Enjoyable Historical Romance

Gideon is the legitimate son of a cruel duke, but there is no proof. His father shunned him because of his disability. Gideon wants nothing to do with the dukedom, but his younger brother tasks him with managing his affairs and promptly disappears. It is quite the disaster he finds. He goes to a place, where his reputation is in tatters, thanks to his late father. His road will be rocky, but one bright spot in his world will be Mia. She must take care of her cousin who falls ill and must stay at his home. As Gideon and Mia get to know one another, a bond forms. Mia does not care about Gideon's disability. She becomes crucial in helping him solve several mysteries at the duke’s home. The two will have obstacles to overcome. Not everyone is happy that Gideon is looking into matters that might cause them to be dismissed. My only complaint is that Gideon put up with the belligerent servants for far too long, and he should have sacked them right away. He did not deserve the terrible treatment he received. He most likely did not feel it was his place since he was not the duke. However, as the story was titled, he was “duke in all but name.” I enjoyed the story and would recommend it to lovers of historical romance.

The first in The Entitled Gentlemen series does not disappoint. I absolutely fell in love with the Gideon and Mia, from the first page I was swept away with their turbulent romance. Duke in all but Name is filled it with great cast of strong willed characters that come off the pages and pull you into this emotional ride that keeps you involved until the very end, with passion, lies, betrayals prejudice, hostility of towns people and with a mysterious plot. With setting descriptions and action sequences that are wonderfully vivid that brings the story to life and brings this read together perfectly!
I look forward to the next book, Duke in Name Only.

I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

Hundreds of things are rattling around in my mind to describe this book! Marvelous, fantastic, superb ... just aren't strong enough to describe the talented Caroline Warfield's 1st book in her Entitled Gentlemen series. Gideon, our brooding hero and Mia, our strong-willed heroine are thrown together amid a house of bad memories, a hateful staff, a scheming relative (or two). Oh, you just have to read the book to find out how these two sift through truth and fiction to come together. Again, hundreds of things I can write but I don't want to give anything away. LOL

This is Book 1 of Ms. Winfield's new series, The Entitled Gentlemen and I think it is off to a brilliant start! Gideon is the bastard son of the Duke of Glenmoor. He was sent to the mines as a young boy and never looked back. He wants nothing to do with the past, but when his younger brother Philip disappears leaving behind a letter for him in which he asks Gideon to look after things in his absence, he has no choice but to go back to the home that had cast him away. Things are not easy when he returns, as he has to deal with all the lies and gossip that his father had maliciously spread.
Mia is a poor relation living with her viscount uncle. When her cousin's ridiculous attempts at trying to meet the heir leave her ill, Mia is sent to care for her in the Duke of Glenmoor's home. Gideon has many years of experience with people's negative reaction to him, but when he is faced with Mia's kindness and acceptance of him, he becomes just as intrigued with her as she is of him. Philip has left behind many secrets, and Mia and Gideon work together to untangle them and also face the threat hanging over Gideon.
The story is well-written and kept me turning the pages, anxious to see what happens next. Gideon and Mia were wonderful characters and I enjoyed seeing them together. A lovely start to what looks to be a captivating series!
I received a complimentary copy from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley and am voluntarily leaving my review.

What an amazing book! Caroline Warfield has written such a moving story that just draws you into their lives. Loved Gideon and Mia's characters. What a great match of characters in a story!
It's hard to imagine all that Gideon faced with his disability at that time in history.
You definitely don't want to miss this one!

I loved this book. I definitely loved how it was written. Poor Gideon, I found myself sympathizing with how he was treated by everyone that h came across. The staff of the Dukes home were horrible, I thought. Mia her kind heart and gentle soul, I thought was right for the cold and demanding Gideon. The story was a great read. The story of the two characters was one that had me flipping pages racing to see who would get the cut from Mia and Gideon. Eustance… I’m shaking my head at his role in the misdeeds he dabbled in. Selina I thought was wet behind the ears. Look at the family that she had to learn from. The romance was one that sparked a lot of emotions and entertainment in the book.

Duke in All But Name by Caroline Warfield
The Entitled Gentlemen #1

A mix of Beauty and the Beast with a bit of Cinderella feel to this historical romance had me hoping that Mia and Gideon would find happiness together. I had a feeling there was more backstory in a previous series that may have had Gideon as a younger man but was fine reading this book as a standalone entry into a new historical romance series just starting up.

What I liked
* Mia: poor relative taken in by her uncle’s family, raised by religious mother and perhaps irresponsible father, verbally abused by her male cousin, taken advantage of and treated as a maid by her female cousin, loved by animals, forgiving, family oriented, sweet, naïve, a young twenty but strong
* Gideon: widow, father of three young children, brother to the duke of Glenmoor, called in to oversee the duke’s estate while the duke is away, has scoliosis, stronger and wiser than many believe him to be, a good man and loving father
* The admiration, respect, and interest Mia and Gideon showed for one another
* Hector – wonderful dog of mammoth size, protective, well behaved, a sweetheart
* Pritchard – stablemaster when Gideon was younger, good man, stalwart and true
* That the writing had the feel of books read decades ago
* The way the problem people and issues raised were eventually exposed and dealt with
* Wondering what will happen next in the lives of Gideon, Mia and their family as well as wondering what will happen to Phillip on his journey

What I didn’t like
* Who and what I was meant not to like
* Really disliking Gideon’s father, the heir presumptive and his mother, and the gossiping busybodies and brutes in the story – glad they probably got heir just desserts

Did I enjoy this story? Yes
Would I read more in this series? Perhaps

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for the ARC – This is my honest review.

3-4 Stars

ARC received by NetGalley
Spice Level: Low
Readability: High

Gideon, an exiled son of a duke, has been dealt a bad hand through no fault of his own. He deals with a horrible father, a society that judges others on outward appearances and thrives by gossip and a bad situation early in life. He is a true gentleman that had me falling in love with him. Mia is a "charity case" living with her uncle and spoiled cousin and has made herself comfortable with her lot in life. Both have sold themselves short of their potential and have lost hope of finding love. Mia is so open and giving; I wanted to be her friend from the state. This story is how they find each other.

When Gideon is sent to the family estate he hesitantly agrees though he has no reason to believe it will be anything but a terrible experience. But then, through a crazy series of events, he meets Mia. They slowly find their way to each other in a very sweet journey to love. Can they solve the mystery of a missing girl in town while overcoming bias of the townsfolk and estate staff?

A great read with a very clean and minimal amount of spice. It is an attention grabbing page turner perfect when paired with a hot cup of a tea and a rainy day.

4 1/2*STARS*
Gideon Kendrick is not the bastard son of the dead duke, but everyone believes he is. His brother, invested as the duke, but shouldn't be the duke, has disappeared. The family estate of Woodglen and Mia Selwyn become entwined in Gideon's pursuit of answers. A clearcut hero with a physical disability is a stronger hero than anyone expected. I'm a sucker for men that overcome adversities. Clean romance.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book.

Wow.... I really enjoyed this book so much so I read it in one day (which is a MAJOR accomplishment with my large family). Mostly realistic with lots of detials. Enough detial about the marriage without going into detials in the bedroom. Wonderful and engaging tale. I recieved a free copy so that I might tell you what I honestly think. Hope you enjoyed my review. Now go enjoy the book.

A truly magnificent story, full of intrigue, sorrow (yes my eyes teared up a couple of times), injustice and a journey to healing that brought out all my emotions.

Once I began on page one, I seriously could not stop until I turned the last page and then I just wanted to message the author and tell her what a tremendous story and start to a new series. Caroline's magic pen shines bright, as you quickly become involved in the lives of these characters.

I ached for Gideon and the physical difficulties he had and at a time when there was not a lot of medical knowledge to help. The special saddle he used reminded me of one used with therapeutic riding for children with the same challenges.

Mia was a treasure, making the best of what life handed her and remaining calm when I wanted to rage at her uncle and cousin..

Anyway, I truly cannot wait for more!! Kudos!

What a way to start a new series! Gideon Kendrick, like a lot of other people, believe his brother, the duke, to be dead. Of course, they once believed Gideon was dead, among a lot of other ridiculous things. When he receives a letter from his brother asking him to act in his stead in matters of the estate, he reluctantly does so. Mia Selwyn lives with her uncle and cousin. The Selwyn estate borders Glenwood. Mia and Gideon have a rather exciting story. There are secrets, mystery, rumors, thieves, interlopers, an attempt on Gideon’s life, danger, action, adventure, and a slow burn romance. There are also three cute children (Gideon’s) and a loveable and protective bear of a dog. The story is well-written and holds your attention start to finish. Gideon and Mia are surrounded by interesting characters, the good, the bad, and everything in between. I look forward to the next book, Duke in Name Only.
I received an ARC of this book from the publisher via NetGalley and am voluntarily reviewing it.

This was the first book I read by this author but I can tell you, she will become one of my top romance authors to read. Gideon and Mia are great characters and they worked so great together!

Gideon grew up as the illegitimate son of the duke of Glenmoor. Despised by his father and the people he grew around with, he was exiled to the mines where he survived and prospered as a mine owner. When his brothers Phillip disappears, he steps up as the new duke. He comes back to the place of his worst memories, facing vicious attacks and slander. Mía Selwyn is an unwanted ward of her viscount uncle, living in the shadows and despised by her uncle and cousin. When her cousin Selina, makes a mess of things trying to meet the new duke, is Mia who ends up with no choice but to marry Gideon.

I loved how Gideon’s character was portrayed. A strong, self-made man,deciding to live his life with honesty and hard-work. I loved how Mia saw the real Gideon from the very beginning and how their relationship grew and found a common ground in their pasts. This book was a good mix of romance and the mystery surrounding Gideon’s story. I read through this book in two days. Two sleepless night with no regrets!

*I received a review copy from Dragonblade Publishing via NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review.

What a fantastic story! I was deeply invested from the very beginning and found it quite hard to step away. The endless number of questions and mysteries throughout this story keeps you guessing. Every time you think you know, something new happens to cast doubt on your suspicions. It is quick to see just how perfect Mia & Gideon were for each other. The evolution of their relationship was done masterfully. Despite the reputation issues, it clear to see that they already care for one another. The blend of personalities in these characters makes for great banter & conflict. Characters you can’t help but love and ones you instantly hate, but more than that was redemption of many of the staff. As rumours are battled by kindness and caring, it was beautiful to see that many were able to move past misconceptions. I especially was drawn in by the physical aspect of Gideons life. I myself have severe scoliosis, and I can say that the representation in this story was skillfully told. It definitely helped me relate to Gideon’s struggles. I greatly enjoyed this story and am eager to see where the series takes us.

I have to start by saying this story is full of intrigue, I love the characters, the forced proximity romance is perfectly portrayed - this is just a superb story that hooked me from the first page!

Duke in All But Name by Caroline Warfield is the beginning of the new series THE ENTITLED GENTLEMEN, as many have mentioned we met the hero of this story in The Defiant Daughter which is the story of Gideon’s stepmother. I truly loved Gideon! He is everything a gentleman should be and he is a resilient and resourceful man with a deep love of family, and although he is a gentleman - he knows how to work in the mines alongside his men.

Mia Selwyn lives in the shadows, an unwanted poor relation in the house of her viscount uncle. I admit it took me a little while to warm up to her personality…but I did, she is perfect for Gideon!

I don’t want to say much more other than I really enjoyed this story!

📚Disclosure: I received a review copy of this book from Dragonblade Publishing via Netgalley. All thoughts, opinions, comments, and interpretations of the story are my own and bias free. I did not receive any money in exchange for this review. Thank you to the publisher for allowing me the opportunity to review. 🦄

The cycle of injustices comes full circle in this harrowing tale. Commissioned by his brother to see to the running of the Glenmoor estate in his absence, Gideon Kendrick has to once again face the malicious gossip spread by his malevolent father, the late Duke of Glenmore. Added to the mix, are household servants and villagers who continue to perpetuate the lies, and Gideon is hard-pressed having to deal with outright aspersions on his character. Therefore when spoilt Miss Selina Selwyn contrives to meet the heir apparent, things take a turn for the worse as her actions result in her taking desperately ill, thereby forcing her cousin, Mia Selwyn to try and bring some semblance of order into the situation. Gideon has many years of experience at reading people and their reactions toward him, and he is therefore taken aback by Mia's gracious acceptance of him and her sense of humor. With her uncle bearing down on them, Mia is given no choice other than to marry Gideon, but it is no hardship for either of them. However, with forces working against them the plot becomes suspenseful as Gideon and Mia try to work their way through the maze of lies and deceit until Gideon's life comes under threat. The novel does come to a good conclusion, although I was left feeling a little sad about the way Gideon and Mia were treated, despite being victorious. The book is well written and although part of a series, is a standalone. I received a copy of this romance as a gift and this is my honest and voluntary review.

A sweet romance, with no hidden agenda in the romance itself, however there is plenty of mystery and danger involved that they need to solve for a HEA. An enjoyable read. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book and all thoughts and opinions are my own.

A recognition of a like soul collides with the thrum and crackle of intrigue, that's strong enough to seep through the rudeness, as forced proximity seeds the promise of so much more.
Marking this a well written, mystery cloaked romance, that entangles and emotionally tethers you, to Gideon and Mia, as you savour the slow burn romance that swaddles your attention and makes you come to care and root for their happiness.
Tasked by your little brother to run his ducal estate when everyone believes hideous falsehoods about you, least of all that your an illegitimate, lackwit, cripple with vile intentions, isn't the easiest task imaginable but loyal, resilient, family loving man, Gideon isn't about to give up without a fight. With petty ignorance, self inflated egos and the satisfying need, as a reader, to want to verbally slap them in their obnoxiously doubting faces merges well with the mystery soaked air that hovered over Glenwood. Fueled by malicious rumours and underhand scheming that had me eagerly coming back to unravel, unpick and decipher all the clues I could find to be able to unveil the familial secrets that haunt Gideon's past and feed the estate's inhabitants' ominious actions. Revealing a tapestry of well formed characters, none more so, than our downtrodden and undervalued hero and heroine. As we get to see them join forces as an initial spark of irritation, flourishes and quietly simmers into intense intrigue and fascination, to passion awakening romance, as love slowly and sweetly burns hot and true. Despite, the interference of many trying to push them apart.

I loved the bringing together of our chief characters, so similar in many ways. There was such a strength and fortitude in Mia, a core of resilience and need to help others as much as possible - despite her meagre diminished circumstances as the poor relation - that particularly got under my skin as she tried to rise above the petty, judging and demeaning comments of those who deemed them selves more superior. All traits that were mirrored in Gideon too as he bristled and sparked with controlled temper at their treatment.  You just can't help quietly cheering them on as they rose above the heinous gossip, slander and under valuing as they slowly gained respect, trust and won over those around them or bound their time in taking them statisfyingly down a peg or two in an environment thwarted by hostility.

An enjoyable read that flowed beautifully, steadily gave, revealed and had me hooked with addiction until the end.

Gideon Kendrick left his hateful father's estate years ago. The locals all believed him dead. Now his brother, the current Duke has disappeared and left instructiones for Gideon to act on his behalf.

Our hero has to face down ugly, vicious rumours and unfriendly people who will stop at nothing to get rid of him.

Mia Selwyn is the unwanted poor relation living with her uncle and cousins.

Our heroine is a naturally loving and helpful woman. She puts everyone else before herself, even at risk to her life.

We have many mysteries to solve in this story and lots of danger for our fabulous characters. It is emotional in places and our hero has a physical condition that causes him problems. If you have read previous books by this author you might have met our hero before. This is however a different series .

I thoroughly enjoyed this and look forward to more of the new series.

I loved it.

Will they be able to unmask the forces in league against him…

I remember having been intrigued by Gideon’s history when he was introduced in The Ashmead Heirs series. What a tragedy he survived to become the successful man he is now.
I do not know why but this book made me think of two Charles Perrault’s tales : Riquet with the Tuft and the Fairies.
Gideon as Riquet, and Mia from The Fairies story, the second daughter, less appreciated than her eldest sister.
Gideon has been put in a difficult position by his half brother, assigned to take care of the dukedom holdings when everyone has believed all the lies and gossips carried out for years.
Impeded but not crippled by his twisted spine, he has found ways to move and act close to normalcy. But going back to his sire’s main estate is like stepping back into the worse years of his life.
Everyone is suspicious, arrogant and full of poison. They mock him when they are no better and let their venomous tongue spread falsehoods like a rampant fire with no thought of the harm they are doing, even enjoying the results. I really disliked the inhabitants of this area, they were few to wish to rescue from their wrong doings.
When he is only here to see no harm is done to the estate so by extension its tenants.
Mia is the poor orphan relative, as long as she had her use, she was appreciated but now she has come to understand she has reached the end of her uncle’s generosity, a husband would be much welcomed by her kin as he would remove her from their care.
Her uncle and her cousin are not evil people, more on the selfish and self centered side, interested in what she could offer but not beyond that.

So while she is wary of Gideon at first, she understands quickly the hearsay she has been told are all fabrication as he proves her again and again he is clever, kind, the very opposite of the monster he is portrayed by the rumormongers.
Why Gideon finds an unexpected ally in Mia, she is not scared nor repulsed by him, even more she sees his worth and believes him.

A lovely tale of two people who are brought together by having to fight a mob, folktales and greediness in unison, each seing the other’s value when everyone overlooked or ignored them.
5 stars

Now I am quite curious about Phillip’s own upcoming adventure.

𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 sweet lovemaking scenes

I have been granted an advance copy by the author, here is my true and unbiased opinion.