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The Duchess
In this lush new novel, Bertrice Small has created a moving story of consuming passion and undeniable love set against the noble splendor of Georgian England. . . .
As the daughter of the richest man in England, Allegra Morgan attracts a number of fortune hunters willing to overlook her flawed pedigree to gain her enormous wealth. Her most ardent suitor is the arrogant but impoverished Quinton Hunter, duke of Sedgwick, who has little to offer a prospective wife except his grand title. Allegra decides that if she must marry, she might as well be a duchess. So she agrees to the match with one condition: her husband must never ask for her love. She has seen the misery love can cause and has vowed to give her heart to no man— especially a dangerously alluring duke.
Quinton is dazzled by his new wife's grace and fortitude, as well as the fierce desire that rages between them. Despite his best intentions, he finds himself falling in love with her. Then the terrors of the French Revolution hit close to home, and the two of them set off on a treacherous adventure that could cost them everything . . . including their final chance at happiness.
As the daughter of the richest man in England, Allegra Morgan attracts a number of fortune hunters willing to overlook her flawed pedigree to gain her enormous wealth. Her most ardent suitor is the arrogant but impoverished Quinton Hunter, duke of Sedgwick, who has little to offer a prospective wife except his grand title. Allegra decides that if she must marry, she might as well be a duchess. So she agrees to the match with one condition: her husband must never ask for her love. She has seen the misery love can cause and has vowed to give her heart to no man— especially a dangerously alluring duke.
Quinton is dazzled by his new wife's grace and fortitude, as well as the fierce desire that rages between them. Despite his best intentions, he finds himself falling in love with her. Then the terrors of the French Revolution hit close to home, and the two of them set off on a treacherous adventure that could cost them everything . . . including their final chance at happiness.
384 pages, Paperback
First published July 1, 2001
About the author
Bertrice Small
195 books1,082 followersBertrice Williams was born on December 9, 1937 in Manhattan, New York City, New York, USA, the daughter of Doris S. and David R. Williams, both broadcasters. She studied at Attended Western College for Women and Katharine Gibbs Secretarial School. On October 5, 1963, she married George Sumner Small, a photographer and designer with a History Major at Princeton. They had a son Thomas David. She lived on eastern Long Island for over 30 years. Her greatest passions were her family; Finnegan and Sylvester, the family cats; Nicki, the elderly cockatiel who whistles the NY Mets charge call; her garden; her work, and just life in general.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
Published since 1947, Bertrice Small was the author of over 50 romance novels. A New York Times bestselling author, she had also appeared on other best-seller lists including Publishers Weekly, USA Today, and the L.A. Times. She was the recipient of numerous awards including Career Achievement for Historical Romance; Best Historical Romance; Outstanding Historical Romance Series; Career Achievement for Historical Fantasy; a Golden Leaf from the New Jersey Romance Writers chapter of Romance Writers of America; an Author of the Year (2006) and Big Apple Award from the New York City Romance Writers chapter of RWA, and several Reviewers Choice awards from Romantic Times. She had a "Silver Pen" from Affair De Coeur, and an Honorable Mention from The West Coast Review of Books. In 2004 she was awarded a Lifetime Achievement Award by ROMANTIC TIMES magazine for her contributions to the Historical Romance genre. And in 2008 she was named by ROMANTIC TIMES along with her friends Jennifer Blake, Roberta Gellis and Janelle Taylor, a Pioneer of Romance.
Bertrice Small was a member of The Authors Guild, Romance Writers of America, PAN, and PASIC. She was also a member of RWA's Long Island chapter, L.I.R.W., and is its easternmost member on the North Fork of Eastern Long Island.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews
April 12, 2022
I have been thinking how to put my thoughts to words and I am still not there yet. I think this book was a history lesson. I always stop my reads and research to see if the writer was correct on her tidbits, and I am curious and a perfectionist by nature so, there you go. Some things were quite interesting and others quite disgusting like how little the Princess of Wales Caroline of Brunswick took care of her personal hygiene and that she smelled really bad. And for someone to say that in the 18th century, I cannot even begin to imagine how horrible it must really have been.
I was reading a few reviews about this book and some say that her other books are even more heavily towards history. As this was my first book by this author, I thought it pretty heavy on that already.
I am not used to multiple PVOs in HR, so it took me a while to get used to that. Our heroine is a 17 year old outspoken spoiled child that fancies herself as an adult. I liked her but she acted very much like a child every time something didn't go the way she wanted it.
The hero was... I don't even know what to say about him. It's been a day and half since I finished this book and I seem to have forgotten him already.
There are at least 6 couple stories being related in this one book. And all the "love is in the air" felt quite unrealistic.
I loved the epilogue, it had everything I believe an epilogue should have and that made me think at the time that the book deserved a 4 star. But now that I can't even describe the hero, I think I should just give it a 3 star instead.
I was reading a few reviews about this book and some say that her other books are even more heavily towards history. As this was my first book by this author, I thought it pretty heavy on that already.
I am not used to multiple PVOs in HR, so it took me a while to get used to that. Our heroine is a 17 year old outspoken spoiled child that fancies herself as an adult. I liked her but she acted very much like a child every time something didn't go the way she wanted it.
The hero was... I don't even know what to say about him. It's been a day and half since I finished this book and I seem to have forgotten him already.
There are at least 6 couple stories being related in this one book. And all the "love is in the air" felt quite unrealistic.
I loved the epilogue, it had everything I believe an epilogue should have and that made me think at the time that the book deserved a 4 star. But now that I can't even describe the hero, I think I should just give it a 3 star instead.
February 22, 2016
Pretty much nothing happens for the first three quarters of the book, then the author crams a mini Scarlet Pimpernel adventure (rescuing an Aristo family from the clutches of Madame Guillotine) and a mini Oscar Wilde play (the was really her long lost mother, pass the smelling salts!) before concluding with an entirely unnecessary epilogue. Not one of my favorite Bertrice Smalls to be sure. Lots of skimming.
February 17, 2020
Better than a lot of the later Bertrice Small books. Some real blood and guts stuff about the French Revolution, and some really funny up close scenes with Beau Brummel and the Regent. Allegra the heroine was kind of a brat, though. Quinton should have actually spanked her instead of just talking about it all the time!
Shelved as 'dnf'
May 16, 2021DNF @ 15% ... this book started out interesting and then went downhill faster than a rollercoaster. 🎢 The writing is just BAD. Awful really. I’m a pretty terrible writer, but I could probably do better. I felt like I was reading a bunch of jumbled thoughts instead of a cohesive story.
I also skimmed ahead and there’s a nice on-page rape scene of a side character that’s treated like a nbd event. 👌🏻👍🏻
I also skimmed ahead and there’s a nice on-page rape scene of a side character that’s treated like a nbd event. 👌🏻👍🏻
January 14, 2008
Although I loved the wonderful Skye O'Malley by Ms. Small, I had begun to shy away from any more of Ms. Small's books because, frankly, I was sick of Skye's many children and grandchildren. I'm gratified to see that Ms. Small has gotten away from the O'Malley saga and has turned her attention to creating other characters far and away from Skye.
Having said that, however, The Duchess isn't one of her best efforts. Allegra is beautiful, rich and accomplished. But she's almost too perfect. She's intelligent, educated, accomplished, makes friends easily, strikes the right tone in almost every social situation, has friends in high places, and impresses all the right and important people. She's a 17 year old girl who becomes a high profile peer overnight and makes absolutely no social gaffes. I just wanted the girl to break out with a pimple on her nose or something. Relentless perfection isn't very interesting reading. I like characters with flaws who have texture and who grow.
Allegra and her Duke marry, making pains to tell everyone repeatedly that they aren't in love. It would be charming except Allegra constantly talks about how she doesn't recognize love. Rather than seeming to shed a light on her fears or even to give depth to her personality, this repetition merely sounds labored and pedantic. I did appreciate Ms. Small's efforts at fleshing out some of the historical figures of 18th century England (even if she does go about it in a Jerry-Springer-trashy-gossip sort of way). I could have done without all the descriptions of food, though. And while I've only given this book two stars, it actually deserves an extra half-star for not allowing Allegra to be kidnapped into a harem to learn unearthly sexual delights.
Having said that, however, The Duchess isn't one of her best efforts. Allegra is beautiful, rich and accomplished. But she's almost too perfect. She's intelligent, educated, accomplished, makes friends easily, strikes the right tone in almost every social situation, has friends in high places, and impresses all the right and important people. She's a 17 year old girl who becomes a high profile peer overnight and makes absolutely no social gaffes. I just wanted the girl to break out with a pimple on her nose or something. Relentless perfection isn't very interesting reading. I like characters with flaws who have texture and who grow.
Allegra and her Duke marry, making pains to tell everyone repeatedly that they aren't in love. It would be charming except Allegra constantly talks about how she doesn't recognize love. Rather than seeming to shed a light on her fears or even to give depth to her personality, this repetition merely sounds labored and pedantic. I did appreciate Ms. Small's efforts at fleshing out some of the historical figures of 18th century England (even if she does go about it in a Jerry-Springer-trashy-gossip sort of way). I could have done without all the descriptions of food, though. And while I've only given this book two stars, it actually deserves an extra half-star for not allowing Allegra to be kidnapped into a harem to learn unearthly sexual delights.
December 3, 2010
Would very much like to rate this lower than 1.
I was hoping for a silly trashy romance when I grabbed this off my mothers bookshelf. What I got was SO EFFING BORING that I got halfway through and gave up -- and I NEVER quit reading books halfway through...
Don't waste your time.
I was hoping for a silly trashy romance when I grabbed this off my mothers bookshelf. What I got was SO EFFING BORING that I got halfway through and gave up -- and I NEVER quit reading books halfway through...
Don't waste your time.
August 13, 2021
I read this when it first came out and it's one of the few Bertrice Small books that I got rid of when I moved. It's not great. The heroine reminds me of Nyssa from Love, Remember Me and I didn't really like the hero. The book was boring.
April 12, 2023
Such an odd book. Definitely could’ve lived my life without ever reading it. Allegra is a #GirlBoss though
January 8, 2013
Just finished this book. I enjoyed it, although I don't think I would read it again. It was well written, and I was always interested in the storyline, although it wasn't what you would call and 'exciting' story. There was only one part you could call suspenseful, and it wasn't highly so. If you like historical fiction, with more emphasis on the day-to-day life of the incredibly wealthy, then you would enjoy this book. If not, then I would pass and choose something else to read. I would give it 2.5 stars if that were possible.
June 22, 2011
This book was a DNF for me, which was so dissappointing as I usually love Bertrice Small.
It was very slow moving.
It was very slow moving.
January 7, 2023
She’s a spitfire and he’s penniless, but he’s got a title…it shouldn’t work, but it does.
I’ve not read any other works by Bertrice Small, so this was a new one for me. I’m glad I took the recommendation and chose this book. Allegra is full of fire and Quinton is hot. I liked the pairing between them because she’s not holding punches and he’s not about to fall in love. It’s a good stab at the ‘we won’t fall in love’ trope. The writing wasn’t as flowing as I’d have liked, but once I got into the story, I was hooked.
There were a few times when I had to put this one down. There are some vivid descriptions which are fantastic – the fabrics, the furnishings…wonderful. Then there were some that were a tad odd – her thick black eyebrows. It took me out of the story. I could see the characters but would’ve liked to have left that bit to the imagination, especially since it was something he thought was so attractive. Maybe it was me looking at the story through twenty-first century eyes, but it was odd.
Still, this was a good book and one I’d recommend if you’re wanting to get into the meatier books from the romance genre. This is one to learn from in terms of descriptions, pacing and unfolding of the story. There were times I didn’t like Allegra, but I respected her. That’s huge.
If you’re looking for a story that’s meaty, sweeping and old-school, then this might be the one for you.
I’ve not read any other works by Bertrice Small, so this was a new one for me. I’m glad I took the recommendation and chose this book. Allegra is full of fire and Quinton is hot. I liked the pairing between them because she’s not holding punches and he’s not about to fall in love. It’s a good stab at the ‘we won’t fall in love’ trope. The writing wasn’t as flowing as I’d have liked, but once I got into the story, I was hooked.
There were a few times when I had to put this one down. There are some vivid descriptions which are fantastic – the fabrics, the furnishings…wonderful. Then there were some that were a tad odd – her thick black eyebrows. It took me out of the story. I could see the characters but would’ve liked to have left that bit to the imagination, especially since it was something he thought was so attractive. Maybe it was me looking at the story through twenty-first century eyes, but it was odd.
Still, this was a good book and one I’d recommend if you’re wanting to get into the meatier books from the romance genre. This is one to learn from in terms of descriptions, pacing and unfolding of the story. There were times I didn’t like Allegra, but I respected her. That’s huge.
If you’re looking for a story that’s meaty, sweeping and old-school, then this might be the one for you.
October 20, 2024
What can I sway I enjoyed the first half and then it went downhill ☠️☠️
SPOILERS
Her father having another kid 😑 I skipped so much after the third part because I knew what was coming. The fact that that happen and yes I’m selfish but look at the time she’s in and look at the fact why she married him. Some will say she acted erratic but who wouldn’t if the child was a son. Everything would be taken from her and yes if her brother was alive things would have been different. BUT she was the rich girl and her brother died so everything passed down to her.
And then the other couples 🤦🏽♀️ after a while it was boring everyone getting pregnant first and the petty comments. Then her sister in law from her husbands side practically announcing her Pregnancy at her Birthday party 😒 no wonder she broke
Ps: if she acted childish well duh she’s 18 married to a 31 year old 🫥
The fact that the Duke said it was fine that’s a lie because at the end it wasn’t realistic. If he didn’t love her and was broke again let’s be honest they would struggle and back then that would hurt a marriage. Also realistically he would have left her because cmon he married her for her money and that’s what the whole agreement was about. Then the way he would speak about her I guess. Then idk what I felt about him he was forgettable. I’m selfish I get it but cmon 😒😒 this was not for me sorry about my rant but ugh 😑
SPOILERS
Her father having another kid 😑 I skipped so much after the third part because I knew what was coming. The fact that that happen and yes I’m selfish but look at the time she’s in and look at the fact why she married him. Some will say she acted erratic but who wouldn’t if the child was a son. Everything would be taken from her and yes if her brother was alive things would have been different. BUT she was the rich girl and her brother died so everything passed down to her.
And then the other couples 🤦🏽♀️ after a while it was boring everyone getting pregnant first and the petty comments. Then her sister in law from her husbands side practically announcing her Pregnancy at her Birthday party 😒 no wonder she broke
Ps: if she acted childish well duh she’s 18 married to a 31 year old 🫥
The fact that the Duke said it was fine that’s a lie because at the end it wasn’t realistic. If he didn’t love her and was broke again let’s be honest they would struggle and back then that would hurt a marriage. Also realistically he would have left her because cmon he married her for her money and that’s what the whole agreement was about. Then the way he would speak about her I guess. Then idk what I felt about him he was forgettable. I’m selfish I get it but cmon 😒😒 this was not for me sorry about my rant but ugh 😑
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 26, 2023
I have mixed feelings about The Duchess. It was slow slow, not a lot going on with the MCs. Uneventful courtship. Then guess what they fall in love and go on a random adventure to France within the last quarter of the book.
What I didn't like:
-The love story
-The pacing
-The FMC, kinda rude and unlikeable
-The side stories
-The last-minute adventure
-Sometimes details were excessive
What I did like:
-The FMC, but also independent and straightforward
-The historical context
What I didn't like:
-The love story
-The pacing
-The FMC, kinda rude and unlikeable
-The side stories
-The last-minute adventure
-Sometimes details were excessive
What I did like:
-The FMC, but also independent and straightforward
-The historical context
May 21, 2020
2.5 stars. The details in this book almost overwhelmed the story. B. Small's book are usually filled with details, but they help add to the imagery and history. I felt this story had less history and more details. I enjoyed Allegra, although she did come across as a spoiled strong-willed brat at times. Quinton is her patient and quiet counterpoint. I enjoyed also having the other couples as part of their story, even if it was a small part.
July 27, 2021
I give this book 2.5 stars rounded up to 3. And I’m being generous. It was, boring.... the amount of details was just too much. Each dinner and tea time was just over explained. Allegra, the heroine was just so “perfect” and is 17 years old and so worldly. Knows all about politics and is the perfect duchess. But most of all she’s the perfect brat. I truly don’t understand how Quintin fell in love with her. 😬
July 30, 2022
My 2022 challenge is to read atleast the first 100 pages of every book I own. I think I've had this one on my shelf for quite some time, and finally broke into it for a bubble bath. I did the majority of the reading I got done for it in that session, right about where the girls get married, and then could not get myself to continue.
March 8, 2024
Great story, lovely characters but what made it hard for me to finishing reading is Allegra, she is one spoilt, selfish spiteful little b****.
I persevered and finished this book, but I really couldn't take to Allegra.
She may be the lead character but for me not a likeable character from the start.
I persevered and finished this book, but I really couldn't take to Allegra.
She may be the lead character but for me not a likeable character from the start.
January 10, 2019
Review
This book was okay but her other books were better. I would still recommend her as a good author to anyone. There could be more to the story and I kind of feel that is was bland for a romance.
This book was okay but her other books were better. I would still recommend her as a good author to anyone. There could be more to the story and I kind of feel that is was bland for a romance.
February 20, 2023
Royalty
I had forgotten how atypical this book was. I read the usual description of period perfect meals. The only thing missing was a report of the politics of the time. I enjoyed ths book more the second time.
I had forgotten how atypical this book was. I read the usual description of period perfect meals. The only thing missing was a report of the politics of the time. I enjoyed ths book more the second time.
October 1, 2020
History is not bad. Story is a bit thin and the sex scenes did not match the author's style.
December 5, 2020
Enjoyed it actually. Nice bit of frothy fiction, where everything turns out hunky dory. Ya gotta love it. Well written BTW. Better than most
May 10, 2021
Loved it! Your Grace Allegra Hunter and Lord Hunter! Predictable, no surprise, feel-good story. Wonderful stress reliever during this pandemic. No spoilers! Great read....
July 22, 2021
JNWTT
(Just Not Worth The Time.....a.k.a. BORING!!)
(Just Not Worth The Time.....a.k.a. BORING!!)
August 7, 2023
It was a quick read and very sweet! I enjoyed it
Shelved as 'wnr'
November 18, 2023Have both soft and hard cover versions.
March 4, 2024
Didn't finish. Not compelling. I was bored.
October 19, 2012
So far, it's so-so. My biggest gripe with this novel is the stilted dialogue. Perhaps it's intentional - to be consistent with the pragmatic nature of the relationship between the hero & the heroine ... Then again, I'm only about 40% of the way done (according to my Kindle) - maybe it'll pick up or I'll change my mind about the rating by the time I'm done.
~~~~~~~~
No such luck ... even the adventure they had in France seemed anticlimactic. Towards the end Allegra just came off as a petulant little b*tch - maybe that was the intended portrayal of someone so young. I wonder if this is part of a series? The offspring @ the end were being paired off... Oh never mind - I'm guessing that if there was, I'd be just as annoyed with the other books
~~~~~~~~
No such luck ... even the adventure they had in France seemed anticlimactic. Towards the end Allegra just came off as a petulant little b*tch - maybe that was the intended portrayal of someone so young. I wonder if this is part of a series? The offspring @ the end were being paired off... Oh never mind - I'm guessing that if there was, I'd be just as annoyed with the other books
June 17, 2008
After a couple of chapters, this felt very formulaic. The author would use about a page of text to describe all of the foods served at a banquet. Then she would use about a page of text to describe the clothing worn by various characters. I can understand doing this once or twice to establish a setting...but this was repetitive and dull. It read like the diary of a housewife, describing what she ate or sewed that day.
Towards the end, there was a pretty graphic description of a minor character being raped. I'm not really quite sure what purpose this served.....
I can recommend many better historical romance novels - I would not recommend this to anyone.
Towards the end, there was a pretty graphic description of a minor character being raped. I'm not really quite sure what purpose this served.....
I can recommend many better historical romance novels - I would not recommend this to anyone.
January 13, 2011
I used to like Bertrice Small when I read the first Skye O'Malley books. But they too get old when they are written about all of her children and grandchildren. I thought I would enjoy this book, but I think I wasted my time reading it. It just wasn't that exciting or well written. In this book she spends way too much time describing trivial things. She has a page and a half describing the food served. She also has a page and a half describing the bedroom. I like good descriptive authors like Lisa Kleypas but please this was just over the top on irrelevant things. Of course if they were taken out there would be very few pages left! Don't waste your time on this one!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 56 reviews