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Heart & Soul (Lords in Love) #4
Undressing the Duke
Two weeks notice…
When the notoriously buttoned-up Duke of Southbury is forced to attend a matchmaking festival, he knows it will end in solitude—just like every soiree and ball. The duke doesn’t want a bride. He wants his charming French valet, Vachon. An untenable situation the duke refuses to admit, even to Vachon. The only way to avoid scandal—and the pull of temptation—is to dismiss his handsome valet before Southbury says or does something that cannot be taken back.
But Vachon has pined for his taciturn employer since the moment they met. When the duke announces his impending dismissal, Vachon has only a fortnight to change his mind… and convince the ton’s model of propriety love is worth breaking all the rules!
When the notoriously buttoned-up Duke of Southbury is forced to attend a matchmaking festival, he knows it will end in solitude—just like every soiree and ball. The duke doesn’t want a bride. He wants his charming French valet, Vachon. An untenable situation the duke refuses to admit, even to Vachon. The only way to avoid scandal—and the pull of temptation—is to dismiss his handsome valet before Southbury says or does something that cannot be taken back.
But Vachon has pined for his taciturn employer since the moment they met. When the duke announces his impending dismissal, Vachon has only a fortnight to change his mind… and convince the ton’s model of propriety love is worth breaking all the rules!
117 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 19, 2016
81 people are currently reading
1034 people want to read
About the author
Erica Ridley
130 books2,197 followersGet freebies and 99¢ deals at: https://ridley.vip
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
Erica Ridley is a New York Times and USA Today best-selling author of historical romance novels, including THE DUKE HEIST, featuring the Wild Wynchesters. Why seduce a duke the normal way, when you can accidentally kidnap one in an elaborately planned heist?
In the 12 Dukes of Christmas series, enjoy witty, heartwarming Regency romps nestled in a picturesque snow-covered village. After all, nothing heats up a winter night quite like finding oneself in the arms of a duke!
Two popular series, the Dukes of War and Rogues to Riches, feature roguish peers and dashing war heroes who find love amongst the splendor and madness of Regency England.
When not reading or writing romances, Erica can be found eating couscous in Morocco, zip-lining through rainforests in Costa Rica, or getting hopelessly lost in the middle of Budapest.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 170 reviews
June 12, 2023
3 "sweet and sexi potential" stars !!!
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Author Collective 20. I am providing an honest review. This will be released 16 June 2023.
This is my Pride Read of 2023.
The Duke is 36 and yet to be wed. He is madly in lust and love with his sexy valet of 20 years. They play chess, and violin and have long intimate chats. A week away to find the Duke a wife leads to a getaway of great fun and romance and coming to terms with their love.
The story is predictable but still very sweet, sexy and romantic. Some of the banter is quite funny and the sex scenes are tasteful but fairly vanilla. You want the Duke and Valet to be together forever and ever. Can their love survive the rules of Regency England ?
A tightening of the writing and adding a villain or villainess would have brought this good enough three star read to a more wicked and delicious four stars.
Happy Pride Everyone !
Thank you to Netgalley, the author and Author Collective 20. I am providing an honest review. This will be released 16 June 2023.
This is my Pride Read of 2023.
The Duke is 36 and yet to be wed. He is madly in lust and love with his sexy valet of 20 years. They play chess, and violin and have long intimate chats. A week away to find the Duke a wife leads to a getaway of great fun and romance and coming to terms with their love.
The story is predictable but still very sweet, sexy and romantic. Some of the banter is quite funny and the sex scenes are tasteful but fairly vanilla. You want the Duke and Valet to be together forever and ever. Can their love survive the rules of Regency England ?
A tightening of the writing and adding a villain or villainess would have brought this good enough three star read to a more wicked and delicious four stars.
Happy Pride Everyone !
July 6, 2025
*3.5 stars*
I read a lot of Erica Ridley's novellas, and she usually does a fantastic job with this tricky length, so I was expecting Undressing the Duke to really hit. And I'm happy to report that it totally did, despite a rushed ending that felt a bit haphazard.
I usually don't love the friends-to-lovers trope because I really enjoy the meet-cute parts of a love story, so I was nervous about feeling the chemistry between the two MCs here. However, it really worked for me, mostly because the two had such a close, sweet relationship that it radiated through the book. The employer/employee dynamic can be tricky, but it was well done here. The longing was swoon-worthy.
This was a short one, but we got tons of feels and a low-drama romance.
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I read a lot of Erica Ridley's novellas, and she usually does a fantastic job with this tricky length, so I was expecting Undressing the Duke to really hit. And I'm happy to report that it totally did, despite a rushed ending that felt a bit haphazard.
I usually don't love the friends-to-lovers trope because I really enjoy the meet-cute parts of a love story, so I was nervous about feeling the chemistry between the two MCs here. However, it really worked for me, mostly because the two had such a close, sweet relationship that it radiated through the book. The employer/employee dynamic can be tricky, but it was well done here. The longing was swoon-worthy.
This was a short one, but we got tons of feels and a low-drama romance.
*~*Follow me on instagram for more reviews, book talk, and deals posts*~*
June 14, 2023
Ridley is an expert at writing just the coziest, most lovely romances imaginable. Undressing the Duke is the perfect, softest example: A duke and his French valet who’ve been pining after each other for twenty years finally get their HEA.
I adored the desperate pining and anticipation between these two. Twenty years is a LONG time to be so close yet so far!!!! They were just so sweet and nervous and SEXY.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
I adored the desperate pining and anticipation between these two. Twenty years is a LONG time to be so close yet so far!!!! They were just so sweet and nervous and SEXY.
Thanks to the publisher for an eARC via NetGalley. All opinions are honest and my own.
June 5, 2023
3.5 stars rounded up
Super sweet (if short) story full of feels.
20 years of pining for his valet have to be enough. Donovan, our titular Duke, decides that it his high time he does his duty to his title and marry, and he believes it wouldn't be fair to have a valet he is in love with around - even in a loveless marriage of convenience that leaves him unhappy. After all, he has learned that his feelings don't matter, and that doing the responsible thing is what matters most.
But Geoffrey has other plans. Receiving his notice, he sets out to get the man he has loved since they met to enjoy life and have a bit of fun. And maybe even to confess his feelings...
While this story was short, I really enjoyed the main characters. The longing between the two was adorable, and there was never a doubt that they'd make it work. Loveable characters, no drama, a few laughs (Donovon literally unbuttoning his collar and enjoying life was adorable), and a sweet and well-deserved happily ever after.
*I received a n ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
Super sweet (if short) story full of feels.
20 years of pining for his valet have to be enough. Donovan, our titular Duke, decides that it his high time he does his duty to his title and marry, and he believes it wouldn't be fair to have a valet he is in love with around - even in a loveless marriage of convenience that leaves him unhappy. After all, he has learned that his feelings don't matter, and that doing the responsible thing is what matters most.
But Geoffrey has other plans. Receiving his notice, he sets out to get the man he has loved since they met to enjoy life and have a bit of fun. And maybe even to confess his feelings...
While this story was short, I really enjoyed the main characters. The longing between the two was adorable, and there was never a doubt that they'd make it work. Loveable characters, no drama, a few laughs (Donovon literally unbuttoning his collar and enjoying life was adorable), and a sweet and well-deserved happily ever after.
*I received a n ARC from the author via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review*
June 16, 2023
3 stars
A promising story let down by lackluster sex.
___________
Donovan, the Duke of Southbury, is 36, and finally accepts he must bend to his mother's will and marry. He has no interest in women but vows that when he takes a wife he won't be unfaithful emotionally, which means that it's time to dismiss his valet, Geoffrey, who's been the object of his desires for the last 20 years.
He's convinced to accompany his brother and his wife for a week at Marrywell, a matchmaking festival, where he decides to make the most of Geoffrey's remaining time with him. After all, if he doesn't take a chance now, he'll never know...
___________
This got off to a good start. I really enjoyed both characters and the dynamic between them. Donovan, the gruff duke, hates everyone except Geoffrey who is not just an assiduous valet but his closest friend.
Initially I thought they had great chemistry together. Donovan seeks (and receives) as much touch from Geoffrey as he can: asking him to check that his shave is satisfactory results in a soft caress to his jaw, undressing him for a bath is a languid affair...
What I didn't realise going into this, is that Erica Ridley is an MF romance author, and unfortunately it shows in the sex scenes which were rushed and felt almost uncomfortable. Now, I don't have a point of comparison with her other books, because I haven't read any of her MF sex scenes, but either way this would have worked better without those scenes.
Seriously, they were a cute couple, this could have been great!
This book is completely anachronistic which didn't bother me but it has to be said. It's also pretty unbelievable (though still appreciated) how everything turns out just swell in the end. I did like the little call-back to Geoffrey's joke of giving his regards to Donovan's mother.
I also think this was too short. In the copy I read, the book ends at 82% with a preview of another book, so this was probably only about 85 pages long. Because of this, some parts felt like they were skimmed over, and I would have liked more detail of their holiday scenes at Marrywell, as well as some peek into their future together.
I kindly received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
A promising story let down by lackluster sex.
___________
Donovan, the Duke of Southbury, is 36, and finally accepts he must bend to his mother's will and marry. He has no interest in women but vows that when he takes a wife he won't be unfaithful emotionally, which means that it's time to dismiss his valet, Geoffrey, who's been the object of his desires for the last 20 years.
He's convinced to accompany his brother and his wife for a week at Marrywell, a matchmaking festival, where he decides to make the most of Geoffrey's remaining time with him. After all, if he doesn't take a chance now, he'll never know...
___________
This got off to a good start. I really enjoyed both characters and the dynamic between them. Donovan, the gruff duke, hates everyone except Geoffrey who is not just an assiduous valet but his closest friend.
Initially I thought they had great chemistry together. Donovan seeks (and receives) as much touch from Geoffrey as he can: asking him to check that his shave is satisfactory results in a soft caress to his jaw, undressing him for a bath is a languid affair...
What I didn't realise going into this, is that Erica Ridley is an MF romance author, and unfortunately it shows in the sex scenes which were rushed and felt almost uncomfortable. Now, I don't have a point of comparison with her other books, because I haven't read any of her MF sex scenes, but either way this would have worked better without those scenes.
Seriously, they were a cute couple, this could have been great!
This book is completely anachronistic which didn't bother me but it has to be said. It's also pretty unbelievable (though still appreciated) how everything turns out just swell in the end. I did like the little call-back to Geoffrey's joke of giving his regards to Donovan's mother.
I also think this was too short. In the copy I read, the book ends at 82% with a preview of another book, so this was probably only about 85 pages long. Because of this, some parts felt like they were skimmed over, and I would have liked more detail of their holiday scenes at Marrywell, as well as some peek into their future together.
I kindly received an ARC from NetGalley. All opinions are my own.
June 22, 2023
This book reads like Erica Ridley tried to give the Something Fabulous treatment to A Gentleman’s Position. With a Tom of Finland filter? (Okay, less leather.)
I’m honestly not sure how but she’s kinda pulling it off?
Look, this book is best enjoyed once you’ve totally detached your brain from reality. Like….I kept wondering if it was part of a parody series that I had stumbled into unawares. I especially laughed about *just how often* the book reminds you how strapped/buff/huge/stacked/built/MASSIVE these gents are. And every time the author reminds you about one she’s like “but he’s NOTHING, just wait till you see the OTHER one.” ☠️☠️☠️
So I compared this book to Something Fabulous and A Gentleman’s Position. Here’s the thing - this book does not have the emotional nuance of those books. It does not have the political nuance of those books. It does not have the sexual nuance of those books. What it does have going for it is this:
1. It’s funny.
2. It’s absurd.
3. It’s short. (Although it still could’ve been cut down to an even hundred pages easily.)
4. The plot moves along at a strong clip.
5. The side characters are even zanier than the main ones. I particularly enjoyed the random brother/sister/mother who at no point are having the same conversation despite all speaking at the same time! Were they relevant to the plot? No. Would I happily have read many more pages of their Who’s On First routine? Yes, 1000%.
Anyway, four stars because I laughed a lot while reading this.
I’m honestly not sure how but she’s kinda pulling it off?
Look, this book is best enjoyed once you’ve totally detached your brain from reality. Like….I kept wondering if it was part of a parody series that I had stumbled into unawares. I especially laughed about *just how often* the book reminds you how strapped/buff/huge/stacked/built/MASSIVE these gents are. And every time the author reminds you about one she’s like “but he’s NOTHING, just wait till you see the OTHER one.” ☠️☠️☠️
So I compared this book to Something Fabulous and A Gentleman’s Position. Here’s the thing - this book does not have the emotional nuance of those books. It does not have the political nuance of those books. It does not have the sexual nuance of those books. What it does have going for it is this:
1. It’s funny.
2. It’s absurd.
3. It’s short. (Although it still could’ve been cut down to an even hundred pages easily.)
4. The plot moves along at a strong clip.
5. The side characters are even zanier than the main ones. I particularly enjoyed the random brother/sister/mother who at no point are having the same conversation despite all speaking at the same time! Were they relevant to the plot? No. Would I happily have read many more pages of their Who’s On First routine? Yes, 1000%.
Anyway, four stars because I laughed a lot while reading this.
June 8, 2023
This was such a quick and lovely read. Donovan breaks his own heart by sending his valet away because he's expected to marry and he won't be able to fake it with Geoffrey so near. He immediately has second thoughts and begs Geoffrey to stay for a few weeks so he can get through this festival he's been voluntold by his family to go to so he can find a bride. Despite his own broken heart Geoffrey agrees and away they go.
They decide they aren't going to participate in the festival and spend the time being honest and open with each other. Turns out Geoffrey is a sassy little thing. There was really only one way this story could have possibly ended and it was lovely. I loved seeing how chill and loving his family was concerning Donovan and his partner.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
They decide they aren't going to participate in the festival and spend the time being honest and open with each other. Turns out Geoffrey is a sassy little thing. There was really only one way this story could have possibly ended and it was lovely. I loved seeing how chill and loving his family was concerning Donovan and his partner.
Thank you to Netgalley for a copy in exchange for an honest review. My opinions are my own.
June 27, 2025
Well-meaning, but unconvincing. I am more than a little tired of intelligent adult dukes who are unable to say "No" to Mummy and mean it.
In any case, KJ Charles wrote the ne plus ultra of master/valet love—A Gentleman's Position. Anything else is a pale shadow.
In any case, KJ Charles wrote the ne plus ultra of master/valet love—A Gentleman's Position. Anything else is a pale shadow.
July 3, 2023
I think it's a little unbalanced because it's written from Donovan's perspective. I didn't know what Geoffrey Vachon was thinking about his duke. It was all too one sided! And if there was 20 years of pining, I kind of wanted it to be "steamier" story than this 😅
June 21, 2023
3.5 stars
[ I received a digital copy from Netgalley for an honest review]
Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley is the 7th book in the Lords in Love shared author series. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series but this stood up well as a stand-alone novella.
The Duke of Southbury has been secretly pining for his valet, Vachon, for the past 20 years. His mother is persistent in him choosing a wife, and he decides in order to he must remove the temptation and fire Vachon. He takes him on one last excursion where they have a week to interact as peers instead of Duke and Valet. By the end of the week, the Duke realizes he can't be happy without Vachon in his life.
I really did enjoy this one, but I can't give it a higher rating because it suffered in my opinion from only being a novella. While their is plenty of pining and I enjoyed the Duke and Vachon together, the story is too faced paced. The entirety of the week they spend together exchanging secret kisses is pretty much summoned up in a few paragraphs and picks up at the last day of it. It was disappointing to be told about their week after the fact and not experience it with them. I also think this would have been significantly better if we had also been given Vachon's point of view.
Overall Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley is a short mm historical romance novella between a Duke and his long time valet filled with pining, , matchmaking, secret kisses, just one bed, a bit of steam and pursuing ones happiness despite societies expectations.
[ I received a digital copy from Netgalley for an honest review]
Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley is the 7th book in the Lords in Love shared author series. I haven't read any of the previous books in the series but this stood up well as a stand-alone novella.
The Duke of Southbury has been secretly pining for his valet, Vachon, for the past 20 years. His mother is persistent in him choosing a wife, and he decides in order to he must remove the temptation and fire Vachon. He takes him on one last excursion where they have a week to interact as peers instead of Duke and Valet. By the end of the week, the Duke realizes he can't be happy without Vachon in his life.
I really did enjoy this one, but I can't give it a higher rating because it suffered in my opinion from only being a novella. While their is plenty of pining and I enjoyed the Duke and Vachon together, the story is too faced paced. The entirety of the week they spend together exchanging secret kisses is pretty much summoned up in a few paragraphs and picks up at the last day of it. It was disappointing to be told about their week after the fact and not experience it with them. I also think this would have been significantly better if we had also been given Vachon's point of view.
Overall Undressing the Duke by Erica Ridley is a short mm historical romance novella between a Duke and his long time valet filled with pining, , matchmaking, secret kisses, just one bed, a bit of steam and pursuing ones happiness despite societies expectations.
June 12, 2023
When Donovan the notoriously buttoned-up Duke of Southbury is forced by his brother to attend a matchmaking festival, he knows it will end in solitude—just like every soiree and ball. The duke doesn’t want a bride. He wants his charming French valet, Geoffrey Vachon. An untenable situation the duke refuses to admit, even to Vachon. The only way to avoid scandal—and the pull of temptation—is to dismiss his handsome valet before Southbury says or does something that cannot be taken back. But Vachon has pined for his taciturn employer since the moment they met.
They’d been master & valet for twenty years but both hid their feelings until they attended the Marrywell Festival. A quick but powerful read, wonderful characters unrequited love, delightful banter & sizzling chemistry made this a novella that dealt a punch. I devoured it in a sitting I loved how Donovan let his guard down & found happiness
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
They’d been master & valet for twenty years but both hid their feelings until they attended the Marrywell Festival. A quick but powerful read, wonderful characters unrequited love, delightful banter & sizzling chemistry made this a novella that dealt a punch. I devoured it in a sitting I loved how Donovan let his guard down & found happiness
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
June 12, 2023
Undressing the Duke was a novella and therefore a quick, one-night read. Despite the short length, I felt we got to know the two main characters well enough to care about them and their relationship. Meanwhile, the setting/time period was well portrayed with no glaring anachronisms. I felt there would have been potential for a full-length novel here, as the change in the characters' relationship could have been more gradual, perhaps halted by either the appearance of a potential bride or an antagonist set on keeping them apart. But as it is, it was still a delightful little read and I recommend it if you are looking for a quick MM historical romance fix. I am giving it 4.5 stars.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
I received this book as a free eBook ARC via NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
July 5, 2023
I received this book and decided to jump in realizing that it is more of a novella than a full length novel. I was able to finish it in a little more than an hour. It was a super easy, enjoyable read!
The Duke of Southsbury, AKA Donovan, is on the other side of 35 with no wife or even prospects for a wife. His mom has been persistent in throwing parties and trying to get him to find someone, but he has gained a reputation of being closed off and not interested. Meanwhile, his brother has gotten married and has 3 boys. The pressure is on for Donovan. We realize right away that he is in love with his valet, Vachon, and has been for over 20 years at this point. However, there are stigmas and if his feelings weren’t reciprocated Vachon could get in trouble if caught. Donovan decides that enough is enough. He is going to let Vachon go so that he can get himself a bride and be miserable.
He goes through with letting Vachon go with a VERY nice parting package but just as his carriage is about to leave, Donovan runs down and invites Vachon to go away with him and his brother for the week. Their week together is when things start to change. Vachon brings Donovan out of his shell. They do fun things together as if they were gentlemen in society. There is no pressure. No one knows that Donovan is a Duke. Things get a little spicy. Donovan realizes he doesn’t want to lose Vachon. What is he going to do?
This is the story of hard decisions and learning that it is ok to not care what people think in order for you to be happy. I liked how Donovan’s family surprised him in their support. As I said, this was a very light easy read with a nice HEA. The spice level was pretty low but there. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I may read a few more books in this series.
Merged review:
I received this book and decided to jump in realizing that it is more of a novella than a full length novel. I was able to finish it in a little more than an hour. It was a super easy, enjoyable read!
The Duke of Southsbury, AKA Donovan, is on the other side of 35 with no wife or even prospects for a wife. His mom has been persistent in throwing parties and trying to get him to find someone, but he has gained a reputation of being closed off and not interested. Meanwhile, his brother has gotten married and has 3 boys. The pressure is on for Donovan. We realize right away that he is in love with his valet, Vachon, and has been for over 20 years at this point. However, there are stigmas and if his feelings weren’t reciprocated Vachon could get in trouble if caught. Donovan decides that enough is enough. He is going to let Vachon go so that he can get himself a bride and be miserable.
He goes through with letting Vachon go with a VERY nice parting package but just as his carriage is about to leave, Donovan runs down and invites Vachon to go away with him and his brother for the week. Their week together is when things start to change. Vachon brings Donovan out of his shell. They do fun things together as if they were gentlemen in society. There is no pressure. No one knows that Donovan is a Duke. Things get a little spicy. Donovan realizes he doesn’t want to lose Vachon. What is he going to do?
This is the story of hard decisions and learning that it is ok to not care what people think in order for you to be happy. I liked how Donovan’s family surprised him in their support. As I said, this was a very light easy read with a nice HEA. The spice level was pretty low but there. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I may read a few more books in this series.
The Duke of Southsbury, AKA Donovan, is on the other side of 35 with no wife or even prospects for a wife. His mom has been persistent in throwing parties and trying to get him to find someone, but he has gained a reputation of being closed off and not interested. Meanwhile, his brother has gotten married and has 3 boys. The pressure is on for Donovan. We realize right away that he is in love with his valet, Vachon, and has been for over 20 years at this point. However, there are stigmas and if his feelings weren’t reciprocated Vachon could get in trouble if caught. Donovan decides that enough is enough. He is going to let Vachon go so that he can get himself a bride and be miserable.
He goes through with letting Vachon go with a VERY nice parting package but just as his carriage is about to leave, Donovan runs down and invites Vachon to go away with him and his brother for the week. Their week together is when things start to change. Vachon brings Donovan out of his shell. They do fun things together as if they were gentlemen in society. There is no pressure. No one knows that Donovan is a Duke. Things get a little spicy. Donovan realizes he doesn’t want to lose Vachon. What is he going to do?
This is the story of hard decisions and learning that it is ok to not care what people think in order for you to be happy. I liked how Donovan’s family surprised him in their support. As I said, this was a very light easy read with a nice HEA. The spice level was pretty low but there. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I may read a few more books in this series.
Merged review:
I received this book and decided to jump in realizing that it is more of a novella than a full length novel. I was able to finish it in a little more than an hour. It was a super easy, enjoyable read!
The Duke of Southsbury, AKA Donovan, is on the other side of 35 with no wife or even prospects for a wife. His mom has been persistent in throwing parties and trying to get him to find someone, but he has gained a reputation of being closed off and not interested. Meanwhile, his brother has gotten married and has 3 boys. The pressure is on for Donovan. We realize right away that he is in love with his valet, Vachon, and has been for over 20 years at this point. However, there are stigmas and if his feelings weren’t reciprocated Vachon could get in trouble if caught. Donovan decides that enough is enough. He is going to let Vachon go so that he can get himself a bride and be miserable.
He goes through with letting Vachon go with a VERY nice parting package but just as his carriage is about to leave, Donovan runs down and invites Vachon to go away with him and his brother for the week. Their week together is when things start to change. Vachon brings Donovan out of his shell. They do fun things together as if they were gentlemen in society. There is no pressure. No one knows that Donovan is a Duke. Things get a little spicy. Donovan realizes he doesn’t want to lose Vachon. What is he going to do?
This is the story of hard decisions and learning that it is ok to not care what people think in order for you to be happy. I liked how Donovan’s family surprised him in their support. As I said, this was a very light easy read with a nice HEA. The spice level was pretty low but there. I want to thank NetGalley and the publisher for a copy of this book in exchange for an honest review! I may read a few more books in this series.
June 16, 2023
The Duke of Southbury has enjoyed the services and companionship of his valet for twenty years… Too bad he has to let him go after he finds a wife at the Marrywell matchmaking festival … because he’s in love with him.
Erica Ridley brings us back to the festivities with Undressing the Earl, the final instalment in the Lords in Love duet series with Darcy Burke.
This series revolves around the Marrywell May Day marriage festival- and the weeklong festivities were single people mingle in the hopes of meeting their match!
Of all the festival attendees we have met in the series, Southbury is the least inclined to find a match! Twenty years of unrequited pinning is A LOT!!! The best thing is that the valet, Vachon has been pinning for him the whole time too! They decide to have a last hurrah before the Duke sets to his duty and in Marrywell they are anonymous companions who are able to just enjoy the festivities together! Very Prince and the Pauper like!
This story was the cherry on the top of the Lords innLove series! A delightful friends to lovers romance with the slight edge of the forbidden with the employee/ employer dynamic the nature of their relationship in the timeframe. Ridley respectfully approaches both of these potential conflicts and creates a fun and satisfying HEA for this lovable pairing!
The whole Lords in Love series has been a lot of fun, and this book was a delightful way to wrap up the festivities!
Thanks to author Erica Ridley and WebMotion for my review copy.
#LordsInLove #UndressingTheDuke #EricaRidley
Erica Ridley brings us back to the festivities with Undressing the Earl, the final instalment in the Lords in Love duet series with Darcy Burke.
This series revolves around the Marrywell May Day marriage festival- and the weeklong festivities were single people mingle in the hopes of meeting their match!
Of all the festival attendees we have met in the series, Southbury is the least inclined to find a match! Twenty years of unrequited pinning is A LOT!!! The best thing is that the valet, Vachon has been pinning for him the whole time too! They decide to have a last hurrah before the Duke sets to his duty and in Marrywell they are anonymous companions who are able to just enjoy the festivities together! Very Prince and the Pauper like!
This story was the cherry on the top of the Lords innLove series! A delightful friends to lovers romance with the slight edge of the forbidden with the employee/ employer dynamic the nature of their relationship in the timeframe. Ridley respectfully approaches both of these potential conflicts and creates a fun and satisfying HEA for this lovable pairing!
The whole Lords in Love series has been a lot of fun, and this book was a delightful way to wrap up the festivities!
Thanks to author Erica Ridley and WebMotion for my review copy.
#LordsInLove #UndressingTheDuke #EricaRidley
June 5, 2023
3.5 stars
A sweet novella in which a duke has always found his valet attractive, but kept his thoughts under wraps for 20 years. A last chance trip to a matchmaking festival lets them socialize as equals instead of employer and employee, and things go from there.
I enjoyed my time with these guys, and appreciate how details line up to let them have their happily ever after. Things move a little fast, but it makes sense after 20 years of pining, and there's only 100 pages here so I guess it can't be helped.
A lovely digestif to the series.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
A sweet novella in which a duke has always found his valet attractive, but kept his thoughts under wraps for 20 years. A last chance trip to a matchmaking festival lets them socialize as equals instead of employer and employee, and things go from there.
I enjoyed my time with these guys, and appreciate how details line up to let them have their happily ever after. Things move a little fast, but it makes sense after 20 years of pining, and there's only 100 pages here so I guess it can't be helped.
A lovely digestif to the series.
Thanks to the author for providing a review copy.
June 16, 2023
This is my 20th book by Erica Ridley. I found her when I read The Wicked Duke's Club that she wrote with Darcy Burke back in 2016. I didn't really pick her up again until 2019. Glad to see a series with Darcy Burke again. I have really been enjoying this series. A few books have been a hit or miss but overall a good series.
I enjoyed this book. Loved Donovan and Geoffrey. Too short but a good read.
I enjoyed this book. Loved Donovan and Geoffrey. Too short but a good read.
January 4, 2024
Donovan has been in love with his valet Geoffrey for years. Not knowing if the attraction was reciprocated (and the fact that it was forbidden) he never acted on it. It's not until his mother forces him to consider getting married does he decide to "fire" Geoffrey. He felt it would be unfair to a future bride to be living with someone he loved that was not the bride.
He and Geoffrey go away to a "marriage" festival. And they talk and Donovan realizes the feelings are reciprocated. I liked the resolution; his mother and brother finally see him happy and want him to remain that way.
He and Geoffrey go away to a "marriage" festival. And they talk and Donovan realizes the feelings are reciprocated. I liked the resolution; his mother and brother finally see him happy and want him to remain that way.
June 16, 2023
Donovan and Geoffrey’s story was the epitome of slow burn goodness. Decades of pining for each other in a society and time when their love was definitely not welcome.
I loved the characters and the longing between them. The author did a great job of giving us insight into their feelings and fears. I absolutely loved it.
I received an arc of this book
I loved the characters and the longing between them. The author did a great job of giving us insight into their feelings and fears. I absolutely loved it.
I received an arc of this book
June 20, 2023
The pining is just *chef's kiss*
December 31, 2023
This was a cute novella in typical Erica Ridley style--it's lightweight, amusing, and pleasant. I enjoyed it a lot. I do believe this is her first male/male romance. This is a Duke/valet romance where they've been besties for twenty years and I appreciated that the consent/power issues were addressed. It all wraps up quickly and rather too easily, but it's a very short book and it's super pleasant, if kind of superficial. Pleasant fluff, this one.
June 18, 2023
This was my first Erica Ridley, so I wasn't sure what to expect. The premise sounded fantastic to me: a duke, who is forced by his meddling mother and brother to attend a matchmaking festival to find a dutchess, but is secretly in love with his French valet? Historical romance, forbidden love, secret pining, but make it queer? Sign me up!
The execution, however, wasn't for me. I found the writing cheesy and the dynamic between the two main characters lacking. At first I liked the emphasis on touch and the small gestures between the two, but the story was too short to really get me invested in any of the characters and resulted in a lack of tension for me. I also thought the ending was a tad unrealistic and too neatly wrapped up.
Maybe this type of format just isn't for me, but unfortunately this wasn't the hit I was hoping it would be.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
The execution, however, wasn't for me. I found the writing cheesy and the dynamic between the two main characters lacking. At first I liked the emphasis on touch and the small gestures between the two, but the story was too short to really get me invested in any of the characters and resulted in a lack of tension for me. I also thought the ending was a tad unrealistic and too neatly wrapped up.
Maybe this type of format just isn't for me, but unfortunately this wasn't the hit I was hoping it would be.
Thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the ARC.
June 12, 2023
I had read this story as part of the Duke in a Box anthology last winter, but I enjoyed it just as much the second time. I don’t always like the class differences trope, but Érica Ridley made it work in this novella. I enjoyed the friendship that had developed between the two men and watching that develop into more.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
I received an ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
June 1, 2023
When I started reading this series something felt familiar, now I know why. This book was previously published as part of an anthology 'Duke in a Box' published last November.
Right going to say this upfront, I do not usually read F/F or M/M books as I’m not interested in reading them, but as I received this as an ARC felt I should re-read it and review.
My comment then, was whilst this book is up to usual standard of this author, I don't enjoy reading single sex books. I have enjoyed many books where a non central character has a relationship with some one of their sex, in those cases there is no detail, and as characters they've added to the book, and you want them to succeed , although at the time the books are set such relationships were illegal. Where it's the lead character, as in this book I find I just don't want to read about the relationship 'in all its gory detail' so to speak. I'm happy his family accepted their relationship and the Duke and his valet found a way to have their HEA.
Whilst I've enjoyed this series this is a disappointing end to it.
Right going to say this upfront, I do not usually read F/F or M/M books as I’m not interested in reading them, but as I received this as an ARC felt I should re-read it and review.
My comment then, was whilst this book is up to usual standard of this author, I don't enjoy reading single sex books. I have enjoyed many books where a non central character has a relationship with some one of their sex, in those cases there is no detail, and as characters they've added to the book, and you want them to succeed , although at the time the books are set such relationships were illegal. Where it's the lead character, as in this book I find I just don't want to read about the relationship 'in all its gory detail' so to speak. I'm happy his family accepted their relationship and the Duke and his valet found a way to have their HEA.
Whilst I've enjoyed this series this is a disappointing end to it.
October 19, 2017
I have a few of these stories in my collection and, coincidentally have read a couple just recently: Courtney Milan, Grace Burrowes.
These were not compelling and ended up DNF: Lauren Royal, Jess Michaels, Erica Ridley, Delilah Marvelle, Eva Devon.
I don't consider "bluestocking/virgin/spinster wanting to experience sex" as romantic or interesting. Oh my, I'm getting cynical in my "dessert days" of romance but I don't want to read about someone who is more dysfunctional than me. I want true heroes and heroines, not magic.
However, I think most will like this collection. They are mostly full novels, "The Governess Affair" is a novella but is a complete meal.
These were not compelling and ended up DNF: Lauren Royal, Jess Michaels, Erica Ridley, Delilah Marvelle, Eva Devon.
I don't consider "bluestocking/virgin/spinster wanting to experience sex" as romantic or interesting. Oh my, I'm getting cynical in my "dessert days" of romance but I don't want to read about someone who is more dysfunctional than me. I want true heroes and heroines, not magic.
However, I think most will like this collection. They are mostly full novels, "The Governess Affair" is a novella but is a complete meal.
June 4, 2023
This story was also included in “The Duke in a Box “How long could you hide your feeling for someone you see every day? How about years of longing and fighting the feelings? At the time this story takes place class status was a way of live. Those at the top were titled and servants knew their place. Neither spent time with the other. Donovan is a Duke, that is as high in the ton as one can be right next to the king. His valet is a commoner from France. Donovan’s father picked him for his son because he was even taller, with bulging muscles and could manager his son. Donovan is not a little man at all at six feet and muscular and handsome as sin. He and Geoffrey have been together since he was in school. For Twenty years Geoffrey has dressed, bathed him and been his friend. They spend all their time together, which both know is wrong in the eyes of the ton. They play chess, cards and have lots of talks on many different topics. They even learned to play the violin together. He has managed to escape the marriage mart even with his mother trying over the years to find a woman for him. His brother tells him he must come with his and his wife to the Merrywell where meeting and getting married is the main event. Knowing he cannot say he no as it would make his mother unhappy. But also knowing he cannot have a wife and Geoffrey in the same house. It is too hard as it is to keep himself in check. He may not want a wife but would not hurt one either. Geoffrey is shocked with Donovan tells him he is fired! How will he live without Donovan around? Both men are upset and know this is what must happen but neither truly want it. Donovan cannot let him go, so invites him to go with him to Merrywell. Let the games began. For the first time in Donovan life no one knows he is a duke! No expectations, no duties and no woman chasing him!! Geoffrey and him have time to explore, enjoy and be themselves. Oh my! Will they finally tell the other how they feel? Can they find a happy ending? After so long how will they let their hair down? So many questions and to find the answers you need to get this fun, witty, steamy story and find out. This is not the genre I usually read and both books I have were written by Erica who does an amazing job with the telling. Life is short and love is in my opinion the most important single thing in one's life, where you find it and with whom is between the couple and no one else. I hope that this is LGBTQ story does not scare you off from reading it. It is a wonderful story of longing, caring, understanding and love. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
July 21, 2023
Thanks to NetGalley for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is a shorter novella and book 7 of the Lords in Love series, by Erica Ridley. This is a MM historical love story. Donavan Sutcliffe, the Duke of Southbury, is a very isolated, reclusive man who seems to be very burdened by his roles and what is expected of him. One of those expectations is for him to marry and produce a heir to continue the family line; his mother apparently is quite vocal and persistent about his duty to the family, despite having a prolific, married younger sibling who has already produced many healthy sons.
Thanks to his family's loving meddling, Donavan has resolved that he will join his brother and his wife when they travel to Marrywell, and try to find a bride. To help this along, he has decided to let his valet, the tall, handsome, and entirely too distracting and engrossing Geoffrey Vachon. Because otherwise, Donavan would not be able to focus and give a future bride the attention he feels she would deserve. Because he desires his valet far more than any woman he was ever met.
But he hates letting Vachon go, since they have been together since Donavan has been a young man. He does not know if Vachon shares his feelings, and he has been afraid to act on them. But he had resolved to move forward without Vachon to distract him from his plans. Except he really isn't. So after giving Vachon his notice and severance, Donavan decides he needs to give him 2 more weeks, and Vachon can join him in Marrywell for the festival instead. But when they arrive, rather than present themselves as a Duke and his valet, he presents Vachon as his friend and companion instead, and their relationship takes on a new dynamic. Donavan decides to abandon his search for a bride at Marrywell, as they explore their newly exposed feelings for each other.
In the end, Donavan realizes that he doesn't have to live by the expectations and constraints that he thinks others have of him, and he and Geoffrey can find happiness together, not as Duke and servant, but as two people who love each other. This was a short story but a lovely, sweet, but steamy MM love story too.
4 stars out of 5
This is a shorter novella and book 7 of the Lords in Love series, by Erica Ridley. This is a MM historical love story. Donavan Sutcliffe, the Duke of Southbury, is a very isolated, reclusive man who seems to be very burdened by his roles and what is expected of him. One of those expectations is for him to marry and produce a heir to continue the family line; his mother apparently is quite vocal and persistent about his duty to the family, despite having a prolific, married younger sibling who has already produced many healthy sons.
Thanks to his family's loving meddling, Donavan has resolved that he will join his brother and his wife when they travel to Marrywell, and try to find a bride. To help this along, he has decided to let his valet, the tall, handsome, and entirely too distracting and engrossing Geoffrey Vachon. Because otherwise, Donavan would not be able to focus and give a future bride the attention he feels she would deserve. Because he desires his valet far more than any woman he was ever met.
But he hates letting Vachon go, since they have been together since Donavan has been a young man. He does not know if Vachon shares his feelings, and he has been afraid to act on them. But he had resolved to move forward without Vachon to distract him from his plans. Except he really isn't. So after giving Vachon his notice and severance, Donavan decides he needs to give him 2 more weeks, and Vachon can join him in Marrywell for the festival instead. But when they arrive, rather than present themselves as a Duke and his valet, he presents Vachon as his friend and companion instead, and their relationship takes on a new dynamic. Donavan decides to abandon his search for a bride at Marrywell, as they explore their newly exposed feelings for each other.
In the end, Donavan realizes that he doesn't have to live by the expectations and constraints that he thinks others have of him, and he and Geoffrey can find happiness together, not as Duke and servant, but as two people who love each other. This was a short story but a lovely, sweet, but steamy MM love story too.
4 stars out of 5
June 20, 2023
Erica Ridley, you sly dog! I read this book a couple of weeks ago when I received the ARC. But before I wrote this review, it triggered me to go back and re-read many of your other books. I read “Undressing the Duke” again, to remind myself of certain points and went to bed. And woke up in the middle of the night with a big light dawning. Did his family know? Was it all a set up? Or did all the feels suddenly bubble up inside Southbury after almost 20 years, causing him to dismiss his valet Vachon just happen to coincide with the Duke's brother inviting him to Marrywell for the matchmaking festival? After all, Bernard, the Duke's brother, had found his true love there.
At first I was a little bit skeptical how Southbury (Donovan) and Vachon (Geoffrey) could both be so tightly wound that their feelings for each other had not slipped out in all that time. Since they were both so invested in each other, wouldn't the slightest slip have encouraged the other to act or at least suggest maybe there was a possibility of reciprocal feelings?
Then again, I guess there was no “Guide for Valets” book that Donovan could check to see if yes or no, besides dressing the duke, a valet would be responsible for bathing him like a child, no matter his age. And was a valet supposed to take care of EVERYTHING in the Duke's rooms? (One niggling thought--wouldn't Geoffrey have found evidence of the Duke so often “taking himself in hand” if he also did the work normally done by chambermaids and changed the bed clothing??)
Maybe some of you very clever readers might catch on sooner, but I truly did not see “how can this end well”.
It took Donovan a minute–or 20 years--(and me!) to realize the fact that his family just wanted him to be happy. And the last night before Geoffrey is to leave Donovan's employ, a none-so-subtle hint, provided by a last minute interruption by his mother, allows Donovan to see that for himself, leading him to take steps hi thinks will lead him to his (and Geoffrey's) HEA.
At first I was a little bit skeptical how Southbury (Donovan) and Vachon (Geoffrey) could both be so tightly wound that their feelings for each other had not slipped out in all that time. Since they were both so invested in each other, wouldn't the slightest slip have encouraged the other to act or at least suggest maybe there was a possibility of reciprocal feelings?
Then again, I guess there was no “Guide for Valets” book that Donovan could check to see if yes or no, besides dressing the duke, a valet would be responsible for bathing him like a child, no matter his age. And was a valet supposed to take care of EVERYTHING in the Duke's rooms? (One niggling thought--wouldn't Geoffrey have found evidence of the Duke so often “taking himself in hand” if he also did the work normally done by chambermaids and changed the bed clothing??)
Maybe some of you very clever readers might catch on sooner, but I truly did not see “how can this end well”.
It took Donovan a minute–or 20 years--(and me!) to realize the fact that his family just wanted him to be happy. And the last night before Geoffrey is to leave Donovan's employ, a none-so-subtle hint, provided by a last minute interruption by his mother, allows Donovan to see that for himself, leading him to take steps hi thinks will lead him to his (and Geoffrey's) HEA.
June 4, 2023
Love is the only duty truly worth fulfilling!
Donovan and Geoffrey's forbidden romance is a slow seduction in teasing touches and flirtatious quips. Thrumming with chemistry and quietly simmering sexual tension that 20 years of painful longing and bittersweet yearning has amassed, between one taciturn, infatuated, Duke and his devastatingly alluring, teasingly impertinent yet irresistibly charming Valet.
Can one trip, on equal footing, finally dampen down the fear of unrecipocated desire and rejection enough to build courage and allow love free rein to blossom?
Cleverly interwoven with a thread of humour and delightful wit, warmth, sweet sentiment and tastefully touching intimacy, UNDRESSING THE DUKE held the power to have me rooting for their love, happiness, a chance at togetherness and even shed a tear or two in the process.
A read that was just as powerfully enjoyable the second time of reading as when I first read it, many months ago in the wonderful anthology DUKE IN A BOX. Brimming with as much charm as it rang with the charged air of pent up longing, so vividly profound and palpably soul deep, that it hasn't diminished my belief, only intensified it, that if your lucky enough to find love, you have a duty to your heart to grab it with both hands, cherish it and nurture it to blossom. Afterall, happiness can only be sustained if we have the courage to nourish it and create it for ourselves.
A wonderful way to end an engaging, lost in the moment, series by two such wonderfully complementing authors as Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke, who can so effortlessly balance fun, wit and lighthearted romance with the touchingly heart pounding of uncertainties and insecurities! Loved it!!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
Donovan and Geoffrey's forbidden romance is a slow seduction in teasing touches and flirtatious quips. Thrumming with chemistry and quietly simmering sexual tension that 20 years of painful longing and bittersweet yearning has amassed, between one taciturn, infatuated, Duke and his devastatingly alluring, teasingly impertinent yet irresistibly charming Valet.
Can one trip, on equal footing, finally dampen down the fear of unrecipocated desire and rejection enough to build courage and allow love free rein to blossom?
Cleverly interwoven with a thread of humour and delightful wit, warmth, sweet sentiment and tastefully touching intimacy, UNDRESSING THE DUKE held the power to have me rooting for their love, happiness, a chance at togetherness and even shed a tear or two in the process.
A read that was just as powerfully enjoyable the second time of reading as when I first read it, many months ago in the wonderful anthology DUKE IN A BOX. Brimming with as much charm as it rang with the charged air of pent up longing, so vividly profound and palpably soul deep, that it hasn't diminished my belief, only intensified it, that if your lucky enough to find love, you have a duty to your heart to grab it with both hands, cherish it and nurture it to blossom. Afterall, happiness can only be sustained if we have the courage to nourish it and create it for ourselves.
A wonderful way to end an engaging, lost in the moment, series by two such wonderfully complementing authors as Erica Ridley and Darcy Burke, who can so effortlessly balance fun, wit and lighthearted romance with the touchingly heart pounding of uncertainties and insecurities! Loved it!!
~I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own~
June 6, 2023
I received a copy from NetGalley; this is my honest review
-If you haven't catch on from the blurb, this is a MM regency romance, not the first from this author.
-The MM parts are written with taste and no more details than when the scene is MF.
-Poor Donovan had to stand at his mother's elbow and "greet unwanted guests as they invaded his home." LOL.
-A bit of repetitions. In chapter 6, 41%, we've been told several times already that Vachon was the man Southbury wanted and couldn't not have. At chapter 9, 61%, we've been told at least thrice that Donovan would be the best husband ever if he ever married his bride.
-I remember seeing Southbury all disorganized in the way he looked in the previous book. Now I know why - he didn't have a valet for a whole week.
-The whole scene with the mother and children with Donovan and Geoffrey is so funny; these children know what they want and are not afraid to speak-up.
-I felt there was a big jump during a conversation about kissing; two seconds later they are discussing backdoor business.
-It must not have been easy to want someone for twenty years and knowing it could never happen. This situation is no better than if one was lowborn and the other part of the peerage, except for the fact that it was against the law. So if marriage is out of the question, how is this going to work? You'll have to read it for yourself, but I thought the Duke of Southbury found a reasonable way to please everyone, including himself and Geoffrey, his then-valet.
-I'm still confused if the amount of money granted was enough or not. I couldn't tell if Vachon was kidding or not.
-I was glad to hear Bernard saw through them and their mother wanted her children to be happy.
-Please don't mix God with the peerage and LGBT. God did not invent the peerage and its privilege and obligations; men did.
-If you haven't catch on from the blurb, this is a MM regency romance, not the first from this author.
-The MM parts are written with taste and no more details than when the scene is MF.
-Poor Donovan had to stand at his mother's elbow and "greet unwanted guests as they invaded his home." LOL.
-A bit of repetitions. In chapter 6, 41%, we've been told several times already that Vachon was the man Southbury wanted and couldn't not have. At chapter 9, 61%, we've been told at least thrice that Donovan would be the best husband ever if he ever married his bride.
-I remember seeing Southbury all disorganized in the way he looked in the previous book. Now I know why - he didn't have a valet for a whole week.
-The whole scene with the mother and children with Donovan and Geoffrey is so funny; these children know what they want and are not afraid to speak-up.
-I felt there was a big jump during a conversation about kissing; two seconds later they are discussing backdoor business.
-It must not have been easy to want someone for twenty years and knowing it could never happen. This situation is no better than if one was lowborn and the other part of the peerage, except for the fact that it was against the law. So if marriage is out of the question, how is this going to work? You'll have to read it for yourself, but I thought the Duke of Southbury found a reasonable way to please everyone, including himself and Geoffrey, his then-valet.
-I'm still confused if the amount of money granted was enough or not. I couldn't tell if Vachon was kidding or not.
-I was glad to hear Bernard saw through them and their mother wanted her children to be happy.
-Please don't mix God with the peerage and LGBT. God did not invent the peerage and its privilege and obligations; men did.
June 12, 2023
In public the Duke of Southbury is dutiful, disdainful and distant, knowing that at thirty-six he should chose a bride and sire an heir. But once the door to his apartments closes, everything changes. For twenty years Donovan Sutcliffe has been pining for the one man who truly knows him inside and out.
Loyal, attentive and caring Geoffrey Vachon has spent the last two decades serving his master. Dressing and bathing him, playing chess, learning the violin, talking, whatever the duke needed. Always there, always prepared and not afraid to bring him off balance every now and again.
The duke knows he has to let his valet go if he’s to have any chance at becoming an honourable husband and father. But not just yet…
He invites Geoffrey along to the Marrywell Festival. The final attempt at finding the woman who will bear his heir. Here they are friends. Equals. And spending seven days and seven nights in each other’s company, the men can no longer deny the attraction they’ve both been fighting for years…
📚 A novella; short, powerful, heartbreakingly beautiful and so incredibly moving, yet funny and light!
My heart nearly broke at the beginning. Severing the intimate work relationship and friendship these men shared for so many years seemed so cruel. Duty and what ifs paralyse Donovan. The mountain too high to overcome. But then there’s Geoffrey’s witty playfulness, luring him out of his comfort zone, adding a new dimension to their bond. And all this complemented by a family that notices more than he thinks. Touching and full of heart. To me this tale is exquisite, delightful perfection!
📚 MM romance, duke/valet, pining, steamy, open door, forbidden romance, unrequited love
Thank you Erica Ridley and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
Loyal, attentive and caring Geoffrey Vachon has spent the last two decades serving his master. Dressing and bathing him, playing chess, learning the violin, talking, whatever the duke needed. Always there, always prepared and not afraid to bring him off balance every now and again.
The duke knows he has to let his valet go if he’s to have any chance at becoming an honourable husband and father. But not just yet…
He invites Geoffrey along to the Marrywell Festival. The final attempt at finding the woman who will bear his heir. Here they are friends. Equals. And spending seven days and seven nights in each other’s company, the men can no longer deny the attraction they’ve both been fighting for years…
📚 A novella; short, powerful, heartbreakingly beautiful and so incredibly moving, yet funny and light!
My heart nearly broke at the beginning. Severing the intimate work relationship and friendship these men shared for so many years seemed so cruel. Duty and what ifs paralyse Donovan. The mountain too high to overcome. But then there’s Geoffrey’s witty playfulness, luring him out of his comfort zone, adding a new dimension to their bond. And all this complemented by a family that notices more than he thinks. Touching and full of heart. To me this tale is exquisite, delightful perfection!
📚 MM romance, duke/valet, pining, steamy, open door, forbidden romance, unrequited love
Thank you Erica Ridley and NetGalley for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own.
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