This is my first time reading a book by author Jillian Eaton.
I was pleasantly intrigued by The Duchess Takes a Lover, it was a quick and face paced read that I enjoyed.

Mara and Ambrose a marriage of convenience for Ambrose that is… Mara thought this was a possible love marriage.
After 18 months living separate from her husband she decides to take a lover. Poor Mara… she actually doesn’t even know what taking a lover really means. In her bubble It means a male friend lol. I couldn’t believe she was up front about her decision to seek a lover in a letter to her estranged husband.

Ambrose and Mara character development was great! Mara needed to grow a backbone and I’m so glad she did.
Ambrose…….. If only I could throat punch you in the beginning. Gosh what a jerk!

I really hope there’s more to their story, It felt like some of the story was just missing in the end. I wanted more but I’ll settle for a book about her sister.

“The Duchess Takes a Lover” is the introductory novella to Jillian Eaton’s new series, “Ladies of Seduction.” Ambrose married Mara because she seems meek and obedient and exactly the type of woman he can abandon in the country - which he promptly does. So color him shocked when he hears she is going to be coming to London to take a lover. He goes to her first instead, setting up a second chance romance.

Except that Mara and Ambrose’s story is light on the romance and heeeeeavy on the lust. Which don’t get me wrong, I love a little lust. But here it is unclear that there is anything else. Ambrose goes from disconnected, cold, and occasionally cruel to suddenly madly in love with little to bridge the two states. I think we are supposed to infer he has always loved Mara since he has not slept with anyone else during their separation, but his treatment of her during that same separation just doesn’t bare that out. And Mara goes from deep resentment and anger at her husband to unbridled passion almost immediately. There just wasn’t enough story in this story, which is the best parallel for the characters’ inability to communicate with one another.

I did find the epilogue intriguing and likely will pick up the next book in the series, especially as I have read Jillian Eaton in the past and found other examples of her work much stronger. 2.5 stars, rounded to 3. Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade for a complimentary ARC of this book. These opinions are my own.

Mara Buxton, the Duchess of Southwick, embarks on a bold journey to shed her life of isolation and loneliness after a disappointing start to her marriage. Following eighteen months at her husband's remote country estate, where her companions were books and solitude, Mara decides to break free from the confines of her quiet existence. With a determination to reinvent herself, she heads to London for the Season, intent on doing something utterly scandalous for a woman of her standing: taking a lover. Meanwhile, her husband, Duke Ambrose, initially dismisses the rumors of Mara's intentions with disbelief. Once an undeniable attraction brought them together, now he perceives her as distant and untouchable. However, as the reality of Mara's plan dawns on him, Ambrose's feelings shift from amusement to a complex mix of incredulity and jealousy. This unexpected turn of events rekindles the dormant spark between them, setting the stage for a story of rediscovery and passion. As a new reader to this author, I am eagerly anticipating the next installment in the series.

I received an ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Wanted to like it....

But Ambrose had been with many mistresses since he married Mara.
He takes zero responsibility for his inability to get it on with his wife and publicly blames her, when he's supposed to be a rake. He then smack talks her in public. No. Just no.
First off, no mistresses after marriage.
No bad talking your wife, who hasn't had sex before.
Its up to you, Amrose, who is supposed to have tons of experience to make it an enjoyable experience. Its all on you. He only wants her when she finally is so lonely she decides to take a lover.
Disappointed.

I thought that it was a fast read, but really basic by my standards. It didn't stand out to me. I thought that the relationship was purely physical and would have liked to see more depth between the characters rather than having forced trauma on them.

Enough is enough!

Have you heard the news?
The clients of a dress shop in London quieten, waiting.
“The Duchess of Southwick is coming to London . . . and she plans to take a lover.”
Oh my! Scandal and gossip! Gasps of titillation all round!

What to do when a neglected wife decides to take matters into her own hands?
Lady Marabelle Anne Buxton is puzzled as to why her husband Ambrose, Duke of Southwick, married her. They’d spent admittedly a rather incongruous wedding night together and then Ambrose packed her off to Southwick Castle where she’s remained for thirteen years. Ambrose has come to the castle a mere handful of times. Never to have marital affairs. Just to check the estate.
Mara has decided to go to London and intends to take a lover. (Not that she quite understands what that entails. When her sister mentions nakedness Mara definitely quails.)

Well that rumor puts an end to Ambrose’s plans.
No! This will not be allowed to happen. Ambrose whips off to Southwick as fast as his best carriage horses can take him! Thirteen years too late it would seem!
A second chance romance, mostly probable. I liked parts of the story but other entanglements were entirely too predictable.

A Dragonblade ARC via NetGalley.
Many thanks to the author and publisher.
(Opinions expressed in this review are completely my own.)

Second Chance Love

Ambrose had wooed her years ago and made her his wife and then left her!

Mara was sick of being on her own so she decided to take a lover, someone who would cherish her and take away the loneliness.

Best laid plans always go astray especially when said Duke finds out what his Duchess is up to and decides to step in. She was his and no-one else would touch her but first he had a plan and that plan included teaching her the way to capture a lover.

Both had issues from the past which made them the way they were but to grab the love waiting to embrace them both, they both had to open up to each other to grab the HEA which was around the corner.

A fun romantic read with lots of wonderful secondary characters and a hint at the next in the series.

I voluntarily read and reviewed this ARC. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

If you can move past some deceit, a toooooooooon of miscommunication, and two damaged people making poor decisions in their interactions, this series starter was a fun read.

I definitely had a bunch of issues with this - mostly all with behavior and communication.

One of my biggest issues - I mostly liked Mara but come on, are you really going to jump into bed with your long estranged husband who never even consummated the marriage now that he’s back and acting drastically different than he did during the marriage? I would hope that Mara would have more self-respect, so I was aggravated and disappointed in how most of the connection between Mara and Ambrose after such a lengthy estrangement is in intimacy. Intimacy is highly important, but so is actual communication - this didn’t sit well with me.

Issues aside, I did mostly enjoy this one, and plan on checking out more by the author.



Thank you to Dragonblade Publishing and NetGalley for the DRC

2.5 Stars rounded up to 3

Well, apparently I didn't like this as much as everyone else. 🤷‍♀️

Mara has been alone in the country for the 18 months since her wedding. She thought that it was a love match but after a disastrous wedding night her new husband heads back to London and leaves her in isolation. She's fed up of being bored and alone and decides to head to London herself to find a lover. When Ambrose hears the gossip that his wife has returned and is looking for a liaison he thinks it's a joke. He confronts her and ultimately offers to give her seduction lessons so that she can confidently secure a lover.

This plotline is absurd. Sure it's spicy, but the author didn't do enough legwork to show that these characters should be together. It's just a bunch of instalust. He calls he passably pretty when they get married but then can't get over how beautiful she is 18 months later. I just couldn't believe their connection as a reader.

Thank you to NetGalley and Dragonblade Publishing for this eARC. All opinions expressed are my own. #TheDuchessTakesALover #netgalley #dragonbladepublishing

This novella takes readers on a journey through the rocky marriage of Mara and Ambrose, Duke and Duchess of Southwick. With a fair amount of old-school storytelling and plenty of steamy moments, the story revolves around a troubled marriage in need of healing. I read it in an evening and can say it's... fine. Too short and the storyline doesn't really make sense but if you're looking for throwback romance, Eaton is here for you.

It does, however, get off to an awful start.

Three gossipy ladies of the ton are at the dressmaker's and, whew, are they cattily portrayed. One is large and loud, the other flat-chested and obsessed with cats. The third has breasts ruined by time and six kids. They're unimaginatively named: Lady Harmsworth, Lady Topple, and Lady Farthing. Lady Harmsworth shares the gossip that the reclusive Lady Southwick--she has not been to town since her wedding eighteen months ago--has decided to come to town and take a lover. The three women are just so meanly portrayed and I'm pretty sure the modes of address--and, really, I don't care about this--are incorrect. But, thankfully, once we leave the three busybodies, the book becomes much better.

This rumor, of course, quickly reaches Adrian, the Duke of Southerland at his club. And though Adrian acts bored by this news--he's dickish enough to say he wishes whomever could get in his ice cold wife's bed good luck--he is anything but. His internal response can be summed up by three words: No fucking way.

Next we meet the very nice Mara who, when we meet her, is gardening at Southwick Castle, the estate her husband dumped her in after a disastrous wedding night. Mara learns of the rumor sweeping London from her sister Kitty who comes to ask her sister "what the hell?" Mara explains that she does want to take a lover but in turns out she was thinking lover could mean companion. Her one experience with the marital bed was so dreadful she sure doesn't want to do THAT again. No, Mara, is tired of her lonely existence in the country estate and wants companionship. Kitty, wonderfully brash and fearless, tells her she's out of her mind. She's duchess for god's sake and she's shy and likes to follow the rules. Cheating, even if she's not looking for sex, is out. Mara is undeterred. She thinks--and the reader doesn't blame her--her husband is a cold, cruel man who doesn't give a fig about her. She suspects that he has affairs right and left so why would he care if she did the same.

She, it turns out, is wrong on both accounts.

Now, look, you've read this story a million times. Ambrose is DAMAGED from an abusive bad dad childhood. His father taught him, when Ambrose was eight, that caring for anyone is a weakness and DUKES ARE NOT WEAK. Thus, Ambrose has spent his whole life making sure he doesn't give a fuck about anyone--he's a big enough jerk to take it a step farther: Cross him and he ruins you. He's a man in desperate need of finding his shriveled heart, although having a heart is his worst nightmare. He married Mara because she fit the bill for a duchess and he was sure he'd never care for her or even, after she conceived his heir, have to see her again. He is emotionally scarred and, though the reader can see why, he is a much bigger dick than most modern historical romance heroes. (I liked this. Sue me.)

Mara, pre-marriage, was a virgin and she who still doesn't understand why the handsome, powerful Duke decided to court and marry her. She and Kitty had an violent father who beat their mother to death. She learned from an early age to fear men. She keeps to herself--her sister is the beautiful, vivacious one--and, when she thought about marriage, she just wanted a nice, quiet life with someone who was kind. Instead, she ends up wed to Adrian whom she fell in love with almost immediately because 1) he told her she was pretty and she believed him and 2) the two have we just met sparks that turn into a bonfire the first time they kiss.

However, despite several passionate embraces before marriage, on their wedding night, Mara just lay there and thought it hurt terribly and Adrian, drunk, stupid, and remarkably clueless and insensitive to the whole virgin thing, botched his part. In the morning--and you just have to go with it--he was embarrassed that he'd done poorly and despite Mara saying--she really liked all their premarital antics--she'd like to try again, he is dismissive, rude, and leaves his marriage. (At one point, before the rumor, he muses to himself that, at some point, he'll have to address the whole heir thing but NOT RIGHT NOW BECAUSE THAT WOULD INVOLVE FEELINGS. Not to mention an apology.)

So, here we have a wallpaper historical, a hero who behaves stupidly for REASONS, and a bride who has decided SHE MATTERS. And, if you're fine with that set up--and I am--this is a fun, hot read. Even though their behavior--especially his--doesn't make a ton of sense, Mara and Ambrose are very sexy and sweet together. Mara learns to stand up for herself and Ambrose learns his defence mechanisms are ruinous and that, who knew?!?!, love and hot sex with a person you allow yourself to love are THE BOMB. There are lots of swoony love scenes and a fair amount of angst--the few hours I spent reading this book were mindless fun and, honestly, I am all for fun.

I am sure there are some historical inaccuracies that will irk AAR's historically detail-oriented readers--again, NOT ME!--but for those who miss old-skool heroes and heroines whose passions overwhelm them, The Duchess Takes a Lover will work. And I am invested in Kitty's story--this book's last chapter eases us in to her story which I now want to read.

Eaton's latest isn't a stunner but it's not bad. If you can get past the slight context, the story is reasonable well-written, the leads engaging, and the sex, hot. I suspect many of its limits are due to its length. Here's hoping Kitty's story has more heft, literally and figuratively.

After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, Mara the Duchess of Southwick has grown tired of being lonely. So she's made a decision. For the first time since her wedding, she's traveling to London for the Season. And while she's there, she’s going to take a lover. When Ambrose hears the rumours swirling about his wife, his initial reaction is scornful amusement. But when Ambrose receives a letter & discovers that she really does intend to have an affair, his amusement quickly turns to incredulity and then to jealousy. So he dashes home
The first in a new series & an interesting starter, Both Ambrose & Mara had had abusive childhoods & so now closely guard their feeling. It takes nearly losing each other for them both to wake up to what they really want & feel. A well written second chance romance which I thoroughly enjoyed & I look forward to the rest of the series
My review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

When you aren't happy in your marriage, announce that you want to take a lover. When your lover ends up being your husband, well, that was a longbtime coming.

Mara feels abandoned by her husband, but she is not sure how to feel once he decides to be around even if he is acting cold. Ambrose is so rigid due to his horrible upbringing, it is so awkward seeing him try to come out of his shell.

This is a quick romance and is predictable, but enjoyable. There is a bunch of angst between characters, but I just wish they were more interesting. Maybe some fun hobby or mystery or drama would have helped the plot a bit. I enjoyed this one enough though to read the next in the series.

Thank you to Dragonblade and Netgalley for providing me a copy of this ARC for my honest review.

Mara and Ambrose were raised by physically abusive parents. Ambrose keeps himself feeling nothing. But as a Duke, he needs to marry. Mara is a quiet soul who is second to her younger sister in looks. She is surprised when Ambrose begins to court her. When he proposes, Mara is thrilled to be leaving her abusive father. However, the wedding night does not end well and Mara is sent to the country estate by herself. After two years of being ignored by her husband, Mara decides it is time for her to go to London and take a lover. The rest of the book is sweet as Ambrose and Mara find their way to an HEA.

Tremendous! (Tired of using the same old words so am pulling out a few $5 words). I loved this story. Second chance is a favorite trope. Ambrose is great. I know some people will think he is too gruff and rude but that is what I loved about him. No messing around with “well he is really nicey nicey.” He is not a terrible person and really a sweetie but the way he was raised was terribly sad. The “oh no she won’t” look for a lover is so cute. You know what is going to happen but going through the journey with Ambrose and Mara is wonderful to watch and see develop.

I think we got a hint of the next book and whew, what a ride it will be.

A Marriage Gone Awry.
The Duke is determined to never open himself up to hurt again by refusing to love anyone or anything. When his wedding night is a disaster, he packs off his duchess to his country estate and puts her out of his mind, after all he had never intended to live with his wife once an heir was on the way. The fact that he doesn’t have the requisite heir he also puts to one side. However her existence is brought to his notice some two years later, by first a rumour, which is then confirmed by her letter, that she intends to take a lover. Overwhelming anger and possessiveness leads to an immediate trip to his hated country estate where he confronts Mara. In the intervening years, Mara, whilst lonely, has grown in confidence and to his surprise is no longer a shy, biddable girl but a woman who knows her own mind.
An enjoyable story but I wished the pair of them had opened up to each other. The reader knows the back stories of the H and h but at the end I felt that Ambrose and Mara were still strangers to each other rather than a couple.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this story from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

A bitter-sweet romance, one in which the main characters are more alike than it at first appears, given their background and history. If only they had taken the time to talk, then pride would not have gotten in the way of almost ruining what is, in fact, the perfect match. After a disastrous wedding night, The Duke of Southwick banishes his timid bride to the country whilst he tries to forget about her and the mistakes he has made. Only, Mara finally comes to the place in her life where she is no longer willing to hide out in the shadows. In the opening chapter of this novel, the description of the effects of gossip is incredibly well portrayed, and certainly, before Mara can catch her breath news of her planned infidelity hits the gossip columns and every house and club in Mayfair and beyond. Suddenly Ambrose is forced to take notice and he vows that no other male will become his estranged wife's lover. The tiny spark that brought them together in the first place bursts into flames, and when Mara is in danger, Ambrose will do anything to keep her safe from harm, just short of losing his own life in the process. Almost too late he comes to his senses, bringing this enjoyable and heart-warming romance to a beautiful conclusion. I received a copy of this book as a gift from Draglonblade Publishing and NetGalley and this is my honest and voluntary review.

After a disastrous wedding night followed by eighteen months of isolation at her husband's country estate, the Mara, the Duchess of Southwick wants to take a lover as she realises that her life is not one that she wants as it is. Yet when the duke, Ambrose hears of the rumours, he decides that he will set her straight and return to London. However, when he arrives, the woman he knew who was meek as a mouse, is no longer and instead their attraction burns intensely.
This was a quick read and fast paced. I was drawn in from the start and loved their arguments and moments of passion. A great read in that the background of both characters and the misunderstanding between them is well delivered and interwoven into the storyline. I enjoyed the two time periods, before they married and present day, as these were well integrated and seamless.
I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book from NetGalley. All thoughts and opinions are my own.

While browsing the NetGalley catalog, I was immediately drawn in by the bright fuchsia color scheme and daring décolletage. I could tell by the clothing that it was historical romance and I was immediately sold. I was utterly enraptured by this book and read it in one sitting. That's rather rare for me considering I like to savor my books over a few days rather than my Joey Chestnut champion eater impression devouring The Duchess Takes A Lover in one bite. This book was so engaging that I couldn't get enough. I had never read Jillian Eaton before and I plan to fill up my plate with her bibliography in the future.

I tend to be a tad wary over Second Chance Romance, but every single flashback was thankfully on page. We got the complete timeline of Mara and Ambrose's relationship. From their first meeting to courtship to wedding day to him leaving her alone in a giant estate for 18 months! I loved seeing their feelings evolve and the reason for their estrangement was provided so gracefully. I adored both characters. They weren't insufferable, childish, or mean-spirited. They loved each other underneath those layers of hurt and shared many things in common. Plus, the hero adored the heroine's freckles and as a proud owner of random melanated spots, so did I.

The Duchess Takes a Lover was a wonderful surprise and I can't wait to read more from Jillian Eaton. I didn't plan to finish this book in one sitting, but I suppose that's a testament to her phenomenal writing. I was hesitant by the saucy title, but the words behind the cover blew me away. I hope every story has an ending as happy as this one the next time The Duchess Takes A Lover.

Can two damaged people find happiness together? Only if they are willing to let each other in. Mara and Ambrose, Duke and Duchess of Southwick, had a rocky start to their marriage. So rocky, the Duke sent to Duchess to live at their country estate the day after the wedding.

She has had enough. She has an idea to return to London and take a lover, and Ambrose catches wind of her plan. He decides to confront her.

I really liked these two prickly characters. They each have sky high walls around their hearts, and need to do a lot of work to find their way to one another. The book is steamy, and you will find yourself rooting for these two to find their HEA. A fairly quick read, it also ends with a quick tease for a follow up, which is good because Mara’s sister Kitty seems to have a lot going on herself… I’m looking forward to reading her story too!

I have very mixed feelings about this story. On one hand, I really don't like Ambrose. I know he had a tough time but he could have chosen a different path before he met Mara or even right after. On the other hand, I really feel sorry for him. The story itself is a series of current and past thoughts and conversations leading up to the conclusion. There aren't any real villains or mystery in this story, unless you consider two Fathers that are now deceased. All that said, it's a fast paced well written story that will keep you fully engaged and even beyond. The epilogue is cunning so don't miss it.