My Fair Duchess (A Once Upon A Rogue Novel Book 1)

This was quite good! I'm eagerly awaiting subsequent books in this series.

Secret vows. What a mess they create. Colin and his mother are plagued by one and it has severe ramifications. Amelia is in love with her long-time "hero." When Colin and Amelia's brother make an agreement that, too, has terrible consequences. Can Colin and Amelia find what they each desire the most without falling prey to what others think is best for them?

Good story with good characters, main and secondary - even if flawed.

This was wonderful! This is the story of Colin, a duke with a lot of problems. Amelia who has troubles of her own. Colin is a friend of Amelia' s brother, he promises to help Amelia find a husband. Her brother and Colin makes a wager, that involves Colin loaning Philip money to pay off debts until his farms start showing a profit. This is a little in-depth and you must pay close attention or you could lose your place. I recommend this story.

This romance begins with a tragedy and proceeds on an unusual course from there. The refreshing plot comes to a satisfying conclusion with a hero who's likeable despite himself, a heroine who's more romantic than she thinks, and a cast of supporting characters that don't fit the usual molds. Although sprinkled with editorial glitches, this book definitely goes into the recommended pile.

The odds was against them. One love another and one couldn't love at all. When trust, attraction and friendship comes together. For two people full of live. Passion and love will find away into their life's. This story shoes you how love come to all hat want it.

Loved this book. It had humour, longing and a handsome duke. There is nothing like finding your soul mate who happens to think that she is in "love" with someone else. Mix in a wager and you have a delightful read. Great story, great characters, great story!!

Love love loved this book! The story was well written, the plot was complex and thoughtful. The characters were so easy to fall in love with. She writes the story in a way that leaves you so excited to read the next book in the series. The subject matter had a lot of depth and the story was resolved in a very satisfying way.

**i received an free advance copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review**

This was quite good! I'm eagerly awaiting subsequent books in this series.

Secret vows. What a mess they create. Colin and his mother are plagued by one and it has severe ramifications. Amelia is in love with her long-time "hero." When Colin and Amelia's brother make an agreement that, too, has terrible consequences. Can Colin and Amelia find what they each desire the most without falling prey to what others think is best for them?

Good story with good characters, main and secondary - even if flawed.

This was wonderful! This is the story of Colin, a duke with a lot of problems. Amelia who has troubles of her own. Colin is a friend of Amelia' s brother, he promises to help Amelia find a husband. Her brother and Colin makes a wager, that involves Colin loaning Philip money to pay off debts until his farms start showing a profit. This is a little in-depth and you must pay close attention or you could lose your place. I recommend this story.

This romance begins with a tragedy and proceeds on an unusual course from there. The refreshing plot comes to a satisfying conclusion with a hero who's likeable despite himself, a heroine who's more romantic than she thinks, and a cast of supporting characters that don't fit the usual molds. Although sprinkled with editorial glitches, this book definitely goes into the recommended pile.

The odds was against them. One love another and one couldn't love at all. When trust, attraction and friendship comes together. For two people full of live. Passion and love will find away into their life's. This story shoes you how love come to all hat want it.

Loved this book. It had humour, longing and a handsome duke. There is nothing like finding your soul mate who happens to think that she is in "love" with someone else. Mix in a wager and you have a delightful read. Great story, great characters, great story!!

Love love loved this book! The story was well written, the plot was complex and thoughtful. The characters were so easy to fall in love with. She writes the story in a way that leaves you so excited to read the next book in the series. The subject matter had a lot of depth and the story was resolved in a very satisfying way.

**i received an free advance copy of this book in an exchange for an honest review**

Colin takes you through what his life became after his betrayal of his mother - or so he thought! The rogue never realized what hit him when he met Amelia, his best friends sister. They take you on a adventure you don't want to miss. They teach each other lessons on 'what you see is not necessarily how it is'. A VERY good read. I would read more of her books.

There are not many pure Historical Romances that manage to catch my eye or are able to tickle my fancy anymore since my love of Fantasy and Mature Adult Romance Novels has bloomed these past few years. But deep down I have always loved the intricate beauty of the historical imagines that could easily be swept from words into a painted picture film that I onced believed could only come from such authors as Phillipa Gregory and Nora Roberts. But upon reading My Fair Duchess by Julie Johnstone, my love for this genre was instantly re-ignited, a blaze that burned brightly as I read that crept higher and higher until I thought I could not take anymore! The raw emotions felt within these pages will have your heart thumping wildly, there is much more to this novel that what it looks like at first glance. So take your time to savour what it has to offer you and enjoy every sweet moment that it offers.

Set in the early 1800's, Amelia de Vere comes from a family whose fortune is long spent and her father is no longer with them. She lives with her Mother and her Brother Phillip. She has lived her life in books, never once wanting to participate in life itself as such, to be pushed and prodded all she wishes for is to escape to the safety that her books provide, where she is able to be someone else even if it is for a short time. Her Mother wants her to begin looking for a husband, but she only has eyes for one man, Lord Charles Worthington. But she does not believe she is pretty enough to catch his eye, her Mother constantly tells her that she has failed to blossom yet, that maybe next year she may become more appealing, attractive enough to catch someone of great standing but in her heart of hearts she truly believes that beautiful women are "senseless" and that only plain women such as herself have enough smarts about them to truly count. Looking for a husband does not concern Amelia as she is sure fate brought her and Charles together in an accident that happened a few summer's back when her gallantly rescued her from certain death, cementing their attraction for each other. Since that day he has always had nothing but kind words for her when they meet but he is yet to call on her which worries her. She learns from her best friend Constance that he has been spending a lot of time in the company of Lady Georgiana, a mean spirited girl with a lot of wealth.

Charles's 17th Birthday party has brought her brother an invite but not her which she believes is his Mother's doing, she believes that she wants beautiful attractive grandchildren, not smart sensible grandchildren she believes she would produce with him. Little does she know there is much more to this story than she realizes and it takes being humiliated in front of the entire society at for her to see past what was right in front of her the entire time - Charles can not be hers, not as she is right now.........

Colin Sinclair, The Duke of Aversley and Marquess of Nortingham on the outside has everything a man could wish for; wealth, good looks, women and the freedom to do as he pleases. But within his past he holds a deep dark secret that is swirled around with lies, even he does not know the full truth behind his Father Alexander's passing, his Mother Camilla's indifference almost hatred to him, her affairs behind and infront of his Father's back, her alcoholism and the truth of his birth. Growing up in these unique circumstances he believes that women cannot be trusted, they do not love men, they only want money and titles, he has made it his life's mission to bed any and every widow and married woman in the country as they know what is to be expected, that he will not be "trapped" into marriage, that he will not become his father - his greatest fear.

On his 25th Birthday he decides to try and get away for a bit after learning the contents of his father's will, his current lifestyle is suffocating him and a visit an old friend - Phillip de Vere, as he has received an invite to his wedding, sounds perfect! When he arrives he is astonished to meet the sister of his oldest and closest friend, Amelia is nothing like Phillip described.....She is much, much more..... Phillip is over joyed his friend has arrived but his head is clearly found within the pub as it seems the object of his affection - his intended bride- upon realizing the state of his his estate no longer wanted to marry him, thus proving Colin's theory further about the greed of women. But when Phillip and Colin talk about women, Phillip even though his heart has been broken only within the last few days, still believes in love..! Colin is shocked and feels sorry for his friend and his delusions when it comes to the fairer sex. Because Colin is a true friend he offers to give Phillip the money he so desperately needs in order to get his estate in order, but Phillip's pride gets in the way and he declines his friends generous offer.

After spending the night within the de Vere home, seeing their struggles, learning about each member of family, he devises what he sees as an ingenious bet.....If he pays for Amelia to go to London for the Season, with new gowns, a maid and all other expenses required and she manages to catch the hand of the man she claims to love - Lord Worthington proving his theory of women wrong, he will pay off all of Phillip's estate's bills in full, if she decides after seeing society for herself learning the draw and pull that she can create within men and decide she wants to go for a man of a higher title, thus proving Colin's theory right then Amelia becomes his wife.

What follows is a novel about a woman who becomes reborn in someways, she is able to shine in ways she never thought possible and it is also about a man who believes something so deeply within him due to an ingrained sense of self that he almost misses the most important thing that could ever happen to him in this lifetime or the next! The sensuality of this novel surprised me and I can happily say by the end I felt very satisfied as a reader that all of the characters were able to get what they deserved. Expertly written, My Fair Duchess has renewed my passion and thirst for all things past tense!

I've just finished the book and absolutely loved it. Colin and Amelia are flawed persons who learn how to trust and love. The second characters are very well developed and the story flows without any glitch. Colin has learned since a very early age that to love is to suffer so he's reluctant to believe in Amelia. She thinks he's in love with a childhood friend. The book is full of tenderness, humour and love. Colin and Amelia's relationship builds up and you are part of it. I'd recommend this book to those who love a Regency very well written!

REVIEW: In 1795 when Colin Sinclair, Marquess of Nortingham, was born, he and his mother, Camilla, almost died during the birth. His father, the Duke of Aversley, does not want his wife to go through another pregnancy so he decides to stay away from her to avoid another pregnancy. Hurt and angry at her husband, Alexander, Camilla chooses to ignore her son Colin and begins having blatant affairs with other men.

In 1812 when he turns 17, Colin and his best friend, Philip de Vere, Viscount Rhetford, are students at Cambridge. As they are young and carefree, Colin vows that he will be a rake when he grows up.

London, 1820 finds Colin, now age 25 and the new Duke of Aversley. His father had passed away a year earlier. When Colin decides to visit his old friend, Philip de Vere, he finds that the family has become quite impoverished since Philip’s father died. Philip’s sister, 22-year-old Amelia is a tall young woman striving to keep the family together and help her mother through her grief.

Amelia fancies herself in love with Charles Stanhope, Baron Worthington. However, Charles is looking for a woman with a large dowry to supplement his small income. When Colin sees Amelia foolishly throwing herself at Charles, he becomes angry on her behalf for Colin has gotten to know the real Amelia and all that she has to offer.

Colin strives to help Amelia become a lady and coaches her to prepare her for a London season, including providing funds to dress her. In addition, Amelia is invited to stay with Colin’s aunt, Lady Langley, while in London.

Will Amelia continue her pursuit of Charles Stanhope? How will she take in her London season? But most of all, will Colin be able to resist his attraction to Amelia?

This is a sweet story with some humorous parts. The characters are all well-developed and believable.

Complimentary copy provided by the author

My Fair Duchess is a wonderful story!! It completely captivated me from the beginning to the end. I believe this is Ms. Johnstone’s best yet. I immediately feel in love with the characters. The family embarrassments, rejection and betrayal the Duke of Aversley experiences as a youth have taught him how cruel people and life can be. Seeing the pain his father went through in his marriage he was determined to guard his heart and never marry for love.

Lady Amelia De Vere who was tormented as an awkward youth seems to get into one interesting situation after another. She so loves her family and is determined to help them anyway she can including participating in a bet. She immediately sees the good in the Duke of Aversley and is determined to help him find love. My heart went out to her and I instantly liked her.

I enjoyed watching the Duke of Aversley help Lady Amelia prepare for her season while fighting to succumb to her beauty, love and kind heart. I loved the book and characters and cannot wait to see how Ms. Johnstone continues the series.

Colin, the Duke of Aversley, is an immensely likable Hero. HIs flaws are deep and have been present since his birth when he and his mother almost die in childbirth and his father makes a prayer/plea/deal with God to save them both. Forever indebted to Him for saving his family, his father withdraws from his mother, thus over time driving her to seek comfort and intimacy with other men. Colin grows up hating his mother and having a deep distrust for all women.

Amelia DeVere is the sister of an old school chum of Colin's. Tease and tormented by her peers as a child, Amelia is insecure and somewhat vulnerable. She is convinced she is in love with a classmate who only sees Amelia with pity. Add to that, her father has left her, her brother and mother penniless.

Colin is captivated by young Amelia the moment he meets her. She ignites feelings of hope, affection, and love in him that he thought he was incapable of feeling for any woman. He takes her on as a project to help land her a husband and in doing so, finds himself hopelessly in love with her. As Colin comes full circle and sorts out the demons of his past, Amelia also discovers skeletons in her mother's life and tries to take them on herself.

I was hooked from the first page and found myself cheering for these 2 to put their trust in each other and find the love they both deserve. I can't wait for the next in this series and hope to see Colin and Amelia as secondary characters and keep up with their lives.

**I was given this book by the author for my honest and fair review

I enjoyed this book, good plot and characters. I did have some difficulty getting through the incorrect punctuation or the lack of punctuation. I also noticed incorrect spelling of words. An example: "the 'soul' of her boot".

In 1795, Alexander Sinclair had a choice to make to save his son or his wife. He made a pledge to god that if he saved both that he would never touch his wife again. He thought that if he told anyone of his pledge then his wife or so would die. Camilla didn't like this and proceeded to have affairs and ignore her son Colin who she resented and blamed for her husbands abandonment. Colin is now 25 and the Duke of Aversley and his father has given him a year to marry and his mother must determine if its a love match. Colin's best friend Phillip DeVere is having financial problems and has been writing about his sisters antics over the years and has invited Colin to his estate for his wedding. When Colin arrives the wedding is off and Phillip is at the pub drowning his sorrows. Amelia DeVere is not like any other girl she is in love with her friend Charles Lord Worthington ever since he saved her from a runaway horse. Colin finds Amelia interesting and beautiful and thinks she is just like all when who is all about titles and money. He decides to help his friend by making a bet that he will help Amelia become a diamond to get her man and if she is like the other women then she has to marry him. And if Amelia marries him he will give her the money to help her brother. Amelia agrees to this to help her brother and mother. Colin plans to court Amelia so that Charles notices and then becomes interested in her. But Colin starts to fall for Amelia also. As Amelia becomes popular Colin gets jealous especially when Phillip involves the Duke of Scarsdale who Colin hates. Phillip is trying to force Colin to recognize his feelings for Amelia. When Amelia finds out about Colin's fathers stipulation she is upset that it was all a fraud and leaves Colin. As Colin comes to terms with his feeling he finds that his mother is not the woman he thought she was and learns of his fathers deal with god when he was born and why his mother acted the way she did. Colin realizes that woman are not what he thought and he loves Amelia and heads out to find her and declare himself. When he arrives at her house he finds Amelia being attacked by a family friend and helps her. Then he declares he loves her.

I'm a reader of of romance books and not a reviewer but I really enjoyed this book and recommend it to all.

Regency lovers, will love MY FAIR DUCHESS by Julie Johnstone. This romance is all about trust and forgiveness! It's the romantic love story of Colin and Amelia. After being rejected by his mother, at birth, and sent to study at Cambridge, Colin vows to become a rake! At twenty-five, he decides to meet again, one of his old friend, Philip, who has a lovely sister named Amelia. Both are desperately in need of money to help their family, so she is looking for a rich husband. With the help of Colin, she will learn the art of being the proper young lady, to get ready to find a suitable husband. But, Colin is a charming rake! Will he fall for her? Will he be able to resist her charm and let her go with another man? Bound by a bet, will they discover a sweet passion? I loved her two lovable characters, beautiful chemistry between the two!This story was very well written, fun to read; some scenes are filled with tenderness and humor. You will truly feel the love between Colin and Amelia. Regency lovers, this book is for you!

Oh my gosh! Mrs. Johnstone's work has really shined with this book. I literally could not close this book until the end. I was literally reading it everywhere (break at work or waiting for my classes to start). I cried and laughed and really routed for some of these characters. They have not had it easy, but their tenacity is one of the many things that I loved about this book. This is only the second book I have read from Mrs. Johnstone, however, I am definitely looking forward to reading many more.

*I received a e-copy of this book for an honest review. My words are my own.

This wonderful story captivated me from beginning to end. I loved the characters of Colin and Amelia, All the secondary characters brought richness to the novel as well. I just love when a book has so much to offer as this one did...the passion and humor made it so much fun to read. I would recommend it to anyone who loves historical romance. I am eager to read more from Julie Johnstone.

An amazing read!!! This story not only pulls you in but keeps you engaged with events surrounding two families. Expertly written so all the twists and plots intertwine keeping you rooting for love. Nothing is more enticing than a rake who feels he's nonredeemable. And nothing is more refreshing than the innocent honesty the heroine brings to the story. I was so enthralled with this book that I would sneak in a chapter throughout the day because I was unable to wait until morning.

Outstanding read and comes with my highest recommendation.

I really liked this regency. The author's version of Eliza Dolittle and Henry Higgins were absolutely beautifully written. The gradual growth from the initial attraction to the realization of true love was masterfully done.

A notorious rake and an ugly duckling who is unaware she has become a swan each set out to prove the other are better people then they think. Their journey of awareness is funny and witty and enjoyable.

I really liked this story , it was full of inventive characters thats left space for sequels .
The hero is a damaged soul , dark and brooding .
The heroine is a lively , fun loving girl , with a zest for life and a need to help and heal our hero .
As i love Julies books im slighty biased , but she always writes brilliantly , and with such passion

This is set in the time where Dukes and Duchesses rule the land. I love books like these because they are just as steamy and sexy as the erotic reads now-a-days. Duke Aversly has had a crappy childhood due to his mother's floundering ways and his fathers love for him but not for his mother. As he grows up he decides to not settle down, but be the bloke who sleeps around with single and married women. When he comes across his best friends sister a light switches and he can't help but get to know her. However she is in love with someone else and he is going to help her get him. Lady Ameila is passionate and believes in true love and won't settle for less. She doesn't lie and she makes sure everyone she loves knows it. But those pesky Ladies who are trying to find a husband do not seem like she's worthy. She will fight for the one she loves, but when reality hits will he be the person she wants or will her eyes wonder?

This story was amazing!!!!! I was entrapped in the story from page one! You fall in love with the characters and feel their pain. I did not want it to finish!!! Can't wait for more stories from this amazing author!! Thank you for giving us a wonderful story full of romance!!

Wonderful characters that make you feel as though you are living the life right along with them in this story. Lots of unexpected drama, laughter, sadness and romance. Keeps you on the edge of your chair wondering what will happen next.