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jackiehorne's review
3.0
Carolyn Jewel was kind enough to send me an e-book copy for review.
The Duke's cup, a rowing race between the representatives of four dukedoms in the same county, is the premise behind these four loosely connected regency romances.
3.5 for "May I Have This Duke" by Grace Burrowes. Typical heartwarming Burrowes fare, with a governess who falls in love with the guardian of her charge, who, of course, happens to be a duke. Our heroine is of noble birth, too, of course, but fled into service to avoid a scandal. A scandal which turns out to be not truly hers, but that of one of her family members. If only she had just talked things over with the duke, there wouldn't have been a problem...
2.0 for "Waiting for a Duke Like You" by Shana Galen. This one is the odd story out in an otherwise realism-based collection. A princess from a make-believe European kingdom flees said kingdom after her family is massacred in a political coup, and is rescued by an English duke who had fallen in love with her some years past (we never get the story behind this, so the emotions of the relationship are not that compelling). Our princess gets to fire her bow & arrows in pseudo-kick-ass fashion, but has to settle for happily ever after via marriage, not via recovery of her country, at story's end. Not quite the feminist heroism one might have hoped for.
4.0 for "Duchess of Scandal" by Miranda Neville. Typically well-written, character-driven Neville story, with an older duke who has lived estranged from his much younger wife for five years. A scheduling snafu brings them together again under the same roof, and each comes to recognize that their initial getting-to-know-each-other period may have led to mistaken assumptions about one another. And that their own choices during that period may have contributed to said false assumptions. Love a reconciliation story, especially one as well-written as this: "They exchanged tentative smiles. He felt like an explorer, picking his way gingerly into new territory, careful of pitfalls ahead yet eager to reach an unknown but potentially marvelous place" (Kindle Loc 3362).
3.5 for "An Unsuitable Duchess" by Carolyn Jewel. The Duke of Stoke Teversault has a reputation for being cold and distant, so much so that no one besides himself ever knew that he had fallen in love with Miss Georgina Hunter. But Stoke is a deliberate sort, a man who "observed from afar, who must see the eagle's-eye view of a problem before plunging to grasp in metaphorical talons the required solution. He did not act until he was certain." But his caution and prudence cost him a chance at love, for another man swooped in and married Georgina before Stoke could declare himself. Even now, after Georgina has been widowed for more than a year, Stoke thinks "he had no ability to make himself into the sort of man who would suit" the warm, vivacious, quick-witted Georgina. But emotions, especially those of an amorous sort, can only be bottled up for so long... I've always enjoyed Jewel's writing, although I often find she ends a scene overly abruptly, without coming to a satisfactory sense of closure. This was certainly true of this otherwise enjoyable story.
The Duke's cup, a rowing race between the representatives of four dukedoms in the same county, is the premise behind these four loosely connected regency romances.
3.5 for "May I Have This Duke" by Grace Burrowes. Typical heartwarming Burrowes fare, with a governess who falls in love with the guardian of her charge, who, of course, happens to be a duke. Our heroine is of noble birth, too, of course, but fled into service to avoid a scandal. A scandal which turns out to be not truly hers, but that of one of her family members. If only she had just talked things over with the duke, there wouldn't have been a problem...
2.0 for "Waiting for a Duke Like You" by Shana Galen. This one is the odd story out in an otherwise realism-based collection. A princess from a make-believe European kingdom flees said kingdom after her family is massacred in a political coup, and is rescued by an English duke who had fallen in love with her some years past (we never get the story behind this, so the emotions of the relationship are not that compelling). Our princess gets to fire her bow & arrows in pseudo-kick-ass fashion, but has to settle for happily ever after via marriage, not via recovery of her country, at story's end. Not quite the feminist heroism one might have hoped for.
4.0 for "Duchess of Scandal" by Miranda Neville. Typically well-written, character-driven Neville story, with an older duke who has lived estranged from his much younger wife for five years. A scheduling snafu brings them together again under the same roof, and each comes to recognize that their initial getting-to-know-each-other period may have led to mistaken assumptions about one another. And that their own choices during that period may have contributed to said false assumptions. Love a reconciliation story, especially one as well-written as this: "They exchanged tentative smiles. He felt like an explorer, picking his way gingerly into new territory, careful of pitfalls ahead yet eager to reach an unknown but potentially marvelous place" (Kindle Loc 3362).
3.5 for "An Unsuitable Duchess" by Carolyn Jewel. The Duke of Stoke Teversault has a reputation for being cold and distant, so much so that no one besides himself ever knew that he had fallen in love with Miss Georgina Hunter. But Stoke is a deliberate sort, a man who "observed from afar, who must see the eagle's-eye view of a problem before plunging to grasp in metaphorical talons the required solution. He did not act until he was certain." But his caution and prudence cost him a chance at love, for another man swooped in and married Georgina before Stoke could declare himself. Even now, after Georgina has been widowed for more than a year, Stoke thinks "he had no ability to make himself into the sort of man who would suit" the warm, vivacious, quick-witted Georgina. But emotions, especially those of an amorous sort, can only be bottled up for so long... I've always enjoyed Jewel's writing, although I often find she ends a scene overly abruptly, without coming to a satisfactory sense of closure. This was certainly true of this otherwise enjoyable story.
algae429's review
3.0
Like most anthologies, pretty uneven. I thought I would like it more, but for the most part, the stories felt rushed. It's probably more me, than any real fault of the storytellers; thinking back over the last few anthologies/novellas I've read, I've had the same problems. I get annoyed by how fast everything happens and it always feels like the outline of a story rather than a complete tale.
srivalli's review against another edition
3.0
It was a pretty enjoyable book without too many complications to the plots.
MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? by Grace Burrowes 3.5
I liked the banter between Hardcastle and Ellen. It feels good o read characters who can have a sensible and witty conversation. The end seemed a bit rushed, probably because she was nearing the word limit.
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville 4
I've always had mixed feeling about second chance stories; they could go wrong so easily! But, this one was good. Both parties were at fault and it was good to see them realize their mistakes and give themselves a chance to rekindle their love.
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen 2.5
Somehow this story fell flat to me. The characters couldn't connect.
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel 3
I liked Gerogina, or Geroge as everyone called her. She was full of life and straightforward. The duke seemed a bit too stiff, but his display of emotions at the climax was enough to reassure the reader that George will be happy with him.
MAY I HAVE THIS DUKE? by Grace Burrowes 3.5
I liked the banter between Hardcastle and Ellen. It feels good o read characters who can have a sensible and witty conversation. The end seemed a bit rushed, probably because she was nearing the word limit.
DUCHESS OF SCANDAL by Miranda Neville 4
I've always had mixed feeling about second chance stories; they could go wrong so easily! But, this one was good. Both parties were at fault and it was good to see them realize their mistakes and give themselves a chance to rekindle their love.
WAITING FOR A DUKE LIKE YOU by Shana Galen 2.5
Somehow this story fell flat to me. The characters couldn't connect.
AN UNSUITABLE DUCHESS by Carolyn Jewel 3
I liked Gerogina, or Geroge as everyone called her. She was full of life and straightforward. The duke seemed a bit too stiff, but his display of emotions at the climax was enough to reassure the reader that George will be happy with him.
taisie22's review
4.0
In this anthology each story is connected by the Dukeries house party. As with most anthologies some of the stories are better than others, but I enjoyed all of these.
My least favorite was Waiting for a Duke Like You by Shana Galen. I love regency romances, but I have a personal quirk against royalty from 'fake' European countries so this is all on me. I did like the Duke in the story, but the plot seemed contrived. It was well-written though.
Miranda Neville’s story was a delight. The older Duke marrying a too young lady and the couple becoming estranged is a plot line that I enjoy. She matures and he unbends for a satisfying romantic story.
Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite authors so I very much enjoyed her story of the Duke and his romance with his governess.
Carolyn Jewel is another favorite. I wanted the story to be a little longer and fleshed out more, but it was a very enjoyable read.
My least favorite was Waiting for a Duke Like You by Shana Galen. I love regency romances, but I have a personal quirk against royalty from 'fake' European countries so this is all on me. I did like the Duke in the story, but the plot seemed contrived. It was well-written though.
Miranda Neville’s story was a delight. The older Duke marrying a too young lady and the couple becoming estranged is a plot line that I enjoy. She matures and he unbends for a satisfying romantic story.
Grace Burrowes is one of my favorite authors so I very much enjoyed her story of the Duke and his romance with his governess.
Carolyn Jewel is another favorite. I wanted the story to be a little longer and fleshed out more, but it was a very enjoyable read.
writer595's review
Read a different edition of Grace Burrowes May I Have This Duke
turophile's review against another edition
4.0
An anthology with four interrelated stories about four dukes who all own estates near each other and a boat race that takes place. Each story is written by a different author and could stand alone, but they weave together well. The anthology is a good way to get to know each authors’ style. I’ve read all four, and my favorite stories corresponded to the authors whom I prefer – the tales by Miranda Neville and Carolyn Jewel my favorite. A good quick winter read.
3.75/5 on the romance scale.
3.75/5 on the romance scale.
mephala's review
4.0
I picked up this anthology expecting an enjoyable bundle of stories that would keep my mind off of a rather busy beginning of the year.
What I didn’t anticipate is one of the novellas to engross me so much I immediately scoured the bookshops and libraries looking for the other works by my new favorite author.
And that novellas was Grace Burrowes’s “May I Have This Duke?”.
I’m not completely new to Grace Burrowes’s books, as I read one of her Christmas novellas about a year ago. And if I remember correctly I really liked it; I even called it one of the better shorter stories I’ve read so far. Well, “May I Have This Duke?” is not just a good novella, it’s a superb one!
Story of the Duke of Hardcastle and governess to his nephew, Miss Ellen MacHugh’s budding romance floored me with palpable chemistry between the main characters, interesting plot and smooth prose. Pining Gerald, with his charming awkwardness and strong, reserved Ellen were a great couple; I loved how the Duke was unshakably assured in his feeling for Miss MacHugh, and how she – believing they’ll never have their happy ending – still let her guard down and opened herself to his gentle care.
I really loved how intimate and mature their relationship was, and how their romance started with a slightly bittersweet tone. Not to mention the wonderful banter they shared. Grace Burrowes’s dialogs are delightfully light, smooth, and witty.
I think it’s pretty obvious how much I enjoyed “May I Have This Duke?”, and if anything Dancing in the Duke's Arms deserves a buy for this novella alone.
The rest of the anthology was a fun read, although some of the stories didn’t quite drew me in.
“Duchess of Scandal” by Miranda Neville had an interesting premise with equally interesting characters. I liked it was a story of an established couple; Linton and his young bride (I guess this one falls under May-December romance trope?), Althea, had a nice chemistry and I actually really enjoyed the rowing race subplot. I’d say it was an averaged novella for me.
Shana Galen’s “Waiting For a Duke Like You” and Carolyn Jewel’s “An Unsuitable Duchess” were probably the two stories I liked the least, although for different reasons.
The first novella didn’t draw me in at all; I didn’t really care for the characters, and although the premise of a Princess escaping her country after a bloody revolution was somewhat interesting, because of the story’s length there was not much room for developing that plot. Nathan, Duke of Wyndover was supposed to long for Vivienne for years, but it just didn’t feel like it. Their previous encounter – the one that made him fall for her – although mentioned a few times, wasn’t really described. Or I missed it. Either way, their whole relationship seemed awkward.
The last story, “An Unsuitable Duchess” had a much more interesting plot and more fleshed out characters. Unfortunately, Carolyn Jewel’s writing style was really dense at times and it was difficult to slog through some of the descriptions and stifling dialogs. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story once again featured a pining Duke (seems to be a common theme in almost all the novellas in this anthology) and oblivious to it heroine. The problem with Georgina and Stoke Teversault’s romance was that the Duke was very direct, verging on almost insensitive to George’s feelings. I just couldn’t look past some of his less than romantic words and actions to enjoy this novella.
Dancing in the Duke's Arms is a good anthology that offers a variety of stories; some fun, some less so. I highly recommend reading the first novella, as Grace Burrowes’s story really shines among the rest.
4/5 stars
Update: As it happens, “May I Have This Duke?” and its prequel (or a companion story), “The Duke of My Dreams” became available as a duo [b:A Duke Walked into a House Party: Two PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Regency novellas|50521918|A Duke Walked into a House Party Two PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Regency novellas|Grace Burrowes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579253095l/50521918._SY75_.jpg|75500645]!
What I didn’t anticipate is one of the novellas to engross me so much I immediately scoured the bookshops and libraries looking for the other works by my new favorite author.
And that novellas was Grace Burrowes’s “May I Have This Duke?”.
I’m not completely new to Grace Burrowes’s books, as I read one of her Christmas novellas about a year ago. And if I remember correctly I really liked it; I even called it one of the better shorter stories I’ve read so far. Well, “May I Have This Duke?” is not just a good novella, it’s a superb one!
Story of the Duke of Hardcastle and governess to his nephew, Miss Ellen MacHugh’s budding romance floored me with palpable chemistry between the main characters, interesting plot and smooth prose. Pining Gerald, with his charming awkwardness and strong, reserved Ellen were a great couple; I loved how the Duke was unshakably assured in his feeling for Miss MacHugh, and how she – believing they’ll never have their happy ending – still let her guard down and opened herself to his gentle care.
I really loved how intimate and mature their relationship was, and how their romance started with a slightly bittersweet tone. Not to mention the wonderful banter they shared. Grace Burrowes’s dialogs are delightfully light, smooth, and witty.
I think it’s pretty obvious how much I enjoyed “May I Have This Duke?”, and if anything Dancing in the Duke's Arms deserves a buy for this novella alone.
The rest of the anthology was a fun read, although some of the stories didn’t quite drew me in.
“Duchess of Scandal” by Miranda Neville had an interesting premise with equally interesting characters. I liked it was a story of an established couple; Linton and his young bride (I guess this one falls under May-December romance trope?), Althea, had a nice chemistry and I actually really enjoyed the rowing race subplot. I’d say it was an averaged novella for me.
Shana Galen’s “Waiting For a Duke Like You” and Carolyn Jewel’s “An Unsuitable Duchess” were probably the two stories I liked the least, although for different reasons.
The first novella didn’t draw me in at all; I didn’t really care for the characters, and although the premise of a Princess escaping her country after a bloody revolution was somewhat interesting, because of the story’s length there was not much room for developing that plot. Nathan, Duke of Wyndover was supposed to long for Vivienne for years, but it just didn’t feel like it. Their previous encounter – the one that made him fall for her – although mentioned a few times, wasn’t really described. Or I missed it. Either way, their whole relationship seemed awkward.
The last story, “An Unsuitable Duchess” had a much more interesting plot and more fleshed out characters. Unfortunately, Carolyn Jewel’s writing style was really dense at times and it was difficult to slog through some of the descriptions and stifling dialogs. Nevertheless, I enjoyed the story once again featured a pining Duke (seems to be a common theme in almost all the novellas in this anthology) and oblivious to it heroine. The problem with Georgina and Stoke Teversault’s romance was that the Duke was very direct, verging on almost insensitive to George’s feelings. I just couldn’t look past some of his less than romantic words and actions to enjoy this novella.
Dancing in the Duke's Arms is a good anthology that offers a variety of stories; some fun, some less so. I highly recommend reading the first novella, as Grace Burrowes’s story really shines among the rest.
4/5 stars
Update: As it happens, “May I Have This Duke?” and its prequel (or a companion story), “The Duke of My Dreams” became available as a duo [b:A Duke Walked into a House Party: Two PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Regency novellas|50521918|A Duke Walked into a House Party Two PREVIOUSLY PUBLISHED Regency novellas|Grace Burrowes|https://i.gr-assets.com/images/S/compressed.photo.goodreads.com/books/1579253095l/50521918._SY75_.jpg|75500645]!
rachelm31f6b's review
emotional
hopeful
lighthearted
reflective
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? N/A
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
4.0
georgiewhoissarahdrew's review
4.0
Superior short stories from Grace Burrowes and Carolyn Jewel. I thought, after reading GB's modern novellas/short stories, that maybe the form wasn't her style, but reading this I think perhaps the contemporary setting just doesn't suit her style. I particularly enjoyed the Carolyn Jewel story - perhaps it IS a reworking of the story she wrote for [b:Christmas in the Duke's Arms: A Christmas Anthology|23211998|Christmas in the Duke's Arms A Christmas Anthology|Grace Burrowes|https://d.gr-assets.com/books/1412280016s/23211998.jpg|42754720], but it's got better. The Miranda Neville story was fine, and the Shana Galen was, for me, the weakest. But 3/4 ain't bad!
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