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Kathleen Ayers
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The Design of Dukes (The Beautiful Barringtons Book 2) Kindle Edition

by Kathleen Ayers (Author) Format: Kindle Edition
4.6 out of 5 stars 4,274 ratings

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.

The Design of Dukes is steamy historical romance with a guaranteed happily ever after and next in the series The Beautiful Barringtons.

The Study of a Rake

The Theory of Earls

The Design of Dukes

The Marquess Method (Coming Soon)

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  1. Book 2 of 9
    The Beautiful Barringtons
  2. Print length
    306 pages
  3. Language
    English
  4. Publication date
    April 1, 2021
  5. File size
    3.7 MB
  6. Page Flip
    Enabled
  7. Word Wise
    Enabled
  8. Enhanced typesetting
    Enabled
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  1. “I would be forever cold without you, Andromeda. Denied the warmth of the sun for the remainder of my days.”
    Highlighted by 86 Kindle readers
  2. If he must accept all of Andromeda, and David meant to, then she must accept all of him.
    Highlighted by 64 Kindle readers
  3. “Do not allow your father to dictate your future, Lucy. Neither who you are nor who you wish to be. Your life and choices are your own.”
    Highlighted by 54 Kindle readers
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Product details

  • ASIN ‏ : ‎ B08WSF6S8C
  • Publisher ‏ : ‎ Kathleen Ayers (April 1, 2021)
  • Publication date ‏ : ‎ April 1, 2021
  • Language ‏ : ‎ English
  • File size ‏ : ‎ 3.7 MB
  • Text-to-Speech ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Screen Reader ‏ : ‎ Supported
  • Enhanced typesetting ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • X-Ray ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Word Wise ‏ : ‎ Enabled
  • Print length ‏ : ‎ 306 pages
  • Page numbers source ISBN ‏ : ‎ B0924124H2
  • Customer Reviews:
    4.6 out of 5 stars 4,274 ratings

About the author

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Kathleen Ayers

Kathleen Ayers

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Kathleen Ayers has been a hopeful romantic since the tender age of fourteen when she first purchased a copy of Sweet Savage Love at a garage sale while her mother was looking at antique animal planters. Since then she’s read hundreds of historical romances and fallen in love dozens of times. In particular, she adores handsome, slightly damaged men with a wicked sense of humor. On paper, of course.

Kathleen lives in Houston and is married with one college-aged son and two very spoiled dogs.

She loves hearing from readers! Drop her an email at kayersauthor@gmail.com or join her newsletter at www.kathleenayers.com

Customer reviews

4.6 out of 5 stars
4,274 global ratings

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Customers say

Customers find this historical romance book to be a definite must-read series, praising its witty dialogue and exciting enemies-to-lovers plot. The book features strong-willed characters, with one review noting how the author flawlessly handles character behavior changes, while another highlights the heroine's unwavering self-worth. Customers appreciate the book's emotional depth and clever humor, with one mentioning laughing out loud several times while reading.

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39 customers mention "Readability"39 positive0 negative

Customers find the book highly readable and enjoyable, describing it as a definite must-read series with great banter.

"...An enjoyable read" Read more

"...I have fallen in live with this series, an amazing read!" Read more

"...is well plotted and the characters entertaining, a house party with all the subplots expected. A fun read." Read more

"David & Romy This is a good read and different because it deals with h and her vocation to designing dresses for a modiste...." Read more

37 customers mention "Story quality"37 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy this delightful historical romance, describing it as an exciting love story with life and passion, and one customer highlights the spicy love scenes as an added bonus.

"...A beautiful love story that overcomes a lifetime of pain and allows David to be the carefree young man he was destined to be - with the love he has..." Read more

"...But a sweet heart and a clever mind are her weapons of choice...." Read more

"...very distinctive individuals that develop into passionate, all-encompassing lovers. The story is isolated; it takes place at a house party...." Read more

"The story is well plotted and the characters entertaining, a house party with all the subplots expected. A fun read." Read more

27 customers mention "Character development"25 positive2 negative

Customers appreciate the character development in the book, particularly the great heroine, and one customer notes how the author flawlessly handles character nuances in behavior changes.

"...I can not wait for the next to come, Haven is such a so full of promise anti hero, I just hope Theo will regain some semblance of wits after..." Read more

"...The characters and their situation were organic. In layman’s terms, the whole plot just felt right...." Read more

"The story is well plotted and the characters entertaining, a house party with all the subplots expected. A fun read." Read more

"I admire Kathleen Ayers' work in general for her deft pacing, likable characters and just the right amount of heat; The Design of Dukes met all..." Read more

16 customers mention "Writing quality"16 positive0 negative

Customers praise the writing quality of the book, with one customer highlighting the heartfelt dialogue and another noting how the author effectively conveys characters' emotions.

"...Very well written. Highly recommended." Read more

"...Witty and heartfelt dialogue, endearing them to us lucky readers. On to the next one!" Read more

"...She was ambitious, kind, yet very strong-willed. I just really liked her POV chapters, usually I love when a book has both the heroine and hero POV..." Read more

"I love the writing, the characters, and the steamy sensuality between the H and h. The hero is a hard man to like, but like him I did...." Read more

9 customers mention "Emotional content"9 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the emotional depth of the book, with one customer highlighting the protagonist's fight to be accepted for herself and another noting her loyalty to her family.

"...heroine is the daughter of a Duke, raised on a very eccentric and loving family...." Read more

"...She is a kind soul with a smart mind and while it is fashion oriented, with her guidance, she offers other people a balm to their uncertainties...." Read more

"...Romy is such a strong female and she sticks to her feelings. She doesn't do what is expected what the ton does, but is her own person...." Read more

"...the story touched my heart. Great characters, with depth and emotion. The romance in this one was steamy!..." Read more

8 customers mention "Humor"8 positive0 negative

Customers enjoy the book's clever humor and witty dialogue, with one customer mentioning they laughed out loud several times while reading.

"...Witty and heartfelt dialogue, endearing them to us lucky readers. On to the next one!" Read more

"I loved everything about this book. I laughed out loud several times. Very romantic. I would definitely recommend this book." Read more

"...It was an emotional romance written in a witty style that often made me laugh -- like when the icy Duke finally asked a footman for his name...." Read more

"...And so begins a delightful historical romance filled with sparkling dialogue, heart-pounding love scenes, and a very happy ending...." Read more

8 customers mention "Strength"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the character's strength, describing her as very strong-willed and well-crafted.

"...As with the rest of the novel, it is well-crafted. It pushes the novel along without being over or under-done...." Read more

"...She was ambitious, kind, yet very strong-willed...." Read more

"...And a very confident one at that!! She manages to bring David over to her ways. It isn't easy but makes for a very interesting story...." Read more

"...She is clever, silver-tongued, and can hold her own under most circumstances...." Read more

8 customers mention "Talent"8 positive0 negative

Customers appreciate the author's talent as a designer, particularly in creating beautiful dresses, with one customer noting the fantastic Beautiful Barringtons series.

"...Andromeda is a talented designer and loves fashion...." Read more

"...Book 2 in The Beautiful Barringtons series was fantastic. It can be read as a standalone, but I think you’ll want to read all of them...." Read more

"I’m really loving the beautiful Barrington!..." Read more

"...utterly irresistible, and Lady Andromeda Barrington, who is brainy, beautiful, and determined to live life on her own terms...." Read more

Top reviews from the United States

  • Animal Lover
    5.0 out of 5 stars TRUE LOVE ACCEPTS THE WHOLE YOU
    Reviewed in the United States on August 12, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    David Warburton, Duke of Granby, had it drilled into him from an early age of the importance of blood lines. His father had a weakness for a beautiful woman and married her - he lived not only to regret it, but made everyone's life a misery. The insults to his wife always with an audience became unbearable and she left him when David was about 10. so he lost the only person who loved him. His father continued to inflict his cruel views on his only son that they were better and entitled. If David was kind in deed or word to a servant he was physically beat and the servant fired. David finally had enough and ran to Italy where he could be himself . He only came home when his father suffered a stroke. And from his deathbed he continued his assault on David of his responsibilities and obligations as a duke.
    When David attends a ball and becomes acquainted with very beautiful Lady Andromeda Barrington, whose family is the exact opposite - loving, kind and compassionate to all and given the freedom to be their best. That includes her brother, the current Duke of Averell, who is part owner of a gaming hell along with their illegitimate half brother Leo who runs it. Andromeda's parents were deeply in love and her father, an infamous rake until he married her mother, now dead, cared little for society gossip and more about his children. Andromeda is a talented designer and loves fashion. When she explains to David his jacket is too short, they start trading insults - for no one has ever attempted to correct him in word or deed. Even though she is the daughter and sister of a duke, David is very familiar with the stains on her family tree and is shocked that he still feels a deep attraction to her. His plan is to marry another, with a perfect blood line, who would never dare to contradict or correct him in any way. He finally decides he must have her and deliberately compromises her so she has no choice. But David thought to keep her away from her tainted family and expected her to be grateful he is willing to overlook her failings. Horrified that she has fallen in love with such a man, she has no choice but to face ruin for she will never give up her family or be ashamed of them. David learns the true meaning of love and must rid himself of the poison that has been a part of his life until now. A beautiful love story that overcomes a lifetime of pain and allows David to be the carefree young man he was destined to be - with the love he has for Andromeda, all of her as she loves him wholly! A gem!!
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  • Kindle Customer
    4.0 out of 5 stars Nice 1840s romance
    Reviewed in the United States on August 27, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    The heroine is the daughter of a Duke, raised on a very eccentric and loving family. The hero is a Duke raised by a horrible father who made him stuck up. The attraction is there from the beginning but he had to work on his prejudices before she can accept him. An enjoyable read
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  • Élodie Nicoli
    5.0 out of 5 stars Let go of the past ...
    Reviewed in the United States on April 1, 2021
    Verified Purchase
    Will two people everything oppose find a common understanding...

    Oh my!
    I just loved this book!
    Romy is such a great heroine, no badass amazon nor shrew chewing and spitting men at every turn. But a sweet heart and a clever mind are her weapons of choice.
    She follows her dreams, she adapts her steps to the world surrounding her and she is first of all loyal to her family. They come first, even if she is not blind to their faults.
    She is a kind soul with a smart mind and while it is fashion oriented, with her guidance, she offers other people a balm to their uncertainties.
    It might appear vain or flighty to be so fond of appearance, but by helping some misses or ladies to find the right style, she offers their ego a boost, very necessary when you are damned a wallflower or spinster in the lenses of her world.
    This is the form of art that lives inside her heart, it makes it sing and provides her with hours of joy.
    David is a damaged man, broken by a painful betrayal in his youth and the many abuses of a bitter and cold father.
    Even if his sire did not beat the life out of him, his words and deeds left a deep imprint in his mind. So much, it is like it has been tattooed in his skin.
    Breeding and appearance are all that count.
    Then why does the little termagant, who is the living proof his father was right, have taken hold of his thoughts and body. He can’t shake her out of his system.
    Yet she is so wrong for him with her sharp tongue, scandal filled family and low born mother.
    Their non-wooing is quite a merry chase. Despite being drawn to one another, they try to avoid one another but the pull is too strong and more oft than less David is seeking her presence.
    She has become a fixture for him, but he also can not let pass her unsuitability. Why after kissing her senseless, he throws at her head, their incompatibility because of her family’s many flaws. He requires perfection, they are rotten goods.

    At a time in the story, I wondered what groveling he would have to do to redeem his hurtful words and painful actions.
    He is like a Mr Darcy mixed with Lady De Bourgh.
    All dry sarcasms and haughty expectations when his inner soul is shaken to the core by her mere closeness.
    He battles with himself for most of story, unable to keep his distances but also so set on his path.

    And with Romy, he has found the right opponent, she will never be swayed even by lovely words if they are not meant. She does not compromise and wants to be accepted in all her entirety. Better be alone than to live half a life.

    With this second book in this series, the author has established a wondrous legacy for the next to come. Her characters are fleshy and flawed, we root for them, cheer them or get upset for or at them.
    I can not wait for the next to come, Haven is such a so full of promise anti hero, I just hope Theo will regain some semblance of wits after loosing most of them by bumping into objets and people.
    A big fat 5 stars.

    𝗦𝘁𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗹𝗲𝘃𝗲𝗹 hot hot hot
    19 people found this helpful
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Top reviews from other countries

  • Shiona Jarchow
    5.0 out of 5 stars An enjoyable read
    Reviewed in India on May 9, 2024
    Verified Purchase
    I liked how the characters had flaws but were able to overcome them. It made them more believable
    Can't wait to read the next book in the series.
    Report
  • Christina M
    5.0 out of 5 stars Very enjoyable HEA
    Reviewed in Australia on August 18, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    This enemies to lovers HEA is very enjoyable. The icy duke meets his match with the glorious Lady Romy, a woman who has a hot temper. The banter between them is enjoyable and the story is hot.
    Report
  • Fernando
    4.0 out of 5 stars Very nice
    Reviewed in France on July 8, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    I keep going back to read Kathleen Ayers books..think Ive already read this🤔 one, but re read it again and enjoyed it! Will read thé next one in the séries for sure. Good reading stuff really. Thanks
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  • Laura
    5.0 out of 5 stars so good!
    Reviewed in Italy on May 1, 2022
    Verified Purchase
    So well written! The attraction between Andromeda and the Duke of Granby is so involving, you feel their struggle fighting it.
    I love this series too!
    Report
  • DD
    5.0 out of 5 stars Great Series
    Reviewed in the United Kingdom on August 20, 2023
    Verified Purchase
    I love this series. The Barrington family are great with all of their eccentricities. An interesting hero and it was good seeing his transformation. Nice building romance and feisty banter between the leads. Easy to read and recommended.
    Report

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