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una_macchia's review
4.0
Very nice, sweet character-driven story that for the most part reads like it could have been written in the 1800s. Not the kind of book where everyone is hard/wet/throbbing all the time! Would probably be a 5-star read for me if Miss Denny's sister weren't so annoying.
takethyme's review
4.0
This delightful Regency romance is comparable to eating a sugar cookie soon after it is baked. It is sweet on the top. There is chewiness and texture in the middle. And the bottom -ending- is smooth, warm and satisfying.
Judith Denny has come to London to visit her elder sister, Fanny, 'Lady Spicer'. Fanny has her own plans; she intends to sponsor her sibling's 'coming out' with various new clothes and parties. She attempts to teach her the 'dos and don'ts' to become acceptable in society; many endeavors that Judith finds contradictable and suspicious.
At the same time, Judith soon learns, Fanny is trying to cover up her troubled marriage. Daughters of a country rector, they were raised to be sympathetic and kind to others but Fanny has been affected by the ton. She has become haughty and judgmental and Judith fears this is affecting her marriage with her husband, Sir Geoffrey.
Within a short time, Judith meets James Montfort, the Duke of Ashland. Initially, while trying to follow her sister's direction, she snubs him. After realizing the error of her ways, she apologizes and soon gets along well with this most unusual man. Though Miss Denny is eleven years younger than James she is more mature than women twice her age. In turn, he finds 'Judy' refreshing and begins to pursue her.
This is a gentle romance with main characters that actually put some thought into their conversations with each other. Though titled, handsome and rich, Ashland is the 'poorer' of the two and he knows it. All the riches in the world are not any good if you are not happy. He not only loves this woman; he needs her to make his life complete.
The last few chapters string the story along; I would have liked a quicker resolution. But if you are looking for a light historical romance -kissing only- try THE DUKE AND MISS DENNY.
Judith Denny has come to London to visit her elder sister, Fanny, 'Lady Spicer'. Fanny has her own plans; she intends to sponsor her sibling's 'coming out' with various new clothes and parties. She attempts to teach her the 'dos and don'ts' to become acceptable in society; many endeavors that Judith finds contradictable and suspicious.
At the same time, Judith soon learns, Fanny is trying to cover up her troubled marriage. Daughters of a country rector, they were raised to be sympathetic and kind to others but Fanny has been affected by the ton. She has become haughty and judgmental and Judith fears this is affecting her marriage with her husband, Sir Geoffrey.
Within a short time, Judith meets James Montfort, the Duke of Ashland. Initially, while trying to follow her sister's direction, she snubs him. After realizing the error of her ways, she apologizes and soon gets along well with this most unusual man. Though Miss Denny is eleven years younger than James she is more mature than women twice her age. In turn, he finds 'Judy' refreshing and begins to pursue her.
This is a gentle romance with main characters that actually put some thought into their conversations with each other. Though titled, handsome and rich, Ashland is the 'poorer' of the two and he knows it. All the riches in the world are not any good if you are not happy. He not only loves this woman; he needs her to make his life complete.
The last few chapters string the story along; I would have liked a quicker resolution. But if you are looking for a light historical romance -kissing only- try THE DUKE AND MISS DENNY.
pgchuis's review
3.0
Judith Denny goes to London for the season. She stays with her sister, Lady Spicer, who tries to teach Judith how to behave in society. Judith lapses from time to time into her normal persona and thus attracts the attentions of the Duke of Ashland.
This was a sweet story, although entirely lacking in conflict or indeed plot of any kind. I wasn't quite sure why Judith felt unworthy of Ashland's affections, especially as her sister had married so well, but they got there in the end.
This was a sweet story, although entirely lacking in conflict or indeed plot of any kind. I wasn't quite sure why Judith felt unworthy of Ashland's affections, especially as her sister had married so well, but they got there in the end.
rhodered's review
3.0
I grabbed a copy after author Lucy Parker mentioned on Twitter that this is a comfort read for her. Much like probably some of my own comfort reads, it’s merely a pretty good Regency to the typical bystander.
Which is not to say Lucy is wrong in the least.
We all interact with books in our own moment in place and time, and I can absolutely believe something in here struck her as magical.
I’m glad. And now I’m off to share it with someone else, in hopes it will hit that magical place for them.
Which is not to say Lucy is wrong in the least.
We all interact with books in our own moment in place and time, and I can absolutely believe something in here struck her as magical.
I’m glad. And now I’m off to share it with someone else, in hopes it will hit that magical place for them.
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