Amazon.com: Customer reviews: Cocky Duke: A Hero Club Novel

Reviewed in the United States on May 21, 2020

Cocky Duke
Cocky Hero Club
Annabelle Anders, author

I adore this author and her talent has always astounded me. I've read everything of hers, that's published, and she's never disappointed. However, if, I'm being honest here, I was on the cusp between a 4 and 5 star review. A first for me.....

A challenging task for sure, Ms. Anders took a modern day tale, and made it into a historical tale. A find job she did, too! This story will leave the reader with all the feels; from anger, sadness, disparity, humor, excitement, love to jubilation. The book was broken up into two parts with the first and longer narration, a slow burn affect. While the second part took off at lightning speed.

Two young people, Mrs. Ambrosia "Aubrey" Bloomington, a widow and Lord Cochran Charles "Chance" Bateman, Duke of Chauncey (aka. Mr. Bateman) meet by happenstance, at an Inn while traveling. There is an unequivocal chemistry between the two. However, there is an untruth between them. And this euphemism is the basis for this wonderfully told tale, as they decide to travel together to their ultimate destinations.

The characters, the descriptors of the scenery, to the customs, dress and mannerisms of the time, all were portrayed with excellence. So why, would I consider anything less than a 5 star rating? Simple, that slow burn effect..... I wanted the story-line to move into the next phase already. The chase. The fight. The chance at happiness after so much loss and heartache. Have I peaked your interest yet? Why wait? Get this book now! You won't be sorry! It's a beautiful love story! But wait! While this is definitely a standalone story-line and complete, there is a secondary character that is worthy of their own story. I, for one, am hopeful Ms. Anders writes a story for that character.

I was gifted an advanced reader copy of the book. I choose to leave this review.

6 people found this helpful

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Kari

Great read

Reviewed in the United States on May 26, 2020

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When a man stumbles across his soul mate, only to be separated by circumstances beyond his control, life seams bleak. Chance meets Aubrey and loses his heart. But his life is not his own at the time of their meeting and he must leave her. Can love conquer all? Can a cocky Duke win back his true love? This story is filled with emotion and a great read.

One person found this helpful

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CJ

So good!

Reviewed in the United States on May 23, 2022

Verified Purchase

I really enjoyed this story - dialogue, character development, humor, spice, angst, adventure. Needs better editing, though! I mean, “milk” toast? It’s milque. Lots of little things, but not enough to put me off of loving it. Highly recommended.

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A tale of finding one’s self and love healing all wounds

Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2020

Verified Purchase

When a widow on her way for a new life meets a man who will alters theirs for ever ...

As I had not read the blurb, being a lucky early reader for this book, I had no idea what to expect from this book, except I love the author and there will be a duke in some way.
And not knowing what will happen what just great, often blurbs influence what I expect from a story as I know at sometime in the story this or that will take place, while here, nothing to tell me which way the story will go.

The story begins as a road trip, along which Aubrey and Chance get to know one another.
This journey out of time is their aside free from society’s restrictions to enjoy forbidden moments to treasure when they will part way .
While on their chance encounter, they first mock the other, soon they need each other and it is on the road they discover their attraction is far from a joke.
The tale is introduced from Aubrey’s point of view, when finally free from her widow’s weeds, she leaves her prior life behind in the hope to a better one. She has many expectations but not to encounter a man who will shaken everything she thought. Her abuser of a husband left her with an altered vision of herself, always belittling herself.
With Chance, she slowly emerges from her chrysalis, to throw out the window the old demure Ambrosia, to be Aubrey, the woman with so many dreams.
She will also learn that alas nothing is without cost.
Chance is on the road to fulfill a promise he can’t break, why meeting Aubrey at this time in his life is the worst possible event.
He is a man of honor, still this interlude which should have remained one, is one of a lifetime. They will both be changed forever.

Mrs Annabelle Anders did it again, she paints larger than life characters, they are all multilayered, with incredible depth.
Without at first giving him voice, I knew he struggled, that he wanted more but refrained from acting on it. Something was eating at him, forbidding him to ask for more from Aubrey. When he finally speaks, he is a man devoted to his family, whatever alas it might cost him. He suffered from his deeds and errors but knew he had no other road patterned for him.
Aubrey is an open book, she feels, she laughs, she cries but hurt, she built a wall around herself to protect herself from further pain. Still she can’t change the good soul she is, thus her own battle to avoid hurting the others.

I would give it 10 stars if I could, I was transported with Aubrey, Chance and Mr Dog. I thrilled, was saddened, smiled, was upset or happy. I lived this book through a kaleidoscope of sensations, and love.
I discovered this connected world to Vi Keeland and Penelope Ward’s series, now I need to read the first in this series despite it being a contemporary.

I was granted an advance copy by the author,
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.

4 people found this helpful

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AmazingJ

Wonderful, Entertaining & Romantic

Reviewed in the United States on May 15, 2022

Verified Purchase

It was a good story. I did like the characters although I didn't care for Aubrey's wimpy/sappy character in the beginning. It did turn around after she hadn't seen Chance for over 2 years.
The character of Mr. Cline would have been wonderful if he would have more in the Story.
Chance's character was Wonderful throughout the story including when he was basically begging Aubrey to not only hear him out but to give them a 2nd chance.
I do enjoy reading Annabelle Anders books. I look forward to reading more books by Annabelle.

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Kim Gauger

Period piece but not bad

Reviewed in the United States on August 29, 2021

Verified Purchase

Set in the past way in the past. Good though, I liked knowing contrasts of the different era. Not really my genre of choice but I gave it a shot

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Kindle Customer

Ehh

Reviewed in the United States on May 31, 2020

Verified Purchase

Not one of her better endeavors. I've read quite a few of Annabelle Anders stories. I enjoyed them but this one isn't up to her usual quality. But I will read more.

One person found this helpful

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Estela Reads Romance

Delightfully amooosing.... loved it!!

Reviewed in the United States on May 17, 2020

Starring Ambrosia “Aubrey” Bloomington and Cochran Charles “Chance” Bateman.

It was a total blessing to be given a copy of this beautiful story in way in advance. This was my first Ugly Cry AF of 2020. So much feels, y’all!! I loved every second I spent with Chance and Aubrey... and their road to HEA was delightful, heartbreaking, joyous, and most of all amooosing!!

I love stories where strangers are forced to band together.... where they learn a little about each other and themselves along the way. Aubrey and Chance are two individuals who are thrown together and embark on a road trip filled with hilarious misadventures.

Aubrey is a widow who starts off a little timid and unsure of herself, but she’s determined to start living life on her own terms. She truly blossoms as the book progresses. Chance will pull at your heartstrings. He’s a hero with the whole lotta baggage on his shoulders. He meets Aubrey and falls for her at a not so convenient time in life. So when the stars do align for them... he’s got a whole lotta groveling to do. Totally le sigh!!

This book is interestingly broken into two parts. 1st half is Aubrey’s point of view. 2nd half is all from Chance’s perspective. It actually made this book a little bit more intense not knowing what the other person was feeling and/or thinking. I really enjoyed this format.

I read COCKY BASTARD (by Penelope Ward & Vi Keeland), the book that Annabelle Anders got her inspiration from... and I say she did a fantastic job with her version. Even though COCKY DUKE follows the contemporary storyline, it totally holds its own in this regency retelling. The parts where Annabelle Anders deviates a little from the original plot lines are pure magic... and where I Ugly Cried AF!! I truly love her writing style. Heck, Annabelle Anders could probably rewrite the phone book and we’d all oooh and aah over it. That’s why she’s one of my Keeper Shelf authors.

I received a complimentary copy of this book. I voluntarily review it and the comments are 100% my own.

My star rating: 5 stars x 100!!!
Ugly cried AF. Major book hangover. Characters and storyline were amazing. Made me wanna hug the author for writing a book that gave me all the feels!! Will be re-reading this story over and over and over again!!

3 people found this helpful

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Lorrie

When you find the right person but a secret may keep you apart.

Reviewed in the United States on May 19, 2020

Annabelle Anders has the knack of pulling the back of your head into her story within the first two pages. Astounding!!

This story will not only pull on your heartstrings but will squeeze it until you're sitting on the edge of your seat chewing on your thumb nail. I love her work!!

Aubrey was married to a man who clearly did not know how to treat women, or anybody for that matter. He has passed and she has spent the last year in the company of the brother and his wife awaiting her freedom and that day has finally arrived! She has boarded a carriage on her way to London to start a new life. Pure freedom, a new home, a fresh start, and no husband for her future. She would begin life anew and enjoy the arts that London has to offer. Course, this man outside the window of an inn en-route to London has certainly caught her attention and who knew how much that man would play on her immediate future plans.

Chance was a man of honor and integrity. He's full of mystery and secrets, but his charm was quite appealing and quite infectious. He catches this slip of a woman gawking at him through the window and has decided to have a bit of fun with her. Who knew that a set of circumstances beyond their control would have them traveling together, as new acquaintances....perhaps friends. Perhaps more.

This story will grab your heart from the onset and not let go. I personally found them perfect for each other but had no idea what his secrets were and why it could stop him from loving Aubrey. You'll find out when you read it, because I offer no spoilers. Only know that it's a read worth your time. I was gifted with an ARC and wanted to leave a review.

2 people found this helpful

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ReadingfortheLoveofBooks

The two-character are headstrong and likable from the very start!

Reviewed in the United States on May 24, 2020

I really enjoyed this book and was not aware of the fact that this was a rewrite of the "Cocky Bastard" story plot but set in the 1820s of England. As I have not had the chance to read Cocky Bastard as yet I was unaware of the similarities until the end and reading the Blurb. I do not read the blurbs of book before I read, I love to just jump straight in the book using the Cover, Titel and Author/Series to determine what I read.

The two-character are headstrong and likable from the very start with the plot travelling a nice speed to keep your station and interest to the very last word. Two strangers meet circumstance bring them together for longer than either wished or planned for. But is an instant attraction for them both but both have a very different reason to not take any steps in showing their attraction to the other.

Widow Mrs. Ambrosia Bloomington is travelling to London to start a new life. Aubrey is about two days out from her former home with her driver Mr Daniels when she finds herself without a room in the local Inn and a carriage without working wheels as night falls in the South East of England in the year os 1823.

Mr Charles Cochran Bateman is making his way to Margate where he must be by the end of the week when journey turns tracks and he finds himself the rescuer and the one need rescuing.

The two do not get along at first but both find out they need the help of the other just a much. As the journey progresses they find themselves an adventure together when feeling start to evolve.

Promises are made truths are told, truths are kept but feeling are growing.

Hearts and promises will be broken to enable hearts and promises to be kept.

Will they both find their happy future?

Together or alone?

This was a great read I really enjoyed while it had its drama, excitement, humour and cockiness it was the emotional context that won me over with this story.

One person found this helpful

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5 star		63%
4 star		23%
3 star		8%
2 star		4%
1 star		3%

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