In the Bed of a Duke

Phillip Maddox, the Duke of Colster, is headed to Scotland to confront Laird MacKenna, who he believes has his twin brother Justin. Phillip has never met his brother; he thought he died in childbirth. Along the way, in need of assistance, Phillip stops a traveling coach and gets a ride. When he steps into the coach Charlotte Cameron is seated within. Charlotte is the sister of Miranda Cameron. Miranda jilted Phillip at their betrothal ball with the encouragement of her sister Charlotte. When Phillip discovers that Charlotte is traveling to MacKenna's as well, he is furious thinking she may be in league with him. Charlotte is stunned and angry to be riding with Phillip. When he throws himself onto her seeking answers, the fine line they tread between hatred and desire is breached and they share a passionate kiss. Upon reaching an inn for the night Charlotte and Phillip realize quickly that trouble is brewing. They manage to escape danger and hide out in the forest, where Charlotte soon discovers why Phillip is going to MacKenna. Phillip decides to seduce Charlotte into keeping his secret. Charlotte's feelings for Phillip intensify. When they are once again thrown in danger, Phillip realizes that his feelings for Charlotte go much deeper than he imagined they would, but his station prevents him from doing what his heart desires. When they are taken to MacKenna's castle, Phillip now understands that he has been brought there for a reason that has more to do with his ancestors and less to do with him. Representing his family, he is made to pay the price. In the end, Phillip will have to risk it all if he wants to be with the woman he has come to love. In The Bed Of A Duke is excellent. The story is intriguing and the love affair between Charlotte and Phillip is passionate and heartwarming. The unique bond they share is beautiful. Although Charlotte and Phillip's story is wonderful, so much is yet to be resolved. I only hope there is not a terribly long wait for the next part of this saga to be released! Nannette Reviewed for Joyfully Reviewed

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!

In the Bed of a Duke by Cathy Maxwell is historical romance novel with mix of danger, romance and humor. Charlotte Cameron and Duke of Colster hate each other but find themselves on the road to Scotland. While on their adventure they face possible murder, lies and great romance. I am off to read the rest of series.

"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.

In 1807 London, Duke Phillip Maddox blames Charlotte Cameron for her sister, his fianc?e, jilting him at their betrothal ball. However, he learns that his older twin brother Justin, who died in childbirth, actually is alive. He was kidnapped by Laird MacKenna and was raised in the Highlands. Philip needs to know the truth. Charlotte travels by coach in a storm to see MacKenna who she met when he introduced himself by saying they share a common enemy. She sees a man needing a ride, but when he enters the carriage, Charlotte and Phillip recognize one another. They argue and soon physically fight. He suddenly kisses her and both lose control. Forced to flee an angry mob, they stop and make love. The next day eight Highlanders capture them and take them to MacKenna who has raised an army to free Scotland from the absentee lords that are selling out the land from underneath the long time tenant farmers. Mackenna's sister claims Judicium Dei, the judgment of God and selects Tavis as her champion to battle Phillip to the death. As they battle, Phillip knows he loves Charlotte. This sequel to Cathy Maxwell's superb THE PRICE OF INDISCRETION is a superb Regency because the fine lead couple who were key secondary players in the previous tale deftly change from enemy to beloved. The strong support cast adds depth to this tense historical suspense. Though the escape from the villain who has plotted for years seems too easy, fans will appreciate this terrific early nineteenth century thriller. Harriet Klausner