The cost of trust is more than she's willing to pay. But he'll do everything he can to change her mind...
A scandal ruined her future... Nicolette Twistleton delights in thumbing her nose at Society. After all, becoming the Spiteful Spinster was what helped her through being jilted by her betrothed. Putting her faith in another man? Impossible. But there's something about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias Pembroke that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again.
A secret can destroy his... Mathias, Duke of Westfall, wants nothing to do with his inherited title and all the public scrutiny it brings. He has dark secrets to protect, and can't afford to be distracted by the trappings of Society. What he apparently can be distracted by, however, is the lovely Nicolette. He understands her pain and knows he could help her heal...if only she were willing to open her heart to him.
Can love save them both? When ghosts from the past emerge and threaten the fragile bonds they've begun to build, Nicolette and Mathias find themselves caught between their feelings for each other and devastating scandal. Will love be enough to protect them—or was their happily ever after doomed from the very start?
USA Today Bestselling author Collette Cameron® is renowned for her captivating, humorous, and heartwarming Scottish and Regency historical romance novels. With over 65 published titles, over 1.6 million books sold around the world, and multiple writing awards to her credit, Collette is a well-known author in the world of historical romance.
Readers love her witty and relatable characters including daring rogues, dashing scoundrels, and the strong and spirited heroines who capture their hearts. From the rugged highlands to the refined drawing rooms of Regency England, Collette’s novels will transport you to another time and place, where love and adventure are just a page away.
Collette’s Sweet-to-Spicy Timeless Romances® are the perfect escape for readers looking for romantic escape, poignant inspiration, engaging humor, and entertaining stories.
Based in the Pacific Northwest, Collette is surrounded by the lush greenery and rainy skies that inspire her writing. She dreams of one day splitting her time between the Pacific Northwest and Scotland. In the meantime, she indulges in her love of all things cobalt blue, dachshunds, chocolate, and of course, crafting her next historical romance.
Series: Seductive Scoundrels #7 Publication Date: 5/5/20 Number of Pages: 202
This was a lovely, lovely, very romantic story. You will fall head-over-heels in love with Mathias as soon as he graces the page. The story is very well-written and well-executed with just enough humor to keep you smiling throughout. One wonderful thing about the story is that there is no angst – goodness I detest angsty books. Both the hero and the heroine have unhappy things in their past and each has/are dealing with them in their own way without the ‘poor pitiful me’ angst we so often see.
Nicolette Twistleton was betrothed and just four hours away from her wedding when she received a note from her soon-to-be groom. Thinking it was a romantic note, she smiled as she opened it – to find just a few words: “Nicolette, I cannot marry you. Forgive me, K”. Seven short words that changed her life and her outlook on men. She decided right then and there that she couldn’t trust her heart and no man would ever hurt her again – she’d never give them the opportunity. After that point, men quickly found themselves decisively set-down if they paid too much attention to her. She’ll not marry! ALL men are toads – cockroaches – and she’ll have no part of them. Now, I can see where someone would have that initial reaction, but hers lasted for two years and I thought that was a bit long when she had so many examples of good men and good marriages around her.
Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall, first met and came to admire Nicolette a few years ago, but she was being courted by Alfonse Bremerton, Duke of Kilbourne – and then she became betrothed. After Kilbourne jilted her, Mathias knew she needed time to deal with her emotions and get herself in order. He’s been very careful in their interactions over the last two years. He has managed to be the only unmarried, eligible male who hasn’t felt the lash of her tongue. When the huge dog (a Newfoundland named Sampson) he’s caring for gets loose in the park and knocks Nicolette over, Mathias carries her from the park and escorts her home.
Mathias knows it is his chance, but he also knows he has to be careful until he can win her good graces – and soon her heart. I love how steadfast and dedicated Mathias is. He is so patient and caring – who could resist him?
I absolutely adored watching Mathias and Nicolette find their way to their HEA – and, of course, the epilogue was the icing on the cake. I hope you will enjoy this quick, lovely read as much as I did.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Utilizing the beauty of the approaching Regency era society as a backdrop, readers will find much to enjoy about this “Seductive Scoundrels” addition so full of steam, and just might want to add it to their to-read list!
Since being jilted by her betrothed, Nicolette Twistleton has cultivated her reputation as the Spiteful Spinster as a defense mechanism. She knows she can't trust her heart, or men, anymore, but charming family friend Mathias Pembroke makes her wish she could.
Mathias Pembroke, the Duke of Westfall, never expected to inherit a dukedom and isn't interested in the spotlight it brings him. He has his own secrets to guard and a business to run and can't afford society's empty distractions. But he is completely taken with Nicolette. he understands her pain all too well and knows he could help her heal if she'd just let him in.
As Mathias and Nicolette form a tentative closeness, unsavory characters from their pasts step in and attempt to derail them, leaving them to decide quickly just how strong their love has grown.
This was a quick, enjoyable read, but much of the time Nicolette and Mathias spent together in which she wasn't sniping at him occurred off page so the characters tended to feel a bit flat to me. I appreciated the fact that this wound up being low on angst (angst annoys me), but at the same time there seemed to be a lot of build up that never really amounted to much. Mathias was a fun hero to root for and his devotion to Nicolette was lovely. This was a great addition to the series.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The story of Nicolette and Mathias. She has been nicknamed the Spiteful Spinster but his own experience tells him that it is an act. Circumstances provide an opportunity for Mathias to insert himself into her life and the pursuit begins. The characters are delightful. The story is fun with the right touch of humour.
Nicolette Twistleton has been jilted two years ago and didn’t want to suffer heartbreak again. She is wary of all men and what she really wants to do is travel. There is so much of the world that she wants to visit. Nicolette is aware of Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall. Mathias has been waiting for Nicolette to be ready to move on for two years. Mathias is such a kind and patient man. This was a delightful story, with a lovely ending. I enjoyed how all the friends were supportive. There are a couple of villains to add interest. I received a copy and have voluntarily reviewed it. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Never Dance with a Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Seductive Scoundrels Series #7 Collette Cameron https://www.facebook.com/collettecame... Release date 05/05/2020 Publisher Blue Rose Romance
𝔹𝕝𝕦𝕣𝕓 :
The cost of trust is more than she’s willing to pay. But he’ll do everything he can to change her mind…
A scandal ruined her future… Nicolette Twisteleton delights in thumbing her nose at Society. After all, becoming the Spiteful Spinster was what helped her through being jilted by her betrothed. Putting her faith in another man? Impossible. But there’s something about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias Pembroke that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again.
A secret can destroy his… Mathias, Duke of Westfall, wants nothing to do with his inherited title and all the public scrutiny it brings. He has dark secrets to protect, and can’t afford to be distracted by the trappings of Society. What he apparently can be distracted by, however, is the lovely Nicolette. He understands her pain and knows he could help her heal…if only she were willing to open her heart to him.
Can love save them both? When ghosts from the past emerge and threaten the fragile bonds they’ve begun to build, Nicolette and Mathias find themselves caught between their feelings for each other and devastating scandal. Will love be enough to protect them—or was their happily ever after doomed from the very start?
𝕄𝕪 𝕣𝕖𝕧𝕚𝕖𝕨 :
Will her jaded vision of men prevent her from finding love where it awaits her ...
At the very beginning, it appears Nicolette was more hurt by the act of being jilted than the loss of her soon-to-be husband. So she let shame and pride cloud her judgement. And from there, it garbled her vision of men, while around her, she found many examples all men were not cads. Still, she keeps all of them, good or not at arm’s length, afraid of engaging her heart one more time. Mathias is such a caring and great man, he is thus because he was raised by two great persons, who accepted him and loved him for who he was truly. Even he has been smitten from the very beginning with Nicolette, having faced a similar experience to hers, he waited patiently to give her time to heal her bruised heart. I very much loved him, kind and thoughtful.
My only disappointment is I expected a bit more action because of his family’s secret and their vicious previous betrothed. Still it is a lovely and sweet read of a man putting his own feelings aside to patiently await the woman he cares for to finally acknowledge him. 4.25 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Nicolette Twistleton has not been lucky in love, hours before she was to marry Alfonse Bremerton, the Duke of Kilbourne, he jilted her and ran off with an American heiress, who gave birth to a healthy baby boy less than seven months later, making Nicolette realize that she was lucky to escape what would have been a very unhappy marriage. But the entire experience changed her, she no longer believes that marriage and children are in her future and doesn't trust men.
She is happy to flirt, but keeps any serious suitors away with her sharp tongue and biting wit, which have earned her the nickname the Spiteful Spinster. The one man who has seemed to have escaped Nicolette's wraith is Mathias, the Duke of Westfall.
Mathias has experienced his own heartache and he too was jilted. He has been attracted to Nicolette since he first met her and realized that he had lost his heart to her at the Christmas house party hosted by Duke of Sutcliffe. Mathias knows to win Nicolette he will have to be patient and give her time to heal from the hurt Kilbourne dealt her, but when the dog he is watching for a friend knocks her down in the park, Mathias seizes the opportunity to begin wooing her.
While Nicolette is attracted to Mathias and would even consider him a friend, she is determined to not fall in love with the handsome duke. But Mathias is slowly chipping away at the wall she has built and kiss by kiss may be winning this battle of wills!
This was a well written, nicely paced novella with a wonderful hero, a little drama, warmish love scenes, evil exes, a sigh-worthy proposal and a sweet HEA complete with an epilogue. I enjoyed this story, Mathias was a truly wonderful hero and I just loved him to pieces. I had a harder time with Nicolette and didn't really warm up to her until almost the end of the book. Overall, it was a very good read and I would be happy to recommend it. It is the seventh book in the series, but it can easily be read as a stand-alone title.
*I am voluntarily leaving a review for an eARC that was provided to me.*
I voluntary reviewed this ARC after receiving a free gifted copy. I loved this sweet story. Mathias and Nicolette were wonderful in this book. The writing wasn’t confusing for me to read. The writer didn’t over indulge to much on things that had no relation to the couple. Take for example, the dog Sampson. He was in then he was out. The writer made sure to give a brief but informative background on how Mathias and Nicolette come to have known each other. My favorite part in the book is the meeting in the park and the dogs licking Nicolette’s face. She had a few choice words in this scene. Mathias character matched his description. I was able visualize him as he courted Nicolette through the book. The book had romance, witty characters, humor and a calling out. Oh let’s not forget the vixen Lady Calibraith. Nicolette she needs to knock that woman down a peg or two. The scene in the opera box, even I wanted to smack her. I mean really smack her so hard that they would have heard it in the seats below. Sick her Bella! Well, that’s my review. My fellow readers read the book.
I liked the hero a lot in this one. The author made it seem like he was celibate the whole two years that he was waiting for the heroine. He was also in trade and didn't care one bit about smelling "like the shop". The reason for the rating is the heroine. She was sort of annoying and there wasn't enough character development for me to believe in her change. And I don't like people who are mean in order to protect themselves from potential hurt. Meh.
I have to say thank you to Collette Cameron for her stories. They've really been perfect for this covid-19 world. When I need a little escapism, her books always fit the bill. :)
Never Dance with a Duke is a wonderfully written historical romance novel with the emphasis on romance. This is a lovely and delightfully romantic read from beginning to end. This is the story of Nicolette Twistleton and Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall. Nicolette Twistleton is the sister of Ansley Twistleton, Earl of Scarborough (a title inherited from an uncle). She lives with her mother and brother and was betrothed to Alfonse Bremerton, the Duke of Kilbourne. However, four hours before the wedding he’d sent a small note stating that he could not marry her. He instead eloped to Gretna Green with Maribelle Grosenick, a vulgarly rich American heiress. She puts up walls around her heart and refuses the advances of every man that seriously approaches. She’s decided not to marry at all, but puts on a front of happiness for everyone to see. Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall inherited his title on the death of his father. His mother and father had a very loving marriage. His sister is recently widowed from a very loving marriage and returned to her family with her two sons. His good friends, also Dukes, are also the friends of Nicolette Twistleton. He has been waiting two years for her heart to heal from being jilted and notice him. He waits patiently in the background, being close and watching how she handles herself. He understands how she keeps her walls up around men. He was jilted as well, years before. I don’t do spoilers, so just let me set the scene and then tell you why I enjoyed this extremely romantic tale. Mathias is babysitting a friends large Newfoundland dog. The dog breaks away from the footman walking him and bounds across the park. Nicolette is walking her little pug puppy through the park in the early morning, when a huge shaggy dog runs up to them. She pulls her puppy into her arms, but the big dog still wants to sniff and play with the puppy. In the process he knocks them both to the ground, twisting her ankle and bruising her arm. Mathias comes to the rescue. He has the footman take the dog back under control and gives the puppy to Nicolette’s maid to take home. He lifts her into his arms (and sparks do fly) and takes her home in his carriage. And the game is afoot! If you love quick witty dialog, romantic touches, this will thrill you. Mathias is a dream of a man! Nicolette is fighting it, but not all that hard. She is well and truly caught. Mathias has his dream within reach. He’s been patient, seeing the beauty and spirit of the lovely lass. The path to true love is never quite straight, but so worth the trip! I found the novel refreshingly romantic, heartwarming and exciting. Kudos to author Collette Cameron. A lovely story and warm loving characters. Love the evil ones too!
Never Dance with a Duke is the seventh book in the Seductive Scoundrels series by Collette Cameron. It can easily be read as a standalone but if you haven't read any of the other books I am sure you will want to by the time you finish this one!
Nicolette Twisleton was jilted by her betrothed and her way of dealing with the ensuing scandal/gossip has been to act like she doesn't care. She won't let herself get hurt again either so she keeps men who may show interest at bay by being a spiteful spinster.
Mathias, Duke of Westfall first meets Nicolette in the park. It's a most unusual meeting, one that neither of them will forget in a hurry. Mathias is smitten at first sight and it isn't long until he can see past Nicolette's uncaring facade. He too has been hurt in the past and he can fully sympathise with her and help her move past it all if she will let him.
Before their relationship can take a strong foothold people from the past crop up and could put an end to Mathias and Nicolette's happiness. Can they do anything to make sure they still have their happy ever after?
This was such a lovely story not least because of the dogs that are in it! The first scenes with them in will have you laughing! Then, of course, you have the emotionally damaged Mathias and Nicolette who can help heal each other if only given the opportunity. Given it, they will have a happy ending.
I will admit that there was a tiny part of the story that confused me a little. Mathias has a secret, one that he shares with Nicolette. He is possibly overheard by somebody who could use that information against him. But no further mention is made of them, and there is no mention of a second part to this story. So did the confession with this person within earshot have any bearing to the story at all? It just didn't seem necessary if there isn't to be a part 2. Apart from that, the story was lovely and I enjoyed reading it.
How I loved this book. It was the literary embodiment of what a good romance should be. It had a spiteful spinster who was jilted just hours before she was to marry, leaving her to think all men were dogs, and another man who'd been waiting and longing in the wings to be noticed by her for two years. Add a Pug and a big dog (real dogs) who were instrumental in bringing them together, a little spice, and you've got just the beginning of this book.
I loved Nicolette from the beginning. She'd been dumped by a pretentious fop and was the talk of the ton. She put on the facade that she didn't care. She wasn't mean, but she'd let men get only so close before she got an attitude.
But Mathias was ready for her. He knew and understood her motivation probably better than anyone else. I think he took it a little personally when she told him she doesn't dance with dukes, but her saying that was a game-changer for the story. He set out to prove her wrong.
There were so many good things about this book. I loved feeling Nicolette and Mathias falling in love. I loved how Mathias was all about honor and defending the woman he loved. I loved that he was stronger than she and was able to break through the walls she'd built around her heart. She was able to feel again despite the ugliness of the antagonists. I cheered for both her and Mathias.
This book was loaded with feels, chivalry, some angst, and even a cute little Pug and an overgrown adorable puppy who has no idea just how big he is.
Easy, easy five stars
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
I enjoyed the story of Nicolette and Mathias! Nicolette has become an ice princess after being jilted by her former fiance (a duke) and humiliated by how it was done. Mathias has wanted Nicolette for 2 years, watching and waiting for her to recover. With how they interact it's only a matter of time before Nicolette falls! I do wish Lady Calbraith and Kilbourne had a worse punishment, but I loved the ending! Thank you for the advanced copy!
This was a lovely novella complete with the swoon-worthy romance Collette Cameron is so renowned for.
Nicolette Twistleton's mission in life is to guard her heart against additional pain. After suffering through the misery and scandal that came from being jilted at the altar, she has sworn off men forever. Yes, she'll flirt with them, but as soon as they show a hint of serious interest, she shreds them with sharp retorts.
Mathias, Duke of Westfall, has been in love with Nicolette for years, but after losing his chance to court her to someone else and then witnessing how she dealt with her suffering after the cad broke things off, Mathias has decided to bide his time and wait for her to heal before pressing any advances.
When a dog attack in the park throws them together again, Mathias jumps at the opportunity to spend more time with Nicolette and to romance her as she deserves. It takes patience, kindness, and tremendous restraint. Because if there's one thing he knows from watching other men fail, it's that he cannot afford to push her too hard.
This was a delightful quick read. I thoroughly enjoyed watching this well-matched pair fall in love and especially appreciated Mathias' understanding and his decision to be honest about his past. A satisfying romance I'd definitely recommend.
Ugh. Not so much a regency romance as it was an outline for a regency romance that will be written someday, maybe. Cardboard characters. Dreadful dialog.
Meet cute: yay, puppies! Never saw them again. Also, the humans had already known each other for a couple of years and were already attracted, so the meet was moot.
Tea and a visit: check. Info dumps activated! Then an opera to introduce the male's horrible ex, we barely see her again (and shows the only nipples we will see for the entire book) and she doesn't actually cause any problems or tension or drama for anyone. She's just a bitch.
Are there spoilers below? Not really, because nothing happened, the whole thing is just a synopsis of a book that never got written...
Blah blah blah, Kindle freebie, glad of that at least. And it was really, really short, so that was a bonus.
I must have read a different book than everyone else, because I was not impressed. One star, unfortunately, is being generous.
This book needed an editor. Or a better editor. I don’t even know where to begin. There are pointless minor things that are inserted (Mathias’ secret being the most egregious example), that have no impact or point to the story. There is also too much telling and not showing, painfully florid language, and a lot of phrases that were self-contradictory in the word choices (the one about blossoms blooming especially caught my eye; blossoms are flowers that have bloomed. Also, the use of the word ‘cockscum’; not a word, now or in Regency England. I think the author may have meant cockscomb, which is a vastly different in meaning from what ‘cockscum’ implies based on a literal reading. These elements are jarring and kept snagging my attention.
Another issue was with characters emotional development. Namely, we aren’t shown signs of growth and the development of an attachment. We are told it happens, but other than some trite cliches, we don’t really see it happening in any meaningful way. Nicollette’s appears to change her mind about all men being terrible (jk! #notallmen) somehow falls by the wayside with very little fanfare, and no real struggle if it is this supposed to be this deep guiding light toward spinsterhood. Also, her character was just unpleasant, and for all the attempts to make her seem like a woman ready to reap the rewards of thumbing her nose at social conventions, naturally, we know she doesn’t (the author makes sure to let you know that).
Finally, that sex scene. It should never have been included. It’s okay to write a romance novel without sex, especially if it is going to be as lackluster as it was.
I feel like there was a structure here that has good bones, that left in the hands of someone else, could have been a much more substantial and satisfying story.
This is another wonderful book in the Seductive Scoundrels series - it is funny, entertaining and romantic with a great main couple and lovable secondary characters; some new and some we are revisiting.
The Spiteful Spinster is the name they call Nicolette Twistleton, the sister to Ansley Twistleton the Earl of Scarborough but she has reason to be the unattainable lady she has become. Two years ago, Alfonse Bremerton, the Duke of Kilbourne, had sent a note jilting her just four hours before they were to take their vows. After the humiliation and crushing blow to her, she decided never to trust a man again (especially a duke, except the dukes married to her friends) and to have a good time but never allow herself to have feelings for a man.
Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall is a good friend to all of Nicolette's friends and husbands and therefore, knows all about the betrothal being broken and the terrible way it was done. He has had feelings for Nicolette for two years and has been waiting to see if she will ever notice or show a hint in interest for him. He finally gets his chance when a dog he is taking care of for a friend gets away from a footman while walking in the park. He goes after the dog just in time to see Sampson knock Nicolette and her puppy, Bella to the ground. (I loved Sampson the Newfoundland!)
This accidental meeting between acquaintances started the wheels turning for Mathias - he needed to take his time with her so she didn't turn cold on him and her knew she was attracted to him but he just needed to convince her in a gentle, honorable manner. Mathias is a swoon worthy hero and even though I really loved Nicolette, she was a hard nut to crack. This is one more winner for Collette Cameron!
I was gifted the Advanced Reader Copy of this book & all opinions are my own & have been voluntarily given.
I have been waiting for Nicolette Twistleton’s story for a while and it was worth the wait. I so enjoyed watching Mathias (and Sampson) thaw the ice that had formed around Nicolette’s heart after she was jilted at the alter by the Duke of Kilbourne.
Society dubbed Nicolette the “Spiteful Spinster” and she wore the moniker like a badge. She would dance and flirt with men up to a point, and when they tried to get too close her razor-sharp tongue would lash them for their actions. Mathias, however, was luckily never on the receiving end of her lashings. He understood the pain behind her behavior. Society looked down on him because he actually chose to work. He may have inherited the title, but he enjoyed working and was proud of his accomplishments. So, he waited for the day Nicolette’s pain would ease and she would notice him.
This story is full of charm, romance, and humor: when Mathias carries Nicolette home after the dog he is babysitting runs her down, he purchases romance books for Nicolette while she is recuperating from a twisted ankle, Selby the butler covers for Mathias when he is late coming home after conducting some “humanitarian efforts” (aka punching someone who really deserved it!). From the park, to the theater, to the waltz scene at the Sheffield Ball, to the epilogue. It is truly a gem!
You will thoroughly enjoy this well-written heartwarming story. It is the seventh book in Collette Cameron’s Seductive Scoundrels series but can be read as a stand-alone story. Main players from other stories make appearances as lovable, supportive secondary characters. One new character is Mathias’ sister Megan, who is full of spunk. I hope she gets her own book soon!
I voluntarily read and reviewed an Advanced Reader Copy of the book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
Nicolette Twistleton, sister of Ansley Earl of Scarborough, delights in thumbing her nose at Society. After all, becoming the Spiteful Spinster was what helped her through being jilted by her betrothed. But there's something about the entirely too handsome and charming Mathias Pembroke that makes her wish she was the kind of woman who could learn to trust again. Mathias, Duke of Westfall, hadn’t expected to become a duke & is quite content to continue to oversee his enterprises even though it's not done for a duke to be in trade. What he apparently can be distracted by, however, is the lovely Nicolette. When ghosts from the past emerge and threaten the fragile bonds they've begun to build, Nicolette and Mathias find themselves caught between their feelings for each other and devastating scandal. This is the seventh book in the series, it could be read on its own but characters are linked & there are cameo appearances. What can I say apart from this is a truly lovely romance, oh my, where can I find a Mathias! He is everything a romantic hero should be – sigh. I loved the chemistry between Mathias & Nicolette & their banter. I read this book in a sitting as I couldn't / wouldn't put it down, I just loved it. My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
Such a romantic story that highlights Collette Cameron's delightful wit and magic with words which make her outstanding in the world of historical romance! I look forward to each book she writes and if I can then listen to it on audible, my reader's heart smiles with joy! "Scrapegrace. Hog-grubber. Jackanape. Contemptible, maggot-patted bounder." Yes those were the feelings of Nicolette after she had been jilted by her betrothed hours before their wedding. She was done with men! But really she was a little lonely. But life was about to change and it had to do with a handsome, charming Duke, oh yes, when she had sworn never to have those feelings again. Mathias, Duke of Westfall. "She was taken by the shade of his blue eyes and the annoyingly perfect lines of his well defined face. It was much easier to resist a man if he had bad breath, body odor, or a razor rash." Oh yes, I love these thoughts of the heroine! Follow the delightful journey of Nicollette and Mathias as they make you laugh, sigh and talk out loud to them! Seriously , I highlighted most of this book in my kindle because the lines were so imaginative and brilliant I knew I would read again!! I would love to say this author just gets better and better but seriously.. she is perfection already!
Nicolette Twistleton doesn’t care to dance with a duke. She really wants absolutely nothing to do with a duke or any other man. Being jilted by note on your wedding day will do that to a girl. Mathias Pembroke, Duke of Westfall, understands how she feels. He was faced with a very similar circumstance. When Nicolette was knocked over and injured (twisted ankle) by a very large excited “puppy,” Mathias is there to rescue her. This just might be the opening he has been waiting for to get closer to Nicolette. Will it work? Will spending time with her convince Nicolette that they can help each other heal and find a happy future?
This is a lovely story with a wonderful hero, a heroine with perfect comedic timing, a little drama, some humor, comeuppance for some nasty exes, and romance including a most unforgettable proposal. Mathias is patient and protective of Nicolette. Nicolette is uncertain, but is drawn to Mathias and wants to trust him. There are people around them who encourage them. I love the way Nicolette’s mother, her brother Ansley, and Mathias’s sister Megan react to their courtship. I like that my favorite characters from the series were here as well. An enjoyable story. I happily recommend it.
I think this is one of Collette's shorter novels. It was what I needed today. Sometimes it's nice to finish a novel in a half day. I did enjoy the characters in the novel. In her comments in the book at the end Ms Cameron mentioned the Mattias patience and waiting for the heroine Nicolette to be ready for him. She also mentioned the heroine being spunky and forward. I liked the characters for exactly the reasons she mentioned. There were some parts where I thought the scenes were a bit rushed, but for the novel to be complete within the allotted space the scenes did need to be abbreviated. I did thoroughly enjoy the opening scene with the pug and the newfoundland dogs. It was ... charming.
Collette Cameron is one of my go to authors whether in Kindle Unlimited or Kindle regular. I know that I will enjoy the series. Right now I'm just trying to get caught up on the various series.
If I had one whine (does anyone have some mozzarella) in general and it has nothing to do with her books, but rather that on Nook, Kindle or even Goodreads it is so hard to identify the books in a series, which novel comes first and which comes last. And sometimes if the novels where published differently than the story-verse chronological order it is harder to know which book to get to next.
Never Dance With a Duke is book seven in the Seductive Scoundrels series by Collette Cameron. O la! This book is a delight to the senses. Breathtaking, toe-curling romance at it’s finest. Nicolette Twistleton first appeared in book three, “A December with a Duke” as a fun but naughty friend. I was so happy to get to read her story. Her brother is my all-time favorite romance hero Ansley, The Earl of Scarborough from “The Wicked Earl’s Club” book 21 by Cameron. Although “Never Dance with A Duke” is a stand-alone, I highly recommend reading all of Cameron’s books. The world she creates is a lovely one filled with heart-thumping romance and laugh out loud humor. In my opinion, “Never Dance with A Duke” is another excellent read. I loved Nicolette’s wit, and sauciness, and the hero Matthias’ smoldering eyes. “...at this moment, my darling, there is nothing I long for more than to kiss you.” He brought his mouth close to her ear. “To taste your sweet lips and explore your honeyed mouth with my tongue. To start.” Cameron’s stories just get better and better.
Nicolette Twisteleton (sister to Ansley, Earl of Scarborough) was hurt badly by her finance, the Duke of Kilbourne! He led her along up until the day of their wedding, then sent a note calling it off and marrying an American heiress. She has given up any hopes of marrying and most certainly will not entertain any Dukes. Not including her friends husbands...Enter Mathias, Duke of Westfall. He has been patiently waiting for Nicolette to notice him. He is friends with all of her friends and has had feelings for her for a long time. While caring for a dog, who ran into Nicolette he is finally able to make his move. She is taken with him but afraid to let her feelings show. Mathias is working hard to wear her down. When the pasts of both of them start to make their appearances Nicolette wants to run a hide rather than be more fodder for gossip. Now Mathias really must show his worth and let Nicolette know she will be loved and protected!! Another Cameron HEA winner!!!
I love this Seductive Scoundrels series by Collette Cameron. Each successive work gives us engaging lead characters, lively banter, and dialogue, usually, a plausible plot, sometimes unusual or scene-stealing pets (not always four-legged), humor (sometimes laugh out loud), and we get to meet again characters from previous works. With the two main characters in Never Dance With a Duke, one cannot help but fall in love with them and their slow-growing romance. I became enraptured with the story of Nicolette and Mathias. Collette Cameron portrayed the two characters perfectly in how they met, how there was an early attraction between them, the fears Nicolette had about having her heart shattered again, the secrets Mathias worried about being revealed. Nicolette was an independent spirit. Mathias was patient. He offered friendship and was there to support and defend her. He was truly a swoon-worthy hero and their story deserves 5 stars!
This is Nicolette's story. Dubbed The Spiteful Spinster, Nicolette has sworn off men due to being jilted years earlier, but she is tempted by Mathias.
Nicolette does seem to be a bit of a drama queen. There's not much to suggest that she was in love with the man who jilted her, and her reaction seems a little extreme. Quite some time later, she is intentionally flirting with men only to put them down. This makes her fairly unattractive.
As always with these books, we skip forward in time and miss out on interesting events. I do find it quite odd that for a series of romance novels, we haven't once seen a wedding. Those are always one of the things skipped over. This skipping does get quite annoying because we never really see a relationship develop, which means that everyone tends to just suddenly be in love. It can be quite frustrating because there is a lot to like about these books (or I wouldn't still be reading!).
What’s not to like about a 2nd chance romance that mixes in friendship, humor, & dogs? Mathias Pembrooke, the Duke of Westfall, has admired Nicolette Twistleton since they first met, but his timing has been terrible. After Nicolette was jilted by her betrothed, her mistrust of men makes Mathias fear he’ll never convince her to give him a chance to be more than a friend. Nicolette’s prickly manner has earned her the nickname “the spiteful spinster”, but Mathias understands all too well her feelings of betrayal & the need to protect her heart. He knows he’ll have to be patient as he works to earn her trust. As their friendship grows, & Mathias is close to convincing Nicolette to give love another chance, their ex-fiancés show up & threaten their happiness... This was a fun, quick read & I was happy to be able to read an advanced copy.
Nicolette and Matthias story was absolutely wonderful💕Their actions toward each other was so hard to look away you could actually feel the sparks from them at the park. As always Collette brings you from the first word to thevery last word, wanting to just keep reading and wanting more to see the sparks, the tensions between them and the obstacles of the ones that want to keep them apart. I really loved the way Matthias took his time and still treated Nicollette like she was special. He is a true hero , by giving her time even though she was jolted and put up a front, he still wants her. Collette brings her characters to life and you just can't get enough💕 Never Dance with a Duke, is just one of her wonderful books 📚 but she has many more to enjoy☺and read. Looking forward to reading more of her Sinful heros💕
Colette Cameron’s writing is sheer delight to read and this story is no exception. This was such a lovely story of two people who deserved a second chance.
I loved the way Colette creates characters that come alive from the start! I couldn’t help myself, I fell in love with Mathias, he was just perfect! He was so determined to break down the defenses that Nicolette had built around her heart. And as their friendship grew she could not help but fall in love with him.
The dialogue is witty and amazing! The story flowed perfectly and Colette has such a wonderful way with words. I am confident that you will fall in love with this wonderful story filled with patience, lovely romance and of course a bit of drama from the exes.
Thank you so much Colette for such a beautiful and romantic, superbly written love story.
Never Dance with a Duke by Collette Cameron is the seventh book in the Seductive Scoundrels and definitely reading if you love historical romance. I loved Mathias and Nicolette's love story! Nicolette and Mathias neither one cared much for society or the rules that were placed on them, but they did care about their families and if that meant following the rules and trying to do what was right then that is what they would do. When they find themselves caught in an uncomfortable position at the park that soon becomes gossip for the town they try to do their best at not bringing attention to themselves, but find it difficult when they find themselves falling in love with each other. I'm definitely looking forward to reading more books in the future by Collette Cameron!
I was given an ARC from the author/publisher. All conclusions are mine and mine alone.