The Duke She Despised

Alina K. Field

May 2020 · The Upstart Christmas Brides Book 1 · Havenlock Press

About this eBook

The new Duke of Kinmarty has lost everyone who mattered and gained naught but a title, and debt, and an old pile of a castle. When a fetching new housekeeper appears on his doorstep frantic to ready the place for the Yuletide, he seizes the chance for a respite from grieving and pretends to be the new duke’s estate factor.

 

With her cousin’s children due to arrive from India, a vicar’s widow hides her identity and takes a position as housekeeper to their dreadful uncle, the man who years ago sabotaged her own chance for happiness. Overwhelmed by a castle understaffed and in disarray, she forges a bond with the new duke’s charming but not very competent factor, not knowing that he’s hiding something as well.

 

When allies become lovers, each senses the truth may rip them apart. Can their love survive when she discovers he’s the duke she despised?

Previously published in the Winter Wishes Regency Holiday Romance Anthology

Ratings and reviews

Oddest Book… A Joke? I know that I have said this on occasion in reviews, but this is certainly needed for this book! I am not quite sure how to take it, even after having finished reading it. I found the first chapter that takes place 10 years before the main body of the text to be totally confusing. I actually double-checked the Amazon description to make sure that I hadn't jumped into the middle of a series or an offshoot of one; apparently, I did not. I found that the first chapter just so confusing, with so many different people and references to others as well as rapid action. Frankly, I found it hard to parse, and it took me well into the next section to actually figure a lot of things out. Then I was so surprised to be jumped 10 years into the future. Some situations seemed dire on the different sides, yet there was an odd jocularity to the book with disguising switch of characters. It just absolutely jarred me. The book felt like a joke of some sort, but the joke is on us, the reader; I just could not laugh along. Maybe I'm just missing something, but I just could not get into and enjoy this book at all. I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.

How could one possibly despise a Duke? I mean their title alone should demand respect! Well when he slanders your name and he does not even know you, that is grounds for acute dislike. Yes, that was Filomena's fate and years later she gets an opportunity to get close to Andrew, the new Duke of Kinmarty. Unfortunately she mistakes him for an Estate Manager, but continues to ready the castle for her cousin and her children. Such and entertaining story of mistaken identity, which does not stop the sparks from flying! I adored the characters and the premise. I know you will too so don't miss this one!

Will their secrets destroy it all? A misguided statement when drunk caused a family that was ripped apart for both sides of the family. One side will be able to apologize for what was done but the other has to face what was done and now make amends. It was a good story Minny pretended to be a housekeeper so she could be there for her best friend and cousin. It was hard because the man who caused her so much pain was her employer. You know what fate will play a hand and upset the apple cart. I liked the characters but a couple of the characters were over the top. I hope you take a chance on this one it was worth reading. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.