The Design of Dukes

The Beautiful Barringtons, Book 2

By: Kathleen Ayers

Narrated by: Stevie Zimmerman

Lady Andromeda Barrington is the most unsuitable young lady in London.

At least in the Duke of Granby’s opinion.

Granby doesn’t care for bastard relatives or tainted pedigrees and Andromeda possesses both. Nor does he like opinionated young ladies who enjoy hurling insults in his direction.

Andromeda is, in short, the most annoying creature he’s ever met.

When she arrives, uninvited, to a house party given at his estate, Granby can’t decide whether to kiss Andromeda senseless or send her packing.

Andromeda is the victim of infatuation and bad luck.

The infatuation is that of her sister for the Earl of Blythe, but the misfortune belongs solely to Andromeda after she is forced to attend a house party hosted by the Duke of Granby. She and the duke are previously, unpleasantly, acquainted. The entire party is bound to be awkward, and their mutual dislike difficult to hide. Her only recourse is to avoid the giant block of ice masquerading as a duke. Thankfully, Granby’s estate is enormous.

But instead of mutual hostility upon arriving, Romy is greeted with unexpected attraction. Insults turn into flirtation. Heated discussions become lingering kisses.

Her heart is ruined. Granby may not even have one.

And the duke has already chosen another young lady to be his duchess.

©2021 Kathleen Ayers (P)2022 Kathleen Ayers

Just the Right Amount of Everything

Thoroughly enjoyed this story. I normally don't like an enemies to lovers trope but this struck a good balance with just the right amount of banter, steamy scenes, angst, and the couple had to work through real issues and their past to come together. Despite the angst, what I liked was that it did not take too long for either to recognize they liked/loved each other, just moreso reconciling that with other's expectations. The performance was good as it was for the first book. I look forward to the next in the series.

Beautiful

I loved this story!!! Full of push and pull…. Please read immediately. I love the Barringtons…

Overcoming childhood issues

I really liked the book. I am somewhat surprised how effectively some of these romance novels handle family and childhood issues and trauma. However, I probably won’t listen to anymore of the series because they are like snapshots and I prefer a saga. Maybe later I will come back to the Barrington, but I am done for now.

Stevie Zimmerman rocks! (I am running out of superlatives to describe her excellence.)

TOO MUCH ANGST!!

AUDIBLE NARRATION WAS EXCELLENT!!

I liked the banter between David Warbarton, Duke of Grandy and Lady Andromeda/Romy Barrington.

I just wish there was more romance between the couple and less angst!! They don't get together until the very end of the story. Also, the story has an abrupt ending!!
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