Determined to find a husband, Miss Eleanor "Nell" Bowman attends a ball put on by the Duchess of Greycliffe, fondly referred to as the Duchess of Love. But she roundly dismisses the suitors the matchmaking hostess has invited on her behalf. For it's the duchess' dashing son Ned, Lord Edward, who long ago captured Nell's heart—and roused her desire. All it takes is a pair of conveniently misplaced silky red bloomers to set the handsome widower's gaze on this unusual girl who is clearly more than meets the eye . . .
After more than a year of mourning, Ned longs to finally start anew. At first glance, the birthday ball his mother has thrown in his honour is decidedly lacking in suitable mistresses. But he senses something unexpectedly alluring beneath the veil of Nell's plain exterior—something she's anxious to reveal, and the lonely Lord is incapable of denying . . .
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"I was very pleasantly surprised by this book. I wasn't sure what to think based on the title, but this turned out to be a surprisingly sweet and sexy story. This is a case where I loved all of the characters and was really pleased to see the titular Duchess and her husband be passionate and romantic several decades into their marriage. I know they get their own story, and I plan to be reading it in short order. My favorite character though, hands down, was the thieving cat Reggie. Probably because he's a mixture of two cats I am very familiar with myself!"
— Megan (4 out of 5 stars)
“An engaging tale that balances greed, jealousy, and malice with humor and sweetness.”
— Publishers Weekly (starred review)An engaging tale that balances greed, jealousy, and malice with humor and sweetness.
— Publishers Weekly Starred Review" Loved this book! It was also very humorous. I was laughing out loud during a lot of it. The cat was hilarious. A very strong 4 stars :D "
— Krishawna, 2/7/2014" This was cute but the two mains were a bit blockheaded. "
— April, 2/2/2014" awfull to read completely boring "
— Len, 1/24/2014" Loved the cat in this book. Absolutely funny!! This is my first Sally MacKenzie book. I'm branching out and trying to find some different writers. She's a good and entertaining storyteller. Ellie's been in love with Ned her whole life and finally gets her guy. Good romance. "
— Deborah, 1/18/2014" It was cute...nothing earth shattering but enjoyable. "
— Angela, 1/17/2014" I loved it! It didn't hurt that the cat was like my cat Jack, who loves all things shiny and is an awful pick pocket. "
— Amber, 1/6/2014" This story was crazy and the voices hilarious (I listened to the audio version). Some of the characters' voices were awful but it was so funny and worth listening to. The title of the book is kind of weird but I really enjoyed listening to it. "
— Diane, 12/1/2013" Good fun, in the flavor of a good Julia Quinn or Eloise James book. "
— Sue, 9/8/2013" Scandalously funny and wickedly entertaining! Make room on your keeper shelf for Sally MacKenzie's Duchess of Love series! "
— Elizabeth, 8/12/2013" I like this author. This was disappointing, perhaps because it is so obviously a book 1 of a series. It mostly felt like all set up & no payout. Minor characters have more fun than major ones. Bonus novella at the end ought to be read 1st. "
— Laura, 8/3/2013" Same humor as her Naked series. Plus I LOVED that Ned's parents got some love scenes, too. "
— Amber, 6/21/2013" Suprised how much I enjoyed this, lots of humor, the protaganists were engaging, but I especially enjoyed the family dynamics, and can't wait for Ash's story "
— Moey17, 2/21/2013" I liked the previous book, but I found the main characters in this book exceedingly dull. "
— Thracer, 11/19/2012" E-book found on the library website among the most popular ones. Horrible title. Even though the outcome is clear from the start, the way they get there is laced with misunderstandings and a very funny, stealing pet. Entertaining enough, quick read. "
— Irene, 11/9/2012" The whole book - story, characters, etc. - was only ok. Not interested enough to continue the series. "
— Leigh, 9/22/2012" I liked this book quite a bit. It kept my attention and make me laugh. My only complaint would be the ending. I was waiting for that click where Ned realize how he really felt, not just the lust part. I am looking forward to hearing Ash's story. "
— Ponch, 8/25/2012Sally MacKenzie is the USA Today bestselling author of Regency romance novels, including the Naked Nobility series and the Duchess of Love series. The Naked King, the seventh book in the Naked Nobility series, was named one of ALA Booklist’s top ten romances for 2011. MacKenzie graduated from the University of Notre Dame in the first class of women.
Abby Craden has been a professional actress and voice artist for over sixteen years and can be heard in numerous television and radio commercials, video games, and audiobooks. She has twice won the AudioFile Earphones Award.