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Wanton Widows Club #1
Her Duke at Midnight
When a young widow and an infamous duke meet at a country house party during the holiday season, the attraction that sparks between them takes them both by surprise.
Lady Cecily Wainwright has emerged from mourning eager for experiences she’s been sheltered from for a year and yearning for the passion she never experienced in her marriage. When her friend, Lady Fiona, invites her to a house party over the holiday season, she leaps at the opportunity to escape London and the watchful oversight of her brother-in-law. But on the journey to the countryside, her friend warns her to steer clear of one infamous duke who’s known for messy affairs and breaking ladies’ hearts.
Adam North, Duke of Everton, loathes his reputation as the "Heartbreak Duke" and has sworn off sensual entanglements for the time being. When he agrees to attend a holiday house party, his goal is to avoid wanton widows and eligible young ladies altogether. But soon after arriving, he encounters the spirited Lady Cecily Wainwright, who sparks attraction and curiosity. When the young widow asks him to instruct her in the ways of pleasure, Adam knows he should refuse. But Cecily is a temptation he cannot resist.
(This is a slightly expanded version of a story that previously appeared in the Duke in a Box anthology)
Lady Cecily Wainwright has emerged from mourning eager for experiences she’s been sheltered from for a year and yearning for the passion she never experienced in her marriage. When her friend, Lady Fiona, invites her to a house party over the holiday season, she leaps at the opportunity to escape London and the watchful oversight of her brother-in-law. But on the journey to the countryside, her friend warns her to steer clear of one infamous duke who’s known for messy affairs and breaking ladies’ hearts.
Adam North, Duke of Everton, loathes his reputation as the "Heartbreak Duke" and has sworn off sensual entanglements for the time being. When he agrees to attend a holiday house party, his goal is to avoid wanton widows and eligible young ladies altogether. But soon after arriving, he encounters the spirited Lady Cecily Wainwright, who sparks attraction and curiosity. When the young widow asks him to instruct her in the ways of pleasure, Adam knows he should refuse. But Cecily is a temptation he cannot resist.
(This is a slightly expanded version of a story that previously appeared in the Duke in a Box anthology)
120 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 27, 2023
9 people are currently reading
34 people want to read
About the author
Christy Carlyle
54 books569 followersFueled by Pacific Northwest coffee and inspired by multiple viewings of every British costume drama she can get her hands on, USA Today bestselling author Christy Carlyle writes sensual historical romance set in the Victorian era. She loves heroes who struggle against all odds and heroines who are ahead of their time. A former teacher with a degree in history, she finds there's nothing better than being able to combine her love of the past with a die-hard belief in happy endings.
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Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews
January 4, 2024
Cecily is ready to experience life again after a year of mourning. Her marriage was an unhappy one. She has no plans to marry again. She meets Adam at a holiday house party. Adam got the nickname "heartbreak duke" after one of his relationships ended badly. He doesn't want any romantic entanglements.
But they meet and sparks fly. They are drawn to each other. This was pretty fast, but I found myself liking both characters and not caring that this romance was so fast. (And the fact that Cecily had been with someone who was abusive to be okay in other relationship so fast).
But they meet and sparks fly. They are drawn to each other. This was pretty fast, but I found myself liking both characters and not caring that this romance was so fast. (And the fact that Cecily had been with someone who was abusive to be okay in other relationship so fast).
December 9, 2023
Late Victorian holiday novella and my first read from this author!
One thing I love in a historical is a house party. Cecily and Adam meet at a mutual friend's house party and the sparks immediately fly despite her reticence at being entangled and heading toward marriage after her first marriage was a disaster. Adam is a true rake but of course, is brought to his knees by the right woman.
Some steamy scenes for such a short book. I also like that the book was set in 1895. We finally get out of the Regency!
Fun, cute read.
One thing I love in a historical is a house party. Cecily and Adam meet at a mutual friend's house party and the sparks immediately fly despite her reticence at being entangled and heading toward marriage after her first marriage was a disaster. Adam is a true rake but of course, is brought to his knees by the right woman.
Some steamy scenes for such a short book. I also like that the book was set in 1895. We finally get out of the Regency!
Fun, cute read.
November 5, 2023
Her Duke at Midnight was an earnest historical romance novella set in London, 1895, with a holiday house party held in the English countryside in Kent.
I have this story in “Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Novellas”.
4 stars
Lady Cecily Wainwright, Countess to the late Earl of Bissenden, has just finished a year of mourning. Eager to be free of her dismissive brother-in-law, and the painful memory of her abusive husband, Cecily joins her best friend for a trip to the country for a house party.
Adam North, Duke of Everton, is trying to avoid romantic entanglements ever since the scandal sheets dubbed him the Heartbreak Duke. Attending a country house party with his best friend, Adam plans to keep to himself.
Adam and Cecily’s attraction was evident from the start. Their conversations were good, and their sexy times were special.
I recommend this quick read novella for a charming romance.
I have this story in “Duke in a Box: Twelve Steamy Historical Novellas”.
4 stars
Lady Cecily Wainwright, Countess to the late Earl of Bissenden, has just finished a year of mourning. Eager to be free of her dismissive brother-in-law, and the painful memory of her abusive husband, Cecily joins her best friend for a trip to the country for a house party.
Adam North, Duke of Everton, is trying to avoid romantic entanglements ever since the scandal sheets dubbed him the Heartbreak Duke. Attending a country house party with his best friend, Adam plans to keep to himself.
Adam and Cecily’s attraction was evident from the start. Their conversations were good, and their sexy times were special.
I recommend this quick read novella for a charming romance.
February 5, 2023
I read this novella in the anthology Duke in a Box and Christy graciously gifted me a slightly expanded version of the story. It was so lovely to read about these characters again. The main characters in this story vow to not fall in love, like a lot of stories, but it is inevitable. Right!!! I liked that Adam was upfront about his wants. Cecily and Adam are a cute couple who have some funny moments, thinking about the dress. Reading it again brought on even more emotions, especially about Adam and Cecily’s emotional hangups that they were able to overcome. So happy reading this story, again.
February 4, 2023
Fun romp
Two damaged hearts neither interested in marriage, meet at a winter house party. Cecily is looking for an independent life now that her mourning period has ended. Good riddance. Adam has been given the moniker of “ the heartbreak Duke.” He’s sworn off any tryst at this house party. Eyes meet. Hearts melt. Desire is awakened. Marriage?
Two damaged hearts neither interested in marriage, meet at a winter house party. Cecily is looking for an independent life now that her mourning period has ended. Good riddance. Adam has been given the moniker of “ the heartbreak Duke.” He’s sworn off any tryst at this house party. Eyes meet. Hearts melt. Desire is awakened. Marriage?
February 7, 2023
This was a wonderful novella about a house party, a widow who had a very bad arranged first marriage and a rake who couldn't make a commitment. It was sweet and steamy at the same time. Another wonderful read from Ms. Carlyle.
October 28, 2023
Read in the Duke in a Box anthology.
A rakish duke who has never felt more than lust for a woman, is surprised to find strong feelings for a widowed countess. However her first marriage was unhappy, will she ever want more than a few stolen hours?
A rakish duke who has never felt more than lust for a woman, is surprised to find strong feelings for a widowed countess. However her first marriage was unhappy, will she ever want more than a few stolen hours?
February 4, 2023
A lovely romance, heartfelt and passionate. Cecily gets a chance at true love with Adam.
April 6, 2023
Good, quick read
I love these short stories without conflict sometimes when I need to escape for a little while. I always love the author.
I love these short stories without conflict sometimes when I need to escape for a little while. I always love the author.
January 14, 2025
As usual I always enjoy reading, and so I did with this story. A shortish enjoyable read. Wished it was a little longer though. 3☆
Displaying 1 - 11 of 11 reviews