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Drake's Damsels #3

Dueling With the Duke

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She had a face that was perfectly forgettable. At least that is how Jamie Grace described his wife Georgie to his cousin Colonel Adam Marrick, the new Duke of Rothray. Adam might have believed it if he had just met her in passing. But as he visits with his cousin’s widow and child, Adam realizes that Jamie had deliberately whetted his appetite with a purpose. He wanted to make sure Adam would be with his family if he couldn’t. The longer he spends with Georgie Grace, the more Adam wants to do just that, with a perfectly forgettable woman, who turns out to be surprisingly unforgettable.

He had a face that was completely forgettable. Only Georgie’s husband Jamie would describe his stunningly handsome cousin that way. Adam Marrick is not just handsome, he is heroic. When the military man comes to visit Georgie and her daughter Lilly, Georgie realizes that Jamie knew that Adam would be the perfect person to be there for his family if he couldn’t. Georgie wants to believe that. Unfortunately, Adam also brings news that sets her world on its ear. It seems her Lilly, who had been disowned by Jamie’s family, is suddenly a duchess herself. And Adam has the right to take her away to fulfill her destiny. But Adam has not just brought surprising news. He has brought a terrible dilemma, and an unforeseen danger to them all.

74 pages, Kindle Edition

First published March 7, 2023

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About the author

Eileen Dreyer

66 books761 followers
New York Times bestselling, award-winning author Eileen Dreyer, known as Kathleen Korbel to her Silhouette readers, has published 28 romance novels, 8 medico-forensic suspenses, and 7 short stories.

2012 sees Eileen enjoying critical acclaim for her first foray into historical romance, the Drake's Rakes series, which follow the lives of a group of British aristocrats who are willing to sacrifice everything to keep their country safe. After publication of the first trilogy in the series, she has just signed for the next trilogy, following the graduates of the aptly named Last Chance Academy, who each finds herself crossing swords with Drake's Rakes. Eileen spent time not only in England and Italy, but India to research the series (it's a filthy job, but somebody has to do it).

A retired trauma nurse, Eileen lives in her native St. Louis with her husband, children, and large and noisy Irish family, of which she is the reluctant matriarch. She has animals but refuses to subject them to the limelight.

Dreyer won her first publishing award in 1987, being named the best new Contemporary Romance Author by RT Bookclub. Since that time she has also garnered not only five other writing awards from RT, but five RITA Awards from Romance Writers of America, which secures her only the fourth place in the Romance Writers of America prestigious Hall of Fame. Since extending her reach to suspense, she has also garnered a coveted Anthony Award nomination.

A frequent speaker at conferences, she maintains membership in Romance Writers of America, Sisters in Crime, Mystery Writers of America, and, just in case things go wrong, Emergency Nurses Association and International Association of Forensic Nurses.

Eileen is an addicted traveler, having sung in some of the best Irish pubs in the world, and admits she sees research as a handy way to salve her insatiable curiosity. She counts film producers, police detectives and Olympic athletes as some of her sources and friends. She's also trained in forensic nursing and death investigation, although she doesn't see herself actively working in the field, unless this writing thing doesn't pan out.

Get in touch: [email protected]

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5 stars
34 (46%)
4 stars
24 (32%)
3 stars
12 (16%)
2 stars
0 (0%)
1 star
3 (4%)
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
Profile Image for Bonnie.
903 reviews15 followers
March 10, 2023
Thanks to BookSprout for a copy of this novella and this is my freely given opinion.

My biggest quibble about this story was that it was too short. Adam Marrick is paying a visit to his cousin's widow, Georgie Grace for the first time. He has been named the trustee of their daughter and is there to deliver some news to the widow and child. He and Georgie knew of each other and share in their love and affection for the dead Jamie Grace, but they had never met before. What they did not expect was how attracted to each other they were. Until Adam shares unwanted news with Georgie that threatens the safety and sanctity of her family and daughter, Lily.

This short little novella packs quite a punch because there is so much that happens in such a short time. Not just the attraction and growth of a relationship between Adam and Georgie, but there is the drama of a kidnapping and a confrontation with the instigators too. There is obviously a lot of family drama as the villains of the piece turn out to be Georgie's parents, who had turned her out years before.

Another well written little piece, but it leaves me wanting much more. There was a lot of unanswered questions for me. But when looking through the list of Eileen Dreyer's other books, I realized this novella relates back to a previously published book of hers (Barely a Lady), which now I am wanting to read, as this novella refers to other characters and perhaps a back story as to the fractured familial relationships.

3.75 stars out of 5
Profile Image for Monica.
350 reviews9 followers
February 19, 2023
I loved the heroine in this story. She was feisty and independent, fully in charge of her life. But I found it difficult to believe how quickly she fell for Adam when he arrived. I would have liked this to be longer because I think it would have made more sense.
I also felt like there was a lot I was missing, maybe because I didn’t read the book that he heroine was initially introduced in.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
20 reviews
October 14, 2023
I have not read many novellas and shorter works, but I have noticed that they tend more toward flopping for me than fascinating me when they add too much plot, too many characters, and overdo or underdo setup of situations and backstory. The falling in love part can also feel too fast, which is why they work better for me using the second chance trope or the characters already knowing each other from before but falling in love this time. But that is part of the style of a novella, fast romance, so I give it a little more benefit of the doubt.

This one started out strong, with great humor, historical detail, and interesting characters. For the first half of the work, it focused on one issue, which made me hope it would not hit one of those sour notes I listed above. But it suffered from a problematic middle, with a farfetched plot not set up earlier. It also started adding more characters at that point.

I also think it did poorly at the end with two things. One is how the heroine buried the hatchet with those of her family who had hurt her. They were painted as pretty villainous, and the heroine was far too eager to have the one they hurt reconnect with them. She isn't set up to have a trauma bond with her family, so it just seemed unrealistic.

The second hiccup for me in the final quarter of the novel is the suddenness of the characters falling in love and the move toward proposal. It jarred, especially since her deceased husband was on the mind of both characters for quite a while; and even in the mind of the heroine while she was kissing the hero. I would have preferred the novel to end with a proposal to court, a HFN, than forcing a marriage proposal for the HEA.

But I saw enough of the style in the beginning of the novel--wry observations, wit, situational humor, command of description and story flow--to make me buy the series. The problems I have in this novella will likely be minimized in full-length novels. Here's to hoping they will be 4 stars for me; if the beginning style had been maintained throughout, this one would have been a 4 star.
418 reviews6 followers
March 6, 2023
“Perfectly forgettable”…Unlikely

Written with prose reminiscent of Jane Austen’s endearing novels, Dreyer has full command of “The Queen’s English” and a bit of Irish in this novella. Widow Georgiana Grace has sequestered herself and her 4 year old daughter Lully in her brother’s townhouse, sheltering them from parental disapproval. Her solace is interrupted by the arrival of Adam Marrick, the newly minted Duke of Rothray and best friend of her husband Jamie. The reason for his visit will change her and Lully’s lives forever. Could this news further estrange her from her family?
Their meeting has another profound impact on the two of them. Both have been harboring a tender for the other as a result of Jamie’s love for his wife and admiration of Adam, conveyed in Jamie’s letters. This tender blossoms into something more as Adam provides comfort and the protection of his title to Georgie, when a series of events rattles her impenetrable facade.
Readers will delight in the dialogue exchanged between any character and Lully. Her regal entrance into a room commands a viewer’s jaw-dropping attention, only for her to dispel the whole image with a fit of giggles. She is always accompanied by her stalwart and fierce protector, Murphy, and Irish wolfhound; he figures prominently in the story. Enjoy this “perfectly forgettable” little gem. I am pleased to have received an ARC from the author via Booksprout, and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
Profile Image for Cathy Geha.
4,087 reviews107 followers
March 4, 2023
Dueling with the Duke by Eileen Dreyer

Absolutely beautiful short story ~ I loved every moment of it.

What I liked:
* Jamie: sailor, would-be Scottish duke, war hero, loved his wife and unseen daughter, played a big part in his widow’s and cousin’s futures
* Adam: ex-military colonel in the Hussars, Jamie’s cousin, Duke of Rothray, trustee of Jamie’s daughter, rather taken with Jamie’s widow when he meets her
* Georgie: bright, caring, giving, loving mother, protective, wise, Jamie’s widow, determined, and rather taken with Jamie’s cousin Adam
* Lilly Charlotte “Lully”: Jamie and Georgie’s daughter, 4-years-old, strong-willed, regal for her age, a charming warm child
* Murphy: canine guardian of Lully and her cousin, intrepid, protective, guardian with teeth
* The way I was swept into the story, cared about the outcome, and felt a part of the story
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Who and what I was meant not to
* Thinking about social stigma and what others might do to maintain their place in society…even to the detriment of their own relatives

Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more by this author? Yes

Thank you to Oliver Heber Bookso and Boosprout for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars
Profile Image for Rebecca.
501 reviews15 followers
February 20, 2023
This was my second Novella by Eileen Dreyer and I think I am even more amazed by her writing.

This story was about a young widow trying to protect her young child from danger. Georgie has been disowned by her parents for not marrying the man of their choosing. To protect her child, she flees to the safety of her brother's home. Here she begins to relax until her dead husband's cousin Adam arrives.

Adam arrives at Georgie's home to deliver the news that her daughter is now a duchess. What he doesn't anticipate is falling in love with her and her daughter. Nor is he aware of the danger he brings her.

I thoroughly enjoyed watching Adam become completely captivated by young Lilly and her mother Georgie. It was so sweet and endearing. I think my favorite character of all was young Lilly or Lully as she is known by her mother. She simply stole my heart and the story.

I was completely in love with this story from beginning to end. It was full of fun moments. It also showed a mother could be strong, intelligent, and very protective when it comes to her child.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Peggy.
1,894 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2023
Georgie Grace lost her husband at sea shortly after they wed. She is trying to protect her four-year-old daughter. It seems both sides of the family are after the child. Enter Adam, Duke of Rothray, cousin to her deceased cousin, and trustee for her daughter. He brings her news that Lully, Lilly Charlotte, is a duchess through Jamie’s Scottish line. This brings more danger. Adam is determined to protect them. The characters and situation draw you into this story. There is some danger, an attempted kidnapping, a showdown with disgruntled parents, a beautiful romance brought about in part by the love Jamie had for his wife and his cousin, and a happy ending. Georgie is a fierce protector, champion to a group of children who needed a hand up, a beautiful heroine inside and out. Adam is protective and determined to keep them safe. I loved Lully, the little lady, her governess Hattie, and Murphy, the hero dog. Great read!
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via BookSprout and am voluntarily reviewing it.
Profile Image for Pat Robinson.
612 reviews4 followers
February 16, 2023
This is a story of a widow, trying to keep her daughter safe after her father’s attempts at taking her away, only to be faced with a guardian who wants to do the same. I loved how Georgie surrounded herself with servants in training, a huge dog as a guard and a friend who is her daughter’s governess. Watching Adam become enamored with the whole group was endearing. To see the whole family stand up to a tyrannical father, the best! A great sweet novella!.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
249 reviews
February 25, 2023
This love story is how a tragic beginning can turn into a beautiful ending. In the beginning the Duke is just meeting the wife and daughter of his best friend who was killed in action. He is struck by her beauty and nature and then by the fact that his friend had a plan. That makes for a love story for the ages. I was hooked from the very start for the Author’s characterization alone. I received a copy of this book from BookSprout and now im hooked on Eileen Dryer and I’m gladly volunteering to give this review
Profile Image for Donise.
1,245 reviews2 followers
March 7, 2023
His cousin led him to believe that she would be easily overlooked. The same man led his wife to believe that his cousin was to be held in high regard. Our hero comes bearing disturbing news pertaining to his cousin's daughter and our heroine must decide just how much she trusts this man. With the help of a loyal dog, a governess and a townful of loyal people, the two of them will do their best to protect the little girl. This is a cute action filled short story that will brighten your day.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Gayla.
331 reviews1 follower
August 11, 2023
wonderful but short

I was so excited that Ms. Dreyer had allowed some of her books on kindle unlimited that I downloaded the whole series.

This book is full of heartwarming moments and a little excitement.

Well written and great dialogue.

But this book and book two are very short. It makes me want to go back and read the previous series that created the characters for this one. So I will be spending the money to read that series.
Which I’m sure is purpose for these short stories.

But I love everything I’ve read by this author so it’s not much of a risk.
1,494 reviews5 followers
February 21, 2023
Adam and Georgie are such compelling and captivating characters. I enjoyed them from the start, especially when they were on page together. I absolutely loved Lully – such a charming child and her behaviour …. This is such an interesting story, and held my attention, despite not having read anything else connected to it. It’s a fun short read.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
81 reviews2 followers
March 4, 2023
My, that was a lot of energy packed into a novella! My curiosity was piqued by the description and the story truly delivered. Georgie and Adam are strong, independent characters that work perfectly together as the plot builds and intensifies.  I even developed a soft spot for Georgie's late husband. You'll see what I mean when you read this.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
232 reviews1 follower
March 7, 2023
I was able to read an advance copy of Dueling With The Duke via BookSprout. I hadn’t read Barely a Lady prior, so the characters were new to me. Even though I didn’t know the back story, I enjoyed this book a lot. It definitely made me decide to go back & read the book that precedes Georgie’s story. The characters are likable & it’s easy to root for them to succeed & find love. Georgie & Adam have chemistry from the start, & Lully is an absolute scene-stealer. I even love the dog.
Profile Image for Stephanie Herron.
653 reviews7 followers
February 27, 2023
Georgie's life has been a bit of a struggle, but she is feisty and determined to protect her daughter Lully. In comes Adam with news that Lully is now a duchess. This should be good news except it sets off madcap adventures for all. In the end, Georgie finds the future she deserves.

I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Profile Image for Barbara.
18.3k reviews8 followers
March 5, 2023
Part of Drake's Damsels series, another short well written story with a very good storyline that held my interest throughout. Georgie Grace a widow and Colonel Adam Marrick, the new Duke of Rothray's story. I enjoyed seeing them get a happy ending. A beautiful story that was well worth reading. I received a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.
3,200 reviews11 followers
March 6, 2023
Georgie is a fierce protester of her little daughter Lully against a Duke who wants to help Lully claim her birthright and her dastardly parents who will stop at nothing to try to control her. I laughed at the motley servants and when the family dog took down the would be kidnapper. The romance between Georgie and Adam happens quickly and like most short stories I wish it was longer.
Profile Image for Patricia.
577 reviews1 follower
March 13, 2023
Delightful novella that Jane Austen would be proud to call hers. Georgie, mother of Lully, is the widow of Jamie. Adam, Jamie's cousin, has been given the unpleasant duty of telling Georgie that he has to take Lully to help her become the duchess that she has somehow inherited. Georgie is not very agreeable to this. She has had difficulty with her family because of Lully. There are threats and an almost kidnapping. There is a lot of action in this short novel. Loved the characters. Murphy, the dog, is awesome. And Lully is such a scene-stealer. Lovely book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
5,355 reviews19 followers
March 9, 2023
The Duke and Mrs. Grace

A short, rather sweet novella. Adam, now a duke, is back from war. His cousin, and Georgie Grace’s husband did not. Georgie is industrious and has a daughter, Lully.
Recommend .
815 reviews9 followers
March 8, 2023
Enjoyed Adam and Georgie's story, Georgie is recently widowed and Adam is charged by her late husband to take care of his family, soon unforeseen complications arise that could endanger her family.
Profile Image for Ellis Vidler.
Author 10 books60 followers
March 16, 2023
Heartwarming

A hero and heroin to root for, a charming child, and a magnificent dog! Add to that a staff to be proud of, and you have another delightful story to make you smile.
Profile Image for Nanna.
1,033 reviews3 followers
March 4, 2023
I don’t usually read novella as I like a more detailed story. The book description drew me in. I am so glad it did. This is a wonderful story about an Colonel who has just returned home to find he is also a Duke now. Wow talk about lots of life changes all at once. He is also grieving the loss of his favorite cousin who was lost at sea in battle. He now must meet his widow and give her news that will upset her more. Georgianna has been dealing with a lot since the loss of her husband. She is doing all she can to keep her daughter, Lully safe from those who seek to harm her with the help of Murphy, a truly special and wonderful dog. When her late husband's cousin suddenly shows up, changing her life forever. What a delightfully fast read, I couldn’t put it down. Be sure and grab a copy and a cup of your favorite drink and enjoy, you will not be disappointed. I received an ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.
Profile Image for Suzette.
3,174 reviews19 followers
March 8, 2023
A sweet quick read. Adam is a Duke on a mission for his cousin. Georgie is a young woman fighting to keep her daughter safe. Both characters are fierce protectors and it is what brings them together. There is also the daughter Lully who is just adorable. It is a story about fighting for what you believe in and standing up to bullies which is great.
Profile Image for Christina.
Author 10 books126 followers
April 8, 2024
Love this series and the fun element of the intrigue with Drake's Rakes. Loved the characters in this one and would definitely read again.

👩‍❤️‍👨 Georgie Grace, the widow of Jamie, is described as “perfectly forgettable.” But oh, how appearances can deceive! When the dashing Colonel Adam Marrick, the new Duke of Rothray, enters her life, sparks fly. 💫 Their chemistry is electric, and Georgie’s supposedly forgettable face becomes unforgettable to Adam.

👑 The stakes are high as Georgie’s daughter, Lilly, unexpectedly inherits a dukedom. Adam brings news that could change their lives forever. 📜💔 As secrets unravel and danger looms, the tension escalates, leaving readers breathless.

🌹 Dreyer’s prose is elegant, her characters vividly drawn, and the romance sizzles. 💕 Whether you’re a fan of Regency romance or simply crave a quick, heartwarming read, Dueling With the Duke won’t disappoint. 📖🌟

In summary:

🌟 Captivating characters
🌟 Intriguing plot twists
🌟 Sizzling romance
🌟 Perfect for a cozy afternoon escape
Profile Image for Dorel.
4,182 reviews36 followers
September 8, 2022
This is the 2nd book I read by Eileen Dreyer. I'm sorry I stopped reading this story 📖 at chapter 2 because it didn't grab my interest.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews

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