The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath is a great continuation if her Once Upon a Dukedom Series. I loved the characters and Ms. Heath's storytelling.

The Duchess Hunt is the second book in Lorraine Heath's Once Upon a Dukedom series. Ms. Heath is one of my all-time favorite historical romance authors. However, due to my ridiculously towering TBR pile, I've fallen behind in many of her series. As is typical for me lately, I started this series late to the party; thank goodness this book stood alone perfectly well. And once again I am reminded just why I love her books so much! I most certainly need to catch up on what I missed.

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, is working hard to rebuild the dukedom his father almost totally destroyed. He spends almost all of his time working on investments, both current projects and future plans. It's time for him to marry and beget an heir, but who has time to look for a wife? Not he! So he runs an advertisement in the papers, asking single ladies and misses to write to him and outline why he should marry them. Oh, and he shall have his extremely efficient secretary Penelope Pettypeace make the decision for him. Pettypeace isn't at, well, peace with having to make this decision, as she has been in love with Kingsland for years, and he's oblivious to that fact. But yet she's determined to help him find the best possible future duchess for him. The two become closer as the search continues, but then an anonymous note is delivered, threatening to disclose past sins. Is someone trying to expose Kingsland's sins...or Penelope's?

The description of this book actually sounded humorous to me. Though it did contain some witticisms, the word that best describes this story is "emotional". Oh, I did smile, cry and sigh my way throughout it all! Kingsland and Penelope's relationship was actually a well-matched one, though he was a duke and she middle class. They worked quite well together, he relying on her for her skill and insight and he making extremely lucrative investments. (Though Penelope was quite good at managing her own funds!) He was clueless about her feelings toward him, but he started to realize that she indeed was a woman, just not an efficient employee. Kingsland always thought he wanted to marry a quiet woman who would not rely on him emotionally and would pretty much leave him be, until he started spending more time with Penelope. She knew she would need to seek employment elsewhere after his marriage, as she couldn't bear to watch him with a wife. She thought perhaps just a physical relationship would ease the pain, but it became worse. When they did become intimate it was an inferno, though my favorite occurrence was the playful incident in the rain. The secrets both Kingsland and Penelope kept were a complete surprise to me. This was an extremely steamy but also sweetly romantic story that kept me completely entranced. I cannot wait to read more by this talented storyteller.

I received an ARC of this book courtesy of the publisher and NetGalley. I received no compensation for my review, and all thoughts and opinions expressed are entirely my own.

I've read a number of books by Lorraine Heath, but The Duchess Hunt is my favorite by this author to date. Just swoony, historical romance perfection.

I see some mixed reviews from my friends, but am 100% #teamtheduchesshunt. I found it incredibly hard to put down, and more moving and intense than expected. It's a slow-burn, colleagues-to-lovers romance with a number of small twists and turns to keep the excitement going. It's a relatively long story, but it won't feel that way for readers.

This story is great for fans of unrequited love, class differences, and some beautiful groveling (yes, I said it- give me that grovel-porn!). There is just so much to love about this story. I recommend reading the first in the series prior to this one, just for a little background info, but it isn't at all necessary.

Maybe it was just my mood, but this book pushed all the right buttons. Thank you for an extremely satisfying read, Lorraine Heath.

*Copy provided in exchange for an honest review*

've been waiting for King's and Penelope's book since Penelope was introduced at the end of Scoundrel of My Heart. Once again, Ms. Heath delivers on expectations of a great story.

The book has one of my favorite niche tropes: the matchmaker falling in love with the person they are supposed to match up. Bonus in that it's also an boss-secretary with a history. So much mutual pining that there should be a pine forest included. I just love it

I just love Penelope and her notes, lists, always carrying around a notebook so that she can be prepared. Complaining that a dress doesn't have a pocket for her notebook.

If you are familiar with Lorraine Heath's universe, let me save you time in looking things up - this book seems to take place the last few months that Dodgers is opened before it becomes The Twin Dragons. :) There are a few other Easter eggs that dropped for long time readers, but this is a stand-alone novel.

I am excited for the next book in this series, be in the couple that I think it will be or one of the Chessman.

Thank you @avonbooks for the eARC via @netgalley.

Content Notes: blackmail, (child) pornography, death of parent (off page).
8

The Duchess Hunt is book 2 of the Once upon a Dukedom series by Ms Lorraine Heath, but I warn you has a twisted kind of secret that many readers may wanna be prepped for. Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, and his secretary Miss Penelope Pettypeace have a very interesting relationship and readers of Ms Heath got to see that during the previous book in the series. The thing is that Penelope and Hugh have a relationship within a relationship with one of them fully aware of that fact and another one dubiously witless of that fact. One of them also realizes early on that they are in love, while the other doesn't believe its needed at all.

I enjoyed reading the romance of Penelope and Hugh through the eyes of their family and friends and seeing how love can be right under one’s eyes the whole time and yet, we are obtuse to it at times. Ms. Heath being bold as usual takes it upon herself to tackle the fact that a man, the duke hired a female to be his secretary because she possessed the right qualities to do the job regardless of her gender and as if that wasn’t enough tackled the issues at large of how unfairly society treats women vs men when it comes to conducts and life’s tragic mistakes. This mistake is why she is using a fake name and doesn’t believe herself worthy to be in the running to be his duchess. I could not have been happier with how the very disgusting antagonist in this plot gets his due and how Penelope gets her very deserving happy ending. I give this book 5 stars. This review was given on the ARC copy I received from the Publisher via Netgalley in return for my honest opinion. Happy reading!

I love the dynamic of a historical romance where the H/h come from two different social stations. Here, Hugh is a duke in search of a suitable bride and Penelope is his extremely competent secretary he has assigned the task of finding her. The only thing is, Penelope is in love with her boss and is dreading her assignment. Still, she tackles it with the professionalism and effort he has come to expect from her.

Somehow, though, he starts to see her differently. It's not 1000% clear why, after all these years, he starts viewing her as a woman, but he does, and sparks start to fly.

I loved not only that Penelope was smart and good at her job, but that Hugh treats her accordingly. There is good sexual tension between them and I liked watching them cross the line between employer and employee. (It never gave any ick non-consensual vibes, I promise.)

Hugh is one of those heroes who thinks he can never love, which are always the best to fall hard.

But as much as I love the unequal status trope, I abhor The Big Secret. It always hangs like Damocles' sword over the tender, delicate neck of the HEA. And actually both Hugh and Penelope had one. But he shares his early to great acceptance.... It doesn't quite work the same the other way around, which was disappointing. At least her Big Secret lives up to its hype (and has nothing to do with rape or a secret baby.)

Big Secret aside, I enjoyed the book overall. Mostly because I liked both main characters and (other than one boneheaded moment) I liked them together. Solid tension and satisfying sexytimes.

Another stellar historical by Lorraine Heath! The characters are realistic and likable and I absolutely rooted for them both. The romance is utterly captivating as well. I rarely give 5 stars but this is a total 5 star read!

I didn't finish reading this romance. There was far to much repetitive language. This could have been a novella. I read over 50% of the book before the main characters even kissed. That is way too long before anything happens on the romance side.

when i tell you i sobbed reading this book, i SOBBED reading this book. there's just something about mutual pining in a forbidden love trope where both characters so desperately want to be together but can't because of laws/rules out of their control that makes me HURT in the best way possible. added on the fact that the heroine is literally being a matchmaker for the duke and choosing the woman he will be marrying just added even more heart wrenching angst and yearning and i ate it all up.

basically this book follows a duke who has decided that he is too busy of a man to deal with traditional courtship that he decided to choose his duchess by having the ladies of the ton send letters essentially applying to be his wife. in the first book (which you don't have to read before this one but i highly recommend because its also fantastic), the duke chooses our heroine for that book, but obviously she ends up with her hero and the duke is left alone. so this time around, he is letting his secretary, penelope pettypeace, chose for him because no understands what he (thinks he) needs in a wife like her. but obviously during this process, as in romancelandia, the two start to realize their feelings one another and it is everything. if you love angst, READ! i also just love the way lorraine heath writes. i tend to like historical romances with more beautiful/poetic prose that suits the time period rather than a historical that's written in a more modern tone, and if you also agree, you'll definitely love lorraine heath's writing. the way she describes the pain the hero and heroine feel at not being able to be together or having feelings that they believe the other doesn't reciprocate cut straight into my heart and i'm still thinking about it. i definitely need to go back in her backlist and read more of her books because i'm hooked!!

safe to say this was an easy 5/5 and definitely a new fav historical romance and overall book for me! so READ ITTTTTTTT

I have been waiting for this book ever since I finished the last book. I love the tie and and that we get to go back and follow what is going on with two other characters from that book. Lorraine Heath has easily become on of my favorite authors! Highly recommend!

Is there anything better than when a romance hero finally opens both his eyes and his heart to the fact that what he needs - and wants - has been standing in front of him all along? It is a delicious moment and one that Lorraine Heath does so well. In Kingsland's case, it's a slow awakening that is so much fun to watch, especially as it seems King is the very last one among his family and friends to figure out how he feels.

I was intrigued by Kingsland in the first book of this series, Scoundrel of my Heart, and eager to read his story, especially when I figured out who his heroine would be. I loved Penelope Pettypeace. She's intelligent, efficient, pragmatic, indispensable, and secretly in love with her boss. But that's a professional line she will not cross. She's also harboring a devastating secret that could see their association come to a swift end if revealed. King, on the other hand, is determined to enter a loveless union with a woman - any woman - who will give him an heir and spare then leave him alone. There are reasons, of course, for this attitude that are gradually hinted at, then revealed, over the course of the book. In true Heath fashion, both King's and Penelope's secrets are deep, dark, and potentially devastating. They also could be triggering to some readers so please check the content warnings at the end of this review.

I thoroughly enjoyed this book. King and Penn are a well-matched pair that totally worked for me. The writing kept me engaged. Their banter was crisp and witty. And watching their hearts unfurl and open totally to one another was a true delight. I was totally clueless as to each of their secrets until revealed. And, boy howdy, was I ever shocked to learn King's. I did not see that coming! There was more foreshadowing for Penn's which made it less of a shock for me but no less heartbreaking. One frustration for me was King's reaction, especially when compared to Penn's response to his own secret. After everything they had been through together, it felt "off." He does manage to redeem himself in a lovely way, and I finished the book secure in their future happiness, but it did take a bit of the shine off their story for me. Even with a bit less shine though, The Duchess Hunt is still a darn good read and one that I enthusiastically recommend.

CW: Child abuse, child pornography

4.5 stars
ARC received for fair and unbiased review

If there existed a more unpleasant task in the world than selecting the woman who was to marry the man you loved, Penelope Pettypeace certainly couldn’t imagine what it might be.

For eight years Penelope has been secretary to Hugh Brinsley-Norton, ninth Duke of Kingsland, and while outwardly he has only been “Your Grace”, he's grown to be so much more. When the woman he was going to propose to (the first in the series) decides to follow her heart, Hugh is on the search again for a wife and decides this time to put it into Penelope's capable hands. Penelope is determined to find him a wife he can love, even though he claims not to have a heart, while keeping her own feelings hidden.

Her respect for him knew no bounds, and her heart had followed.

Second in the series, I had no problem jumping in here, the ground covered in the first is relayed fully. However, I did miss seeing Penelope and Hugh's friendship start and develop. When the reader comes into the story, they already have a solid friendship, Penelope knows she loves Hugh, and Hugh is just awakening to the fact that Penelope is more than just an essential part of his business life but of his heart, too.

He viewed her as he might a man he respected, a man whose opinion he valued. And for her, who had never known any of that before him, it was an aphrodisiac.

The beginning has a lot of Penelope alluding to some massive secret from her past that would destroy not only her reputation but Hugh's if it ever came out, her roadblock to thinking they could never be together. The reader isn't let in on it until around 80%, just a little before Hugh finds out, too. It felt a little stretched out for how long Penelope would bring it up as a harbinger for it to appear so late in the story and then have a fairly quick wrap-up. What made it feel even less, even though the secret does have weighty consequences, was that Hugh has his own secret and it honestly feels like it could be a bigger deal than Penelope's but his character never mentions it in thought or fear until it suddenly appears as a reason to get the two to travel together to Scotland. The plot points in this felt awkward to me for some reason, Penelope's bemoaned secret that doesn't show up until very end, Hugh's secret that was huge but barely shows in his character, and then Penelope being blackmailed and dealing with it as if the blackmail letter was meant for Hugh when this whole time she's been scared of her secret coming out. Heath's writing is always smooth and readable but there was some awkward fitting plot points in this for me.

He’d taken her for granted, this woman who was such an important part of his days, who had begun to haunt his dreams.

As I mentioned, I missed seeing Hugh growing to find Penelope indispensable to his life, this was more admitting that he already felt that way and Penelope already loves him when we come into the story. Around 60% they decide to meet each other needs, Hugh because this is the first step to admitting he loves Penelope and Penelope because she does love Hugh and at twenty-eight is ready to have all her needs met. Of course, this only brings them closer together and we have some ignoring denial from Hugh and Penelope saying she doesn't want to get married anyway because she'd lose all autonomy, even though she loves Hugh. These two were a nice couple but I wouldn't say the showing and telling of their emotions went beyond or even made it to memorable.

Knight drew on his cheroot and blew out a series of smoke circles. “You might want to comb down your hair before going inside. You look as though you’ve been ravaged.”
He felt as though he had been, inside and out, from the moment he’d stepped closer to her and she’d looked up at him with something akin to longing.

Awkward fitting plot points, pretty sedate tone, and the faint praise of nice relationship between our main couple, made this into an ok read for me. Hugh's Chessmen friends and some debutantes we are given short intros through Penelope's interviewing for possible wives to Hugh, peak some interest for future books. This probably won't wow you but you won't be chucking it against the wall either.

2.5 Stars

The Duchess Hunt by Lorraine Heath follows the story of Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, and his search for a wife. Kingsland does not have the time or energy to do this on his own, he is busy trying to restore this family’s legacy after his father left them in almost ruin. He entrusts the duty of finding a suitable wife to his secretary, Penelope Pettypeace, who he regards very highly and knows that anyone she approves of would be good enough for him.

Little does he know that Pettypeace has developed romantic feelings for him during her time in his employment, and she would love nothing less than to find another woman for him to marry. However, she is nothing if not a stellar employee and so she throws herself into the task. This comes to a halt when threats from the past come back to upset the peace in both Kingsland and Penelope’s lives. Leading them to both work together to open up and confront the things they have been running and hiding from.

I gave this story a 2.5 because although the premise was really interesting, who doesn’t love two people in close proximity harboring feelings for each other that finally comes to a head, the way it was written was a bit boring and did not capture my attention. I found that I was forcing myself to keep reading just because I was curious as to what exactly the secrets were and how they would finally get together. My curiosity kept me going rather than any pull from the writing itself.

When the secrets were finally revealed, I was very disappointed in Kingsland’s reaction, he also had a pretty major secret but that was brushed over quickly and the full focus was on Penelope. I also did not appreciate how it seemed like Kingsland was just so used to Penelope and the comfort and convenience of her knowing him so well and doing things well, rather than any real affection for her. It seemed like she was just useful to him and he couldn’t imagine anyone else possessing her. I just did not believe in his love for her, which also took him a long time to actually admit.

I did enjoy reading about Penelope and admired her character quite a bit. But I just couldn’t get over his attitude, and the writing just felt a little flat.

~ Harshita

Thank you to Netgalley and the publisher for a copy of this book, all thoughts are my own. I adore Lorraine Heath's books and this one did not disappoint.
It had a great storyline, a duke who needs a wife and utilizes his loyal secretary Penelope to find him one. Penelope while loyal in her job works hard to find Hugh the perfect wife, which is painful as she is in love with him for many years. This book is a great ride for the reader - Lorraine Heath is a master at Romance!

Hugh Brinsley-Norton, the Duke of Kingsland, can no longer put off his need to marry, but his focus has long been on restoring the dukedom his father ruined and he has no time for frivolous courtship. He does the expedient thing and places an ad asking ladies of high society to write a letter extolling the reasons they should be his duchess and places his secretary in charge of making the selection.

Penelope Pettypeace can’t conceive of a more awful undertaking than selecting a bride for the man she loves. Still, her employer is a good man, even if he is clueless, and she’s determined to find someone who will appreciate him.

When an anonymous note threatens to reveal disastrous secrets, King confronts the situation with Penelope in tow. Soon he realizes he wants her by his side and no one else, and he’s willing to risk everything he’s built to keep her with him as he slowly realizes his perfect match has been right beneath his nose all along.

I was so unsure of this book at first because I thought we might be heading for some other woman drama that I would want no part of, but I’m happy to say that didn’t really happen here. I’m not sure I’ve ever read a heroine who pined for her hero while also being so strong, independent, and efficient and I couldn’t help but like her for it. Hugh, I wanted to shake for being so oblivious and yet he was still very charming in his own oblivious way. Both Hugh and Penelope had secrets they wanted to keep hidden but I loved that they were able to confide in and rely on each other. I’m still not really sure exactly when Hugh stopped seeing Penelope as just a secretary and began appreciating her as a woman and developing feelings for her, but that inexplicability never really bothered me. Hugh’s gradual self-realization made for an interesting read and the need to know their secrets kept me turning pages after my bedtime. I was rooting for these two and I really wound up loving their story, especially as it features one of the best grand romantic gestures I’ve ever read. I’m looking forward to the next book in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

ARC provided by Netgalley

I absolutely loved this book. This is a second in the series but I do believe you can read it on its own. However, you might miss a few parts where the Duke played some parts in Book 1.

This book has so many tropes that I love:
- Class Difference: Duke and his secretary of 7 years
- Duke has asked his secretary to find him a Duchess
- Unrequited Love: The heroine (secretary) has been in love with him for a long time
- Amazing, strong heroine: She is the definition of a feminist heroine. Loved her
- The Duke slowly coming to realize how much he loves the heroine. And how he cannot survive without her
- Lots of jealous, possessive thoughts and I loved it

I really do recommend this one for a delightful reading time.

The Duke of Kingsland (Hugh) is a very intelligent and wealthy man. He invests in many things and oversees properties and such. He was lucky some years ago when he advertised for a secretary and one woman, Penelope Pettypeace, applied for the position. He was immediately taken with her intelligence and efficiency. She knows exactly what needs to be done in any situation and completes her jobs perfectly. She always wears dark blue, a bun, and glasses. She is a professional and the duke relies on her.

Now, the duke is in need of a wife. He wants someone who is independent and does not need to be constantly wooed. He wants her to produce an heir and to get on with life. As romance isn’t necessary in this search, he has assigned Penelope the job of finding a wife for him.

Both Hugh and Penelope are harboring secrets that they don’t ever want anyone to find out about. But as they become ever closer, they realize their attraction to one another cannot be denied.

Oh my goodness, this book has some really good twists and turns. The incredible attraction between Penelope and Hugh was just lovely and so strong. Their secrets were also big. Readers do not want to miss this terrific novel. I enjoyed it very much.

Copy provided by the NetGalley in exchange for a fair and honest review.

Ever since the Pandemic, I have been gravitating towards comfort reads (manga and light novels) and guaranteed HEA (romance novels), despite not being a huge romantic at heart, these types of books have been a comfort to me while everything around me has gone sideways.

I'm kind of glad that I have changed my reading habits, as it is bringing jewels like this one to my attention. Don't get me wrong, I'm not reading any old romance that comes my way, I have to like the story idea, that needs to hook me.

I was hooked by the idea of a female secretary who loved her boss, but was forced to find a wife for him. My attention was kept by the writing, the characters and how the storyline played out.

Warning, if you aren't into spicy, steamy scenes, this may not be for you. It didn't bother me as it fit in with the storyline, it didn't feel shoe-horned in just to put it in there. Though this is not the Regency romance of my youth, the good writing and characterization more than made up for it in my eyes.

4, solid I'm glad that I read this and that the author has such a huge backlist for me to catch up on, stars.

My thanks to NetGalley and Avon and Harper Voyager for an eARC copy of this book to read and review.

Thank you to Netgalley and Avon for an ARC copy, in exchange for an honest review!

The premise of this book was everything I wanted: an office romance between a boss and his employee, but make it ✨a historical romance ✨ What's not to like?

The hero, the Duke of Kingsland is in need of a wife and sets the task of finding a duchess to his secretary, Penelope Pettypeace. Little do they both know, they already have a crush on each other and everything ensues from there.

I really liked Penelope as a heroine, and her work ethic and relentlessness to achieve what she wanted was admirable. There were also great conversations about class differences, since it was unheard of for women to work the job she did and most secretaries were men. She was perceived to be above Kingsland's household servants in station but not as high as other 'office' workers or other secretaries just because she's a woman.

My main problems were that this was a bit too slow-burn, and the actual romance started more than halfway through the book. The first half was setting up their friendship and working relationship, but I also didn't get a much deeper connection with them since their crushes on each other was already stated and developed. And my second problem was Hugh's reaction to Penelope's secret past. It was distasteful and I kind of lost my respect for him after that, though he did realize his mistake after. Not to mention that his secret was probably worse and a bigger deal...

Storywise, it was quite sweet and lovely at times but I wished Kingsland groveled a lot more at the end. The ending was quite good once they got together and that epilogue was *chef's kiss*. Overall, a solid read and I'm intrigued by the side characters: the Chessman gentlemen, who I'm hoping will get their own books, and I'm looking forward to read the first book of this series, whose heroine was Kingsland's first bride-to-be.

I wanted to read about King and Penelope since they made an appearance as secondary characters in book 1 of this series. They were both so serious and literal and plain intriguing! I am happy to report that they didn't let me down.

After reading the blurb I wondered what secrets either of them had. Let me tell you I was completely off the mark! I loved reading about both Hugh and Penelope and I loved how well they understood each other. I also wanted to shake Hugh till he woke up! How obtuse can you be dude?

With each book that Lorraine Heath writes, she manages to create characters that I want to know more about, and characters that I want HEAs for, and this book wasn't an exception. Besides the Chessmen, I want to know more abut King's mom and brother... I just want more of everything.