Customer Reviews

In the Bed of a Duke

5 star:		(3)
4 star:		(4)
3 star:		(10)
2 star:		(3)
1 star:		(0)

 

 

"In the Bed of a Duke" is the second installment in a trilogy featuring three American sisters who have come to England in order to claim their place in English society (the sisters are all granddaughters of an earl). I haven't read the first book in the trilogy "The Price of Indiscretion" and so cannot say how this second installments compares with the first. However, I have read other Cathy Maxwell novels before and on the whole, I have somewhat mixed feelings about her latest "In the Bed of a Duke." On the one hand, this novel is fast paced and possesses a rather interesting plot-line. On the other hand, however, Ms Maxwell seems to have sacrificed proper character development and a "real" love story in favour of quick action and an almost instantaneous falling in lust/love between her hero and heroine. And I'm not much of a fan of the whole falling in lust/love at first sight scenario.

As the eldest Cameron sister, Charlotte believed that it was her duty to steer her sisters right. And when it became clear to her that sister Miranda was prepared to marry the wealthy and powerful Duke of Colster even though she was in love with someone else ("The Price of Indiscretion"), Charlotte urged her sister to break things off with the Colster. Unfortunately, Charlotte also urged her sister to jilt Colster publicly. Charlotte hadn't realised that in doing so she would be damning her family to scandal so much so that all of society's doors would be closed to them. Now the only way for her to repair things is for her to marry Colster's enemy, Laird MacKenna. Which is why she's off on a journey up north. The last thing Charlotte expected was that she would cross paths with the dreadful Colster, that she would become deeply involved in a mystery involving Colster's family, or that she would find herself perilously attracted to Colster himself...

The plot premise for "In the Bed of a Duke" was a very well done and rather exciting one with almost nonstop action. But, as a result, the slow build to a romance between two characters who, at the start of the book, don't seem to like each other very much, gets lost in the mix. A plot contrivance in the early chapters allows for the couple to indulge in some seamy kisses, and all I could think was that this wasn't very romantic at all. Both Colster and Charlotte fall in lust-love with each other and it just didn't ring true for me. So, even though I enjoyed the entire subplot involving Colster's missing brother and the part Charlotte played in everything, romance-wise, this book could have been better. But I did enjoy "In the Bed of a Duke" and liked both Charlotte and the duke immensely, and so am giving the novel a 3 1/2 to 4 star rating.

Where did the old Cathy Maxwell go? She used to be one of the best Regency romance writers in the genre. Her earlier works were so much better than this one. Yes, plot moves along quickly (too quickly, at some points) and the hero and heroine are likeable, but Maxwell's writing has been "dumbed-down." I think that the Avon editors have really done a disservice to Maxwell. Read some of her earlier books to see the way she can really write. I think it's time she switched publishing houses and allowed her creativity and intelligence to shine through again.

I was really excited for this book to be written, and was left a little disappointed. I had read the other books in this series and thought this would be a great story of conflict and forbidden desire. They were suppose to dislike each other with intensity but that feeling was not well protrayed. In fact they were in each other's arms in the first few chapters. Cathy Maxwell never really explored his relationship with his dead wife enough to explain why he never again planned to wed.
The story wasn't bad but despite the fact that they fell in love so soon in the book, there wasn't much burning romance and desire. Overall it just left me disappointed, Her other works are much better!

A rather improbable premise, involving a long-lost twin, is carried off with flair in this fast and fun read. Charlotte Cameron has become a social pariah in London since she helped her sister to jilt the powerful Duke of Colster, Phillip Maddox (see Maxwell's previous novel, "The Price of Indiscretion".) She has so few friends, due to Phillip's wrath, that she is flattered to be befriended by the sixtyish Laird MacKenna, who tells Charlotte that they have a common enemy in the Duke. MacKenna goes back home to Scotland, but soon invites Charlotte for a visit. She gladly accepts, suspecting that he may offer her marriage. En route to his estate, her carriage stops to pick up a stranded traveler, and it is none other than Phillip! Phillip is in Scotland because he received a note telling him that his twin brother, Justin, who he thought died at birth over thirty years ago, instead was kidnapped by MacKenna, and is now living on his estate. It seems that the MacKennas have an ancient feud with the Maddoxes. Phillip and Charlotte are at first very hostile to one another, as well as suspicious. But there is also a strong undercurrent of attraction between them as they share the confined carriage. It intensifies after they encounter attackers and are forced to escape into the Scottish countryside and spend a night alone together...and their adventure is just beginning.

Both Phillip and Charlotte are lonely, burdened by duty, and emotionally needy. Phillip is responsible for a dukedom, he has no family, his wife died in childbirth, and he has been celibate ever since. He still feels the humiliation of being jilted, even though many months have passed and it was not a love match. Charlotte is parentless, responsible for her younger sister, and guilt-ridden for having moved her sisters from America to England, where they are now despised. At the age of twenty-seven, she wonders if she will ever marry, ever find love. This hapless pair is clearly due some joy and affection...can they overlook their past and find it with each other?

I like this faced-paced story with its death-defying escapes and exhilarating romance. The couple's literally overnight attraction to each other feels genuine in light of their passionate exchanges and vulnerable circumstances. The love scenes are sweet and relatively modest, but the relationship itself is all-consuming, uninhibited, and lots of fun. Charlotte is a straightforward, likeable heroine who behaves smartly in the face of danger, and admirably follows her instincts and her heart. Phillip is endearing in his half-hearted efforts to reject Charlotte as unsuitable duchess material, all the while fantasizing about their life together. I like the story's resolution, which is quick and satisfying, with no silly game playing. It might be helpful, however, to have a few more background details to add depth to the story. The writing is clear-cut and flows easily - not earth-shattering, but very pleasing. Ms. Maxwell's books generally have a "feel-good" quality and leave the reader smiling. This one is no exception.

This is the first Cathy Maxwell book I have ever read, so I can't compare it to her others. But, this was just not a very well-written book, IMO. The characters and their relationship was not adequately developed. There was a lot of action going on in the book, maybe too much for the length of the book. The relationship between the main characters ended up seeming almost a subplot - not what I am looking for in a romance novel.

This is my first Maxwell book. Not bad, but not great either. I agree with some of the other reviews, way too much action in the book and not enough character development. Can someone really go from hate to love in the span of 24hrs? I don't think so, but nevertheless the characters of Phillip and Charolette were very likeable. I just wish Maxwell spent more time with them sparring with eachother instead of melting into eachothers arms almost immediately. That would have made a more interesting story.

The story flows well, but some parts are really never resolved. I'm assuming Maxwell is setting this up for a sequel. Hopefully the sequel will include Constance (last unmarried sister) and maybe Justin (Phillips brother). Justin is by far the best character, funny and direct.

Another problem I had with this book is the writing. I can't put my finger on it, but it seemed slightly lackluster and a bit unpolished, as if this was her first novel. I think I'll try one more by Maxwell to give her the benefit of the doubt, hopefully I'm not dissapointed.

You might want to check out The Devil in Winter by Kleypas and The Viscount Who Loved Me By Quinn for well written regency historicals.

The instant Lust between these two isn't really that far fetched if you read The Price of Indiscretion, as Charlotte (the main character in this book) helped her sister Miranda embarrass/humiliate/etc Phillip the Duke of Colster (the Hero in this book), and as the saying goes, there's a thin line between love and hate.

I enjoyed the book and the character Tavis who I hope gets his own story (but not with the 3rd sister Constance).

The reason why this gets 4 stars is the ending, it was abrupt, after what Phillip went through in The Price of Indiscretion, I would have like to have read what happened when they got back to London after everything that had happened between their two families.

This is my third Maxwell book and, I must say, it wasn't her best. I liked the characters and the plotline, however...

There were, IMHO, far too many typos...left out words, misspelled words, etc. After a while, this really got to me.

My only other complaint with this book, was that I felt the ending to be far too abrupt... One moment everything is going on, and the next...bing, bam, boom...book's over. The last 25 pages are taken up by exerpts from some of Ms. Maxwell's other books. They could have been put to far better use wrapping up her story.

All in all, it was a good read. Quick and fun, a light afternoon read with a story that'll keep you interested.

It had been years since I read a historical romance novel. You know, you think you've outgrown them since college. I picked this up knowing I had a six hour layover in Chicago. I read it in the 6 hours and it kept me entertained the entire time. I agree with the other reviews that the idea of instant love is hard to swallow, but, in any work of fiction you have to be willing to suspend some disbelief. Granted, this work requires a lot. Nonetheless, it is worth a read. It moves very quickly and is completely plot driven. The back stories are almost non-existent, as is description of the characters, scenery, clothes, etc. I kind of liked that though. It let me focus on the story. This book will not improve your knowledge of European history, but it will give you the secret pleasure of hoping love at first sight exists!

Phillip Maddox, the Duke of Closter is the man at the center of a scandel. His bride-to-be has jilted him. Charlotte Cameron is the sister of the intented bride. Due to her sister actions she has been shunned by the Ton. They meet again when Phillip recieves word that his brother is alive. The brother that should have been the Duke. Now the two are running though out Scotland, trying to survive and find out the truth.
"In the Bed of a Duke" is the lastest offering by Cathy Maxwell and its not her best. The plotline seems to a good one, but the whole book seems rushed and not believible. This maybe a book not to read.