When all hope seems lost, a deal between them offers them a new life. But within his castle walls, something evil seeks to destroy their happiness…After her heart was broken, Beatrice Leeson has forsaken love. Close to spinsterhood, she is content to help with her sister’s family. But then, a handsome but unsmiling duke offers her a deal she can’t refuse. Little does she know how accepting it … Little does she know how accepting it will endanger her life…
Alexander Langdon, the Duke of Everdale, has suffered many misfortunes in his life – so many, that some may say he is cursed. His duty is all that he has left. In the deal he makes with Beatrice Leeson, however, he will find more than what he bargained for.
But within his castle walls, a malevolent presence awakes and seeks to cause harm again. Who is this mysterious friend and what are they after? This time, Alexander is determined not to allow another tragedy. This time, Beatrice will fight for what she wants.
Even if it claims her life.
If you like engaging characters, heart- wrenching twists and turns, and lots of romance, then you’ll love “The Odd Mystery of the Cursed Duke!”
Buy “Capturing the Viscount’s Heart” and unlock the exciting story of Beatrice today!more
This is an exciting book. It follows after “Capturing the Viscount’s Heart”. That is where we meet Beatrice. Months and months and months later Beatrice is a new woman. Capable, accountable, loving and very loyal to her family. I liked Beatrice immediately. She is no shrinking violet but has manners and grace to go with a very inquisitive mind. She never falters to ask her questions. The difference between her and others is that she waits for the opportune time. She is liked by all in the household and respected. She returns that regard to the household staff. She has come to grips with being a spinster. Although from time to time she longs for what her sister has found. A loving spouse and two wonderful children. The story introduces Alexander Langdon, the Duke of Everdale. He is a successful wealthy man who is extremely practical and logical. Over several visits he has observed Beatrice and feels that a marriage of convenience would suit both of them. Beatrice agrees to this type of marriage where there are amiable feelings with the hope of friendship along with the prerequisite heir. However, Alexander has a painful hidden past and other secrets he does not share with Beatrice. This is cause of great upset between them. Alexander also fears that the past is repeating itself and he does not know what to do. Someone is out to harm Beatrice and no one knows who or why. Alexander’s other secret is in France and he knows he needs to spend time with Beatrice and protect her, but there is another who needs him as well. A very exciting story full of some twists and unexpected turns. When I thought of the villain, I had two people in mind but one stood out more than the other and so I kind of knew who it was but was shocked as to why it was and for what reason. This is a must read. You will not be disappointed.
The Odd Mystery of the Cursed Duke is a clean and sweet historical romance written by Abby Ayles is the story of a man, Alexander, Duke of Everdale, looking for something in his life. He is not sure what but he thinks he may have found it in Beatrice, unmarried sister-in-law to the grandson of the Earl of Wismoth. She has been living in his home and helping her sister with children. Alexander is attracted to Beatrice, not necessarily physically but to her personality and to her skills. He requests her hand in marriage. Beatrice is taken aback, but of an age where any offer is a good one and she does so want her own home and maybe a family so she agrees. What lies ahead? No one is certain.
The Odd Mystery was an interesting book with terrific characters who we saw grow and change as the story progressed. It was charming to be a party to Beatrice and Alexander falling in love and also in solving the mystery that has plagued him and his home for years. It was difficult for Alexander especially as he still loved his wife Cecelia who had died many years before. Beatrice turns out to be the perfect duchess, running his home with aplomb. She is even able to wend her way through the tricky corridors of society and his family. Quite a good read. I recommend it.
I received a free ARC of The Odd Mystery of the Cursed Duke. All opinions and ideas contained herein are mine.
Title: Bea’s heart is crushed when she sees her husband tenderly kiss the woman’s hands.
SETTING: Balwell Manor, 1818.
This book follows Beatrice Leeson (Helena’s sister from Capturing the Viscount’s Heart), after her fiancé ends the betrothal. She finds herself living with Helena and her husband, caring for their 2 children. She is chastened by the events having led her to this position in life, and no longer actively seeks a husband for herself. It is her devotion to her nephew and niece, and her modest demeanor, that attracts the attention of a visitor to Balwell Manor (the home of Helena, her husband Elias and Elias’ father, the Earl). This visitor, Alexander Langdon, ninth Duke of Everdale, has come to seek the advice of the Earl about remarrying 10 years after his wife’s death.
A marriage of convenience ensues: Bea needs a husband, home and children, and Alexander needs an heir and a wife to raise said heir. Realistic, practical Bea, accepts the terms, they marry, and return to the Duke’s home, Alston Castle. Despite the clear boundaries that neither party is to expect love from this union, Bea finds her heart softened towards Alexander. Therefore, Bea was crushed when she overheard him crying and talking to his dead wife. The Duke makes mysterious visits to France—without his wife—and it is clear he is seeing a woman, we just do not know who or why. After multiple odd events happen to Bea, the Duke decides to take her to France to get away. However, even while there with his wife, he goes away at night, with weak excuses to his wife. Finally, she follows Alexander one night, and has her worst fears confirmed- another woman is involved.
There are many twists and turns in this story that keep the pages turning, as the reader, too, tries to figure out what the Duke is doing with another woman, and who is mounting attacks on Bea’s life when they return to Balwell Manor. The storyline is well developed, and the main characters are well drawn. There is romance involved, but this book is also a Regency Mystery. Readers of both genres will enjoy this book.
“I will find out the truth,” he said as he looked at Beatrice. “I swear it to you both. I will not let the mistakes I made in the past be repeated. Whatever it takes, I will find the truth and the one behind all of this.”
Alexander had the one great love of his life and had nothing to give to anyone else. However,as the Duke of Everdale, he needs an heir to ensure the title and the estate doesn’t go to his cousin. He knows Beatrice, who lives with her sister caring for her children,and decides she will do. They enter into a marriage of convenience….. All seems well on the outside of the arrangement until they find themselves in the middle of a murder mystery?
The Odd Mystery of the Cursed Duke is a continuation of Beatrice’s story from Capturing the Viscount’s Heart. Considered a “clean” mystery (the bedroom scenes are left to one’s imagines), it has undertones of humor and romance and a darn good gothic murder mystery with twists no one expects. And since it’s Abby Ayles, I’ve learned to presume nothing! Highly recommended 5/5
A story that will keep you on the edge of your seat as you keep turning pages, what a story I was not putting this book down until I had finished it. Beatrice Leeson and Alexander Langdon, the Duke of Everdale make a marriage of convince. There is suspense, drama, danger, twists, turns, attempted murder, forgiveness, and romance. A book with a strong story-line that flowed smoothly from page to page.
A beautiful historic romance story!
The Duke needs to marry and produce an heir quickly or his cousin may inherit the title and lands but since his young wife mysteriously died a year ago he has no prospects. Beatrice had finally accepted that marriage and children were not in her future. She was stunned when the Duke, a man she barely knew, offered for her hand in marriage. It would be a marriage of convenience to give her the child she desired and the Duke an heir. After their marriage, rumors about his first wife’s suspicious death, several odd health incidents, and the Duke’s deceit make Beatrice fearful and distrusting.
This was a delightful, clean romance. I received a free copy but my review is honest and voluntary. Another great Abby Ayles romance!
I thought this was a wonderful read. It kept my instrest throughout the book. It was well written. It had a good storyline. I enjoyed reading Alexander and Beatrice story.
This story is a wild ride of mystery, murder, brooding Duke Alexander, and lovely and kind Beatrice (who is Helena’s Sister from Capturing the Viscount’s Heart). Alex needs an heir and finds Beatrice’s calm beauty and kindness the kind of woman who would fit his bill of a marriage of convenience and nothing more. Beatrice is hesitant to agree but knows that since her finance abandoned her when her father went to prison, she doesn’t have much of a choice if she wants a home and children of her own. Beatrice walks into a nest of deceit, torment, murderous intent, and a husband who abandon’s her for weeks at a time. When Beatrice is poisoned more than once, Alex takes her away to France where she discovers his secret. Alex discovers who killed his first wife and who is trying to kill Beatrice. This is an exciting book that took my breath away. Had to read it in one sitting so I wouldn’t miss a thing! It’s also a great set-up for Book #3 – A Second Chance for the Tormented Lady.
This is a lovely mystery and clean romance. There are a few anachronisms and a hero that can’t solve the mystery in a timely manner, but the characters are interesting and lovable and the plot is reasonable and entertaining. I enjoyed the story very much.
Another lovely story from a beautiful author. Fun to read.
Beatrice Leeson was living with her sister and brother-in-law the Viscount and Viscountess of Chatleton in the Earl of Wismoth. Her sister had had a problem pregnancy and she was helping her. The Earl invited Alexander Langdon the ninth Duke of Everdale to spend a few days with his family. Alexander wrote to the Earl of Wismoth telling him that he wanted to marry Beatrice. This would be a marriage of convenience and her sister was against it though Beatrice decided to marry him. To discover the trials and tribulations which Alexander and Beatrice went through, you need to read the book there are some surprises in the book that you may or may not figure out before it happens. It’s a very good book…
I wasn’t thrilled with the name of the book, but the book itself was an excellent read. I really enjoyed the storyline, the book was fast paced very well written. I read the book in basically one reading it was that good. I would certainly recommend this book to those that enjoy a clean Historical Romance .