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Second Son of a Duke
The Duke of Fenwick was a reprobrate.
Which is why it has always been up to Teddy Middleton, the second son, to run the estate and both their lives. But the Duke is full of surprises-the latest one a wedding. For Teddy. To the Duke's best friend's sister, Juliette.
Finding herself in church for her own surprise wedding was unnerving, to be sure. But to avoiding scandal seemed to be the most prudent thing to do, so Juliette said, "I do." She'd make the best of it and hope Teddy wouldn't be harder to take care of than her previous household had been. She simply had no idea how she could manage two estates on her own.
After a disastrous wedding night, Teddy and Juliette don't have very high hopes for a life of wedded bliss. As they forge ahead with resolute chagrin, it begins to dawn on them both that they are allies in the same war for sanity among their crazy relations. Mutual admiration turns to friendship which turns to...something neither one ever expected.
But the Duke has one more surprise for them both-one that will change everything.
Which is why it has always been up to Teddy Middleton, the second son, to run the estate and both their lives. But the Duke is full of surprises-the latest one a wedding. For Teddy. To the Duke's best friend's sister, Juliette.
Finding herself in church for her own surprise wedding was unnerving, to be sure. But to avoiding scandal seemed to be the most prudent thing to do, so Juliette said, "I do." She'd make the best of it and hope Teddy wouldn't be harder to take care of than her previous household had been. She simply had no idea how she could manage two estates on her own.
After a disastrous wedding night, Teddy and Juliette don't have very high hopes for a life of wedded bliss. As they forge ahead with resolute chagrin, it begins to dawn on them both that they are allies in the same war for sanity among their crazy relations. Mutual admiration turns to friendship which turns to...something neither one ever expected.
But the Duke has one more surprise for them both-one that will change everything.
45 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 23, 2010
29 people are currently reading
414 people want to read
About the author
Gwen Hayes
35 books1,282 followersGwen Hayes (that’s me) lives in the Pacific Northwest with her real life hero and a pack of wild beasts (two of whom she gave birth to).
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
She is a reader, writer, and lover of pop culture (which, other than yogurt, is the only culture she gets).
Gwen also edits kissing books.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews
August 25, 2011
So here's a question. Why a novella and not a novel? I ALWAYS wonder this when reading one, and Second Son of a Duke was no different.
I really liked the premise. (No surprise there; marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes.) I especially liked the writing:
This was a great read - engaging and witty with characters I liked very much. And the cool little twist about the Duke came completely out of nowhere. Well done!
My only complaint is this: I felt the twist with the Duke and the end of the story were a little abrupt. I thought there was enough material here that the author could very easily have gone on to write a novel, rather than a 14,000 word novella. (I know, I know, talk about what you read, not about what you WISHED you had read, but I can't help it. I wished it was longer.) I liked the story enough that I wasn't quite ready to leave it.
I picked this up on Amazon for $.99, and I think right now it's on sale for less. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable read, pick it up. I'd recommend it for the fresh take on a marriage of convenience alone. And if Gwen Hayes writes a full length historical, I'm all over it.
3.5 stars.
I really liked the premise. (No surprise there; marriage of convenience is one of my favourite tropes.) I especially liked the writing:
Did he even know her Christian name? Best to just brush right past that, he'd figure it out tomorrow. "Of course. As I was saying - "
"It's Juliette. As in I take thee, Juliette Grace Fairchild..." She waved her hand as if to say etcetera. "You should jot it down somewhere in case you are in need of it again."
Excellent. Married twelve hours and she was already sniping at him. Tomorrow, when he killed his brother, it would be slow and unnecessarily painful. "Yes, well, it's probably recorded in the family Bible now; I'll just look it up the next time."
This was a great read - engaging and witty with characters I liked very much. And the cool little twist about the Duke came completely out of nowhere. Well done!
My only complaint is this: I felt the twist with the Duke and the end of the story were a little abrupt. I thought there was enough material here that the author could very easily have gone on to write a novel, rather than a 14,000 word novella. (I know, I know, talk about what you read, not about what you WISHED you had read, but I can't help it. I wished it was longer.) I liked the story enough that I wasn't quite ready to leave it.
I picked this up on Amazon for $.99, and I think right now it's on sale for less. If you're looking for a quick, enjoyable read, pick it up. I'd recommend it for the fresh take on a marriage of convenience alone. And if Gwen Hayes writes a full length historical, I'm all over it.
3.5 stars.
March 29, 2011
2.5
A short short short story that had potential enough to be longer.
I liked the plot.
I liked the brothers...would love a short about them and their debauchery :)
Juliette's mother told her that in the marriage bed, "Feigning interest in his passion is encouraged, though a woman will have to hide her instinctual disgust.
She looks her husband up and down,
"She seemed to have misplaced her instinctual disgust.
But for now. Totally worth the 64 cents I paid! (Love borders coupons!)
Right now it's $.99 for kobo
A short short short story that had potential enough to be longer.
I liked the plot.
I liked the brothers...would love a short about them and their debauchery :)
Juliette's mother told her that in the marriage bed, "Feigning interest in his passion is encouraged, though a woman will have to hide her instinctual disgust.
She looks her husband up and down,
"She seemed to have misplaced her instinctual disgust.
But for now. Totally worth the 64 cents I paid! (Love borders coupons!)
Right now it's $.99 for kobo
July 7, 2018
Younger siblings of two Dukes are thrust into a sudden, arranged marriage and stumble their way through getting to know each other
I enjoyed this brief novelette concerning two decent people who groped their way from being strangers as they entered their marriage bed to developing a much more satisfying and connected relationship (both emotionally and physically). I found this short to be both romantic and just nicely heated enough, featuring a young woman who has a decent backbone (except for the initial sudden arranged marriage) but who also reflects the strangled gender roles/outlook of at least some of her contemporaries.
I enjoyed this brief novelette concerning two decent people who groped their way from being strangers as they entered their marriage bed to developing a much more satisfying and connected relationship (both emotionally and physically). I found this short to be both romantic and just nicely heated enough, featuring a young woman who has a decent backbone (except for the initial sudden arranged marriage) but who also reflects the strangled gender roles/outlook of at least some of her contemporaries.
February 7, 2018
It was a cute novella. It had promise, I suppose. I was rather board with it. Not enough action, intrigue. Not enough obstacles to be over come. Of course I do not usually read short stories.
April 19, 2018
This should’ve been a novel instead of a novella. This book had such a good premise. I would have liked to read more.
September 23, 2018
A great idea for a novella that would have also worked as a great story line in a full length book.
November 19, 2012
This sat in my wishlist for ages before I finally bought it. I thought the cover image was gorgeous and eye-catching, and the excerpt seemed interesting, but I'm wary of self-published works, and I couldn't find many reviews for Second Son of Duke, beyond the customer reviews on Amazon. What ended up tipping the scales was the price. I was buying e-books during one of ARe's sales, and, even though this novella wasn't part of the sale, I decided it wouldn't hurt to add $0.99 to my total. If my purchase ended up being a bad one, lesson learned, and I would just make sure not to buy anything else by this author, no matter how pretty the cover image. I've now read Second Son of a Duke twice, and, thankfully, I don't feel the need to kick myself over my purchase. I've even bought a couple more of Hayes' works.
I enjoyed most of this novella. The beginning was fantastic, in a horrible kind of way. While the sex later on was fairly steamy, I was grateful that the wedding night was fade-to-black. It was easy to imagine how awful it must have been, though. Teddy and Juliette were awkward and stiff with each other. After having been told by her mother that women don't enjoy sex, Juliette saw her wedding night as nothing more than an unwelcome duty she wanted to get over with as quickly as possible. Since Teddy and Juliette didn't know each other well and knew that neither one of them had had a choice about their marriage, they didn't hate each other, but they also didn't expect much of each other.
That brings me to the next thing I liked about this novella: seeing Teddy and Juliette learn to relax with each other. Teddy saw his new bride as something of a mystery and was mostly concerned with figuring out how to at least make their marriage bearable. Juliette, on the other hand, was truly wary of Teddy. I'm guessing that her primary experience with men consisted of her dealings with Peter, Derek, and their friends – it wasn't surprising that she'd worry that Teddy would be yet another person she'd have to clean up after. Teddy and Juliette were two basically nice people who had had to carry a lot of weight on their shoulders, and I liked seeing things go well for them.
One thing I really didn't like about this novella, though, was the twist near the end. During my first read, the twist seemed to come completely out of the blue. During my second read, I think I caught a couple things Hayes might have intended as setup for the upcoming twist, but those things were so subtle that I still felt the twist was pretty much out of the blue.
For the most part, this is a solid novella. I probably would have liked it even more if Hayes had just stuck to writing about Juliette and Teddy. Because I did like the novella overall, I bought a couple of Hayes' other works that seemed like they would fit my tastes.
Other Comments:
I didn't notice any formatting problems. I did spot 3 or 4 typos. The main reason I'm writing about typos at all is because a couple of them occurred close enough together to jar me out of the story.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
I enjoyed most of this novella. The beginning was fantastic, in a horrible kind of way. While the sex later on was fairly steamy, I was grateful that the wedding night was fade-to-black. It was easy to imagine how awful it must have been, though. Teddy and Juliette were awkward and stiff with each other. After having been told by her mother that women don't enjoy sex, Juliette saw her wedding night as nothing more than an unwelcome duty she wanted to get over with as quickly as possible. Since Teddy and Juliette didn't know each other well and knew that neither one of them had had a choice about their marriage, they didn't hate each other, but they also didn't expect much of each other.
That brings me to the next thing I liked about this novella: seeing Teddy and Juliette learn to relax with each other. Teddy saw his new bride as something of a mystery and was mostly concerned with figuring out how to at least make their marriage bearable. Juliette, on the other hand, was truly wary of Teddy. I'm guessing that her primary experience with men consisted of her dealings with Peter, Derek, and their friends – it wasn't surprising that she'd worry that Teddy would be yet another person she'd have to clean up after. Teddy and Juliette were two basically nice people who had had to carry a lot of weight on their shoulders, and I liked seeing things go well for them.
One thing I really didn't like about this novella, though, was the twist near the end. During my first read, the twist seemed to come completely out of the blue. During my second read, I think I caught a couple things Hayes might have intended as setup for the upcoming twist, but those things were so subtle that I still felt the twist was pretty much out of the blue.
For the most part, this is a solid novella. I probably would have liked it even more if Hayes had just stuck to writing about Juliette and Teddy. Because I did like the novella overall, I bought a couple of Hayes' other works that seemed like they would fit my tastes.
Other Comments:
I didn't notice any formatting problems. I did spot 3 or 4 typos. The main reason I'm writing about typos at all is because a couple of them occurred close enough together to jar me out of the story.
(Original review, with read-alikes and watch-alikes, posted on A Library Girl's Familiar Diversions.)
January 13, 2016
My rating reflects the fact that I believe that apples should be compared with apples, for what it is, this short adult romantic story is exceptionally good. Although it has one unexpected turn of events, it is otherwise predictable, but predictability is besides the point because it exquisitely delivers the merchandise. It is a basic storyline that has been used and reused, so what? Why fix it if it ain't broken? Especially when it is being used by a skillful writter, and in this case it definitely is. Short stories leave very little room for the writer to manipulate his reader into feeling exactly what he wants them to feel, and it allows the writer to only draw vaguely the characters the length of the story not allowing for a detailed psychological profile. The characters are well drawn, just enough to let the reader care for them, and not to much so it is the story and not the characters that takes the most importance proportionally. The vocabulary has been chosen, literally. The setting and the era depicted both gain in precision and are made more believable by the choice of words. Even though the vocabulary is researched, the story is in no way weighted down by it. It is a surprisingly enjoyable read.
February 12, 2013
A brother's machination binds two strangers who are actually each others soulmates.
"Second Son of a Duke" is a historical short-story by Gwen Hayes, which seems to play out in the countryside of England maybe around the 18th century.
It begins rather abruptly during the wedding night of Teddy and Juliette. Later, it is told how this situation developed. While the story is unfolding, Teddy's and Juliettes reagards of each other change, which will lead to a surprising ending. It was refreshing to read a historical novel from both points of view which is usually not often done and made it easier to see the shift in their feelings.
Teddy is a really kind and resourceful man. After the disaster in the wedding night he tries to befriend his wife but in the end it is Juliette who takes the deciding initiative to truly become husband and wife and not only in a sexuell way. The deeper meaning of this story was about letting go, taking time for oneself and to just enjoy life in general no matter the circumstances.
I would rate the content a light R. Everything was coming nicely together.
It is the only work I have read by this author so far but it was really well done, so I will continue to look out for other books by Ms. Hayes.
"Second Son of a Duke" is a historical short-story by Gwen Hayes, which seems to play out in the countryside of England maybe around the 18th century.
It begins rather abruptly during the wedding night of Teddy and Juliette. Later, it is told how this situation developed. While the story is unfolding, Teddy's and Juliettes reagards of each other change, which will lead to a surprising ending. It was refreshing to read a historical novel from both points of view which is usually not often done and made it easier to see the shift in their feelings.
Teddy is a really kind and resourceful man. After the disaster in the wedding night he tries to befriend his wife but in the end it is Juliette who takes the deciding initiative to truly become husband and wife and not only in a sexuell way. The deeper meaning of this story was about letting go, taking time for oneself and to just enjoy life in general no matter the circumstances.
I would rate the content a light R. Everything was coming nicely together.
It is the only work I have read by this author so far but it was really well done, so I will continue to look out for other books by Ms. Hayes.
July 20, 2011
Second Son of a Duke[Image][Image] is a 47-page novella. I purchased the book from All Romance eBooks when it was offered at a special 99-cent price. The opening is a real attention getter.
“Theodore Maxmillian Middleton stared at the stranger lying in his bed and knew there wasn’t enough drink in the world to make this situation bearable. He’d kill his brother for this. Tomorrow.”
And what had his brother done? He had planned and pulled off a wedding between Teddy and Juliette, the sister of his best friend. An unexpected and unwanted wedding that Teddy and Juliette only found out about on the day of the nuptials.
It was not a very good beginning for a marriage. Second Son of a Duke is a short but fun read with a big twist at the end. The writing is good, the story moves at an enjoyable pace, and the two main characters are very likeable. I was glad I bought it.
“Theodore Maxmillian Middleton stared at the stranger lying in his bed and knew there wasn’t enough drink in the world to make this situation bearable. He’d kill his brother for this. Tomorrow.”
And what had his brother done? He had planned and pulled off a wedding between Teddy and Juliette, the sister of his best friend. An unexpected and unwanted wedding that Teddy and Juliette only found out about on the day of the nuptials.
It was not a very good beginning for a marriage. Second Son of a Duke is a short but fun read with a big twist at the end. The writing is good, the story moves at an enjoyable pace, and the two main characters are very likeable. I was glad I bought it.
February 9, 2012
Like several of the other reviewers, I think there was potential for this to have made a good full-length novel. As it was, I felt that the ending was rushed and the relationship between Teddy and Juliette wasn't as fully developed as I would have liked. It seemed like they went from barely knowing each other to being in love within a day, which was a little fast for me. However, their characters were well-developed, especially for a short story, so I was able to see how they complemented each other and why they would start to develop feelings for each other.
I did not predict the twist with Teddy's brother, though I did think he would be disposed of in some way so that Teddy could become the duke in truth. This was a fairly creative way of doing it, though!
I did not predict the twist with Teddy's brother, though I did think he would be disposed of in some way so that Teddy could become the duke in truth. This was a fairly creative way of doing it, though!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 30, 2014
The duke arranges his brother's marriage. He's a wastrel who doesn't take interest nor pride in the estate that supports his lifestyle. Teddy, on the other hand, has been taking care of everything.
Juliette is in a similar circumstance. Her brother, the earl, leaves running of the estate to her. She thinks of men as children needing to be babied while having all the control. (This is still the case today).
Together Juliette and Teddy forge and understanding and then a love affair. In the end their respective brothers continue to control the lives of their siblings but at least they have each other.
I wouldn't say it's a spectacular story but it is a good one. Teddy's seduction of his wife after their functional first coupling is fabulously written. Don't miss it.
Juliette is in a similar circumstance. Her brother, the earl, leaves running of the estate to her. She thinks of men as children needing to be babied while having all the control. (This is still the case today).
Together Juliette and Teddy forge and understanding and then a love affair. In the end their respective brothers continue to control the lives of their siblings but at least they have each other.
I wouldn't say it's a spectacular story but it is a good one. Teddy's seduction of his wife after their functional first coupling is fabulously written. Don't miss it.
April 26, 2011
This was a nice little story, although lacking a bit. When I read a sexy little novella, I do quite like that exhausted feeling you get from reading a smokin' hot book. I didn't really with this one, I'm afraid.
The basic premise is a great one, and the characters are quite interesting, but I think this format didn't do it justice. Either the story had to be a longer one, or the complexities with the brothers needed to be taken out. I did like the heroine's total reluctance to remotely enjoy sex, and the first few pages are absolutely brilliant.
I liked it, but nothing more. 3 stars.
The basic premise is a great one, and the characters are quite interesting, but I think this format didn't do it justice. Either the story had to be a longer one, or the complexities with the brothers needed to be taken out. I did like the heroine's total reluctance to remotely enjoy sex, and the first few pages are absolutely brilliant.
I liked it, but nothing more. 3 stars.
January 15, 2016
I knew it! I just knew it! There was something fishing about Derek and BAM!! There it is. Either way I'm happy for him that maybe he found happiness since the hero and heroine of the story are wrapped up on their love.
Second Son of a Duke was shorter than I'd liked, I wish I could've seen more of Teddy and Juliette's relationship, but it was sweet and I love happy endings. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed. Like "hey I got bad news! blah blah blah, bye" and then a few more words to bring it back to the main characters's world of complete happiness and fulfillment.
So is more of a 3.5 from me.
Second Son of a Duke was shorter than I'd liked, I wish I could've seen more of Teddy and Juliette's relationship, but it was sweet and I love happy endings. However, I felt the ending was a little rushed. Like "hey I got bad news! blah blah blah, bye" and then a few more words to bring it back to the main characters's world of complete happiness and fulfillment.
So is more of a 3.5 from me.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 26, 2014
What are brothers for, anyway?
Most romances have a wedding, either at the end (normal) or the beginning. This one is no exception. I am a little curious as to just how the duke and the earl made the young couple get married, as there did not seem to be any hostile overtones. There is an abundance of light humor, nothing to make my eyes tear, but enough to quirk a smile. Parts of the ending were predictable...the guy has to figure out how to get his wife to his bed and to get her to enjoy sex...they have to fall in love and realise it, tell each other. The rest to the ending, while unique, was by then not totally a shock. All's well that ends well and all that.
Most romances have a wedding, either at the end (normal) or the beginning. This one is no exception. I am a little curious as to just how the duke and the earl made the young couple get married, as there did not seem to be any hostile overtones. There is an abundance of light humor, nothing to make my eyes tear, but enough to quirk a smile. Parts of the ending were predictable...the guy has to figure out how to get his wife to his bed and to get her to enjoy sex...they have to fall in love and realise it, tell each other. The rest to the ending, while unique, was by then not totally a shock. All's well that ends well and all that.
January 30, 2013
The story was okay. The start of it was good , but I didn't like the ending but I like the author so I read it. I don't typically go for short stories since I feel most to be to short not really delving into anything. But I seem to be good with ones that are 100 or so pages, mostly they seem to have enough background in them. I thought the characters were good and that the storyline was okay.
January 11, 2016
This was a quick, efficient read! I felt sorry for the Duke's brother, Teddy and the delightful woman that he was forced to marry. Juliette basically carried the same burdens as Teddy did, caring for the family and the holdings. They may have been forced into marriage, but they found allies in each other. It was also heartbreaking that the Duke decides to walk away from the title and fake his own death. You'll have to read why he decided to do that. Good story.
August 6, 2016
Short but still good
Very short but entertaining. I know I would have enjoyed a longer version were the tension and the relationship would have had room to build up more. As well as the characters. There is a really good story in here that just needed more words to feel more complete.
Very short but entertaining. I know I would have enjoyed a longer version were the tension and the relationship would have had room to build up more. As well as the characters. There is a really good story in here that just needed more words to feel more complete.
February 16, 2011
This story was too short for me to give it any more stars, there wasn't enough time for me to get connected with the characters, or get any type of emotional ties. However, I did enjoy the story has a short, real short, easy read.
August 14, 2014
3.5 Stars. A rather charming novella. The premise of the plot seems unlikely, but I really liked to development of the romance between Teddy and Juliette. The ending had an interesting twist. A very pleasant read.
April 18, 2013
Too short. Too much crammed onto the story. This short story would have been so much better if it had been expanded into a full novel. So many details and events were quickly swept over, and they would have been so much better if they hasn't been
April 6, 2015
Teddy and Juliet were forced to be strong and responsible to handle the loves they had thrust upon them,. But in the end that also brought them together and connected them in a way that made falling in love after your own surprise wedding a huge surprise itself. Albeit a very good one!
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
January 13, 2011
this is really short but i still loved it.
February 28, 2011
This one was just OK for me. Too short and not enough substance about the characters.
July 11, 2011
This is an easy read, but a bit predictable.
October 6, 2011
This was short and sweet, but I really liked the characters and small twist.
A fun read.
A fun read.
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March 11, 2012Really?!? Again! A story that seems SO AMAZING but they ruin it with their kinky words -.- Ugh!
March 14, 2013
the setting of the story is good.
but, the pace of the story is unrealistically fast, and I have trouble of too-fast and too-furious of the characters in here.
but, the pace of the story is unrealistically fast, and I have trouble of too-fast and too-furious of the characters in here.
October 29, 2013
Kindle eBook
November 26, 2016
Too much sex, not so much story as such.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 31 reviews