid, gothic themed novel and it just didn’t pan out. The most compelling characters here were Aunt Julia and the Earl of Macklin so I may read the next book for them, but I’m not sure at this point.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Miss Ada Grandison is haunted by dreams of her late friend and hopes a visit to her home, and her handsome brother, will help her overcome her grief. As Peter, Ada, and her friends try to parse meaning from the cryptic note Delia left behind, Peter finds himself increasingly skeptical and afraid to hope for a change in his circumstances, especially when his burgeoning feelings for Ada make him long for that change more than ever before.
This was an okay book for me, but I wouldn’t precisely call it entertaining. I was intrigued by the premise, but it seemed nothing really happened for much of the book. I was rather bored for much of it and it started to feel like I was reading the same scenes over and over with Peter being awkward, but rather adorable, if cynical, and Ada being a bit vapid and immature, but also admirably determined. I really didn’t enjoy the girl group shenanigans we got here; Ada and her friends just seemed rather immature much of the time and very rude to Peter. Despite his reduced circumstances, he was still a duke and their host and deserved better treatment. To that end, while his loneliness and cluelessness made him charming, Peter was also a bit too much of a beta hero and I wanted him to stand up for himself a bit more.
There was very little in the way of romance here. In fact, I think there were more scenes featuring Ada and her friends than there were between Ada and Peter. This combined with an utter lack of steam, not to mention the abject loneliness of Peter’s situation and the immaturity demonstrated by both himself and Ada, made this seem like a fleeting sort of puppy love more so than a lasting relationship with a true foundation. The mystery aspect here started out intriguing, but it just fizzled out and there was no romantic chemistry to keep things going either. Ada never tried to understand Peter or his worries, she was just determined to have her own way and it fortunately worked out, but there was never any real relationship development or attempts to get to know one another. This combined with the extremely slow pacing had me losing interest rapidly. There was a good set up for this to be a solid, gothic themed novel and it just didn’t pan out. The most compelling characters here were Aunt Julia and the Earl of Macklin so I may read the next book for them, but I’m not sure at this point.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
February 19, 2020
Peter Rathbone is an extremely unusual Duke. Like break-the-mold kind of Duke. He did not have a traditional upbringing or attend any of the traditional schools. He feels like he has been fighting against a rising tide of bad luck and problems his entire life.
Ada Grandison is young (barely 18) and just starting out in life. She has a core group of friends that she met at finishing school. They have formed somewhat of an amateur sleuthing group - all with different skills. They are all also struggling with how to reconcile their lives when they all are "out" in society and marriage and life takes them away from each other.
Ada's friend Delia is Peter's sister. Delia died while staying with Ada's family after a fall from a cliff. Both Delia and Peter have been struggling with their grief over the death. Peter has also been struggling with managing his crumbling estate and is all but bankrupt.
Ada and her friends, as well as a well-meaning matchmaker Earl descend on Peter's estate. Ada, who had a crush on Peter, wants to see him again and find out more about what a mysterious document she found with Delia's possessions is.
Ada and Peter aren't a spontaneous combustion of a couple - definitely more of a slow burn. In fact - it was nice to see a girl being the primary pursuer. Ada definitely is the one to pursue and push Peter for more. While I enjoyed seeing Ada fight for a relationship and push to be involved. What I didn't like was how unrealistic she was in the face of everything Peter and her aunt were saying about the possibilities. Without the deus ex machina at the end, Ada was really facing a situation where love was all they would have. She had no concept of what being poor would actually mean.
I also - to be honest - just didn't see the love. I think Ada was infatuated with Peter and Peter was excited to have someone interested in him. I saw their relationship more as puppy love, rather than mature lasting love. Maybe I'm wrong - but still. I also didn't love Ada's friends. Overall - this is definitely new adult regency (is that a subcategory?) - if you like that, this might 100% work for you. But it didn't for me.
I did love the Earl and Ada's aunt though - I could have read a whole book about them.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
Ada Grandison is young (barely 18) and just starting out in life. She has a core group of friends that she met at finishing school. They have formed somewhat of an amateur sleuthing group - all with different skills. They are all also struggling with how to reconcile their lives when they all are "out" in society and marriage and life takes them away from each other.
Ada's friend Delia is Peter's sister. Delia died while staying with Ada's family after a fall from a cliff. Both Delia and Peter have been struggling with their grief over the death. Peter has also been struggling with managing his crumbling estate and is all but bankrupt.
Ada and her friends, as well as a well-meaning matchmaker Earl descend on Peter's estate. Ada, who had a crush on Peter, wants to see him again and find out more about what a mysterious document she found with Delia's possessions is.
Ada and Peter aren't a spontaneous combustion of a couple - definitely more of a slow burn. In fact - it was nice to see a girl being the primary pursuer. Ada definitely is the one to pursue and push Peter for more. While I enjoyed seeing Ada fight for a relationship and push to be involved. What I didn't like was how unrealistic she was in the face of everything Peter and her aunt were saying about the possibilities. Without the deus ex machina at the end, Ada was really facing a situation where love was all they would have. She had no concept of what being poor would actually mean.
I also - to be honest - just didn't see the love. I think Ada was infatuated with Peter and Peter was excited to have someone interested in him. I saw their relationship more as puppy love, rather than mature lasting love. Maybe I'm wrong - but still. I also didn't love Ada's friends. Overall - this is definitely new adult regency (is that a subcategory?) - if you like that, this might 100% work for you. But it didn't for me.
I did love the Earl and Ada's aunt though - I could have read a whole book about them.
I received this as an ARC from NetGalley, but these opinions are all my own.
April 19, 2020
I loved this delightful romance and mystery!
Peter is a nearly-destitute duke whose late sister's friends descend upon his dilapidated ancestral home with a mysterious note and a whole host of ways to upset his desolate life. Ada was closest to Peter's sister, Delia, and is seeking some solace from visiting her friend's home. Accompanying Ada and her three friends is her formidable aunt, Julia, acting as chaperone, and their visit coincides with that of the Earl of Macklin, a friend of Peter's, who has a reputation for surreptitious matchmaking.
Peter is a man weighted down by his responsibilities and still grieving for his sister. While he welcomes her friends, he doesn't welcome the questions and possibilities that their visit brings. But he can't help being attracted to Ada, even though there's no way he would ever be considered an acceptable match for her, and barely holds onto his proprieties as she weaves her magic around his heart.
Ada is thrilled to discover that Delia, before her passing, was very close to finding a secret treasure trove hidden by her ancestors centuries before. All four of the young ladies work together, with and sometimes without Peter's cooperation, to piece together all the clues of what Peter is convinced is just another flight of fancy that wasted his father's and his sister's time.
The writing is especially clever, poignant, humorous, and insightful. The author beautifully brings out each character's heart and soul, making these characters come alive and leave an unforgettable imprint. Each character is developed fully, even those on the periphery, and I was thoroughly enraptured right from the start.
The HEA was so sweet and tender, though I would have loved for it to have been drawn out just a little bit longer. This is a clean romance, with our characters sharing only a few steamy kisses. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
Peter is a nearly-destitute duke whose late sister's friends descend upon his dilapidated ancestral home with a mysterious note and a whole host of ways to upset his desolate life. Ada was closest to Peter's sister, Delia, and is seeking some solace from visiting her friend's home. Accompanying Ada and her three friends is her formidable aunt, Julia, acting as chaperone, and their visit coincides with that of the Earl of Macklin, a friend of Peter's, who has a reputation for surreptitious matchmaking.
Peter is a man weighted down by his responsibilities and still grieving for his sister. While he welcomes her friends, he doesn't welcome the questions and possibilities that their visit brings. But he can't help being attracted to Ada, even though there's no way he would ever be considered an acceptable match for her, and barely holds onto his proprieties as she weaves her magic around his heart.
Ada is thrilled to discover that Delia, before her passing, was very close to finding a secret treasure trove hidden by her ancestors centuries before. All four of the young ladies work together, with and sometimes without Peter's cooperation, to piece together all the clues of what Peter is convinced is just another flight of fancy that wasted his father's and his sister's time.
The writing is especially clever, poignant, humorous, and insightful. The author beautifully brings out each character's heart and soul, making these characters come alive and leave an unforgettable imprint. Each character is developed fully, even those on the periphery, and I was thoroughly enraptured right from the start.
The HEA was so sweet and tender, though I would have loved for it to have been drawn out just a little bit longer. This is a clean romance, with our characters sharing only a few steamy kisses. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.
May 14, 2020
Reviewed at Keeper Bookshelf
Once again, Arthur Shelton, the Duke of Macklin and the ever-present, Tom appear to be up to their matchmaking schemes in A Duke Too Far, the story of the final man at that dinner in London. Although you might be tempted to believe this is the last story in The Way To A Lord’s Heart series, it appears there is one more book to come, Earl’s Well That Ends Well, and I’m hopeful for that story to wrap up everything quite nicely (time will tell).
Ada and Peter’s story felt very much like a slow burn romance. Peter is not only heartbroken by his sister’s death, but he’s also struggling to keep his rundown, dilapidated estate solvent… with not much luck. He has no time nor inclination for romance or company but has been descended upon by not only Ada and her group but by the Duke of Macklin as well. Ada was his sister’s friend, and she’s convinced that she has a vital clue in the documents that she hand-delivers to Peter that could change his estate’s future – and an attraction to the man who always seems lost in thought and standoffish to the world.
A Duke Too Far is not only a romance, but a bit of a treasure hunt as well as Ada, Peter, and Ada’s friends set out to find a hidden treasure that has always seemed more fantasy and legend than a possibility to Peter. I enjoyed myself back in this world, and I’m definitely looking forward to what the next, and perhaps final story holds for us.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca 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.*
Once again, Arthur Shelton, the Duke of Macklin and the ever-present, Tom appear to be up to their matchmaking schemes in A Duke Too Far, the story of the final man at that dinner in London. Although you might be tempted to believe this is the last story in The Way To A Lord’s Heart series, it appears there is one more book to come, Earl’s Well That Ends Well, and I’m hopeful for that story to wrap up everything quite nicely (time will tell).
Ada and Peter’s story felt very much like a slow burn romance. Peter is not only heartbroken by his sister’s death, but he’s also struggling to keep his rundown, dilapidated estate solvent… with not much luck. He has no time nor inclination for romance or company but has been descended upon by not only Ada and her group but by the Duke of Macklin as well. Ada was his sister’s friend, and she’s convinced that she has a vital clue in the documents that she hand-delivers to Peter that could change his estate’s future – and an attraction to the man who always seems lost in thought and standoffish to the world.
A Duke Too Far is not only a romance, but a bit of a treasure hunt as well as Ada, Peter, and Ada’s friends set out to find a hidden treasure that has always seemed more fantasy and legend than a possibility to Peter. I enjoyed myself back in this world, and I’m definitely looking forward to what the next, and perhaps final story holds for us.
*I received an e-ARC of this novel from Sourcebooks Casablanca 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.*
April 10, 2020
A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford is the fourth (maybe last) book in the series of The Way to a Lord’s Heart. The series is based on an older gentleman, Arthur Shelton, Earl of Macklin who is determined to help young men dealing with loss of family. He is a secondary character in all the stories in this series.
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton is in dire straits. He is trying to keep his family’s land and people going, but he has nothing. His house is crumbling, there is very little money, his land and people need help and he is grieving his sister, Delia’s death.
Ada Grandison found Delia’s body and has not been able to let the sight of her go. Ada is determined to help Peter find a missing treasure that Delia was sure existed. The treasure would help save his land, people and his house. The problem is that Peter is not sure it even exists… Peter however is quite sure he is in love with Ada, but there is no way to move forward without money. He will not bring her to poverty and lack of safety.
I love the character of Arthur and am sorry that this seems to be the last book in the series. I want to believe there will be more. A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford was a good read.
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton is in dire straits. He is trying to keep his family’s land and people going, but he has nothing. His house is crumbling, there is very little money, his land and people need help and he is grieving his sister, Delia’s death.
Ada Grandison found Delia’s body and has not been able to let the sight of her go. Ada is determined to help Peter find a missing treasure that Delia was sure existed. The treasure would help save his land, people and his house. The problem is that Peter is not sure it even exists… Peter however is quite sure he is in love with Ada, but there is no way to move forward without money. He will not bring her to poverty and lack of safety.
I love the character of Arthur and am sorry that this seems to be the last book in the series. I want to believe there will be more. A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford was a good read.
April 26, 2020
A good romance with a surprisingly compelling mystery! Peter is a duke, but penniless with a crumbling castle. Ada is haunted by Peter's sister who died when she was visiting her, and who also left a cryptic message, which Ada is determined to deliver to him. While she and her friends help him search for a long lost family treasure, they start falling for each other. Peter knows he can't provide for her and has no hope, but Ada has hope enough for the both of them.
I like that Peter was realistic, despite his feelings. This seemed like a very practical romance, and not a hot and steamy one, but one appropriate for this story partially about a person who has had repeated hopes dashed and is facing poverty. The dynamic between Ada and her friends and their changing ties also felt genuine, and I wonder if we'll see their stories next. I really liked seeing Lord Macklin again, especially because he comes with Tom, my favorite character in this series. I hope that he gets a book eventually!
I like that Peter was realistic, despite his feelings. This seemed like a very practical romance, and not a hot and steamy one, but one appropriate for this story partially about a person who has had repeated hopes dashed and is facing poverty. The dynamic between Ada and her friends and their changing ties also felt genuine, and I wonder if we'll see their stories next. I really liked seeing Lord Macklin again, especially because he comes with Tom, my favorite character in this series. I hope that he gets a book eventually!
March 25, 2020
What I liked:
- Strong female friendships
- Ada initiating the intimacy
- Peter being so, so very awkward
- the emphasis on grief and the need of support when mourning
- how relatively tame the romance is. That may sound silly as the romance genre is known for being steamy; however, some people just want so mushy love stories and they shouldn't be denied that.
What I did not care for:
- the lack of empathy, or at least sympathy, for Peter's financial situation. It's in line with the characters I suppose as most of them have not ever been poor, but it was sad that Ada refused to try to understand how much his financial strain bothered him.
- the rather slow pacing of the book. There was not a whole lot of forward momentum keeping me coming back to the story which is partly why it took me so long to finish. On the plus side, when I did come back to the story, there wasnt much I needed to be reminded about.
- Strong female friendships
- Ada initiating the intimacy
- Peter being so, so very awkward
- the emphasis on grief and the need of support when mourning
- how relatively tame the romance is. That may sound silly as the romance genre is known for being steamy; however, some people just want so mushy love stories and they shouldn't be denied that.
What I did not care for:
- the lack of empathy, or at least sympathy, for Peter's financial situation. It's in line with the characters I suppose as most of them have not ever been poor, but it was sad that Ada refused to try to understand how much his financial strain bothered him.
- the rather slow pacing of the book. There was not a whole lot of forward momentum keeping me coming back to the story which is partly why it took me so long to finish. On the plus side, when I did come back to the story, there wasnt much I needed to be reminded about.
April 23, 2020
With this book I went in with the mindset of historical romance kind of similar to most of the others I have read. Please take my advice and do not go into this with that same mindset because this book is quite different than most of them around this time period.
Nevertheless, it was a fun and enjoyable read. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue in it. There was a lot between Peter and Ada that was just strictly friendship and nothing more. I felt like the romance part was a bit of a stretch because it seemed they had a lot linking them together as friends but in my personal opinion I don't think the romance part was there for me.
It was hard to invest in some of the characters as they played smaller roles that tended to lead to something more eventful down the line.
This book is an excellent book if you are looking to get a good mystery/friendship/slight romance feel. I mean who couldn't use a good msytery?
#netgalley #aduketoofar
Nevertheless, it was a fun and enjoyable read. There was a lot of mystery and intrigue in it. There was a lot between Peter and Ada that was just strictly friendship and nothing more. I felt like the romance part was a bit of a stretch because it seemed they had a lot linking them together as friends but in my personal opinion I don't think the romance part was there for me.
It was hard to invest in some of the characters as they played smaller roles that tended to lead to something more eventful down the line.
This book is an excellent book if you are looking to get a good mystery/friendship/slight romance feel. I mean who couldn't use a good msytery?
#netgalley #aduketoofar
April 28, 2020
A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford is book 4 in The Way to a Lord's Heart Series. This is the story of Ada Grandison and Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton. I haven't yet read the previous book, so for me this was a standalone book. Ada good friend Delia has died but has left a letter and clues to a possible treasure. So Ada arrives at Peter's door with her other friends to look for this hidden treasure. Peter is morning the lost of his sister but also fighting to keep the run down Estes that are in much need of money to fix up. Peter isn't so quick to believe the tale of the treasure but ends up going along. This of course brings Peter and Ada to be around each other which brings out their feelings for each other. This was a good romance mystery read.
February 14, 2020
4 stars
I think for optimum enjoyment I should have read some of the other books. In this way I'd have had a better sense of what was the Earl's motivation and scheme. I think this book, as well as being a standalone romance for Peter and Ada, also wraps up some loose ends started off in the first books. It's a sweet romance, only kisses. There's a mystery and some frustration with the lack of fortune which prevents Peter offering for Ada. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others,
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
I think for optimum enjoyment I should have read some of the other books. In this way I'd have had a better sense of what was the Earl's motivation and scheme. I think this book, as well as being a standalone romance for Peter and Ada, also wraps up some loose ends started off in the first books. It's a sweet romance, only kisses. There's a mystery and some frustration with the lack of fortune which prevents Peter offering for Ada. I enjoyed it and would recommend it to others,
I received a complimentary copy of this book. Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.
May 21, 2020
Childish brats!
Peter may have been impoverished, but he was still a Duke. The way Ada's aunt and friends spoke to him was completely disrespectful. I would have tossed them out on their ears.
Ada was just creepy, she was obsessed with Peter after barely having met him. All of the ' can't stop thinking about the kisses' stuff was juvenile. I never felt a connection between them. Never saw a reason for them to declare love.
This book was a miss in a series, up until now was very decent.
Peter may have been impoverished, but he was still a Duke. The way Ada's aunt and friends spoke to him was completely disrespectful. I would have tossed them out on their ears.
Ada was just creepy, she was obsessed with Peter after barely having met him. All of the ' can't stop thinking about the kisses' stuff was juvenile. I never felt a connection between them. Never saw a reason for them to declare love.
This book was a miss in a series, up until now was very decent.
March 23, 2020
The story started out quite funny. The plot line grabbed my attention, but as I got through 48% of the book, it changed to being very bland. I was loot for love and romance between Ada and Peter. Unfortunately I didn’t feel that connection with the characters and it fell flat.
March 30, 2020
A Duke Too Far is the fourth and final book in The Way to a Lord’s Heart. The series is based on four men the Earl of Macklin thought he might be able to help and after having dinner with the men in London and discussing the death of their loved ones, the earl spends the summer traveling to each man’s estate and playing matchmaker.
Peter Rathbone, the eccentric Duke of Compton, was struggling to keep his crumbling family’s estate together. He was surprised when Macklin showed up at his home and even more surprised when Ada Grandison and her companions arrived that same afternoon. Even though a duke, Peter hadn’t gone to the traditional schools’ other gentlemen went to and had never been a part of Society, so he wasn’t skilled in social graces, but he was glad for their company.
Ada had discovered Delia at the bottom of the cliff, and she felt certain Delia wanted her to take her discovery to Peter. Even though Peter doesn’t want anything to do with the mystery once they learn Delia was looking for the family’s hidden treasure, Ada is determined to find the treasure. She had fallen in love with Peter and knew they needed to find the treasure if they wanted a future together.
I have enjoyed reading the series but must admit this was not my favorite book in the series. It did have a good plot with the mystery of the hidden family treasure. Hopefully we will see the side characters in future books.
Peter Rathbone, the eccentric Duke of Compton, was struggling to keep his crumbling family’s estate together. He was surprised when Macklin showed up at his home and even more surprised when Ada Grandison and her companions arrived that same afternoon. Even though a duke, Peter hadn’t gone to the traditional schools’ other gentlemen went to and had never been a part of Society, so he wasn’t skilled in social graces, but he was glad for their company.
Ada had discovered Delia at the bottom of the cliff, and she felt certain Delia wanted her to take her discovery to Peter. Even though Peter doesn’t want anything to do with the mystery once they learn Delia was looking for the family’s hidden treasure, Ada is determined to find the treasure. She had fallen in love with Peter and knew they needed to find the treasure if they wanted a future together.
I have enjoyed reading the series but must admit this was not my favorite book in the series. It did have a good plot with the mystery of the hidden family treasure. Hopefully we will see the side characters in future books.
April 28, 2022
Scribd
Having just recently read two other books by Jane Ashford that included the female main character and her group of school friends I enjoyed hearing about what happened before and how Ada actually got engaged. Obviously, I read them all out of order. Yet since I accidentally found this author I started with the one that I was sent. In the other books she was already engaged. The continuity and additional insights into a familiar character is probably the best part of this book for me.
Although I do love a good beta hero and this guy was definitely a beta hero. I like the secondary potential romance I hope it becomes a book between her older aunt and the older Earl. I think I need to read the other books about the Earl doing matchmaking with the other guys that were invited to the table at the very beginning.
The hardest part for me though was the very beginning hearing a description of someone being food poisoned and having an upset stomach and trying to keep it down while eating a meal in public. It was just so terrible listening to this suffering. However, at the very beginning it's hard to know if you can move ahead. So I suffered through it but that was not fun.
I also want to know more about Ada's eyebrows. Like is she like Cara Delevingne or Kathy Ireland or is it a unibrow thing? I don't know but it's such a topic I feel like I need to know.
Anyway it was good. I don't know that I'll listen to it ever again but I would read the others in the series. they are just good mindless entertainment nothing too heavy but they all deal with very depressing situations and people that are bad are actually bad. There's not a lot of redemption going on all over the place. Which does not bother me in the least. I just had to read a few of these books to see what Ms. Ashford's style is and if the Lady Wilston ( or whatever) and the grandpa are actually as bad as their grandchildren believe them to be. They are.
Having just recently read two other books by Jane Ashford that included the female main character and her group of school friends I enjoyed hearing about what happened before and how Ada actually got engaged. Obviously, I read them all out of order. Yet since I accidentally found this author I started with the one that I was sent. In the other books she was already engaged. The continuity and additional insights into a familiar character is probably the best part of this book for me.
Although I do love a good beta hero and this guy was definitely a beta hero. I like the secondary potential romance I hope it becomes a book between her older aunt and the older Earl. I think I need to read the other books about the Earl doing matchmaking with the other guys that were invited to the table at the very beginning.
The hardest part for me though was the very beginning hearing a description of someone being food poisoned and having an upset stomach and trying to keep it down while eating a meal in public. It was just so terrible listening to this suffering. However, at the very beginning it's hard to know if you can move ahead. So I suffered through it but that was not fun.
I also want to know more about Ada's eyebrows. Like is she like Cara Delevingne or Kathy Ireland or is it a unibrow thing? I don't know but it's such a topic I feel like I need to know.
Anyway it was good. I don't know that I'll listen to it ever again but I would read the others in the series. they are just good mindless entertainment nothing too heavy but they all deal with very depressing situations and people that are bad are actually bad. There's not a lot of redemption going on all over the place. Which does not bother me in the least. I just had to read a few of these books to see what Ms. Ashford's style is and if the Lady Wilston ( or whatever) and the grandpa are actually as bad as their grandchildren believe them to be. They are.
June 1, 2020
While I enjoyed the story line of Ashford's latest book, I didn't think it was as well written as her previous stories. I really enjoyed Ada and her friends (I'm guessing they might feature into future stories) and even liked Peter, but there was just something off about this story. Even Macklin just wasn't the same for me...this was just an ok read for me. Fingers are crossed that Ashford's next book is up to par with her other work.
April 17, 2020
A Duke too Far, is book 4 in The Way to a Lord's Heart series and features Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton and Ada Grandison both whom have of course been featured in the previous books. Peter is still deeply mourning the loss of his sister and trying to keep the family’s ancestral home from falling upon him, almost literally when the Earl of Macklin arrives unannounced followed promptly by Ada and her friends. As Peter is already struggling with handling the responsibilities of his family’s crumbling home and his grief over his sister death, these visitors are not only un-welcomed, but a burden on his meager staff and his means.
Ada however was a close friend of his sister’s and she is also grieving her lost. She tells him she felt compelled to come because of a letter that may hold the secret to saving his family’s fortune and his home. Peter has heard the legends of his family’s lost fortune and is skeptical that anything new can come to light of how they had come to lose it all. He literally doesn’t believe in it at all, but Ada is persuasive and hard to shake off. The letter written in another language sends Ada and Peter on a hunt to unravel the past and the more they explore the possibilities of his sister and father’s belief in the family hidden treasure, the closer they grow.
This book is a slow building, subtle romance. There is no fiery love scenes and lots of hands on encounters. What we have instead is a slow and steady growing of care between two people who see the possibilities of what may be if they dare to reach for it and perhaps not dwell so much on what’s expected by society and their peers. We get to revisit of course with Arthur, the Earl of Macklin and his subtle meddling and we see Tom in here as well as supporting character as in the other books. I admit I have grown quite fond off these two. I am quite looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these supporting characters later on. Though this book as the others is a stand-alone book, there are snippets which in my opinion make it easier to follow if the other books in the series are read. Overall it is a great read, and a great addition to the series.
This review was given on the ARC copy received from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGallery in return for my honest opinion.
Ada however was a close friend of his sister’s and she is also grieving her lost. She tells him she felt compelled to come because of a letter that may hold the secret to saving his family’s fortune and his home. Peter has heard the legends of his family’s lost fortune and is skeptical that anything new can come to light of how they had come to lose it all. He literally doesn’t believe in it at all, but Ada is persuasive and hard to shake off. The letter written in another language sends Ada and Peter on a hunt to unravel the past and the more they explore the possibilities of his sister and father’s belief in the family hidden treasure, the closer they grow.
This book is a slow building, subtle romance. There is no fiery love scenes and lots of hands on encounters. What we have instead is a slow and steady growing of care between two people who see the possibilities of what may be if they dare to reach for it and perhaps not dwell so much on what’s expected by society and their peers. We get to revisit of course with Arthur, the Earl of Macklin and his subtle meddling and we see Tom in here as well as supporting character as in the other books. I admit I have grown quite fond off these two. I am quite looking forward to seeing what happens with both of these supporting characters later on. Though this book as the others is a stand-alone book, there are snippets which in my opinion make it easier to follow if the other books in the series are read. Overall it is a great read, and a great addition to the series.
This review was given on the ARC copy received from Sourcebooks Casablanca via NetGallery in return for my honest opinion.
May 26, 2020
I will start by saying that I have read all of the books in The Way to a Lord's Heart series. I found the other 3 books to be quite enjoyable. With that being said, this book just didn't work for me. I found it to be depressing, not because of Delia's death, but because of the overall dilapidation of the estate, Peter's lack of money, and his isolation. There could not be an ending happy enough to save this book for me.
April 27, 2020
Thanks goes to the publisher and Net-Galley for the complimentary copy of A Duke Too Far by Jane Ashford for the purpose of reading and reviewing prior to publication. A Regency romance book 4 in The Way to a Lord’s Heart. My opinions are my own and no one has influenced me in any way.
A Duke Too Far is well-written, but there are several problems. The pacing is extremely slow, which made it difficult to remain engaged and become vested in the characters. The best part of the book is the mystery involving the hidden treasure. I enjoyed that aspect of the novel. I also enjoyed the characters’ struggle with grief.
Ada Grandison is the heroine. She was close friends with the hero’s late sister. She arrives unannounced at the duke’s home accompanied by her chaperone and three school friends. They want to help the duke discover the treasure, but he has no faith in the rumors that his late father and sister insisted existed.
Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton is our hero. He’s inherited the title, along with a broken-down estate and no funds to improve his prospects or properties. The last thing he needs is a gaggle of women showing up on his doorstep. I did like his character but would have enjoyed more depth.
The romance between the hero and heroine is sweet, but minimal, more like what high school teenagers would have. Both the hero and heroine are immature. There isn’t much sexual chemistry between the couple at all.
If you enjoy mysteries and not that into romance, then A duke Too Far by Jane Ashford my work for you. I did like the premise for this book, but the execution fell short for me. Happy reading!
A Duke Too Far is well-written, but there are several problems. The pacing is extremely slow, which made it difficult to remain engaged and become vested in the characters. The best part of the book is the mystery involving the hidden treasure. I enjoyed that aspect of the novel. I also enjoyed the characters’ struggle with grief.
Ada Grandison is the heroine. She was close friends with the hero’s late sister. She arrives unannounced at the duke’s home accompanied by her chaperone and three school friends. They want to help the duke discover the treasure, but he has no faith in the rumors that his late father and sister insisted existed.
Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton is our hero. He’s inherited the title, along with a broken-down estate and no funds to improve his prospects or properties. The last thing he needs is a gaggle of women showing up on his doorstep. I did like his character but would have enjoyed more depth.
The romance between the hero and heroine is sweet, but minimal, more like what high school teenagers would have. Both the hero and heroine are immature. There isn’t much sexual chemistry between the couple at all.
If you enjoy mysteries and not that into romance, then A duke Too Far by Jane Ashford my work for you. I did like the premise for this book, but the execution fell short for me. Happy reading!
April 29, 2020
Peter Rathbone, the Duke of Compton, age 24, is heading to have dinner at White’s with Arthur Shelton, the Duke of Macklin and three other titled men. Macklin has invited them there as all of them have recently lost a family member. Peter lost his sister, Delia, when she fell from a cliff.
Peter’s home is called Albendene and is located in Shropshire. It is a crumbling place and Peter is trying to make as many repairs as he can. When Macklin happens to visit Peter's home unexpectedly, he sees what bad shape the place is in.
Ada Grandison, age 18, is still grieving the death of her good friend, Delia. She and her aunt, Julia and three other friends are heading to Albendene to visit where Delia had grown up. When they all arrive at the same time as Macklin and his group, Peter is scurrying to find suitable rooms to house all of them. Thankfully, he has a wonderful cook who pleases them all.
As Peter shows them all around his huge castle and explaining the history of it, Ada wants to be able to privately ask him to see Delia’s bedroom. It appears she found a document written in a language she did recognize and remembering that Delia saying that she had discovered something that would bring wealth to Peter. Will they truly find something that could be a savior to him?
I have read many of Jane Ashford’s books and know that they tend to get somewhat muddled at times. However, this one just seemed to flutter about almost as much as the dining room bat. Sorry to say that it is not a favorite of mine. I would like to see this talented author get a good editor to edit her work.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
Peter’s home is called Albendene and is located in Shropshire. It is a crumbling place and Peter is trying to make as many repairs as he can. When Macklin happens to visit Peter's home unexpectedly, he sees what bad shape the place is in.
Ada Grandison, age 18, is still grieving the death of her good friend, Delia. She and her aunt, Julia and three other friends are heading to Albendene to visit where Delia had grown up. When they all arrive at the same time as Macklin and his group, Peter is scurrying to find suitable rooms to house all of them. Thankfully, he has a wonderful cook who pleases them all.
As Peter shows them all around his huge castle and explaining the history of it, Ada wants to be able to privately ask him to see Delia’s bedroom. It appears she found a document written in a language she did recognize and remembering that Delia saying that she had discovered something that would bring wealth to Peter. Will they truly find something that could be a savior to him?
I have read many of Jane Ashford’s books and know that they tend to get somewhat muddled at times. However, this one just seemed to flutter about almost as much as the dining room bat. Sorry to say that it is not a favorite of mine. I would like to see this talented author get a good editor to edit her work.
Copy provided by NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.
July 28, 2020
They were connected by loss and drawn down the same path by a mystery. Peter and Ada will have several obstacles, both literal and emotional, to overcome before they find their HEA but I could tell it was going to be so very worth it.
Peter is the last of the London gentlemen that Earl of Macklin is determined to see settled. This matchmaker has seen some beautiful success in his last three adventures so there was no doubt he’d make this stubborn Duke and his late sister’s best friend see that they were made for each other. It wasn’t a difficult argument to convince sweet Ada, she’d been attracted to the Duke for years. The Duke was a whole other matter. Bitterness and disappointment have a way of blinding a person to what’s right in front of them.
I liked that this wasn’t insta love. They had to get to know each other on a deeper level and trust was a big part of that. The build up is a slow burn. I would have liked for the pacing to not have been quite so slow but it was worth the read to finish the book.
Ms. Ashford introduced several new possible future heroines with this book. I would like to see them explored and allowed their own adventures. Ada’s aunt was fun, too.
Readers who enjoy a good mystery with a lovely dose of romance may enjoy Peter and Ada’s story. The Earl of Macklin’s quest is complete with this book but I could easily imagine this world expanding and the lives of those he brought together building and growing.
Peter is the last of the London gentlemen that Earl of Macklin is determined to see settled. This matchmaker has seen some beautiful success in his last three adventures so there was no doubt he’d make this stubborn Duke and his late sister’s best friend see that they were made for each other. It wasn’t a difficult argument to convince sweet Ada, she’d been attracted to the Duke for years. The Duke was a whole other matter. Bitterness and disappointment have a way of blinding a person to what’s right in front of them.
I liked that this wasn’t insta love. They had to get to know each other on a deeper level and trust was a big part of that. The build up is a slow burn. I would have liked for the pacing to not have been quite so slow but it was worth the read to finish the book.
Ms. Ashford introduced several new possible future heroines with this book. I would like to see them explored and allowed their own adventures. Ada’s aunt was fun, too.
Readers who enjoy a good mystery with a lovely dose of romance may enjoy Peter and Ada’s story. The Earl of Macklin’s quest is complete with this book but I could easily imagine this world expanding and the lives of those he brought together building and growing.
October 14, 2021
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton is struggling. Both financially and with the recent death of his sister. His estate is literally crumbling around him. He can't seem to get ahead and he is always alone since his father died. He did what repairs be could around the mansion. But it would never be enough. It had been six months since he had met Lord Macklin in London. He had been invited to dinner with him at White's.
Ada Grandison had found Peter's sister at the end of a deep embankment. She had been dead, now Ada was haunted by dreams. She and three of her other friends had met Delia while they were at school. They had all become fast friends and would do anything for each other. They were taking a trip to Alberdene, Peter's estate.
Ada had found a paper in a foreign language that she had found under the mattress in Delia's room. She felt it was important and might help her brother.
This story started out a little slow but soon picked up. It was a great mystery. I enjoy the banter between the four girls and Peter. They were use to working on mysteries where he wasn't. The characters were engaging and at times funny. The tale was compelling I found that it was difficult to put down, it was very entertaining. I do recommend this book to all.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Ada Grandison had found Peter's sister at the end of a deep embankment. She had been dead, now Ada was haunted by dreams. She and three of her other friends had met Delia while they were at school. They had all become fast friends and would do anything for each other. They were taking a trip to Alberdene, Peter's estate.
Ada had found a paper in a foreign language that she had found under the mattress in Delia's room. She felt it was important and might help her brother.
This story started out a little slow but soon picked up. It was a great mystery. I enjoy the banter between the four girls and Peter. They were use to working on mysteries where he wasn't. The characters were engaging and at times funny. The tale was compelling I found that it was difficult to put down, it was very entertaining. I do recommend this book to all.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
April 21, 2020
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton is struggling. Both financially and with the recent death of his sister. His estate is literally crumbling around him. He can't seem to get ahead and he is always alone since his father died. He did what repairs be could around the mansion. But it would never be enough. It had been six months since he had met Lord Macklin in London. He had been invited to dinner with him at White's.
Ada Grandison had found Peter's sister at the end of a deep embankment. She had been dead, now Ada was haunted by dreams. She and three of her other friends had met Delia while they were at school. They had all become fast friends and would do anything for each other. They were taking a trip to Alberdene, Peter's estate.
Ada had found a paper in a foreign language that she had found under the mattress in Delia's room. She felt it was important and might help her brother.
This story started out a little slow but soon picked up. It was a great mystery. I enjoy the banter between the four girls and Peter. They were use to working on mysteries where he wasn't. The characters were engaging and at times funny. The tale was compelling I found that it was difficult to put down, it was very entertaining. I do recommend this book to all.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
Ada Grandison had found Peter's sister at the end of a deep embankment. She had been dead, now Ada was haunted by dreams. She and three of her other friends had met Delia while they were at school. They had all become fast friends and would do anything for each other. They were taking a trip to Alberdene, Peter's estate.
Ada had found a paper in a foreign language that she had found under the mattress in Delia's room. She felt it was important and might help her brother.
This story started out a little slow but soon picked up. It was a great mystery. I enjoy the banter between the four girls and Peter. They were use to working on mysteries where he wasn't. The characters were engaging and at times funny. The tale was compelling I found that it was difficult to put down, it was very entertaining. I do recommend this book to all.
I received this ARC from Net Galley and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 25, 2020
Peter Rathbone, Duke of Compton, is flat broke due to mismanagement from a long line of dukes. As the last Compton duke, Peter does everything he can including fixing things in his mansion when he can. He is fighting a losing battle and he has lost hope that he can bring the estate back into the black. When his younger sister Delia dies in a tragic accident, Peter is now alone in the world. A group Delia's friends come to visit and Peter has to stretch his meager budget to accommodate them. Miss Ada Grandison was the one who found Delia at the bottom of a cliff and she has come to hopefully find closure and solve a mysterious puzzle Delia left. Falling in love with the duke wasn't in the plan, but can she understand that love isn't everything when there's no money to live?
I usually love Ms. Ashford's books, but this one was a struggle to get through. I didn't really feel the connection between Peter and Ada. She seems more committed to the "idea" of love than actually trying to understand Peter's reluctance to form an attachment to her. The mystery surrounding the estate's missing treasure was the saving grace for this story. The secondary characters including Ada's aunt helped carry the story.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
I usually love Ms. Ashford's books, but this one was a struggle to get through. I didn't really feel the connection between Peter and Ada. She seems more committed to the "idea" of love than actually trying to understand Peter's reluctance to form an attachment to her. The mystery surrounding the estate's missing treasure was the saving grace for this story. The secondary characters including Ada's aunt helped carry the story.
I voluntarily read the advanced reader copy and all opinions are my own.
May 17, 2020
I receivable Arc through the NetGalley by the publisher.
I have not read the first three books in this series, while mostly not required to have read the previous books, there were some elements it would have made more sense if you had.
Peter Rathbone is an impoverished Duke whose ancestors have made terrible financial decisions and made very questionable choices when trying to earn it back. Peter’s sister, Delia, died tragically at Ada Grandison’s home. Now Ada is convinced that she has evidence of a mystery that needs to be solved at Peters home and Delia has left her a clue. She convinces her friend and Aunt to accompany her to his home to solve the mystery.
This book started off interesting enough, with some funny and charming scenes. Then it lost my interest entirely until about the 85% mark and everything got wrapped up very quickly. It felt like the author was wanting the story to be a gothic romance, but I didn’t really believe the attraction between Peter and Ada. I also was more interested in the secondary characters than the main ones.
3 stars for the good beginning and ending. Not much in between though.
I have not read the first three books in this series, while mostly not required to have read the previous books, there were some elements it would have made more sense if you had.
Peter Rathbone is an impoverished Duke whose ancestors have made terrible financial decisions and made very questionable choices when trying to earn it back. Peter’s sister, Delia, died tragically at Ada Grandison’s home. Now Ada is convinced that she has evidence of a mystery that needs to be solved at Peters home and Delia has left her a clue. She convinces her friend and Aunt to accompany her to his home to solve the mystery.
This book started off interesting enough, with some funny and charming scenes. Then it lost my interest entirely until about the 85% mark and everything got wrapped up very quickly. It felt like the author was wanting the story to be a gothic romance, but I didn’t really believe the attraction between Peter and Ada. I also was more interested in the secondary characters than the main ones.
3 stars for the good beginning and ending. Not much in between though.
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