Cecilia is desperate to put the evils of her first marriage behind her, but as society’s most notorious and wealthy widow, she finds herself adrift in a sea of rakes, cads and fortune hunters. With each attempt at flirtation a greater disaster than the last, she despairs of ever leading a happy life, until the Duke of Solworth asks for her hand. Yes, he’s only looking for an heir and yes, he … insists she must live in Egypt, but he’s kind, handsome, and steady. At least, he seems that way, until the moment Cecilia says ‘I will.’
Other books in the Under the Shadow of the Marquess series
The Archaeologist’s Daughter
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An enchanting story that has a little of everything needed to keep a reader happy! From the first pages as the hero, Robert, Duke of Solworth found his heir apparent had been taking advantage of all the maids in the house and was running down the estate, he came up with a plan. He would remarry, produce his own heir and that would solve his problem. Easy, yes?
Lady Cecilia was a wealthy widow who had a terrible marriage, but now she seems the focus of a lot of people due to her money. Who to trust? Then it seems fate steps in (or is it?) in the form of Robert, the Duke of Solworth, who has just returned from Egypt.
He is the father of her dear friend Lanora and very handsome and self assured. I want to tell you the entire story because I truly enjoyed it so much! My heart went out to Cecilia for what she had been through with her degenerate husband and also to Robert who still had his deceased wife pulling at his heart.
These two needed each other but would it happen? Could Cecilia agree to go to Egypt with him and keep her heart safe?
Do not miss this story and I cannot wait for more!!
A very engaging romp in Victorian London. Lady Cecilia is a widow, Lord Robert a widower. There’s also a superhero, whose alter ego resides with Lord Robert’s family. I just realized that I’m reading the books in the wrong order, oh, well. Still, Cecilia and Robert’s story has lots of action and a mos unconventional group of characters. Recommended, but read the first book first.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I have just recently become familiar with this author’s books, and I am enjoying them very much. This is a very charming story that will keep your interest till the end. Robert and Cecilia are two souls that really needed each other. Cecilia is overwhelmed, and is drawn to Robert, but given her experiences, not entirely sure she can trust him. This is a charming story of two people learning to love and trust again. Both characters were delightful and you cannot help but become invested in their HEA. This was a wonderful story and I definitely recommend you pick it up and give it a try!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Pluses & Minuses
I am familiar with this author’s work, but only the books that she writes as a collaborator of Jane Austen fanfiction. I found myself quite delighted with her precisely drawn characterization in the first part of the book. The duke, in particular, seemed to be well delineated. A more mature gentleman than most Regency heroes and one who spent most of his time in Egypt rather than England, he had characteristics both in speech and action that seemed very appropriate to a man of his background. I liked the other characters as well, particularly the heroine, of course, as well as the hero’s daughter and son-in-law. Unfortunately, I thought the story went a bit off the rails with all that happened with his heir apparent and that young man’s mother. After such well-done characterization, I hated seeing the author give in to such standard Regency melodrama.
By the way, I do question the title of the book as well. The heroine is the widow of a marquess, not a duke, nor did she become widowed while married to the duke who is the hero of this book. I also thought the forms of address were strange in several cases. The duke had people call him “my lord” instead of “Your Grace”; married women were referred to as “Missus” not Mrs.
Aside from all that melodramatic hullabaloo, I did enjoy this story and the characters. Apparently, The Archaeologist’s Daughter should have been read first, but I will be reading that next, and I am actually looking forward to finding out his daughter and son-in-law’s backstory. Hopefully, there won’t be the melodrama that was in this one.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Book two in the Under the Shadow of the Marquess series, a well written story with a very good storyline the story flows smoothly across the pages. Robert Hadler, the Duke of Solworth and widow Cecilia Hadler’s story. There is suspense, drama, danger, murder, evil, villains,and romance. I enjoyed reading their story. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Danger and action in this tale.
Robert Hadler, Duke of Solworth, home from Egypt just in time to see his daughter married now sets out to see what the truth is about his heir. Not at all pleased now he is set on seeing what he can do to stop that from happening. That is when events start to occur that brings Cecilia into the picture. This one has some great twists in it along with danger, misunderstandings, and super action. It is well-written and will keep you engaged to the very end. This is the second book of Summer Hanford’s I’ve pick up from Booksprout and I am so glad I decided to download them. I look forward to reading more of her work. I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Cecilia has a horrible first marriage, given to a much older man when she was still a young teen. Being a wealthy widow now, she is surrounded by people trying to take advantage of her. Then she meets Robert Hadler, the Duke of Solworth, back in England for a short time. He needs an heir and requires that she must live in Egypt. He is not like all the other self-absorbed suitors after her wealth and, since he is kind, handsome, and seems reliable, she agrees when he asks for her hand in marriage. Is she making a mistake? Is something else going on here?
This was a different approach from other such Regency books and the reader is drawn in immediately to find out if everyone was going to overwhelm and take advantage of Cecilia. Just when it seems she found the right man, doubt creeps in! Grab your copy and find out if Cecilia makes the right choice and finds the happiness she deserves.
ONE EMOTIONAL ROLLERCOASTER!!!
Ah snap! Summer rocks this enthralling storyline and gripping plot with on point realism so rich and lively it takes your breath away. A swirling throng of baffling circumstances and a bevy of surprising events, catapulting those swirling emotions bursting into play. Observing the trials and tribulations, navigating shocking twists and stunning turns, fusing this baby together piece by piece. Unveiling a foray of drama, intrigue, misgivings, underlying threats and mounting suspense, blasting this baby to life beautifully. Add turmoil, wreaking havoc, deceit and guarded situations, along with a boatload of escapades, while dodging chaos, you have one mind-blowing adventure. The characters personalities are well matched and blend together smoothly. The scenes are graphically detailed with such colorful descriptions it paints an incredible backdrop thats so realistic it’s like you’re right there with them. Fantastic job Summer, thanks for sharing this baby with us.
Bad Relatives
My first time reading this author and I enjoyed the book.
The characters were a shade different than regular books written about noble people. The characters definitely were quirky, sassy, naïve, disillusioned and caring. Now if this is not an odd mixture of characteristics to find in a book and still enjoy it, what have you been reading.
Celia is a sweet, loving but seriously wronged character in this book. She believes in the goodness of people on first sight which annoys her friends. She also has a hidden spine of steel when pushed.
Enter the Duke of Solworth, he is only back in England to see the birth of his first grandchild. Little did he know that setting certain safeguards in place for his family will alter the course of his life.
looking forward to reading other books by this author.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Story was so engrossing kept me on edge of seat , just had to read through in one sitting to end so could find out what was happening next. Duke Robert and a Lady Cecelia are the perfect match.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.