About a Rogue by Caroline Linden (2020)
Historical romance. Georgian-era England. Book 1 of the Desperately Seeking Duke series. Max has a reputation as a scoundrel but a newfound connection to a duke may improve his chances at becoming a business partner at a prosperous pottery company. Seeing that the owner has an eligible daughter, Max proposes marriage to the quiet and docile Cathy for a stake in the company. Cathy’s outspoken sister Bianca loudly disagrees with the match, accusing Max of being a lazy fortune-hunter. After Cathy runs off with another man, Bianca is somehow coerced into marrying Max instead. They start the marriage being at odds with each other, but Max is both attracted to an impressed by Bianca, and Bianca starts to realize that Max truly does want to work and improve the pottery business. It’s a slow burn romance here with both parties being swayed by the other person’s competence. And for added drama, Max has some secret that he’s hiding from Bianca but is afraid to lose her affection by revealing it.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
About a Kiss by Caroline Linden (2020)
Historical romance. Georgian-era England. Book 1.5 of the Desperately Seeking Duke series. Super short story and romance between the a valet and lady’s maid of the couple from Book 1. We get to see Kit and Jennie meet, flirt, and slowly fall in love while working together.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
A Scot to the Heart by Caroline Linden (2021)
Historical romance. Georgian-era Scotland. Book 2 of the Desperately Seeking Duke series. Army captain Andrew is the nearest heir to the Duke of Carlyle and on a mission to take care of his affairs to return to Carlyle Castle for training as the heir. As he returns home to inform his mother and sisters of the news, he meets and is instantly smitten by an intriguing widow in town. Luckily for him, the widowed Ilsa is friends with his sister, so they run into each other often. The flirtation and affair between them seems ill-timed, since he’ll need to marry proper duchess material, but they can’t seem to stay away from each other. It was fun reading how their flirtation turns into a deeper emotional connection as time goes on amidst the chaos of both their families.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
How the Scot Was Won by Caroline Linden (2021)
Historical romance. Georgian-era Scotland. Book 2.5 of the Desperately Seeking Duke series. Companion to Book 2 of the series, where we follow the sister and best friend of Andrew. We’ve seen hints of the romance between Agnes and Felix in the previous book, but we get the whole story here. There’s a sweet coffee shop flirtation, that leads to a scandalous tryst at an assembly, then a somewhat insulting marriage proposal, and finally avoiding each other until forced to interact with each other again. Quick whirlwind of a relationship here and so much better once Felix actually talks to Agnes directly.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
All the Duke I Need by Caroline Linden (2022)
Historical romance. Georgian-era England. Book 3 of the Desperately Seeking Duke series. Philippa is the current companion to the duchess, stepdaughter to the duchess’ daughter, and all-around hostess of the castle. However, she knows that her position will likely be displaced when the duke passes away and leaves the castle to one of his heirs. When the new estate steward Will comes to the castle, she’s shocked that he’s young and handsome and has no experience as a steward. He’s just as surprised to find that Philippa is also young and beautiful, even as the duchess’ companion. They bicker and argue at first on how to approach estate improvements, but of course, eventually give into their attraction. Meanwhile, Will is hiding some secrets about his motivation for taking on the estate position and a possible connection to the ducal family. It was interesting to read how Will embraced his responsibilities to the estate and impressed everyone there, including the duke himself, who is usually unwell and isolated.
Ebook and audiobook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
Desperately Seeking Duke: The Ultimate Epilogue by Caroline Linden (2022)
Historical romance. Georgian-era England. Book 3.5 of the Desperately Seeking Duke series. This book is a compilation of epilogues featuring all the couples we’ve met throughout the series. It’s pretty much a bunch of bonus information, especially as Andrew and Max each learn that they do not need to worry about ever inheriting the dukedom. And if you wanted more information about Will’s family history, it’s explained here too.
Ebook borrowed from my local library via Libby.
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