A Diamond for a Duke (Seductive Scoundrels, #1) by Collette Cameron

A Diamond for a Duke (Seductive Scoundrels, #1) Reviews

• 
  Preeti ♥︎ Her Bookshelves

  2.5*
  Short, simplistic, sweet-ish take on a fairy tale.
  I like that the h wasn't too much of a doormat. Had a passive aggressive spine.
• 
  Maria Dariotis

  As always another winner by Collette Cameron!
  Jules is the sixth Duke of Dandridge he never liked balls or participating in the tons frivolity especially since he inherited the dukedom, he has to avoid all the title grasping debutants. He's accosted by Adeline Dament who's a diamond of the ton she's gorgeous but very mean and hides a black heart behind her good looks, she's very determined to become the next Duchess of Dandridge.
  Jemmah is not beautiful like her sister, always in her shadow she's cast on the side with the wallflowers. Her character and spirit is beautiful. Jemmah and Jules had a friendship when they were younger in reality she's always loved him from afar but kept it her hearts secret, a chance meeting with him after so many years haven't changed her feelings. Jemmah knows that she can never have any chance with Jules not when her sister is overshadowing her. Jemmah gets her chance when her Aunt Theodora is tired of seeing Jemmah treated like a servant with castoff clothing, she becomes Jemmah's fairy godmother and gives her a chance for a marriage and family. Jules never forgot his childhood friend and does all he could to protect Jemmah. He sees the beauty in her which shines through making her beautiful in his eyes. The challenge is will Jemmah have enough self esteem to accept that she's worth the love of a good man and deserving of love? Beauty is really in the eye of the beholder you can have a beautiful person with stunning features and their heart and personality is as black as coal the ugliness in them distorts their beauty, as in Adeline's case. Jemmah with regular plain features glowed with beauty because her soul was pure and kind. I loved this twist on Cinderella I enjoyed it so much had my heartstrings doing an emotional twist. Jemmah and Jules rocked their romance!
  
  Collette Cameron has a wonderful story here I highly recommend it I received a complimentary copy from the author for my honest unbiased opinion.
  
  
• 
  Melanie

  Apparently this story is a retelling of Charles Perrault’s classic tale “Toads and Diamonds”, which I’ve never heard of and therefore can’t compare the two. I can tell you that Collette Cameron’s story is heartwarming, poignant and endlessly funny.
  
  I adored Jules and Jemmah and couldn’t wait to see them happy. They both had it hard and definitely deserved their happy ending.
  
  If you love fairy tales and friends to lovers stories, you can’t miss this one. It’s a fast and delightful read with plenty of heart and humor.
  
  Melanie for b2b
  
  Gift copy provided by the author for an honest review
  
• 
  Mahima

  A short Cinderella-ish story.
  Though I don't fathom the cruelty of one's own mother or real sister. Jemmah's mother and sister were exceptionally bad towards her (so bad that I felt pathetic on her behalf). The reason behind was even more weird (coz she looked like her cheating father🙄).
  
  So a fucked up family for both the protagonists.
  They both were lesser loved kids.
  That's why they bonded when they're young.
  
  I must say I expected Collette's writing style to be better than this. It was my first time with her books though I've few more on my e-reader, someday else I'll find out whether all of her books support this kind of vocab and writing pattern.
• 
  Vintage

  Pretty good moral tale novella, but even taking into account it’s a novella it felt incomplete.
  The heroine is a total Cinderella being taken for granted and used like a rag by her horrible mother and sister.
  
  The H, an old friend to the h, is yet another Duke. This one that inherited the Dukedom and is frankly sick of the whole mess. His fiancé died a few years ago, and he doesn’t want the Viper Vixen his family wants as, for starters, he caught her in a compromising position.
  The fairy godmother steps in to rescue the h; the H is smitten, and it’s HEA with some comeuppance for the evil doers.
  
  Characters were mentioned that sounded interesting but we never meet and there’s a whole backstory that seems to be missing plus way, way too much inner dialogue. I think the author wrote three pages between the two of the heroine’s remarks.
  
  Even with all that complaining, I enjoyed what I did read.
• 
  Mariana

  I enjoyed this more than I expected. Both Jules, the Sixth Duke of Dandridge, and Jemmah Dament were kind, smart, and honest. I liked them both tremendously and look forward to reading the rest of the series. Unfortunately, it is long and I own less books than I realized. Since it will cost more than I expected to purchase the remainder, I think I am going to move to my 2023 mad about the series challenge.
• 
  Tracy Emro

  This sweet novella is based on the Fairytale "The Fairies" aka "Diamonds and Toads"
  
  The heroine, Jemmah is the younger sister of Adelinda and daughter to Belinda. Adelinda and Belinda are outwardly beautiful women, yet they are nasty, selfish women in reality. Belinda favors her older daughter who takes after her in both appearance and personality. Both women are verbally abusive to Jemmah and treat her like a servant. Jemmah believes her mother distains her because she takes after her father. Her father passed away while in the arms of his mistress and soon after, Belinda started taking out her unhappiness on Jemmah and opened the door for Adelinda to treat her the same way. The one bright spot in her life was her friendship with Jules.
  
  Jules is now the Duke of Dandridge, but years ago he was simply the often overlooked second son. He and Jemmah shared a special bond, both never quite fitting into their families. When he left for school, he lost touch with her. He has suffered incredible losses, his father, his brother and his betrothed. When a chance meeting reunites them, he is thrilled and immediately knows that she is the woman he has always been looking for. They share a kiss and Jules asks to call on her.
  
  Knowing her mother would never let Jules court her, especially while Adelinda is unwed, she makes plans to meet him at her Aunt's house. Later that evening, she is offered the opportunity to act as companion to her Aunt's mother in law and she will also sponsor Jemmah for the season. She is happy to accept the position and participate in the season. But her mother and sister make a scene and insist that Adelinda should be the one to be sponsored. Aunt Theo steps in and threatens to cut them off if they do not allow Jemmah to be sponsored.
  
  The next day, her mother confronts her and tells her in no uncertain terms that if she doesn't step down and let Adelinda have the position, Jemmah will no longer be welcome in their home.
  
  Jemmah has a kind and sweet soul, but for the first time in her life, she thinks of herself first and leaves. She meets up with Jules at her aunts house and he informs her he intends to court her.
  
  This was a truly sweet and touching story of two overlooked people finding complete happiness with each other. The book is well written, paced perfectly and while I generally prefer a steamier read, I found I did not miss the lack of love scenes in this book (it was kisses only).
  
  I would be happy to recommend this book and look forward to the next book in the series!
  
  *I was gifted a copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review*
  
  
• 
  Cynthia

  I received a review copy of this book.
  
  This was a great retelling of a fairy tale. The secondary characters were well developed and interesting in their own right. The hero and heroine were likable and it was made clear that they were meant to be together.
  
  I enjoyed this story.
• 
  Lesia Chambliss

  A beautiful, sweet fairy tale love story! It also makes me think of this famous line from a movie, "Nobody puts Baby in a corner". Collette Cameron uses her special touch to bring two lost souls together. Jules, the new Duke of Dandridge and sweet Jemma from his childhood, both are hiding themselves away from the revelers at the dowagers ball, neither wanting to be there, but they promised they dowager. You will just have to read this book to see what mischief is up. I promise you won't be disappointed!
  I received this book and chose to give my honest opinion of.
• 
  Linda Rutland

  This retold Toads and Diamond fairy tale of a Cinderella type character was a good read. Miss Jemmah Dament is the younger sister in her family and since her fathers death, she has been little more than a house servant for her mother and older sister. Jules, the Duke of Danridge is the Godson of Theodora, Viscountess Lockhart. The Viscountess is also the aunt to the Dament sisters. It is time for the Duke to wed and produce heirs and his mother and uncles are pushing every eligible lady his way. Between the Viscountess and her mother the Dowager Lockhart they begin to do a little matchmaking themselves while also rescuing their neglected and abused niece Jemmah from her mother's clutches. There is no glass slipper or horse drawn carriage to disappear at midnight, but a tender love story when these two childhood friends are drawn together actually make their own destiny rather than meeting the demands of others on their futures.
• 
  Donna

  This is a sweet novella based on the French fairytale known as Diamonds and Toads or vice versa. Jemma Dament is treated like a servant by her widowed mother and sister. She is sweet tempered and doesn’t complain. Her Aunt Theo is the one person who really loves her. While hiding out at Theo’s birthday ball she is discovered by a childhood friend, Jules, who is now a Duke. They rekindle their friendship and agree to meet at Theo’s for tea the next day.
  
  Theo’s mother-in-law, the Dowager Lady Lockhart, offers Jemma a job as her companion. As such, she will be able to have nice clothes and attend ton events. The offer infuriates her mother and she is thrown out of their house. She moves in with Lady Lockhart and Aunt Theo and Jules starts courting her. Yes, there is a HEA but I won’t spoil your pleasure in reading it. Thank you, Collette, for allowing me this ARC. Release date is Monday, 7/24.
  
• 
  Anissa

  A Novella loosely based off the fairytale Le Fees or The Fairies! The Duke of Dandridge, Jules was a second son who was ignored by his mother. He spent many a days playing with childhood friend Jemmah who is also a second born. Her mother ignores and treats her as a servant bestowing all her love and money on her firstborn Adelina. Adelina is quite selfish and very mean. Now that Jules is Duke his mother and Uncles want him to do his duty and marry. His godmother Viscountess Theodora Lockhart decides to "sponsor" Jemmah since her mother will only give her castoffs, which of course angers both sister and mother. Jules takes care of his niece and decides to marry Jemmah. Adelina decides to get herself in some trouble which now leaves mother alone and ill...Jules and Jemmah live happily ever after of course.
• 
  April

  A Diamond for a Duke by Collette Cameron is a delightful Regency Romance. A novella based loosely on Jean Perreault's classic fairytale, "Toads and Diamonds". This is a sweet romance with plenty of humor to satifisy your funny bone. The cast of characters are enjoyable and charming. You can't help but fall in love Jules and Jemmah. The storyline flows seemingly and was well executed. The plot, while, serious, (mental abuse), there are laugh out loud moments.
  Once again, Collette Cameron has written another hit, that will keep you glued to the pages as you follow Jemmah and Jules on their journey of a lifetime, as they find their way to a HEA.
  Another keeper and and must read!
  I received a complimentary copy. All opinions are my own.
  
  
  Rating: 5
  Heat rating: Sweet
  Reviewed by: AprilR
• 
  Lori D

  This was a fairytale with all the magic woven throughout the pages. Complete with the mistreated younger daughter, Miss Jemma Dament and her Prince Charming, Jules, the Duke of Dandridge. The story contains some enchanted dialogue that will make you smile as the reader but make you sad at the plight Jemma has endured all her life. Jules has stepped back into society only for the sake of his godmother, Viscountess Theo Lockhart's birthday. Theo is Jenna's aunt and Jemma attends only to help her mother and older sister of the need anything, their virtual slave. When Jules runs across Jemma who he has not seen in a few years, the magic begins. Miss Cameron is an excellent story teller and always brings her characters to life. This tale will not disappoint you but make you want more!!
• 
  Kimberly Westrope

  A Diamond for a Duke is the first book in Collette Cameron's new Seductive Scoundrel series, but it is a stand alone story. This is such a sweet story. I absolutely adore the hero/heroine, as I share their aversion to large social engagements. They are both strong characters, though, when it comes to getting what they want. Not even the evil mother and sister can stop them from finding their happiness.
  
  The secondary characters, as is customary with Ms. Cameron's stories, are very vibrant and endearing, and lend much to the development of the story. I particularly liked the matchmaking dowagers and the duke's two teasing friends. All of the characters came alive for me and seemed very real. All in all, one of this author's best to date.
• 
  Christine Woinich

  I enjoyed reading this story. Jemmah had a hard upbringing, being made to feel less than the lady she is. Jules sees a beautiful woman and must have her. With all the tricks, slander, and such going on around them, Jemmah and Jules find their way to each other. The journey is an interesting one, and I did not want to stop reading. I look forward to more from Collette Cameron.
  
  I received a copy of this story as a gift, and this is my unsolicited review.
• 
  Joann Maggio

  A Diamond for a Duke ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️by Collette Cameron
  
  Jules, the Sixth Duke of Dandridge, has had his fill of society. His preference is the countryside. He loved once at a young age and has since sworn of marriage. His uncles and aunts constantly prompt him to marry. Ton mamas throw their daughters at him.
  
  It is at one of these overbearing events, as Jules is dashing away from a young lady that he comes upon Jemmah Dament his childhood friend and childhood confidant. They were the best of friends. Jules finds her asleep on one of the library settees. As she awakens, she also awakens Jules desires for her. Jemmah has loved Jules from afar for many years but always believing he was far to above her station.
  
  Jemmah' meddling mother, of course, wishes for Jules to make a match with her older sister. Both her mother and sister have treated Jemmah harshly she has been neglected and ignored by them. Jules, however, thumbs his nose at society and pledges his love for her.
  
  This is truly a Cinderella/Prince charming novel. Ms Cameron carefully developed her characters and pulls at your heart strings rooting for them to make it. I enjoy this book from beginning to end. I would highly recommend it.
• 
  Shawna Wood (A Girl and Her Books)

  Collette has written a charming and cute novella that is perfect escapism for an hour or tow. if you love fairytales you will want to pick up Jules and Jemmah story!
  
  Jules and Jemmah had not had an easy life. Both were scorned by family and deemed the unworthy child. There childhood lacked love, support and kindness and neither believes life can hold anything but disappointment. The only bright spot was their childhood friendship. When they reconnect after years apart, they finally find what has been missing but being together will be no easy task.
  
  Good thing we have two meddling women and some trouble-making friends! I loved the side characters that Collette created in this story. I just adored the Dowager and Viscountess Lockhart! they are two ladies who will not anyone stand in their way of the matchmaking machinations.
  
  We also have to talk about Pennington and Sutcliffe! Every time they walked on the page I was all smiles and laughter! These fun loving rogues were a blast and can't wait to meet the ladies who will turn their worlds upside down.
  
  
  *********received a review copy from the author************
• 
  Jonel

  Short, sweet, and pricelessly comical. That is exactly how I'd describe this tale. Cameron has mastered the art of lighthearted romance. She took me on a preciously romantic journey as her characters reconnected with each other. This world was built in such a manner that I could easily picture it but could also allow my imagination run away with me. As an author, she easily transports her readers back in time, without bogging them down with the minutiae.
  
  I loved the fact that these characters were genuinely nice people and that there was more to their relationship than simply chemistry. The realism behind them was fantastic. These were the perfect individuals to lead this character-centric story forward. The romance is intertwined with the everyday lives of the individuals that I came to love.
  
  As a whole this was a fantastic light read that I wouldn't hesitate to read again, or to recommend to others.
• 
  Dottie

  
  This is a review for Collette Cameron's contribution to this set, "A Diamond for a Duke." It's a retelling of the classic story "Toads and Diamonds". As in the original version there are two sisters, Adelina and Jemmah, one whom the mother shows her favor toward though she's spoiled and heartless. The other, our heroine, is the embodiment of kindness even though she's had a rough life. Jemmah is banished from her home after she's offered a position with a wealthy benefactress and does not throw it to her elder sister. Then we have Jules, the Duke of Dandridge... Jemmah's Knight in shining armor. The man who will change her life forever.
  Collette Cameron has done a marvelous job retelling Charles Perrault's classic tale! Bravo!
• 
  Dee Deacon Foster

  Destined to live a life at her mother and sister’s beck and call, Jemmah Dament both loves and hates the times she is allowed to attend society’s functions. She keeps her desire for love and a different life in check until one magical night.
  
  Jules, Duke of Dandridge, has loved and lost. Knowing he must do right by the title he’s become the debutante momma’s dream. Seeking refuge from a particularly trying society event he stumbles upon a an unpretentious stunning beauty. Has he found his perfect mate? Can he convince her she’s a true diamond?
  
  An evil mother, wicked sister, two delightful fairy godmothers, a handsome duke, with a few toads tossed in and you have a wickedly delightful tale by Collette Cameron. A tale that showcases Ms. Cameron’s wit with such phrases as “saucy astute old bird”; “thundering hippopotamus’’s hooves”; and “blisters and bollocks”.
  
• 
  Teri Donaldson

  Another wonderful book by Collette Cameron has downloaded on my Kindle. I loved it!
  Jemmah is such a sweet girl with a mean mama and sister. They treated Jemmah as Cinderella had once been treated. Thank goodness for a fairy godmother named Lady Lockhart, a Prince Charming named Jules and Aunt Theo.
  Jules and Jemmah were once childhood friends. Being at his Aunt's birthday ball was not a place he wanted to be until he reconnected with Jemmah. Suddenly, attending that ball which included one waltz and one toe curling kiss, was a decision that would change his life forever.
  Ms. Cameron gives us characters that we care about and those that we don't, keep the story interesting. You will find yourself cheering for Jemmah and Jules and hoping that they can find forever happiness.
  While a shorter read, this story will melt your heart!
• 
  Clarissa Boggs

  What a beautiful story. I loves Jules and Jemmahs story. Jemmahs story was a bit sad, treated no less than a slave and pauper to her sour momma and shrew of a sister. Being second born and cast aside in favor of her sister in all regards including upkeep of her clothing,poor thing. I was quite surprised she wasn't a tad bitter about it which made me love her character even more.Jules a Duke and friend of Jemmah since childhood was simply superb and complemented Jemmah perfectly. He could see she needed rescued and was her knight on a white horse. I love a good friends to lovers story and this sure fit the bill with me. A good and sweet five star read .
  
  *** I have been gifted a copy for my honest opinion****
• 
  Bev Ross

  this was such a good book! I felt so bad for Jemma it was basically a twist on Cinderella but it was her real family treating her so badly! I was so happy to see people intervene and help her get something good out of life for once! Jules was such a good character! his fear of being hurt drove him for so long and earned him his reputation for being basically an ass! at least as much as he could get by with when the answer to his happiness was right in front of him all along!! all he had to do was open his eyes! another great story by Collette Cameron! she always delivers wonderfully entertaining romantic stories!
• 
  Petula

  Jules, the Duke of Dandridge is trying to avoid all the predatory mama and their daughters. A short while ago none of them would gave even glanced at him. They are all only interested in his title. Some are much more persistent then others.
  Miss Jemmah Dament is a bit of a Cinderella type character. Her mother and older sister bully her and treat her no better than a servant. When someone offers her a way out she jumps at it.
  A short and sweet love story with interesting characters, but no great surprises.
  An enjoyable light read.