2nd read- I read these first two novellas in the Windham series, and then read all their children's books. And I liked these two as well as or more than all the rest. There's a sweet quality to them, but this one is also humorous in a witty sort of way. I gave it 4 stars the first time around, but I'm going to go ahead and bump it up to 5. I smiled a lot while reading it and really enjoyed it even a second time. ( )

A fast Novella to tell the beginning of Burrowes' Windham family. Light and fluffy like a meringue, and leaving me with a taste for something more substantial. ( )

4.5 stars The courtship primarily takes place in a house party, where Lord Percival Windham is among the most eligible bachelors, and Miss Esther Himmelfarb is a poor relation invited at the last minute, to fill out the numbers.

What I especially like about this novella:

1) The ridiculous names like Esther Himmelfarb, Gladys Holsopple.

2) The cattiness among the contenders for the attentions of Lord Percy, and the other Lords. Hello, Mean Girls, Regency version!

3) The witty nicknames, such as My Lady Hair Bows, Lady Needmore (for Needham), Sir Weasel.

So much about this novella was funny, such as the phrase, “Her Grace looming over the marriage with the calendar in one hand and a receiving blanket in the other...”

What I didn’t like about this novella:

1) The gambling male cousin subplot for Esther doesn’t quite seem strong enough.

2) Esther’s request for kissing lessons come something out of the blue. She goes from playing whist and being relatively subservient to, “Swive me now!”

3) The misplaced message seems a bit contrived.

All in all, still a delight, and a quick, fun read. Those who've read the other Duke series novels by Ms. Burrowes will enjoy, and those who haven't, will probably still enjoy. ( )

A prequel novella about the courtship of the Duke and Duchess of Windham. At an excruciating house party, Lord Percival, not yet the Duke of Windham but merely the spare, second in line after his ailing brother Peter, decides to court the beautiful and set-upon Esther Himmelfarb. Esther, who is at the party merely to keep an eye on her cousin Michael, has spent the time so far dodging the dubious attentions of Sir Jasper. Lord Percival comes as a huge relief. A charming look at the process of falling in love.

The characterizations are rich and believable, and the conflicts arise naturally out of the situations and personalities. Wonderful as always. ( )

Here we find out how His Grace and Her Grace meet and fall in love. As usual, with novellas, everything seemed too fast, but I enjoyed this prequel, plus the Georgian setting is one of my favorites! ( )