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Dukes and Secrets #1
All Duke and Bothered
When Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton, learns Lord Neville Beckett is auctioning his marriageable daughter to pay debts, he makes an irresistible bid. Preston is determined to use Penelope to exact vengeance, but as she brings light into his dark, cold mansion, his heart is anything but safe� A series starter read by dual narrators!
Brooding Duke. Notorious rake. Driven by grief. Forcing his enemy’s daughter into marriage for revenge. About to lose his heart.
Vengeance. Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton will bring down the man who killed his brother through any means necessary. So when Lord Neville Beckett auctions off his daughter’s hand in marriage to pay his debts, Preston makes a bid Beckett can’t refuse—evidence of murder.
Dreaming of a career as an artist, Penelope welcomes her future as a spinster. So when her father accepts the proposal of a man who despises her, she longs to flee. But she cannot abandon her poor, old father to his destruction. Moving into the powerful duke’s huge mansion, she wonders if she will ever escape this cold, dark prison.
Convinced Penelope played his brother for a fool and got him killed, Preston has no intention of losing his heart. But the sunny artist is soon filling his home with light and joy. Could a forced marriage forged from hatred ever lead to true happiness? And can Preston forgive himself for desiring the only woman his brother ever loved?
Brooding Duke. Notorious rake. Driven by grief. Forcing his enemy’s daughter into marriage for revenge. About to lose his heart.
Vengeance. Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton will bring down the man who killed his brother through any means necessary. So when Lord Neville Beckett auctions off his daughter’s hand in marriage to pay his debts, Preston makes a bid Beckett can’t refuse—evidence of murder.
Dreaming of a career as an artist, Penelope welcomes her future as a spinster. So when her father accepts the proposal of a man who despises her, she longs to flee. But she cannot abandon her poor, old father to his destruction. Moving into the powerful duke’s huge mansion, she wonders if she will ever escape this cold, dark prison.
Convinced Penelope played his brother for a fool and got him killed, Preston has no intention of losing his heart. But the sunny artist is soon filling his home with light and joy. Could a forced marriage forged from hatred ever lead to true happiness? And can Preston forgive himself for desiring the only woman his brother ever loved?
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First published July 25, 2023
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About the author
Mariah Stone
59books703followersWhen time travel romance writer Mariah Stone isn't busy writing strong modern women falling back through time into the arms of hot Vikings, Highlanders, and pirates, she chases after her toddler and spends romantic nights on North Sea with her husband. Mariah speaks six languages, loves Outlander, sushi and Thai food, and runs a local writer's group. Subscribe to Mariah's newsletter for a free time travel book today!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 319 reviews
July 29, 2023
Another annoying, tiresome historical that should’ve been a contemporary, with a modern h shoved into it because the author is lazy and lacks any imagination. And the total lack of any knowledge of the time and period is evident almost immediately. Not even a full chapter in and the author has the heroine being best friends with a duke. A DUKE, which is one step below royalty. How did this unlikely friendship start? Why would a duke befriend an unmarried girl and not immediately start rumors of a courtship? And to complete the circle of stupidity, the heroines father lies TO A DUKE when he tries to visit her by saying she’s not at home. Bwahahahaahahahahahahahahahahaahahahah!!!!
I. AM. DYYYYYYINNNGGGG!!!! Dude, a duke would NEVER call upon an unmarried respectable woman at her home unless he was COURTING her. Ffs, try to learn even a tiny bit about the period in which you’ve placed your characters. These lazy ass authors who plop out historicals with not even the barest concept of the period they’re writing about are FUCKING ANNOYING. When I pick up an HR, I want to read a HISTORICAL romance not a fucking contemporary romance lying and masquerading as an historical.
Besides the rank idiocy, the writing didn’t flow, felt awkward and clunky. Life is too short so I gave up.
I. AM. DYYYYYYINNNGGGG!!!! Dude, a duke would NEVER call upon an unmarried respectable woman at her home unless he was COURTING her. Ffs, try to learn even a tiny bit about the period in which you’ve placed your characters. These lazy ass authors who plop out historicals with not even the barest concept of the period they’re writing about are FUCKING ANNOYING. When I pick up an HR, I want to read a HISTORICAL romance not a fucking contemporary romance lying and masquerading as an historical.
Besides the rank idiocy, the writing didn’t flow, felt awkward and clunky. Life is too short so I gave up.
February 20, 2024
Pretty awful Father in law
I can't believe the father-in-law got away with everything and was not punished! The heroine taking his side over the heroes side was so odd. I can't tell you what he did but it comes out right away and then the hero marries her for revenge. But they definitely had a major spark between them. It took a while for them to realize they loved each other, and with all the events happening, I can't believe the choices the heroine made. It really made me angry. And then the ending in the middle of the soiree was just unbelievable. I can't believe the FIL wasn't held accountable. That annoyed me completely. But I love this author and I enjoyed the read.
I can't believe the father-in-law got away with everything and was not punished! The heroine taking his side over the heroes side was so odd. I can't tell you what he did but it comes out right away and then the hero marries her for revenge. But they definitely had a major spark between them. It took a while for them to realize they loved each other, and with all the events happening, I can't believe the choices the heroine made. It really made me angry. And then the ending in the middle of the soiree was just unbelievable. I can't believe the FIL wasn't held accountable. That annoyed me completely. But I love this author and I enjoyed the read.
August 2, 2023
I don’t understand why a Baron doesn’t want a Duke calling on his daughter. Especially when he is in debt.??
Not a bad story , Duke wants revenge so marries his enemies daughter.
Why the authors had to go full on sex scene, which to me was not needed. And ruined a decent story.
Each to our own.
Boring to some, too other interesting.
Not a bad story , Duke wants revenge so marries his enemies daughter.
Why the authors had to go full on sex scene, which to me was not needed. And ruined a decent story.
Each to our own.
Boring to some, too other interesting.
May 29, 2024
How could she think he was the one with all the power in this relationship, the one making all the rules, when he was ready to turn the world upside down for just one of her brilliant smiles? She was the one with all the power. The power to be his absolute bliss or his complete destruction.
4.25 stars
This was my first novel by Mariah Stone even though she is such a prolific author, but I have to say that I enjoyed it immensely! Mariah's writing flowed nicely from scene to scene as we followed Preston and Penelope throughout their tumultuous courtship. Preston believes Penelope's father is responsible for his brother's death and seeks revenge above all else. So when the opportunity arises to exert his leverage over her father and obtain Penelope's hand in marriage, Preston puts his final plan of revenge into motion and successfully ties himself and Penelope together forever.
However, what is first meant to be a marriage in name only gradually morphs into a marriage between a man who is stuck in the past and his need for vengeance and a woman who yearns for freedom above all else. And as Preston fights his growing feelings for the woman he's supposed to hate--his brother's love and his enemy's daughter--Penelope slowly begins to see beneath the hardened exterior Preston has erected to protect the vulnerable person he is underneath.
I loved how organically their relationship developed and how their feelings developed over time. Preston truly valued Penelope's independence and artistic talents, while Penelope truly saw Preston for who he was. Even though I loved Preston's grovel and grand gesture, I do wish Penelope had expressed some remorse for her part in their separation as neither was perfect. Overall, I thoroughly enjoyed this novel and cannot wait for the next book🖤
Tropes: hate-to-love-you, forbidden love, brother's ex, tortured broody hero, down-on-her-luck heroine, Beauty-and-the-Beast vibes, marriage of convenience, grumpy/sunshine, will they/won't they, slow burn, STEAMY🔥
*ARC provided by Grey's promo, and I voluntarily reviewed it*
August 2, 2023
An unhappy duke filled with guilt and revenge, buys his enemy's daughter at an auction. He doesn't pay off her father's debt, but holds incriminating evidence against him. This is a duke who doesn't want to love his wife, but he finds it very easy to do. She looks at this marriage as one without love. But when he gives her the means to pursue her passion, how can she give anything but love in return. I was expecting more, but I'm not exactly sure what more is. Maybe it was the pace or the fact that the hero and heroine were weak individuals in the beginning and it threw me off. I still recommend reading the book.Your interpretation may be different from mine.
Nevertheless there is more to come in the Grandhampton family.
Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
Nevertheless there is more to come in the Grandhampton family.
Descriptive open bedroom door.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.
November 9, 2023
NOT A FAN!
From the beginning, it was obvious that her father was awful, but she just made excuses for all of his behavior towards her. Preston, who was out for revenge, still seemed to treat her better than her father even before he realized he had misjudged her. Once they were married and he changed his opinion of her, everything seemed one-sided. He was always doing things to make her happy and she was constantly judging him for keeping a secret that involved her father’s misdeeds. Ultimately, she left him because he chose revenge over love, but she constantly chose her father over her love for him on more than one occasion. She even ignored the fact that her father burned down Preston’s family home while they were sleeping and could have killed her husband. After she left him and he was miserable for four days he went and begged for her back and forgave her father and gave him property for her.
I just never connected with this story. I felt it was too wordy and pages were filled with unnecessary descriptions of the scenery. Her love for him never really reached me. His feelings felt genuine, but it seemed like he was always the one compromising and changing for love. I don’t feel Fer father was held accountable for anything he did at all. Her telling him that he needed to make amends after all he did just fell short for me, but she was easily willing to leave her husband that she supposed loved so much. This book just wasn’t for me, but I did feel the need to finish it hoping it would get better. This is my first time reading this author so I’m going to try the next book in the series and see if it is better before I give up completely.
From the beginning, it was obvious that her father was awful, but she just made excuses for all of his behavior towards her. Preston, who was out for revenge, still seemed to treat her better than her father even before he realized he had misjudged her. Once they were married and he changed his opinion of her, everything seemed one-sided. He was always doing things to make her happy and she was constantly judging him for keeping a secret that involved her father’s misdeeds. Ultimately, she left him because he chose revenge over love, but she constantly chose her father over her love for him on more than one occasion. She even ignored the fact that her father burned down Preston’s family home while they were sleeping and could have killed her husband. After she left him and he was miserable for four days he went and begged for her back and forgave her father and gave him property for her.
I just never connected with this story. I felt it was too wordy and pages were filled with unnecessary descriptions of the scenery. Her love for him never really reached me. His feelings felt genuine, but it seemed like he was always the one compromising and changing for love. I don’t feel Fer father was held accountable for anything he did at all. Her telling him that he needed to make amends after all he did just fell short for me, but she was easily willing to leave her husband that she supposed loved so much. This book just wasn’t for me, but I did feel the need to finish it hoping it would get better. This is my first time reading this author so I’m going to try the next book in the series and see if it is better before I give up completely.
July 23, 2024
This was bad but I lowkey ate it up all the same.
August 19, 2023
Penelope doesn’t not want to get married and is doing her best not to get noticed so she can stay a spinster as long as she wants to. She loves art and wants to become a famous artist one day. Her father wants her to be more traditional and not be an artist.
Penelope's dad has managed to get himself into some trouble and needs her to be married off in order to save himself. So he decides to auction his daughters hand in marriage to pay off his debts.
Preston has lost his older brother and not only feels guilty but feels like Penelope and her father are the cause of this huge loss in his life. So revenge is his only bet. He decided to marry his enemy's daughter. This way he can really take revenge on the man. Marrying Penelope is just a side effect that he has to deal with while he ruins her father.
So this started off with a really good premise and things were going well. We could feel the dislike that Preston had for Penelope and her father. Penelope and Preston fought a lot. And then all of a sudden they were fighting anymore and now they were flirting.
I was so confused by this, because we didn’t even have a scene where they decided not to at each others throats all the time. Then all of a sudden they started liking each other and I'm not even sure how this happened, then a little while later the author tells us that Penelope and Preston had a conversation where they talk about important things.
I was just wondering why we didn’t see it and why it wasn’t on the page. Then there were pages and pages of descriptions of houses and rooms. I had to start skimming through because it was so many descriptions and inner monologues but not as many conversations between the characters.
And then no matter what Penelope's father did she kept saying her poor old dad not holding him accountable for any of his actions. And somehow Preston was wrong and shouldn’t feel the way he did about all that her father did. Preston was also the one that had to grovel, like huh? Why are we not holding the right people accountable so Preston can't be mad that the dad had his brother killed? I get that you want them both to get along but your father was in the wrong and he should be apologizing to your husband first.
This book went downhill fast for me and I almost DNF it. The twist at the end did have me really intrigued and that’s what brought it up to 2 stars. I would like to know what happens but I can't see myself reading another book in this series if they're all going to be like this one.
Penelope's dad has managed to get himself into some trouble and needs her to be married off in order to save himself. So he decides to auction his daughters hand in marriage to pay off his debts.
Preston has lost his older brother and not only feels guilty but feels like Penelope and her father are the cause of this huge loss in his life. So revenge is his only bet. He decided to marry his enemy's daughter. This way he can really take revenge on the man. Marrying Penelope is just a side effect that he has to deal with while he ruins her father.
So this started off with a really good premise and things were going well. We could feel the dislike that Preston had for Penelope and her father. Penelope and Preston fought a lot. And then all of a sudden they were fighting anymore and now they were flirting.
I was so confused by this, because we didn’t even have a scene where they decided not to at each others throats all the time. Then all of a sudden they started liking each other and I'm not even sure how this happened, then a little while later the author tells us that Penelope and Preston had a conversation where they talk about important things.
I was just wondering why we didn’t see it and why it wasn’t on the page. Then there were pages and pages of descriptions of houses and rooms. I had to start skimming through because it was so many descriptions and inner monologues but not as many conversations between the characters.
And then no matter what Penelope's father did she kept saying her poor old dad not holding him accountable for any of his actions. And somehow Preston was wrong and shouldn’t feel the way he did about all that her father did. Preston was also the one that had to grovel, like huh? Why are we not holding the right people accountable so Preston can't be mad that the dad had his brother killed? I get that you want them both to get along but your father was in the wrong and he should be apologizing to your husband first.
This book went downhill fast for me and I almost DNF it. The twist at the end did have me really intrigued and that’s what brought it up to 2 stars. I would like to know what happens but I can't see myself reading another book in this series if they're all going to be like this one.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
July 24, 2023
Synopsis- The heroine wants to be an artist, but her father refuses to even acknowledge the fact. The father owes a huge sum of debt and is only concerned with marrying her off so that he doesn't become bankrupt. Meanwhile the heroine becomes friends with a young Duke, whom it turns out, unbeknownst to the heroine, has fallen in love with her. The heroines father arranges the young Duke to be roughed up, with horrific consequences. The young Dukes brother, the hero, wants revenge, and marries the heroine.
This was a tough story to get to the end of. It had all the makings of the type of plot I love- steam, tortured hero , gruff exterior and a heroine whom has a little bit of mettle. I am also a sucker for an "auction" trope, revenge marriage and throw in a secret gambling club and it's a "must buy" for me. The plot literally checked off every box that I love.
The character development was severely lacking. Both the story and character development felt rushed. I felt like I was reading the cliff notes of a story, rather than a full book. I wasn't invested in the characters and there was very little insight into why they reacted as they did. The hero's thirst for revenge just wasn't there. Furthermore, the heroine kept calling him "Duke " throughout the book, which wasn't realistic. Several times the author stated the heroine, once married, wasn't invited to Ton events, which seems like it would be unlikely due to her being a Duchess. If her husband was so powerful- wouldn't she have been invited? Things like this took away from the character being this supposed envied and powerful presence. Also, there were so many plot twists thrown in, that none of the twists were actually developed. Furthermore, the way the characters reacted to some major events with heroines' father, (I don't want to spoil the plot), were so ridiculous I just wanted to shelve the book at the point. No one would have reacted the way the plot took the reader. I was incredulous.
This book could have been so great. Some of the makings were there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was a tough story to get to the end of. It had all the makings of the type of plot I love- steam, tortured hero , gruff exterior and a heroine whom has a little bit of mettle. I am also a sucker for an "auction" trope, revenge marriage and throw in a secret gambling club and it's a "must buy" for me. The plot literally checked off every box that I love.
The character development was severely lacking. Both the story and character development felt rushed. I felt like I was reading the cliff notes of a story, rather than a full book. I wasn't invested in the characters and there was very little insight into why they reacted as they did. The hero's thirst for revenge just wasn't there. Furthermore, the heroine kept calling him "Duke " throughout the book, which wasn't realistic. Several times the author stated the heroine, once married, wasn't invited to Ton events, which seems like it would be unlikely due to her being a Duchess. If her husband was so powerful- wouldn't she have been invited? Things like this took away from the character being this supposed envied and powerful presence. Also, there were so many plot twists thrown in, that none of the twists were actually developed. Furthermore, the way the characters reacted to some major events with heroines' father, (I don't want to spoil the plot), were so ridiculous I just wanted to shelve the book at the point. No one would have reacted the way the plot took the reader. I was incredulous.
This book could have been so great. Some of the makings were there.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
July 26, 2023
Is it possible to choose love over revenge?
When one man commits a series of horrible deeds, and then another man seeks revenge does someone always gets hurt? Will it be an innocent or a flirt who will experiences pain? Can one misjudge a person so completely only to have the truth hit him square in the face? Is it possible that this mess could have a happy ending? All these questions are answered in this excellent piece. I felt for Preston and Penelope both characters had been hurt so much yet neither really saw the forest for the trees (you could say). Their relationship is an up and down roller coaster that did not stop until the very end. This is a complete story but there is just a bit of a cliffhanger twist at the end a great hook for the next tale. I enjoyed the book’s plot and the cast of characters it is also very well written and also has a bit of steam. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
When one man commits a series of horrible deeds, and then another man seeks revenge does someone always gets hurt? Will it be an innocent or a flirt who will experiences pain? Can one misjudge a person so completely only to have the truth hit him square in the face? Is it possible that this mess could have a happy ending? All these questions are answered in this excellent piece. I felt for Preston and Penelope both characters had been hurt so much yet neither really saw the forest for the trees (you could say). Their relationship is an up and down roller coaster that did not stop until the very end. This is a complete story but there is just a bit of a cliffhanger twist at the end a great hook for the next tale. I enjoyed the book’s plot and the cast of characters it is also very well written and also has a bit of steam. I did receive a free copy of this book from Booksprout and voluntarily chose to review it.
July 8, 2023
In the beginning, I thought this was just a little boring and that I didn’t really care for the characters. By 81%, I was ready to slap Penelope for always going back to her “poor old dad�.
This is a revenge story. Duke Preston thinks Penelope dad hired someone to kill his brother who was actually in love with Penelope. So her dad is auctioning her off to pay off his debts and he ends up buying the debt.
Like they had basically a blah life. He did encourage her art which was fun. But otherwise they just hung out. Just blah.
While I love a revenge plot I don’t really like a self sacrificing character and god that’s all Penelope is. So at the end of the day, I was annoyed with this.
Here is a DIRECT QUOTE “I must forgive my father for harming Spencer, for selling me, and for setting fire to our home�. Stop. I want to slap her.
This is a revenge story. Duke Preston thinks Penelope dad hired someone to kill his brother who was actually in love with Penelope. So her dad is auctioning her off to pay off his debts and he ends up buying the debt.
Like they had basically a blah life. He did encourage her art which was fun. But otherwise they just hung out. Just blah.
While I love a revenge plot I don’t really like a self sacrificing character and god that’s all Penelope is. So at the end of the day, I was annoyed with this.
Here is a DIRECT QUOTE “I must forgive my father for harming Spencer, for selling me, and for setting fire to our home�. Stop. I want to slap her.
March 6, 2025
Está ún poco mejor que la precuela, pero sigue con la incómoda costumbre de tutearse con el título, siento que llama a una cocker cuando se la pasa diciendo duquesa. Por lo demás la historia es casi tan descabellada como en la precuela, quiere pintar a mujeres independientes poniéndolas en situaciones disque liberales pero a las que una mujer de sociedad no se podía dedicar sin ser totalmente excluida de la misma por más duquesa que sea.
March 3, 2025
Preston and Penelope
First of all I also became all deliciously duke and bothered in such a good way!
This is my 3rd book by this author and I loved it! The book had me hot and bothered for the Duke! It’s about a handsome brooding Duke, Preston getting revenge over a traumatic loss in his life. This is such a good “enemies to lovers and arranged marriage”storyline.
With a beautiful heroine who is strong and very talented. But, there are so many secrets and heartaches between Preston and Penelope it makes you wonder if they can ever have true love and happiness! Especially since Preston and Penelope have been hurt and betrayed.
This is such a well written book with great attention to details and so many interesting secondary characters. I really enjoyed reading the epilogue and I am planning on reading this great series!
First of all I also became all deliciously duke and bothered in such a good way!
This is my 3rd book by this author and I loved it! The book had me hot and bothered for the Duke! It’s about a handsome brooding Duke, Preston getting revenge over a traumatic loss in his life. This is such a good “enemies to lovers and arranged marriage”storyline.
With a beautiful heroine who is strong and very talented. But, there are so many secrets and heartaches between Preston and Penelope it makes you wonder if they can ever have true love and happiness! Especially since Preston and Penelope have been hurt and betrayed.
This is such a well written book with great attention to details and so many interesting secondary characters. I really enjoyed reading the epilogue and I am planning on reading this great series!
September 10, 2023
I had a hard time reading this book mainly because I just couldn't believe what I was reading.
The duke had been friends with the heroine but her father disapproved of him because of his rakish ways.
I'm sorry but what???
Dukes are basically royalty and any family was lucky if they even glanced at their daughters let alone danced with them. If one was friends with an unmarried woman and basically courted her I just don't see why any parent would disapprove. I mean, let's face it, almost ALL dukes were always rakes, but once they find their true forever person they change that.
So this reason for me was very weak.
Then it's the whole plot. The heroine's father basically had a duke murdered. MURDERED. A completely weird plot considering the upper reasons.
I can't believe I even finished this book, honestly. Yes, there was a plot twist at the end but that was the only saving grace of this book and even that plot turns this whole book upside down.
1-2 stars.
ARC was provided via Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
The duke had been friends with the heroine but her father disapproved of him because of his rakish ways.
I'm sorry but what???
Dukes are basically royalty and any family was lucky if they even glanced at their daughters let alone danced with them. If one was friends with an unmarried woman and basically courted her I just don't see why any parent would disapprove. I mean, let's face it, almost ALL dukes were always rakes, but once they find their true forever person they change that.
So this reason for me was very weak.
Then it's the whole plot. The heroine's father basically had a duke murdered. MURDERED. A completely weird plot considering the upper reasons.
I can't believe I even finished this book, honestly. Yes, there was a plot twist at the end but that was the only saving grace of this book and even that plot turns this whole book upside down.
1-2 stars.
ARC was provided via Grey's Promotions in exchange for an honest review. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.
June 24, 2024
Mariah Stone is a new author for me. Many of her books are not my genre but this series seems closest to what I like. I heard she is steamy but we will see. Most of my regular authors, I have read all of their books and just await new releases. As you know sometimes it can take awhile for a new book to come out or it might even get pushed back. It is these times, I need someone else to read. That is why I am always looking for great new authors. I research every author to make sure they are my genre and they have sex in their books. Those are really my only criteria. I don't read book descriptions so I have no idea what I'm reading when I start a book. Makes for a more interesting read, I think. :)
I loved Preston and Penelope. I loved the concept of this story. I loved their characters and their personalities. I loved that it was so different than I've read before. Sex scenes were written well. Since all I read is Regency/Victorian Historical Romances sometimes they can be one note but I loved this was a bit different of a storyline. Really good read.
I loved Preston and Penelope. I loved the concept of this story. I loved their characters and their personalities. I loved that it was so different than I've read before. Sex scenes were written well. Since all I read is Regency/Victorian Historical Romances sometimes they can be one note but I loved this was a bit different of a storyline. Really good read.
December 10, 2024
Muy entretenido, lo he disfrutado bastante, es ligero, engancha y Penélope es un 10. Es un romance de época que gira entorno a una familia que ha sufrido una perdida muy importante, y cada hermano lo afronta de una manera distinta. En el caso de Preston, el protagonista de la historia, se decanta por la venganza, lo que lo lleva a buscar a Penélope y usarla para su propósito. Hasta que descubre que no todo es como pensaba y que probablemente se esté vengando de la persona equivocada.
July 5, 2023
4 Stars! Cute enemies to lovers historical regency romance with a HEA ending. This is the first book in the new ‘Dukes & Secrets� series and can be read as a standalone. The main characters are Miss.Penelope Beckett & Preston Seaton, Duke of Grandhampton. I liked both main characters and was with Preston on ruining Penelope’s father, who had hired men to rough up Preston’s older brother who died from his injuries. I think Penelope was too loyal to a father undeserving of such loyalty. It’s ridiculous to think of all the things Penelope’s father did and still have her being loyal to him. I really loved the surprises at the end! They have made me super excited to read the next book in the series and find out what happens!
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
*I received this at no charge & I voluntarily left this review.*
July 3, 2023
Mariah Stone's All Duke and Bothered is the first book in what seems to be a compelling series. This is the first time I've read one of her novels and found it very well paced, enjoyable and easy read. I read it incredibly quickly and was sad I had to wait for the next book to be released.
The characters were well written, the two main characters were drawn to each other from the first, but fought it leading to misunderstandings and secrets, which at times were a little frustrating. However the insight into the male leads background did give understandable reasons for his struggle with trust and emotions. He was grumpy and brooding but also very sweet at times which was endearing. I also liked the independence and desire for an art career shown in the heroine which gave her greater depth. I did think the villain of the story got away with their sins a bit too easily. The heroine in particular was very forgiving and reminded me of a fairytale princess as she seemed so sweet, understanding and likeable.
I also really enjoyed also getting to know their friends and family, who I presume will have their own stories- Calliope, Alex and Richard which I really look forward to reading. Calliope, especially sounds like she has an adventurous spirit perfect for a fun historical romance. The mysterious twist at the end of the novel, being the narrative that I assume will thread through the other books in the series. The worldbuilding revealed some intriguing clubs and locations I'd like to see explored more in the later books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
The characters were well written, the two main characters were drawn to each other from the first, but fought it leading to misunderstandings and secrets, which at times were a little frustrating. However the insight into the male leads background did give understandable reasons for his struggle with trust and emotions. He was grumpy and brooding but also very sweet at times which was endearing. I also liked the independence and desire for an art career shown in the heroine which gave her greater depth. I did think the villain of the story got away with their sins a bit too easily. The heroine in particular was very forgiving and reminded me of a fairytale princess as she seemed so sweet, understanding and likeable.
I also really enjoyed also getting to know their friends and family, who I presume will have their own stories- Calliope, Alex and Richard which I really look forward to reading. Calliope, especially sounds like she has an adventurous spirit perfect for a fun historical romance. The mysterious twist at the end of the novel, being the narrative that I assume will thread through the other books in the series. The worldbuilding revealed some intriguing clubs and locations I'd like to see explored more in the later books.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.
July 22, 2023
Rating: 4.5 stars
I really enjoyed this story. It was a very quick and easy read. I liked the characters as well as the writing. What I loved the most about the book was how unexpected it was. I did not expect most of what happened throughout and I thought that really made this book special. I will now be counting down the days until I can get the next book in the Dukes and Secrets series because I'm excited for what happens next. This series will have to be read in order, so make sure you are aware of that before diving in. This is the first book though. I defiantly recommend to regency historical romance lovers.
I really enjoyed this story. It was a very quick and easy read. I liked the characters as well as the writing. What I loved the most about the book was how unexpected it was. I did not expect most of what happened throughout and I thought that really made this book special. I will now be counting down the days until I can get the next book in the Dukes and Secrets series because I'm excited for what happens next. This series will have to be read in order, so make sure you are aware of that before diving in. This is the first book though. I defiantly recommend to regency historical romance lovers.
February 3, 2024
Annoying book, but I still finished it. Calling a duke “Duke� instead of Your Grace made me think I have read more Regencies than the author.
July 21, 2023
In ‘All Duke and Bothered� we read the story of Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton. Preston has only recently become a duke, after his brother died after being assaulted. Preston is determined to get revenge on his brother death, and the best way to make the guy who is responsible pay is to marry his daughter. Preston has seen Penelope Beckett when she was a friend to his late brother. He was always sure she was after his fortune, and he made sure his brother knew his thoughts about her. But now his brother is gone, and Penelope will be his wife. It will be the perfect revenge. What Preston didn’t plan on, was getting to know Penelope and realizing she is not who he thought she was.
‘All Duke and Bothered� was an enjoyable read. The two main characters Preston and Penelope have a lot of prejudice about each other. They get married because Preston forces Penelope into it, and they are both sure they won’t be happy ever again. But when they slowly get to know each other better, they both realize there opinion about each other isn’t based on facts. And they grow closer and closer. I enjoyed reading their story, and seeing how their love developed.
The whole reason why they married, and the fact there feelings changed so drastically felt a bit much at times. But it fitted the genre and the characters. I especially loved Penelope’s character. She loved painting and was determined to keep on practicing her hobby to get better. Even though she lived in a time where woman weren’t really allowed to paint, she had accepted her fate of becoming a spinster just so she could continue her passion. She was one tough character.
And the best part? The fact that Preston was so passionate about Penelope being able to paint, even when they got married. I loved those moments when Penelope was immerged in her paintings. And although I wished Preston wasn’t so keen on revenge a lot of the time, his character had a lot of charm and I enjoyed reading about him.
‘All Duke and Bothered� was a fun read. And I especially loved being in this era again. In the end of the book we get a hint about the next book in the series, and I definitely hope to read that one too.
‘All Duke and Bothered� was an enjoyable read. The two main characters Preston and Penelope have a lot of prejudice about each other. They get married because Preston forces Penelope into it, and they are both sure they won’t be happy ever again. But when they slowly get to know each other better, they both realize there opinion about each other isn’t based on facts. And they grow closer and closer. I enjoyed reading their story, and seeing how their love developed.
The whole reason why they married, and the fact there feelings changed so drastically felt a bit much at times. But it fitted the genre and the characters. I especially loved Penelope’s character. She loved painting and was determined to keep on practicing her hobby to get better. Even though she lived in a time where woman weren’t really allowed to paint, she had accepted her fate of becoming a spinster just so she could continue her passion. She was one tough character.
And the best part? The fact that Preston was so passionate about Penelope being able to paint, even when they got married. I loved those moments when Penelope was immerged in her paintings. And although I wished Preston wasn’t so keen on revenge a lot of the time, his character had a lot of charm and I enjoyed reading about him.
‘All Duke and Bothered� was a fun read. And I especially loved being in this era again. In the end of the book we get a hint about the next book in the series, and I definitely hope to read that one too.
July 25, 2023
It is very rare for me to read historical romance. But when I saw the blurb, I wanted to read the book right away.
Spencer's brother is murdered, and he knows whose fault it was—Lord Neville Beckett. He is set on revenge path, which includes Beckett's daughter Penelope. After her father tries to sell her at a auction, Preston manages to save her and marry her. But he has his own agenda for doing this. From then on, their path to love begins.
Penelope is a beautiful young woman, who only wants to be a painter and be accepted for it. Her father stopped her all those years, not believing that she could be successful. By marrying Preston, she finally has the chance to make her dream a reality. But it seems that he hates her, and she doesn't know why. Against their better judgment, bit by bit, they start falling for each other. Penelope sees that under his hard exterior, Preston is a good and loving man, and it's not difficult to love him. He, on the other hand, starts to have feelings for her. I do admit, he tries really hard, and he is torn between his love and his revenge towards her father.
The other thing that I loved about the story were the love scenes. For a historical romance, they were really beautiful, filled with passion and heat. This is what I love about my books.
After all, the book is a romance, and Preston decides that it is time for him to be happy and loved by Penelope, returning her love 100%. For me, they are the perfect romantic couple. The ending of the book was really nice, especially The Bonus Epilogue. I loved it.
To be honest, the book was not that long, and it was quite easy to read. The story was light, and there wasn't a lot of drama in the end.
Overall, I really loved the story and I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotions and this is my voluntary review.***
Spencer's brother is murdered, and he knows whose fault it was—Lord Neville Beckett. He is set on revenge path, which includes Beckett's daughter Penelope. After her father tries to sell her at a auction, Preston manages to save her and marry her. But he has his own agenda for doing this. From then on, their path to love begins.
Penelope is a beautiful young woman, who only wants to be a painter and be accepted for it. Her father stopped her all those years, not believing that she could be successful. By marrying Preston, she finally has the chance to make her dream a reality. But it seems that he hates her, and she doesn't know why. Against their better judgment, bit by bit, they start falling for each other. Penelope sees that under his hard exterior, Preston is a good and loving man, and it's not difficult to love him. He, on the other hand, starts to have feelings for her. I do admit, he tries really hard, and he is torn between his love and his revenge towards her father.
The other thing that I loved about the story were the love scenes. For a historical romance, they were really beautiful, filled with passion and heat. This is what I love about my books.
After all, the book is a romance, and Preston decides that it is time for him to be happy and loved by Penelope, returning her love 100%. For me, they are the perfect romantic couple. The ending of the book was really nice, especially The Bonus Epilogue. I loved it.
To be honest, the book was not that long, and it was quite easy to read. The story was light, and there wasn't a lot of drama in the end.
Overall, I really loved the story and I can't wait to read the other books in the series.
***I received an ARC from Grey's Promotions and this is my voluntary review.***
April 27, 2024
I received an advance ebook copy of this book from the author in exchange for review.
All Duke and Bothered by Mariah Stone is the first book of the Dukes and Secrets series.
Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton has vowed to ruin the man who is responsible for the death of his brother. When Lord Beckett auctions off his daughter’s hand in marriage to pay his debts, Preston finds his chance. He has evidence that implicates Lord Beckett, and he uses that as his bid. Penelope wants nothing more than to be an artist. She welcomes spinsterhood. But it is soon revealed that she is being forced to marry a man who despises her. She is tempted to flee, but she just can’t abandon her destructive father. Preston is convinced that Penelope lead his brother on and played a role in getting him killed. But the more Preston and Penelope get to know each other, Preston begins to doubt his assumptions. He begins to desire her. But he struggles with the knowledge that he wants the only woman his brother ever loved.
This was a lot of fun to read. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers journey. I found it very entertaining and quick. There are some interesting surprises toward the end of the book that I was not expecting!
All Duke and Bothered by Mariah Stone is the first book of the Dukes and Secrets series.
Preston Seaton, the Duke of Grandhampton has vowed to ruin the man who is responsible for the death of his brother. When Lord Beckett auctions off his daughter’s hand in marriage to pay his debts, Preston finds his chance. He has evidence that implicates Lord Beckett, and he uses that as his bid. Penelope wants nothing more than to be an artist. She welcomes spinsterhood. But it is soon revealed that she is being forced to marry a man who despises her. She is tempted to flee, but she just can’t abandon her destructive father. Preston is convinced that Penelope lead his brother on and played a role in getting him killed. But the more Preston and Penelope get to know each other, Preston begins to doubt his assumptions. He begins to desire her. But he struggles with the knowledge that he wants the only woman his brother ever loved.
This was a lot of fun to read. I enjoyed the enemies to lovers journey. I found it very entertaining and quick. There are some interesting surprises toward the end of the book that I was not expecting!
September 29, 2023
I’m a sucker for beauty and the beast retellings but genuinely the plot twist at the end undermined the entire character growth of the main characters.
December 13, 2023
Este realmente me ah dejado sentimientos mezclados no se bien como calificarlo pero me iré por 2.5 estrellas.
La historia habla de Casandra una joven que aparentemente es bonita, pero por alguna razón que el libro no explica bien no ah tenido suerte para atrapar un buen marido, a pesar de los esfuerzos de su padre, pero Casandra no quiere casarse ella es feliz soltera más que nada añora ser pintora, y sabe que un esposo no la apoyara lo sabe por qué su padre se ah encargado de destruir su sueño, pero Casandra no se deja, ella tiene un plan para acercarse a artistas y patrocinadores, sin embargo todo se interrumpe cuando se ve obligada a casarse con Preston, un duque ni más ni menos, uno guapo y super super rico, quien sin embargo la usa para vengarse del padre de ella, que se ah vuelto un apostador y que ordeno por accident la muerte del hermano mayor de Preston, Spencer que estaba enamorado de Casandra.
El matrimonio entre Casandra y Preston obviamente no inicia bien, ellos en teoría se odian aunque realmente solo son malcriados y terminan enamorados muy rápido, Preston demuestra ser un buen hombre aunque uno atormentado y sus sentimientos de venganza y temores se interponen. Pero claro tendrán su felices para siempre aunque con un toque de misterio.
Claro que la trama no es nueva, ni original pero diré que hasta cierto punto es entretenida de leer realmente me gusto, tiene toques que son refrescantes y el balance entre romance y drama es bueno, no estiran las cosas hasta el final osea que los vemos enamorarse rápido, y eso me gustó, el tema del arte también es interesante de leer. Casandra es un buen personaje nunca llegó a desesperarme aunque a veces me costó entenderla.
Sin embargo la trama cae en demasiadas inconsistencias para mí gusto, y muchas cosas no hacen sentido, primero como ya lo señalaron no se entiende por qué el padre de ella iría tan lejos para alejar a un duque de su hija, ok entiendo la explicación del libro, su papá no quería que la reputación de Casandra se viera manchada pero eso no tiene sentido por qué el está endeudado hasta el cuello, un duque incluso si solo la toma como amante podría resolver sus problemas, digo a él no le importa vender a su hija, ni que ella sea infeliz, así que por qué no vio la forma de sacar provecho de la atracción del duque Spencer????? Y lo manda golpear ????? Un barón a un duque???? HOLA!!! El ducado era el título más alto de la nobleza al nivel de la realeza!!!! Quien sería tan idiota para hacer eso!!!!!! Ahora Preston se quiere vengar, toma a Casandra para quitarle a su padre lo único de valor que le queda, pero a Preston le tomo como 5 minutos besarla y arruinarla no tenía que casarse con ella !!! Y digo no era más fácil comprar la deuda del baron y tirarlo a la calle ??? verlo vagando????? Además el la odiaba por considerarla una caza fortunas que sedujo a su hermano, pero se casa con ella y le da todo el dinero, las joyas, las casas y lo mejor de londres, la hace una duquesa ni más ni menos, como es que eso sería malo para una caza fortunas ??? Lo siento pero simplemente no tiene sentido que se casará con ella y como esas es la base de la historia pues realmente no ahí nada de realismo ni de lógica.... Eso me lleva al siguiente punto que me desagrado, los personajes son totalmente ilógicos carecen de realidad, nadie es malo, todos son buenos, tal vez solo el barón parece humano, la duquesa chismosa y ya fuera de ellos todos son todos unos ángeles, nadie es ambicioso, nadie es envidioso, nadie es malo, ni egoísta, Preston es ridículamente perfecto, un príncipe, y no es que no me guste lo ame pero es aburrido y predecible, igual que todos que llegan al nivel de la estupidez , claro que nunca me creí el duque guapo, rico, fiel, consentidor que amaba a su esposa de forma tan perfecta, y en general Casandra no sufre más que por su padre, lo que no es lógico, ser duquesa no era fácil pero ella parece perfecta, todos la aman y todo le sale bien, el misterio al final tampoco cuaja realmente no es creíble y los personajes no reaccionan de forma normal es como hola !!!! Te están dando una gran noticia !!! , y además de la reacción, tengo otro problema sí el misterio sirve para atraparnos para los siguientes libros, pero realmente debió resolverse aquí, debió ser parte de esta historia por qué es la tercera persona en discordia, tiene todo que ver con estos personajes, es una parte fundamental, realmente esto es algo que me ah hecho alejarme del romance de regencia el hecho de que TODOS los autores quieran forzar una maldita saga!!!! Está bien ahí algunas que funcionan pero no todas, por qué no pueden solo hacer novelas independientes con principio a fin?? No lo entiendo pero ciertamente casi nunca funciona, aquí por ejemplo la historia pudo tener toda la complejidad y ser completa si la autora no se hubiera aferrado a querer arrastrar la trama para más libros.
En fin si puedes pasar las incongruencias por alto y la forzada saga esto se puede disfrutar, pero no es para todos realmente no, a mi por ejemplo me gustan más las historias realistas con personajes que parecen humanos aquí no es así.
La historia habla de Casandra una joven que aparentemente es bonita, pero por alguna razón que el libro no explica bien no ah tenido suerte para atrapar un buen marido, a pesar de los esfuerzos de su padre, pero Casandra no quiere casarse ella es feliz soltera más que nada añora ser pintora, y sabe que un esposo no la apoyara lo sabe por qué su padre se ah encargado de destruir su sueño, pero Casandra no se deja, ella tiene un plan para acercarse a artistas y patrocinadores, sin embargo todo se interrumpe cuando se ve obligada a casarse con Preston, un duque ni más ni menos, uno guapo y super super rico, quien sin embargo la usa para vengarse del padre de ella, que se ah vuelto un apostador y que ordeno por accident la muerte del hermano mayor de Preston, Spencer que estaba enamorado de Casandra.
El matrimonio entre Casandra y Preston obviamente no inicia bien, ellos en teoría se odian aunque realmente solo son malcriados y terminan enamorados muy rápido, Preston demuestra ser un buen hombre aunque uno atormentado y sus sentimientos de venganza y temores se interponen. Pero claro tendrán su felices para siempre aunque con un toque de misterio.
Claro que la trama no es nueva, ni original pero diré que hasta cierto punto es entretenida de leer realmente me gusto, tiene toques que son refrescantes y el balance entre romance y drama es bueno, no estiran las cosas hasta el final osea que los vemos enamorarse rápido, y eso me gustó, el tema del arte también es interesante de leer. Casandra es un buen personaje nunca llegó a desesperarme aunque a veces me costó entenderla.
Sin embargo la trama cae en demasiadas inconsistencias para mí gusto, y muchas cosas no hacen sentido, primero como ya lo señalaron no se entiende por qué el padre de ella iría tan lejos para alejar a un duque de su hija, ok entiendo la explicación del libro, su papá no quería que la reputación de Casandra se viera manchada pero eso no tiene sentido por qué el está endeudado hasta el cuello, un duque incluso si solo la toma como amante podría resolver sus problemas, digo a él no le importa vender a su hija, ni que ella sea infeliz, así que por qué no vio la forma de sacar provecho de la atracción del duque Spencer????? Y lo manda golpear ????? Un barón a un duque???? HOLA!!! El ducado era el título más alto de la nobleza al nivel de la realeza!!!! Quien sería tan idiota para hacer eso!!!!!! Ahora Preston se quiere vengar, toma a Casandra para quitarle a su padre lo único de valor que le queda, pero a Preston le tomo como 5 minutos besarla y arruinarla no tenía que casarse con ella !!! Y digo no era más fácil comprar la deuda del baron y tirarlo a la calle ??? verlo vagando????? Además el la odiaba por considerarla una caza fortunas que sedujo a su hermano, pero se casa con ella y le da todo el dinero, las joyas, las casas y lo mejor de londres, la hace una duquesa ni más ni menos, como es que eso sería malo para una caza fortunas ??? Lo siento pero simplemente no tiene sentido que se casará con ella y como esas es la base de la historia pues realmente no ahí nada de realismo ni de lógica.... Eso me lleva al siguiente punto que me desagrado, los personajes son totalmente ilógicos carecen de realidad, nadie es malo, todos son buenos, tal vez solo el barón parece humano, la duquesa chismosa y ya fuera de ellos todos son todos unos ángeles, nadie es ambicioso, nadie es envidioso, nadie es malo, ni egoísta, Preston es ridículamente perfecto, un príncipe, y no es que no me guste lo ame pero es aburrido y predecible, igual que todos que llegan al nivel de la estupidez , claro que nunca me creí el duque guapo, rico, fiel, consentidor que amaba a su esposa de forma tan perfecta, y en general Casandra no sufre más que por su padre, lo que no es lógico, ser duquesa no era fácil pero ella parece perfecta, todos la aman y todo le sale bien, el misterio al final tampoco cuaja realmente no es creíble y los personajes no reaccionan de forma normal es como hola !!!! Te están dando una gran noticia !!! , y además de la reacción, tengo otro problema sí el misterio sirve para atraparnos para los siguientes libros, pero realmente debió resolverse aquí, debió ser parte de esta historia por qué es la tercera persona en discordia, tiene todo que ver con estos personajes, es una parte fundamental, realmente esto es algo que me ah hecho alejarme del romance de regencia el hecho de que TODOS los autores quieran forzar una maldita saga!!!! Está bien ahí algunas que funcionan pero no todas, por qué no pueden solo hacer novelas independientes con principio a fin?? No lo entiendo pero ciertamente casi nunca funciona, aquí por ejemplo la historia pudo tener toda la complejidad y ser completa si la autora no se hubiera aferrado a querer arrastrar la trama para más libros.
En fin si puedes pasar las incongruencias por alto y la forzada saga esto se puede disfrutar, pero no es para todos realmente no, a mi por ejemplo me gustan más las historias realistas con personajes que parecen humanos aquí no es así.
December 22, 2023
It was a good fast read. Loved Penelope and Caliope. The duke was a bit much
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July 2, 2024VENGEANCE will be his! VENGEANCE I say.
Did I mention vengeance?
Did I mention vengeance?
January 18, 2025
3.5 ⭐️⭐️⭐️💫
March 30, 2025
This was a cute and steamy novel. There were moments near the beginning where the characters absolutely annoyed me, but by the end I very much enjoyed their relationship.
April 23, 2025
Not a favorite- good enough story, but the heroine drive me nuts/
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