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mayo_bucket's review against another edition
emotional
sad
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? It's complicated
- Loveable characters? No
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? It's complicated
2.5
webbsusa's review against another edition
3.0
I struggled with this book. I really wanted to love it, but the things that have always bothered me about Ms. Riley’s writing trouble me here as well. Most notably was the shifting first and third person narration. This technique has been used in some of Ms Riley’s other books, and I was hoping she would use conventional narration for this book; I find the shifts in narration to be jarring and distracting. I also found the pacing of the book to be very slow.
What I liked about the book was the attention to issues of inequality—the terrible treatment of people of color, veterans (especially disabled veterans), widows, and women. I appreciate how this author shows all facets of historical romance and doesn’t gloss over injustice.
What I liked about the book was the attention to issues of inequality—the terrible treatment of people of color, veterans (especially disabled veterans), widows, and women. I appreciate how this author shows all facets of historical romance and doesn’t gloss over injustice.
cobaltbookshelf's review against another edition
2.0
Bokk has very interesting premise, but plot and characters are boring, switching between 1st and 3rd person only made writing more confusing.
Overall ship didn't do nothing for me but I liked girls friendship.
Overall ship didn't do nothing for me but I liked girls friendship.
english_lady03's review against another edition
3.0
This is an fun and unconventional Regency romance, featuring a feisty widow determined to get her child back and a disabled war veteran, Buswick Strathmore Duke of Repington. Patience is committed to a mental asylum by a man determined to steal her son's inheritance, and after release, goes to any lengths to be reunited with her child. We meet her climbing out of a window dressed as a man.
Although Patience seems strong, she is haunted by her late husband's apparent suicide, which she believes was her fault. Determining only to take her son back with her to the land of her birth, she ends up meeting with a group of widows fighting for their rights, and becomes a nanny to her own child who is now in the care of a distant cousin.
The novel then develops into a marriage of convenience story, but you can tell by that time the hero and heroine have developed genuine feelings for one another. Buswick fell in love with the woman he believed to be the outspoken nanny of his young charge (even if she was a little crazy). Patience is mistrustful of most Englishmen, especially the mysterious nobleman who is out to get her.
Yet she finds Buswick to be an honourable and virtuous man, in spite of his previous reputation as a rake, and one who cares deeply for her child.
A Duke, a Lady and Baby was an enjoyable read exploring the lives of some rather ignored and marginalized groups in 19th century society, including people of biracial heritage.
Although the author is better known for her Inspirational works, this is from a general market publisher, and is really a general market title. As such it gets a little steamy in a couple of places.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
Although Patience seems strong, she is haunted by her late husband's apparent suicide, which she believes was her fault. Determining only to take her son back with her to the land of her birth, she ends up meeting with a group of widows fighting for their rights, and becomes a nanny to her own child who is now in the care of a distant cousin.
The novel then develops into a marriage of convenience story, but you can tell by that time the hero and heroine have developed genuine feelings for one another. Buswick fell in love with the woman he believed to be the outspoken nanny of his young charge (even if she was a little crazy). Patience is mistrustful of most Englishmen, especially the mysterious nobleman who is out to get her.
Yet she finds Buswick to be an honourable and virtuous man, in spite of his previous reputation as a rake, and one who cares deeply for her child.
A Duke, a Lady and Baby was an enjoyable read exploring the lives of some rather ignored and marginalized groups in 19th century society, including people of biracial heritage.
Although the author is better known for her Inspirational works, this is from a general market publisher, and is really a general market title. As such it gets a little steamy in a couple of places.
Thanks to the Publisher and Netgalley for allowing me to read an ARC of this title. I was not required to write a positive review and all opinions expressed are my own.
doctoramazingyarnandknitting's review against another edition
lighthearted
slow-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? A mix
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? No
3.0
painfulac's review against another edition
funny
relaxing
fast-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Strong character development? No
- Loveable characters? It's complicated
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes
2.5
misspippireads's review against another edition
3.0
This book might be pegged for a historical romance, but it also gives a mystery throughout the entire tale. The historical notes at the end of the book were very appreciated.
Reviewed from a library copy.
Reviewed from a library copy.
laura_cs's review against another edition
5.0
I received an ARC of this title from NetGalley in exchange for an honest review.
"I once was funny, a little headstrong, and I had a lot of heart. I wanted to be me again."
Patience Jordan is a widow--and in dire need of help. Following her husband's suicide--so soon after giving birth to her son, in a land that has never been her home--Patience was forced from the house, committed to Bedlam, never to see her baby again. And then comes The Widow's Grace, an order of widowed women who have been wrong seeking to help other wronged widows. Together, they work on a plan to reunite Patience with Lionel so that she can return to her true home in Demerara. And, to Patience's surprise, the first part of the plan arrives with a small army. Literally.
Busick Strathmore, Duke of Remington, descends upon Hamlin to oust his deceased cousin's vile uncle and become a doting bachelor father to his ward. Injured while serving in the Peninsula wars, Busick has rules, plans, and troops to protect Lionel and shape the boy into a fine young man (don't tell him that three months is too young for crawling practice; it's on the schedule and that's that). There's just one problem: he and his men are lacking one thing. Well, technically two very important things for a small, hungry baby...
Barely in residence for twelve hours, the manor is descended upon by the neighboring Countess, who comes bearing a new maid and a new nanny for Busick. Finally reunited with Lionel, Patience must carefully navigate the manor to find the answers that will allow her to be with her son as his mother, while avoiding the precise and somewhat frustrating (and devastatingly handsome) Duke. Together, the two of them will do anything and everything to protect Lionel. But what shall they do about the developing feelings between them?
I would have finished this book in a day had life and a rapidly depleting Kindle battery not have intervened. This is a brilliant work of historical fiction, set in Regency England, with a biracial heroine at the center. The historical elements are remarkably well-researched, and gave life to story as well as expand the horizons and standards for Regency romance.
I adored the ironically named Patience (for she has none), struggling to protect her son and her heart, slowly opening it little by little to Busick. In turn, Busick learns to trust, pull down his own shields, and loosen up on control. They are opposites attract in so many ways (so much snarky banter), but so delightfully real and loving and protective of each other. And, of course, to Lionel. They make such a sweet little family that makes you squee!
I'm eager to see what adventures lie ahead for the women of T Widow's Grace
"I once was funny, a little headstrong, and I had a lot of heart. I wanted to be me again."
Patience Jordan is a widow--and in dire need of help. Following her husband's suicide--so soon after giving birth to her son, in a land that has never been her home--Patience was forced from the house, committed to Bedlam, never to see her baby again. And then comes The Widow's Grace, an order of widowed women who have been wrong seeking to help other wronged widows. Together, they work on a plan to reunite Patience with Lionel so that she can return to her true home in Demerara. And, to Patience's surprise, the first part of the plan arrives with a small army. Literally.
Busick Strathmore, Duke of Remington, descends upon Hamlin to oust his deceased cousin's vile uncle and become a doting bachelor father to his ward. Injured while serving in the Peninsula wars, Busick has rules, plans, and troops to protect Lionel and shape the boy into a fine young man (don't tell him that three months is too young for crawling practice; it's on the schedule and that's that). There's just one problem: he and his men are lacking one thing. Well, technically two very important things for a small, hungry baby...
Barely in residence for twelve hours, the manor is descended upon by the neighboring Countess, who comes bearing a new maid and a new nanny for Busick. Finally reunited with Lionel, Patience must carefully navigate the manor to find the answers that will allow her to be with her son as his mother, while avoiding the precise and somewhat frustrating (and devastatingly handsome) Duke. Together, the two of them will do anything and everything to protect Lionel. But what shall they do about the developing feelings between them?
I would have finished this book in a day had life and a rapidly depleting Kindle battery not have intervened. This is a brilliant work of historical fiction, set in Regency England, with a biracial heroine at the center. The historical elements are remarkably well-researched, and gave life to story as well as expand the horizons and standards for Regency romance.
I adored the ironically named Patience (for she has none), struggling to protect her son and her heart, slowly opening it little by little to Busick. In turn, Busick learns to trust, pull down his own shields, and loosen up on control. They are opposites attract in so many ways (so much snarky banter), but so delightfully real and loving and protective of each other. And, of course, to Lionel. They make such a sweet little family that makes you squee!
I'm eager to see what adventures lie ahead for the women of T Widow's Grace
trudyd's review against another edition
3.0
I found this book challenging. I don't know if it was the author's writing style or the way the story started. I got lost and confused so I put it aside for a day or two.
I started the book all over again and still had issues. I am not thrilled to admit it, but I cheated. I skipped ahead and read a few chapters. Then I got it. A Duke, the Lady, and a baby was full of conspiracies, family greed, and an unlikely hero.
I went back to the beginning and saw it in a new light. I was able to read it with a new understanding. It was worth reading just for the ending. It was epic.
I started the book all over again and still had issues. I am not thrilled to admit it, but I cheated. I skipped ahead and read a few chapters. Then I got it. A Duke, the Lady, and a baby was full of conspiracies, family greed, and an unlikely hero.
I went back to the beginning and saw it in a new light. I was able to read it with a new understanding. It was worth reading just for the ending. It was epic.
bookwxrmvictoria's review against another edition
emotional
funny
medium-paced
- Plot- or character-driven? Character
- Loveable characters? Yes
- Diverse cast of characters? Yes
- Flaws of characters a main focus? Yes