Ignored & Treasured – The Duke’s Bookish Bride (Prequel)

A bookish lady. A reticent duke.
And a heart-shattering misunderstanding.

After having been overlooked as the bookish sister all her life, LADY HELEN, eldest daughter to the Earl of Hargreaves, finds herself swept into a fairy tale romance when she encounters a reticent stranger at a ball. Like herself, he seemed to have retreated from the hustle bustle of the crowded ballroom in order to find solitude.

However, when their eyes meet, it is as though their souls recognise one another as kindred spirits.

In order to placate his mother, who sternly orders him to finally choose a bride, ALEXANDER ASTOR, DUKE OF KENSINGTON, begrudgingly attends two or three balls a season, always retreating from the crowded noise once he deems his social obligations fulfilled. However, one night, a young lady stumbles upon his hiding place, and before Alexander knows what is happening, her enchanting smile and intelligent, bright eyes awaken his heart from its deep slumber.

Can there be a happily-ever-after for a bookish lady and a reticent duke?

 

Where to buy:

Available with Kindle Unlimited!

Love’s Second Chance Series: Tales of Lords & Ladies

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58 Comments

  1. I LOVED IT. Two love stories rolled into one, what’s not to love about that. Not only read of two sisters who their happily ever after but you also read of a bond between two sisters that make you want that too. Beautifully written like all her other books.
    I reviewed this as an advanced copy and I give my honest review without pressure. What not to love about this book, everyone needs to read it. Well done yet again

  2. Loved this. A short story, (a pity) I would have enjoyed a longer read. I have enjoyed every one of Bree Wolf’s books that I have read and this was no exception.

  3. A LOVELY PREQUEL TO ONE OF MY FAVORITE SERIES…FIVE STARS…

    Lady Helen prefers a book to a ball, but meets a stranger when she tries to find a hiding place. Alexander Astor, Duke Kensington, avoids balls whenever he can. One night he meets Helen in a hiding place at a ball. What will happen next?

    I Highly Recommend this prequel to Book 1 of ‘Love’s Second Chance’ Series, which gives us insight into how this terrific series began. It is one of my favorite series ever…

  4. A beautiful story of a bookish heroine and a duke who prefers his own company. The almost Shakespearean plot line of mistaken identity is funny and heartwarming. I loved the characters and it is a lovely introduction to a brilliant series.

  5. Love this entire series! It was great to get a prequel of how it all started. Great relationships between the sisters. Sweet story.

  6. Been waiting for this story. Have love Helen’s character as grandma and love her more as the Heroine in her own story. Helen’s character here is real, with insecurities and uncertainties. Two rare people who matched each other but because of misunderstanding almost hinder their path for HEA. Thanks to the smart sister, sister’s love and loyalty, who lead them to the right path. As one reader mentioned in her comment, its 2 love stories in one book. Love this story and will recommend to all. Just wondering for the next book and Sophies own love story. Keep it coming Ms Wolfe, cant wait for the next story.

  7. This is a straightforward love story with two HEAs. It is written in modern English and its only reference to the mid 18th century is that the Prologue is dated 1750. It is two generations prior to the first books in the Love’s Second Chance series and is therefore suitable to be read as a standalone or distant prequel.

  8. A sweet story about two sisters who are so close that they both fall in love at the same time. I initially thought that they were very immature but then realised they were young and would have been very innocent. But their love did last and now we know what came later.
    I especially liked Alexander’s character.

  9. Peopled as always by delightful characters this story revolves around a misunderstanding. Across a room one eligible bachelor asks another for the name of a lady he is enamored of . When a lady is pointed out and described as “one of a kind. A woman one stumbles upon perhaps once in a lifetime.” He is certain he now knows her identity but what one man considers his ideal is not the same as the other and hence ensues a period of angst and anxiety for the couple. Really enjoyed the journey of this foursome

  10. I so loved this novella!!! My only complaint is I wanted it to go on and on, Love Helen’s story such a wonderful prequel to the series. Would love to see Sophie get a story too. Bree’s stories just want you to go back in time!

  11. Loved the story but wished it was longer but was warned that it was short. Loved the two sisters falling in love and getting their HEA!

  12. Lady Helen Archer, eldest daughter to the Earl of Hargreaves would rather spend time in the library than the ballroom as would Alexander Astor, Duke Of Kensington, then one night, a young lady stumbles upon his hiding place, and before Alexander knows what is happening, her enchanting smile and intelligent, bright eyes awaken his heart from its deep slumber. She leaves without Alex knowing her name. Alex asks his friend Pierce Dunsworth, The Duke of Cromwell who she is. Then the misunderstandings start.
    A lovely novella that had delightful characters & two romances, I read it in a sitting & my only quibble was I wish it had been longer. A very good prequel for the series & I now feel that I must reread the series!
    My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read

  13. LOVED it! I enjoyed the sister’s caring/loving and taking steps to put each other’s happiness first. Very sweet. The mix-up with their names was a humorous twist. I also enjoyed the epilogue after the “happily ever after”! Would have liked for the story to be longer, but it was great!

  14. I lovely story of sisterly devotion and the men who each loved them. As it was two generations in the past from the first two books of this series it was a bit distant from the succeeding stories, but it was fun to read about The beginnings of the two families.

  15. Just as all of Bree’s books, this one makes you smile. I thought the sisters love and respect for each other was beautiful. The mix up of Alexander getting the wrong sisters name was a cute direction to take the story in. As another reviewer said, it makes you want to reread the series, at least the first two books now that we have a little more background. Thank you Bree for writing this story especially for us , what a gift. I have enjoyed every one of your books in both series.

  16. I loved this look back to when it all began. Bree’ s books are such heartwarming love stories. I can never wait till the next one comes out!

  17. It was fun to go back and meet the it it was fun to go back and meet the young Helen and her sister Sophia. As usual you’re writing was spot on. You are an amazing author. Thank you

  18. Just finished this delightful short story as always Bree Wolfe aims to please is a success. The story.of Helen and sister Sophie brings us back to another generation and their happy ever after. Even with confusion the sisters will find their true.love. What I enjoyed the most was the glimpses inside their lives many years later. Enjoy !

  19. This is a short but very enjoyable story written in Bree Wolf’s usual fast paced and entertainng way and it held my attention throughout.
    I particularly loved the way Sofie cleverly manipulates her sister and the two new men in their lives. She sees exactly what is going on in the situation they all find themselves in and cleverly corrects the misunderstanding so that all parties go on to live the lives they were really meant to.
    I am more than happy to recommend this prequel and hope you enjoy it as much as I have. It certainly gives one a good idea of how it all began.

  20. I enjoyed this prequel. Although very short, it contained mistaken identity, two love stories and sisterly love. A winning combination.

  21. Although this is a short story, I enjoyed it very much. The bond the sisters shared is so genuine and strong that it lasted for decades. They didn’t just settle for each being happy but that they both would be happy. I thought it very romantic the way they met their husbands, and as usual I couldn’t help but laugh every few pages. Loved it.

  22. Ignored and Treasured is an adorable story about two sisters, two Dukes, a few misunderstandings, and two happily ever afters. With great characters and a simple heartwarming storyline, it is a delightful introduction to Bree Wolf’s Love’s Second Chance series.

  23. Love the story of family &the sister bond & the Dukes falling in love with Helen she falling in love with the Dukes can’t wait to read the other books love the book

  24. Love all of Bree’s books, this was no exception.i like books were the not so stunning sister gets a great man,lucky both sister’s got the right man bit of touch and go for a bit.I felt like yelling at Helen’s Duke not to be so well mannered lol
    and not just do what Helen’s sister told him as there were moments when I wasn’t quite sure what she was up to.It was also great to have two sisters who cared about one another a nice change from one sister be horrible to the other.It was a short story but I love being able to finish before I need to go to bed.
    I am afraid to say Bree’s books are like a box of chocolates when I start one I just have to finish it.
    I am lucky as I am retired so it matters not if I go to bed late or get up early.
    I have already read the books with Helen’s grandchildren in but am going to read them again as now we understand Helen’s place.Great stories Bree pleasure to read always

  25. This is a charming short story about two sisters finding love. This is a lovely, romantic read. It may be a short story but it is certainly not short on emotion or entertainment. The characters are all engaging and likeable and the story heartwarming. I loved that the author gave us a glimpse into their futures with the last two chapters – one three years after their marriages and the last one 25 years later. I really enjoyed this book. Bree Wolf is truly a talented story teller!

  26. A sweet story about how two sisters meet their true loves. Helen is a bookish young women who thinks she will never find a gentleman who appreciates her and will let her follow her interests. Her sister, Sophie, knows that every one can find thei true love. We also have a rake and a Duke who has no time for the frivolity of the season. Explore how these four find their match.

  27. What a sweet story that not only had finding true love for two sisters but also is about the love the sisters have for each other. It is very touching to see the love and sacrifice between the two. For me, that was a bigger impression on me and finding love a close second. Written with the flare in all of her books. I’m immersed from the first page to the last.

  28. Hello! I’ve read four of your books so far and I enjoyed everyone of them! I love the characters, sometimes wanting to smack one on the side of his head. You are an excellent writer and I look forward to reading more. I really like to read on my Nook Tablet, not on my computer. Thanks for the enjoyment!!!

  29. Sweet, Heart-warming Regency Tale! I liked finding out more about Helen and Sophie from earlier books. There were certainly a few misunderstandings between the suitors, and I enjoyed the ending very much. Loved this story.

  30. This is a very endearing story of two sisters , the daughters of an Earl, but both very different, but very caring of one another. One sister is beautiful and outgoing, while the older is very bookish and less social. When a case of mistaken identity causes the studious older sister to appear to lose the only man she has ever loved to her sister, she is forced to put her sister’s happiness ahead of her own. Very touching , and a sweet romance as well

  31. So glad to have received and read this prequel to one of my most favorite series and authors. Consistently worthy reads of 4 and 5 Stars! Thank you, Bree. Continue what you are doing.

  32. Loved reading this short story and learning something of the family history of those characters in the series of which this is the prequel. I can imagine this story being developed into a full novel of its own in the future, hint, hint. Well done Bree.

  33. Having just finished Remembed. I did not know where this short story was headed. I did enjoy it and look forward to reading more of this series.

  34. This is a great story. Two people that have strong feelings for one another but, they both feel the other doesn’t want them. Because of not being honest at first, which caused miscommunication. The Author has done a fantastic job at bringing this story to fruition. I also love the era this is written in. I definitely recommend this read.
    Shauna Joesten

  35. A delightful, clean and charming romance by Bree Wolf, this story brings out the thought that there is someone for every person. Helen and Alexander are two people who are quiet by nature and don’t fit into the world of balls and social activities. A good book and interesting new ideas are much more their speed. Discovering each other is almost a miracle, but it takes tenacity to attain their goal. This is a well written and enjoyable romance, one that sets the tone for the rest of the series.

  36. This was a very enjoyable short read bringing the relationship between Helen and Sophie into the light. A wonderful happy ending.

  37. During this on so cold winter there’s nothing better than a cuppa & a wonderful novel to warm you. Loved both books in this series & looking forward to more by Bree. Please…..

  38. A short, fun read. The unnecessary torture borne of miscommunication abounds in this love story. I love it when truth finally comes to light, and each sister finds her happily ever after!

  39. Very light reading and perfect for an evening at home. I would have preferred more depth and a longer story.

  40. Wow, it is a long way down the page to leave a review. It’s suppertime, and supper is going to be late tonight, Could not put it down, even if I am reading the story on my computer. Helen seems to feel that she has the incorrect name, and thinks that a gentleman (who had really come to her was there to court her sister). Even if he had kissed her the night before, she was convinced that the man preferred her sister. With her big heart, she was willing to let him court her sister because she loved her sister enough to let him go.

  41. Another lovely book by Bree. Heartwarming story of two people who are social misfits yet find the love that is perfect for only them.

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