The Ice Duchess

The Ice Duchess is the prequel to Tracy Sumner's upcoming Duchess Society series. If that series is as good as the prequel I've just finished reading, sign me up!
The whole book felt like a slow dance of seduction. The tenderness. The build. The anticipation. Loved every minute!
Every sentiment, ever feeling portrayed through the book had me cheering for Dex and Georgie.
Usually I avoid novellas because I always feel like the story is done too quickly and we don't get to really dive into matters. But The Ice Duchess was not what I thought it would be. I'm happy I gave it a chance, and hope you will too.
Also, how did I not hear about Tracy Sumner before this?!

Release date: 22nd July

*ARC provided by Netgalley in exchange of a honest review*
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#tracysumner #netgalley #netgalleyuk #arc #romancereader #whattoread #bibliophile #romancelandia #historicalromance

“The Ice Duchess” is a first time read by Tracy Summer, new author to this reader. I so love second chance romances especially when they are well-written with likeable characters.

Georgiana the Countess Winterbourne known to the ton as the Ice Countess is determined to never marry because of the pain she experienced by her first husband who was cruel and old enough to be her father. Dexter Munro, the soon to be Duke of Markham is persistent in his attempts to make Georgiana his wife and fulfill a promise he made to his dying father. Clearly from the onset, there is a slow growing attraction between Georgiana and Dex. Because of her bad experience with her first husband, Georgiana was made to feel worthless and broken. She is of the understanding that all marriages of convenience are what she had experienced and is unable to experience true passion…something Dex can teach her if she will just open her heart.

I thought the story was well-written but have pulled back some on the pay throughout the story of Georgiana’s emotional turmoil. I did love Dex’s persistence and even coming up with a plan to convince her to take a chance at love with him. The pace was a bit slow, and at times becoming close to boredom. As the story continued, it picked up and I was delighted to see the passion that both characters could draw from one another and transforming into the love that they truly felt. That passion that Georgiana thought she could never feel, gradually melted the iciness she held inside for so long. The intimacy between the main characters was steamy and well done for this historical romance. This was a quick read and enjoyed it very much. A recommended read.

Thank you to NetGalley and Independently Published for this ARC for my fair and honest review. All opinions are my own.

Dec is so playful and Georgiana is so serious. Get the feeling that she wasn't always this way. The Ice Duchess, is a cute story.

They were childhood friends and she was in love with him ever since . He travels around the world because of his real passion the geology . He return home after 7 years because his father is dying . He promise that he has to marry so his father will be satisfied and the only woman for him is his childhood friend . After a marriage with a man old enought to be her grandfather she swore she will never marry again . But a wager will make everything change .
I received this novel from net galley and the publisher as an ARC. Thank you! All thoughts and opinions are my own.

I thoroughly enjoyed this historical novella. The Ice Duchess provides escapism at its finest, along with a healthy dose of steamy romance. What a wonderful prequel for The Duchess Society Series!

A very sweet second chance love story. Two friends who grew up together. It sounds like they were just starting to discover that their friendship was developing into something more when he up and left to follow other interests. Unfortunately she was sold into an unhappy, tainted marriage that tainted her views of men and marriage afterwards.

Years later, they meet again and have a chance to renew that friendship over the Christmas season. But he has come to realize the mistake of leaving her. But she is bitter and does not want to consider marriage again.

A lovely romantic short story that was sweetly told, with gentle heat, and a prelude to a new series. This was a lovely, quick read. There seemed to be some introductions to characters that may be coming up in the new series and I admit to being intrigued and looking forward to new books in the series.

This is Dex and Georgie’s story. He left to follow dream of being an archeologist. She was forced to marry an earl old enough to be her father. The earl treated her terrible. He hurt her. When the earl died, Georgie created the duchess society to teach women who were going to be married. She didn’t want them to be hurt like she was. She vowed never to marry again. Dex is back because his father is dying. He promised his father he would choose a wife by twelfth night. He has always loved Georgie and Georgie always loved a Dex. Dex was to be the next Duke. He wanted Georgie be his duchess. She leads him on a merry chase while she decides whether she can marry again. I loved the story. I can’t wait for the next book in the series.

I'm going to be honest, second chance stories are not something I have ever actively looked for, but I must admit I loved this story. Georgie and Dex were childhood friends before ambition and duty changed their lives. Although this is not a full length book their story was wonderfully explored and every paragraph was essential. Excellent book!

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

Great introduction to a new series. As in all Tracy Sumner previous books, the characters are wonderful. Georgiana, also known as the Ice Countess is finally free. Widowed from a abusive marriage, she now co-shares the Duchess Society. A society that matches ladies with their eyes open to real life. Vowing never to marry again, she feels like her prior experience will help the young ladies. And then she runs into her first love.
Dexter returns home to his dying father, promising to pick up the reins of the dukedom and to give his father the name of his bride to be by the Twelfth night. The problem is he doesn’t have one and only two weeks left. At a musical he runs into Georgie, his best friend’s little sister and the girl he never forgot. Is there still something between them, besides that long ago kiss?
I am voluntarily posting an honest review after reading an Advance Reader Copy of this story.

I enjoyed this book. I definitely think that Georgie and Dex were made for each other. Their romance was steamy and sweet and I felt satisfied with their ending. The only thing that nagged at me a bit was that at times the dialogue felt modern. Other than that, it was a fast and cute read just right for the holiday season!

I like Tracy Sumner's novels and this book is no exception.
I really enjoyed the addition of the geology and fossils to the story and the idea that a future Duke could have a profession - as that was just 'not done'..
If they did do anything more than run their estates they might be an adventurer / explorer/climber of mountains and so on, but not something for which they got paid!
I also liked Derbyshire as the location as I lived there for many years, right on the edge of the moors - chilly and windy as I recall. The winter being one very good reason why I was glad to move away - far too cold and long. But lots of interesting rocks and caves - and of course Blue John - a semi-precious but very soft stone.
I also knew Chatsworth and the many water features that were built and the rambling gardens.
I thought that the style was engaging and liked the idea of the Duchess Society too, as it was true, so many women/girls of that era were woefully lacking in practical knowledge about arithmetic and how to run a household and bills and so on. Not to mention reading more than light weight magazines on fashion or understanding business and so on.

I received an ARC and chose to give my honest opinion - thanks NetGalley and Tracy!!

The Ice Duchess was short, sweet and to the point. It's a Christmas romance (which I read in the completely wrong time) but it doesn't focus that much on the holiday.

Our main couple is Georgie and Dex who used to be childhood friends but their lives took them to separate paths until now.

It was delightful to read about an independent and sturdy woman in a historical romance. Dex being a geologist enamored with his job was also very interesting.

They surely had chemistry and tension, sweet and touching moments, banter and jokes. All around, a great read!

The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner

The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner is a new historical romance. The novel is meant to introduce us to a new series, Ladies of the Duchess Society. A new author and a new series! In this first novel we are introduced to Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne and Dexter Munro, soon to be the Duke of Markham. A long time ago they were an item, but life interfered. Georgiana, now nicknamed the Ice Duchess because of her well known stance on not remarrying, has started a society to teach other women how to maintain or gain their future independence and to navigate the strains of the ton.

Dexter has promised his father that he will remarry before the Christmas holidays are done. His father is slowly dying and Dexter does not want to disappoint his father again. The only issue for Dexter is he wants Georgiana to be his wife. Unfortunately Georgiana does not want to remarry - ever again.

The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner is a wonderful second chance at love historical romance.

This is an excellent start to a series, but also very successful on its own. It draws you in on page one and keeps you interested right up until the end. I loved the relationship between Dex and Georgie and getting to see it develop from a young love to a mature love. I also really liked that Georgie insisted they spend some time apart to see what it was they really wanted - from life and from one another. And of course I loved that Dex supported Georgie's work with the Duchess Society and would never have even considered encouraging her to stop her work once they were married. His gifts to her were so sweet and gave her the kind of courtship she deserved as a young woman but never received. When it came time for them to meet up and I found out she didn't show I was a little heartbroken for Dex, and of course wanted to know what the heck had happened from the end of one chapter to the beginning of the next - her finally catching up to him was a moment worth reading the book for. I'm really looking forward to the next book in this series!

Ever since reading Bringing Down the Duke, I've found myself attracted to Victoria era romances with all of the talk of society and women fighting for their rights. I love the strong female characters and the proper titles and roles. The Ice Duchess reminded me of an Evie Dunmore type novel, which of course meant I was wholly captivated.

Georgie was married to a man 50+ years her senior because her father decided he needed the funds. Georgie was miserably married for 3 years before becoming a widow and vowing to never marry again. Why should she? As a widow, she has something unmarried women and married women don't have the luxury of - freedom. She can do what she wants, when she wants, and how she wants. Why on earth would she give that up? Enter Dex, her childhood friend who is now heir to a dukedom with his father on his deathbed. He's promised his father he will secure a duchess within 12 nights. It just so happens Georgie has a society she runs that helps women entering into marriage contracts, so Dex (recently reunited with her) asks for her help. He's completely in love with her and always has been so if he can just get her to spend some time with him and maybe make her jealous, he can get his love, who has sworn off having another husband, to be his bride.

I read this over the course of a couple of hours. It was quick, had delicious romantic/sexual tension, and a strong female lead - all things I love! Thank you to @netgalley for this #ARC!

This was such a cute and sweet childhood friends to lovers romance!

This is a short historical romance that is centered around the romance between Georgiana and Dexter. These two characters were childhood friends, along with Georgiana's brother Anthony. Unfortunately, ends up passing away and the link between Georgiana and Dexter is served. Georgiana is forced into an arranged marriage to a cruel old man, while Dexter goes on adventures around the world collecting and examining fossils.

This book takes place a few years after Georgiana's husband has passed, and Dexter is back in town to be with his ailing father. Georgiana is now known to the ton as the ice countess and claims that she will never ever marry again. Dexter ends up seeing her at a party and swears that he can change Georgiana's mind and make her his duchess.

I really enjoyed this one! I adore childhood friends to lovers! I will say the only reason I am not giving this book 5 stars is because of the believability of the romance between the two characters. I think we were told a lot of things about their relationship, instead of shown it. I think that this would have been a little better if we got flashback scenes of these two falling for one another years ago. I also did not understand why the ton called her the Ice Countess. I don't think that was explained really? All I can think of is that she doesn't want to get married. But I don't understand why that would make her icy.

But overall, I really enjoyed this, and can't wait to read the rest of the books in the series when they come out!

I was sent an early eARC by the publisher in exchange for an honest review.

#theiceduchess #netgalley

A really cute and warm love story, albeit a bit on the short side.
Georgina and Dexter were childhood best friends, but then Dex went away to continue his geology work all over the world and left Georgie behind. So they are in a sense serving a second chance romance and also lots of longing, because Georgie is now supposed to find Dex a suitable wife, when in fact they both want each other since, like, forever. I mean, that Dex is only agreeing to this to get Georgie to realize he only wants her and not anyone else? I live for this.

A woman, Georgie, who is determined to never marry again after surviving an abusive husband. A man, Dex, who must marry and wants the only woman he can ever love. I really enjoy their dance! Georgie is independent and won't give her freedom to any man, but she's loved Dex forever. I won't write a spoiler, but I found myself cheering for these two, but worried that they couldn't get to the finish line! The characters are wonderfully developed, and I just wish we had a sequel to what their lives were like, as they are a delightful couple!

I loved Georgie and Dex together!

Unlike the current practice of releasing a first chapter as a "prequel" book, this story is a complete standalone with a deliciously satisfying second-chance romance. Georgie was too young for Dex to offer for before he left to pursue his career, and her subsequent marriage nearly broke both their hearts. Now widowed, Georgie is determined to never marry again, despite the fact that the only man she's ever loved is in need of a wife before his terminally ill father passes the dukedom down to him.

Dex is a perfect gentleman, and by that I mean he's not a gentleman at all when a lady doesn't want one. He's focused entirely on carving out a second chance for Georgie and himself, despite what she believes she wants. He delightfully walks the fine line between respecting her choices and reminding her of what she's missing out on.

I really loved the way these two instinctively fall back into their comfortable ease with each other. There's a solid friendship there, despite the passage of time, which makes the perfect foundation for their romance to grow. This is a bit of a quick timeline - from a few days before Christmas to the early days of January - but that's all these two need to remember how right they are for each other.

I loved the attention to detail that Dex showed in courting Georgie. The entire story captivated me right from the start and I loved every bit of it. The HEA was everything I'd hoped for. I highly recommend this romance and look forward to reading more in this developing series. I voluntarily reviewed an ARC of this book.

4 stars

Interesting start to the series. Georgie and Dexter were friends as children. Dexter had a passion for Geology and along with Georgie's brother Anthony they ran or rode around Derbyshire finding rocks and fossils. Anthony dies. Georgie is in love with Dexter but Dexter doesn't respond with a proposal and so Georgie thinks her love is unrequited. Dexter is to keen to travel the world. Georgie's father marries her off to his 70 year old friend and she becomes a countess but isn't happy. On the death of her husband, she forms a club with her friend called The Duchess. Dexter returns and realises that Georgie is the one but she's off marriage and he has his work cut out to persuade her.

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

After marrying a selfish and arrogant man, Georgie now widowed never wants to marry again. Dex has promised his dying father that he will name his future bride by Twelfth Night. Dex has only one woman that he wants to marry. Now he has to persuade her. I received a free copy of this ebook from the publisher through Netgalley. This is my honest and voluntarily given review. I love how this book is told from both Dex and Georgie's point of view. I could feel their mix of emotions. Their relationship is sweet, but there is plenty of sizzle and steam. This is an interesting start to a new series that I enjoyed reading.

I received "Ice Duchess" from Netgalley and the amazing Tracy Sumner. I voluntarily read and reviewed an advanced copy of this book. All thoughts and opinions are my own. Tracy Sumner is a unique author whose ability to tell stories is mesmerizing. Georgiana Whitcomb, widowed Countess Winterbourne and Dexter Reed Munto, future Duke of Markham have known each other since their childhood. They have both loved each other but never admitted it; their circumstances led them on different paths where Georgiana had a miserable first marriage which left her cold and desolate. Dexter returns from his many wondrous travels when his father is on his deathbed, to realize that the only one woman he has ever loved is Georgiana,  known as the Ice Duchess. Is there anything he can do to melt her heart and make her his for life? A page turner, beautifully descriptive book.

The Ice Duchess is a fun novella that starts a new series. It has two MCs you will adore. They grew up together … life happened … and now they are finding their HEA. I loved their witty banter that comes when you know each other so well and the chemistry between our MCs was mixed with the perfect angst.

Can’t wait to read the first book of the series!

The Ice Duchess is a wonderful story of friends first and finally finding love by Tracy Sumner. After being sold to the highest bidder by her father and a terrible marriage to a cruel man older than her father, Georgiana vows she will never remarry. She becomes a widow known as The Ice Duchess. Georgiana spends much of her time with The Duchess Society helping other women entering into marriage. However, when the childhood love of her life returns, she tries to keep that part of her quiet.

Dex, a geologist returns after being away for years, he realizes not knowing what he really wanted and regrets not having taken Georgiana with him. Now, his father is dying and makes a promise to his to find a wife before Twelfth Night, he just has to convince Georgie to take a chance on love.

If I could only use 3 words to describe this book I would say: charming, emotional, romantic. Of course I don't have to stick to just 3 words. So here are the rest of my thoughts.

The charming definitely applies to Dexter even if he doesn't think so. He's so focused on his "rocks" just like Georgiana says. But when his focus turns to Georgiana it's amazing how charming he can be. In his own way of course. He also brought a bit of his own brand of humor to the situation at times.

Georgiana has her very valid reasons for being dubbed the woman of ice. She's free now with money and she has a new purpose. She's loved Dexter since they were kids together. But he let her down in a major way before. So you can see there is going to be a major lack of trust that is even worse now.
This was a pretty full book especially considering it is a shorter one.

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

Dexter Munro has made a promise to his dying father that he will find a wife by the Twelfth Night. Soon to be the Duke of Markham, Dexter wants nothing more than to follow his passion of geology and Georgiana Whitcomb, the sister of his once best friend. Now the widowed Countess Winterbourne, Georgina is also known as the Ice Countess. She has always loved Dexter, even whilst a young girl but her childhood obsession may soon become a reality.
The chemistry between the couple was undeniable yet Georgina fights it for the near entirety of the story. I loved Dexter’s character and his determination to fight for Georgina and I could understand her reluctance to remarry. However, I could not quite understand how she resisted the attraction when they were so good together. I do wish that there could have been more of a background story between them, in their younger days and even more about Georgiana’s brother. Overall, this is a great start to the series, and I look forward to more books to come.
I received an ARC from NetGalley in exchange for my honest review.

Ice Countes, Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne has been married once and never wants to marry again, but return brother’s friend may just be the one to change her mind. Dexter Munro, soon to be Duke of Markham has regrets of not speaking up when Georgie was married off to a lecherous old man, maybe he can now make amends. He’s promised his father a bride before he dies and he’ll try anything to convince Georgian to marry him. An enchanting story of two childhood friends betting reacquainted and finding they have a second chance at love and happiness. I voluntarily read and reviewed this extraordinary story.

4 stars

This is a novella, a prequel to the Duchess Society series.

The widowed countess Georgina runs a school of sorts to groom young gals to be strong ladies of the ton and ordi are them to not just be wives but true partners in A relationship. She meets the Marquess of Westfield her former friend (whom she had silently loved) who needs to marry having made a promise to his dying father, tte Duke.

The relationship and their subsequent marriage to each other is the story. Short and sweet and holds promise to the upcoming series.

I have not read the series yet, so I wondered if I would enjoy reading this book without knowing anything about the characters. “The Ice Duchess” turned out a quick, fun read and made me excited to read the series someday.

Firstly, I admired how the author wrote both the leads. Both Dex and Georgina are distinctive and bring their own to the tale. I particularly adored Dex and how he tries to win Georgina’s affections. It was beautiful to see how they reminisce about their past and reform a friendship. Similarly, Georgina is a complex character as she finds herself broken and builds a wall around her. I liked how the author wrote about her past and how living as a widow changed her perception of romance.

Moreover, the two also share some beautiful moments as Georgina tries to get over her feelings from her first marriage. Some of the memorable moments in the story for me were the Christmas scenes and the five days they spend together before heading back to London. The author has a lovely talent for romance, and I enjoyed the chemistry between the two characters. I also liked the supporting characters like Sophia and Hildy.

Overall, “The Ice Duchess” is a lovely historical romance that you can read even as a standalone. It is also a quick read as it is short and focuses on the liaison between the two leads without unnecessary drama.

I absolutely enjoyed this book. Well written, the characters are endearing and sweet, and surprisingly complex for a fast moving story. If I had to say one negative thing about the book, it would be that the reason that the heroine can't be with the main character is not what I thought it would be.

If you are looking for an intelligent, excellently-written Regency novella, The Ice Duchess is one for you. It is a prequel to her upcoming series and if it is any example, I’m putting them all on insta-buy. I have not read genuine, incredibly well-written longing and unresolved sexual tension for some time. (It eventually is resolved, but the anticipation is just as good.)

The story involves the reunion of Georgiana Collins Whitcomb, Countess of Winterbourne and her childhood crush Dexter Reed Munro, Marquess of Westfield, heir to the Duke of Markham. Dexter was Georgie’s brother’s best friend and grew up with them, running about in the rugged hills of Derbyshire. He had a falling out with his father, the Duke because of his ambitions to become a professional Geologist, which he has done to great success. He has returned home for Christmas because his father is dying and he will have to become Duke.

While he went off to find himself, and a bunch of rocks, Georgie was married off to a much older man, who treated her very badly. With his death, she’s vowed never to remarry as she has income now and doesn’t need to put up with another abuser. She has begun training other noble young women to drive hard bargains for themselves before they consent to being married. She takes it as her duty to warn them what they’re getting into in a realistic and somewhat cynical way, as no one warned her. This has earned her the nickname “The Ice Countess” and the informal academy she’s created “The Duchess Society.”

Georgie was madly in love with Dex before he left. And he had kissed her once. But as she clearly had meant less to him than rocks, she has no wish to entangle herself with him now. But she finds that old habits die hard and she becomes entangled first by simply enjoying his familiar company and then by entering into a wager where she’ll provide him with a Duchess from her stable of proteges. The fabulously awkward dinner party that happens because of this is just more masterful writing.

Dex has always been in love with her and seeing her again knows that no one else will do for his duchess but Georgie, herself. He just has to find a way to persuade her that he won’t be the abusive tyrant her first husband was. He has to get her to choose to give up her independence, which she values very highly.

While we’ve seen very many of these tropes before, this book is all about the ride. Dexter is really committed to his profession and is really good at it and has a successful company to show for it. Georgie had a terrible marriage and is genuinely reluctant to marry again. But it’s all in the pleasure in the writing in this book. And the writing is so, so good.

Things are beautifully described. Emotions ring true. Nobody seems shallow or silly. Everyone is a realistic grown-up. Conflict arises naturally from real-life causes. It doesn’t seem contrived.
It’s a romance, you know there will be a happily ever after, but you really can just enjoy every minute of the journey to get there.

This prequel novella to the Duchess Society series is a stunning introduction. Childhood playmates 10 years later after a disastrous marriage for her and 10 years fossil hunting for him. He hires her to ostensibly provide him a wife to be by the twelfth day of Christmas but he wants to wed only her and she wants nothing to do with marriage. Lovely romantic wooing ensues in the skillful hands of this author which presages an excellent series to come. An enjoyable holiday read, perfectly timed for quick relaxation despite an abundance of holiday shopping and tasks. Enjoyable enough to reread during holidays to come.

I loved Georgina and Dex! The romance was beautiful as were the love scenes. As a science teacher I liked the geology references, they seemed accurate and believable. I got a little tired of Geogina’s reluctance but she groveled beautifully in the end. 5 stars.

Georgiana reminds me very much of Emma Woodhouse ('Emma', Jane Austen), seeking to match-make her friends and educating young girls about the expectations of being a lady. I loved that she didn't immediately return to Dexter but approached their relationship much more carefully and rationally. I do wish, however, we would have seen more of their friendship to really enjoy their blossoming relationship. It was often mentioned how close they used to be but we never saw evidence of that.

Short and sweet, yet exquisitely written. It was hard to not love these two from the very beginning. Both main characters are unconventional to say the least, but both are still trapped in the society from which they were born. And yet, they both found themselves within their independence, stubbornness and desire to have more than just titles.

Georgiana is a blue-stocking (and a Countess) and Dexter is a geologist (set to inherit a Dukedom). Georgiana leds The Duchess Society to help other innocent young women take control of their marriages and prepare them for what she thought was the only possibility for any women - a loveless marriage. Both these two learn a thing or two about love in this prequel and it was an absolute joy to read!

I look forward to reading more of Tracy Sumner and her Duchess Society!

I loved this book! I know it's just a prequel but I wish it had been longer because I could not get enough. I cannot wait until the first full book comes out to read more. And I'll definitely be checking out her back catalog too.

"The Ice Duchess" is a prequel novella in the Duchess Society series by Tracy Sumner. It's a second chance romance following childhood best friends Dex and Georgie. Dex left years before to pursue his love of rocks and fossils leaving Georgie behind with consequences that will forever change her. I love books where the hero is pursuing the heroine relentlessly. Dex is hopelessly in love with her from the very first page.

Oftentimes, I find characters are not well developed in a novella but this was not the case in "The Ice Duchess." They showed depth and growth from who they were as children to adulthood. This was my first time reading anything by Tracy Sumner. I can't wait to continue on in the Duchess Society series. I am hoping we get to see more little snippets of Dex and Georgie's life through future novels.

Thank you to Tracy Sumner and NetGalley for providing me with this ARC in exchange for an honest review.

Dexter and Georgiana make an interesting pair.
She will attempt to match him but she truly wants him for herself.
If you like steamy second chance romance you will love this book.
I have received a complimentary copy of this book from the author. This in no way affects my opinion of this title which I read and reviewed voluntarily.

What a feel good book! This is my first book by Tracy Sumner, and now I want more, more, more! This delightful Prequel is a second chance love story between childhood friends who had gone their separate ways and meet again years later. Dex had gone off to follow his passion and Georgiana had been "sold" into marriage with a much older and cruel man. Their story is lovely and satisfying. 4-1/2 stars.
Thank you NetGalley, and the Publisher, for allowing me to read and review this ARC.

Great opener! This is the prequel for the Duchess Society series. I have read other stories by this author and love her writing. I love the heroine. Georgie is the Ice Duchess. She's really been though it... her childhood sweetheart didn't pan out. She was married off to some old, cruel guy who puts her off marriage forever. In fact, she was so hurt by him that she was motivated to help other ladies avoid similar situations. The Duchess Society is founded.
However, we love a 2nd chance at love story! Dex is back in her life and has to get married. He has realized the error of his ways and wants Georgie. How in the world is he going to convince her? Wonderful story!!! I can't wait for the next book... it's coming out in September.. I just checked!!!!

"The Ice Duchess": 4⭐

(Unpaid Review: thank you to @netgalley, @tracysummer and the publishers for allowing me to read this eArc copy in exchange for a review.)

This was so much fun to read! I absolutely adore stories like this; full of romance and angst and lived in a different epoque. I absolutely loved the main character - although the mc's love interest should've had more building.

This is a really good story, focusing on themes like womenhood, seduction, passion and young love. I really think more people should read it! This was the first book I've read by this author and I'm convinced, I'm reading her other works!!

Loved every minute of this prequal novella! Dex and Georgie had amazing chemistry that grabs a reader from the very beginning. I was immersed in their story from page 1. I will definitely recommend this book and look forward to the Duchess Society series.
Thank you Tracy Sumner and NetGalley for allowing me an advance copy for my honest feedback.

The Ice Duchess by Tracy Sumner
Prequel to the Duchess Society Series

Swept into the past, I fell in love with Georgiana and Dexter. These two were definitely soul mates, if such exist! They may have had a rough patch for a while but thankfully things came right for them in the end!

What I liked:
* Georgiana: duchess, widow, educator of women on the marriage market, guarded, loves her freedom, reputation of being icy, potentially wooable if the right man comes along and woos well.
* Dexter: Marquess soon to be duke, geologist, traveler, son, friend, responsible, aware of what he may have lost, determined to win the woman he truly wants for his duchess – the perfect book boyfriend!
* The way the past was covered.
* The setting
* The honesty between the couple – and their communication
* How well suited the two were for each other
* The romance, gifts, steamy bits, and that I knew they truly cared for one another
* That I was drawn in and came to care deeply about both characters
* The depth of feeling Georgiana and dexter had for one another
* The feeling that the two were well matched and equally yoked
* All of it really except…

What I didn’t like:
* Being reminded that marriage in this era was a business transaction and women were treated as a commodity up for sale.
* The reason Georgiana was married the first time.

Did I like this book? YES!
Would I read more in this series? Definitely!!!

Thank you to the author for the ARC – This is my honest review.

5 Stars

A historical romance about the Ice Duchess who swear to never marry again and Dexter who promised his fater to be we by the 12th night.
Georgiana loved Dexter since she was a child and Dexter loved her but thing didn't work out then, can they now..
A good sweet romance with some fun and romance.
Enjoyed the story.
Voluntarily reviewed.

This book is an introduction to a new series of books about the classes the heroine teaches. Our heroine is a widow who was basically sold to her husband to pay off her father's debts. This is quite common in that day and age. Her husband was old and passed away and left her with just enough income to survive. She was allowed to live in the dower house, but is able to live in London during the season. She decided to come up with a way for women like her to protect themselves. So she, and a few like minded ladies, are teaching young debutantes how to protect themselves before and during their marriages. It is called 'The Duchess Society' and is based on teaching the young ladies to become duchesses. But that is just so the parents sign their daughters up. Really,they are teaching the girls how to determine financial and properties in marriage settlements, how to pick a decent man over the bad and unruly ones, in addition to how to plan a dinner party. The hero is her childhood friend who has returned from geological surveys. He has returned because his father, a duke, is on his death bed. The hero promised his father to be engaged within two weeks, but he only wants the heroine. But the heroine doesnt want to re-marry. So he asks for help to choose from within her students.
This is a story based around the Christmas holiday. It is a story the deals with the lack of freedom wives have at that time. The heroine was lucky enough to be independent after her husband died, but not all women were so lucky. The story is enjoyable and a smooth, easy read. The story is well written and the characters are engaging and entertaining. This story hits all the high points a story should and I give it my recommendation to read with 5 stars.

Loved this book! I really enjoyed the characters and the story line! This book kept me entertained and I read it in a couple days!!! I highly recommend this book!!! Thank you so much for letting me review this book!

This was an entertaining, well written historical romance. It captured my interest and I didn't want to put it down. It was sweet, steamy and clever. This book can be read as a standalone story, though it is the first in The Duchess Society series. I enjoyed this book and look forward to reading the next book in this series as well as other books by this author.

A good book to read which had everything. The main characters were intriguing and different to the normal man and woman hero's. There was a good storyline and l do recommend that you read this book. I will be looking out for more books by this author.

I enjoyed diving in to my first Tracy Sumner book! For anyone looking for a quick read, this story is short but very sweet and also quite steamy. It included two of my favorite tropes, childhood friends to lovers and second chance at love, which Sumner executed excellently in such a short amount of time. I think making Georgie and Dex's story longer would have really given time for them to grow and for us as readers to see that, but overall I'm glad I read this prequel and look forward to diving into Hildy's story in book #1 with the hope that Georgie and Dex will make appearances!

Thank you to the publisher via Netgalley for providing an eARC in exchange for an honest review. All opinions expressed are my own.

*Thank you NetGalley for the ARC. My opinions are my own*

Rate: 3.5.
Although, I struggled connecting with the book in the first couple of chapters I enjoyed Georgie and Dex.
Childhood friends they both grew up and lived their life. Dex wanted to go out in the world and not live with the family constraints; Georgie married a much older man and was miserable. I wish more detailed information would have been given of Georgie’s marriage. I enjoyed their communication and their decision to come together.

The Ice Duchess was an absolutely fantastic childhood friends to lovers, brother’s best friend, kind of/sort of second chance regency romance read. I loved every second of it. Once I started it, I could not put it down. Dex and Georgie are fantastic on their own but together they are magic. Their chemistry was off the charts and their witty banter was charming. Watching them get their happily ever after made my book loving heart happy. I’m giving The Ice Duchess the judy.ann.loves.books stamp of approval, TBR and Enjoy!

Having read The Brazen Bluestocking and therefore being acquainted with Dex & Georgie already, I was eager to read their story. I had high expectations of the love story that created this darling couple. I was not diasappointed. A damaged widow reunited with her first (and only) love, you know it’s going to be tumultuous. Dex’s stubborn need to always get what he wants is exactly what he needs to break down all of the walls Georgie has built around her heart. Seeing her be vulnerable with him, having loved him since childhood was beautiful and heart wrenching. A fabulous story of love lost and love found!

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

Georgie and Des loved each other when they were young. That was before Georgies father married her off to a cruel man old enough to be her grandfather. Her marriage has left lasting emotional scars, Dex has never forgotten his first love, and ideally he would marry her, if she would have him. But she wants nothing to do with marriage, Slowly, he works to regain her trust and her love, But is she willing to give up her independence for a chance at forever?

I was blown away by this book. The Ice Duchess was my first book by Tracy Sumner and the prequel for her new The Duchess Society series. The book is a 100 page novella and a delight from start to finish.

In this second chance romance, Dex must marry quickly to please is father, a Duke, who is dying. The only problem is that the only person he has ever wanted to marry is his childhood friend, Georgiana, who is widowed and refuses to marry again. Georgiana agrees to help Dex find a wife but the two are pining too hard for each other for that to be a success.

The pining in this book is to die for good. It’s one of the most romantic books I’ve read in a long time, which is an odd thing to say considering that 95% of what I read are romances. I just kept highlighting passages and sighing because these two dummies are just so in love with each other that it was ridiculous. At times it reminded me of Tessa Dare’s Lord Dashwood Missed Out, which is one of my all time favorite novellas, due to all the longing. Obviously I loved both Dex and Georgiana. I would have happily read a full length novel with these two.

Thank you to NetGalley and Tracy Sumner for the ARC in exchange for an honest review.

I received this book as an ARC from NetGalley.

Sometimes, the heart wants what the heart wants regardless of the mind.

The Ice Countess, Georgiana, has decided that upon the death of her husband, she will never remarry. She could not subject herself to that life, lack of love and compassion, ever again.

Dexter Munro has returned home from his travels abroad as a geologist. What a waste of time, the society thinks. However, his father is dying and Dexter needs to marry and become the next Duke. Georgiana and Dexter have been life long friends, along with her brother, who is now deceased. Georgie, as Dexter calls her, has agreed to help him find a suitable wife and guide her to what is to be expected. What Georgie did not anticipate was the jealousy that erupted from this endeavor.

This book was a quick read and I am already into the next book to see what happens next.

Georgiana Whitcomb (25) was once married off to a man older than her father to get her family out of debt. Now a widow she has vowed never to marry again. She has formed the Duchess Society to help young woman of the ton to prepare for marriage and hopefully guide them to men where everything is not just a business arrangement. Her childhood friend, Dexter Munro is going to become the Duke of Markham and has returned to England to see to his dying father. He challenges Georgiana to find him a bride in two weeks as a last gift to his father. But he has no intentions of settling on anyone other than Georgina herself.

This is a low angst, steamy, second chance novella. It is also the prequel setting up the new Duchess Society series by the author Tracy Sumner. I won't mark it down because it is a novella, although I would have gladly read a full novel based on this characters. Because of the novella format there isn't time to build up of attraction and explore characters. But it gets away with it as the MC's were childhood friends, and are already familiar with each other, although they've been apart. Can't wait for the series to continue. Thank you to NetGalley and publishers for an ARC ebook in exchange for an honest review.

Georgiana Whitcomb, Countess Winterbourne, is known as the Ice Countess for her rebellious ways and refusal to marry again. But a scandalous Christmas wager fashioned by Georgiana’s childhood obsession changes everything.The demanding duke needs a bride.Dexter Munro, mere days from becoming the Duke of Markham, made a promise to his dying father to find a wife by the Twelfth Night. When I started reading I couldn't put it down.Tracy Sumner is magnifysent and amazing writer.I cannot wait to read more of there books.Keep up the great work.You should definitely read this books.Can't wait for the next book.

Lady Georgianna Collins Winterbourne, known as the Ice Countess, free up in Derbyshire running free with her brother and his best friend. Having been forced to marry an older man who was cruel, she now shuns any future marriage. Instead she and a friend have established a school to teach what no one else has. How to win in a marriage contract. chapter

Dexter Reed Munrie, Marquess Westfield soon to be Duke of Markham, has returned home after eight years due to his father's failing health. He left Derbyshire to become a geologist. He now has his own geology company and has taught classes. He turned his childhood hobby and dream into a thriving business.

With his father's bad health and known death is only a short time away, he promised to have his betrothed by the last day of 12th Might to easy his father's mind. The only issue is the one he wants may not want him.

In this sweeping romance from the snowy Derbyshire to the streets of London we find out intrepid searching for a way to win his last love. The details and description will have you feeling like you are right in the mix. The witty banter, bargaining and cast of great characters are all thrilling. You will enjoy this poetic story that will have you laughing or a tear in your eye, but will be cheering on your favorite. Does he get his love? Will she give him the chase he deserves? Who wins? Find out in this easy, engaging read

This is my first read from this author. I had to read a bit before I became immersed in the book. This is a fairly short story and therefore it's low-angst and doesn't have an elaborate plot. I actually found this to be a refreshing change from my usual HR reads.
Georgiana and Dex knew each other when they were children. They were linked in friendship via Georgiana's brother who is now deceased. The amazing thing is that the actual death does not play into the story at all! Neither character was agonized with guilt feeling like they were responsible. I don't believe the cause of the brother's death was even disclosed. The story instead focuses on the fact that the relationship dynamic changed after the brother was gone. The characters had years of separation afterwards and were then reunited.
The only actual obstacle to the inevitable HEA is the widowed Georgiana's hesitance to remarry. Considering that Georgiana and Dex had always loved each other, reading this romance is smooth sailing to a satisfying end. Definitely a feel-good story.