The Duke of Exeter may have failed to marry, but he’s determined to find a bride for the cousin who will unwillingly inherit Sinclair’s title and his overwhelming responsibilities when he dies. With a pinch of artful planning, a hint of competition, and a healthy dose of romance, he’s sure that he’ll get his heir wed in no time at all. What he never expected was that his disagreement with an old … old friend would herald the return of the lady he lost long ago—and that her return to society could upset his budding matchmaking scheme.
Lady Catherine Forbes, Kitty to dear friends, is astonished that her brother’s disagreement with the powerful duke has gone so far and has had no choice but to return to London to take her stubborn family in hand. Meeting the duke again was no doubt inevitable, but being drawn to him so strongly is something that takes her by complete surprise. They were never meant to be, but old habits are hard to break. Are they too set in their ways to risk their hearts or will the needs of others separate them a second time?
Distinguished Rogues Series
Book 1: Chills (Jack and Constance)
Book 2: Broken (Giles and Lillian)
Book 3: Charity (Oscar and Agatha)
Book 4: An Accidental Affair (Merrick and Arabella)
Book 5: Keepsake (Kit and Miranda)
Book 6: An Improper Proposal (Martin and Iris)
Book 7: Reason to Wed (Richard and Esme)
Book 8: The Trouble with Love (Everett and Whitney)
Book 9: Married by Moonlight (Gilbert and Anna)
Book 10: Lord of Sin (Julian and Portia)
Book 11: The Duke’s Heart (Sinclair and Kitty)
more
I loved reading this book. It is a modest and unpretentious romance. I enjoyed the fact that the story was about a more mature couple in age and the different circumstances that affected them being together. This story is not complex but it does have its challenges. Catherine/Kitty, Sinclair and his heir Teddy were the main characters. I enjoyed Teddy’s character. He was funny in that he was so modest, shy, kind, honest, caring and loving. Kitty and Sinclair’s acquaintance goes way back to when they were very young. They grew up together and fell in love. Then something happened and they were parted for over twenty years. It is miraculous how the love for your soulmate never dims regardless of time. It took some work but they did finally make the way clear to each other again and this time it was forever. A lovely story. Totally swoon worthy and a must read. I do recommend it.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Book eleven in the Distinguished Rogues series a well written story that held my interest until the end. I enjoyed reading Lady Catherine Forbes/Kitty and Sinclair the Duke of Exeter’s story of a second chance. I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This is such a good story about a rekindled love affair. Kitty and Sinclair were lovers thirty years ago, but treachery tore them apart. They become reaquinted and explore their feelings for each other. Kitty’s brother, Percy, lives on the edge of madness and provides the comic relief for the story. This is a rather emotional piece, as there is a general sadness for time lost, yet the joy of finding each other is vividly portrayed. Teddy, Sinclair’s cousin, is a hoot and it is a delight to watch him evolve. It is well written, engaging and will leave you with a smile.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sinclair, the Duke of Exeter, once again growled at his cousin, Thaddeus Godfrey Berringer (“Teddy”), at the servant’s clothing he wore. But his cousin argued that dressing that way would keep his identity a secret, and it has since no one looks twice at the servants. Now Sinclair was having Lord Wade look for a young bride, not for him as everyone would assume, but for Teddy who was his secret heir. Sinclair made Teddy stay in the room with them, and the Viscount kept glancing at him, not knowing why he was there. Of the women listed on the paper which Lord Wade was to discreetly check out, none were suitable, just as Sinclair himself had figured. As Lord Wade was leaving, the glass window in the room shattered as eggs and debris were hurled into the room by Percy Hunter, an alleged old friend of Sinclair. He had no idea why he was doing this, but it was becoming a regular occurrence. Soon he would have to have him arrested or committed to Bedlam, though he preferred to do neither.
Lady Catherine Forbes (“Kitty”), former secret mistress of the Duke of Exeter 30 years ago, had been in the city only half a day. She intended to have her brother Percy committed to Bedlam because Percy Hunter had become reckless when he went mad in the past year. If he hurt Exeter, he could be hanged for it. Kitty wanted to help Felicity, his young daughter, through the troubled days ahead. Kitty went to see her good friend, Willa, and Willa insisted she come stay with her. She was going to Vauxhall Gardens to a masked even and invited Kitty with her since no one would recognize her in the mask. Maybe she would hear whispers about Exeter too. She needed to make sure Percy had not harmed him.
Out in the garden, Sinclair spotted a woman he reacted to but did not recognize. His eyes stayed on her and he kept close until she looked at him. When she spoke, she had an Irish accent. They bantered back and forth until she said she could no longer do this and took off her mask, shocking him. Thirty years ago, he had been quietly planning to marry her when she ran off and married someone else. She turned and ran from him now.
Meeting the duke again was no doubt inevitable, but still being drawn to him so strongly takes her by surprise. She told herself they were never meant to be, but her heart never felt that way. If he can find her again, will they risk their hearts to fall in love again? Or will all the other things going on around them, taking care of family needs, separate them once again?
This was a very enjoyable story drawing the reader in with mystery and curiosity. Not a typical story, it still came together and was well-written and intriguing. Grab your copy and see what exactly is going to happen with all of the various parts of this delightful action-packed story line.
I love regency and this one was done perfectly. We have young lovers that are torn apart due to circumstances and people beyond their control. Decades later they meet up and it is like no time had passed and they are still in love. The ending was just perfect. I love Heather Boyd and her writing style and I enjoyed some of her other books as well. This was a great story.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Sinclair the (Duke of Exeter) grew up with his twin sister, Percy, and Kitty. He wanted to marry Kitty. While he was away on business Kitty married and moved to Ireland. Sinclair is still wondering what happened 30 years later, he sees Kitty in London and they both still love each other. He still wants to marry her , but because he has never married and has no heir she refuses. When she finds out his secret she kidnaps him.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A very enjoyable story about the second chance love story between Sinclair, the Duke of Exeter, and Kitty, his childhood love. They were torn apart thirty years ago when she married someone else. Now she is back and they have rekindled their love. I am eager to read other books in this series.
I highly recommend this entertaining book.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and I am voluntarily leaving a review.
Love did find a way.
The main characters in this tale are a bit older have a history and still very attracted to each other. There is a challenge with family and old misunderstanding and perhaps others twists that may ruin any chance for them I wonder what fate has in store. I liked Teddy right from the start and Percy well he is something else. I have to be honest what Kitty feels she must do about Teddy bugged me. This was a good story the flow was great with really decent twists. I am happy to recommend this charmer I did receive a free copy of this book and voluntarily chose to review it.
Second chance
I love a good second chance romance and with a minor pet peeve this one did not disappoint. Sinclair, The of Exeter and Kitty were separated many years ago by someone they both loved and trusted. Kitty has returned to town to put an end to a disagreement between her brother and Sinclair. And having never married and produced an heir Sinclair is grooming his nephew Teddy to inherit. The H and h were wonderful characters along with some colorful supporting ones. Kitty’s brother was a hoot, and Teddy was so endearing I would love to know what lies ahead for him and his new wardrobe. And Kitty’s good friend Lady Wilhelmina Darrow was just what a friend should be. My pet peeve is I like for my villains, villainess in this case to get their just desserts I feel cheated somewhat when they don’t make atonement or suffer the consequences. The epilogue was quite nice. I’ll definitely read it again.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
A second chance for a 30 year old interrupted love affair.
This is my first book by Ms. Boyd and I can’t wait for read more of her work. The main characters, Kitty and Sinclair, are quite a bit older than typical in historical romance novels. The characters are well developed and the reader could identify with their problems and situations. The wonderful support characters are integral to the complex plot. The 30 year old love sentiments between Kitty and Sinclair seem to have not changes over the period and they overcome society’s potential to ruin their renewal of their romance from a long time ago.
Because Sinclair was a future Duke. and Kitty was essentially a commoner, society and Sinclair’s family would have condemned their union so Kitty just removed herself when she realized that they could never be together. She married an Irish lord as went to Ireland to live and mow she is a widow. Kitty and Sinclair did not see each other or correspond until she returns to London to check on here eccentric bother. They secretly rekindle their romance knowing that society would still disapprove. Being resourceful, Sinclair develops a plan to enable them to be married and for them to end with an HEA.
This is an excellent book and I enjoyed it very much. The intrigue surrounding their situation keep the reader involved throughout the book and I for one could not put it down. You won’t go wrong with this novel and I will be getting more of Ms. Boyd’s work soon.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
This was an interesting story. It kept me riveted throughout. It was so entertaining. I voluntarily read and reviewed this book in exchange for a free copy.
Sinclair, The Duke of Exeter may have failed to marry, but he’s determined to find a bride for Teddy the cousin who will unwillingly inherit his title and his overwhelming responsibilities when he dies. With a pinch of artful planning, a hint of competition, and a healthy dose of romance, he’s sure that he’ll get his heir wed in no time at all. What he never expected was that his disagreement with an old friend would herald the return of the lady he lost long ago—and that her return to society could upset his budding matchmaking scheme. Lady Catherine Forbes, Kitty to dear friends, is astonished that her brother’s disagreement with the powerful duke has gone so far and has had no choice but to return to London to take her stubborn family in hand. Meeting the duke again was no doubt inevitable, but being drawn to him so strongly is something that takes her by complete surprise.
A lovely second chance romance with a mature couple who first fell in love three decades earlier when they were teenagers. Their attraction sizzles but there are secrets that need to be told & it isn’t until the pair really talk that the truth of their separation is revealed. I loved both Sinclair & Kitty & was routing for them to find their HEA. Secondary characters were also intriguing & I’d love for them also to have their HEA’s especially Teddy. A well written engrossing read that I found hard to put down
My honest review is for a special copy I voluntarily read
A beautiful second chance romance for Exeter and Kitty. I love that Heather took this mature couple and gave them all of the happiness and romance they deserved. I truly wonderful tale of their continuing (not renewed because they never gave up on love between themselves) love. These characters are portrayed in a way that is true to their age. No silliness, just recognizing they lost each other and wanted to live the rest of their lives together. I am still smiling. I also loved Teddy who did not want to be the heir but accepted his role of being a future duke.
I received a complimentary copy from Booksprout.
The Duke’s Heart
Distinguished Rogues Series #11
Heather Boyd
https://m.facebook.com/HeatherBoydRomanceAuthor/
Release date 10/29/2019
Publisher Heather Boyd
Blurb :
The Duke of Exeter may have failed to marry, but he’s determined to find a bride for the cousin who will unwillingly inherit Sinclair’s title and his overwhelming responsibilities when he dies. With a pinch of artful planning, a hint of competition, and a healthy dose of romance, he’s sure that he’ll get his heir wed in no time at all. What he never expected was that his disagreement with an old friend would herald the return of the lady he lost long ago—and that her return to society could upset his budding matchmaking scheme.
Lady Catherine Forbes, Kitty to dear friends, is astonished that her brother’s disagreement with the powerful duke has gone so far and has had no choice but to return to London to take her stubborn family in hand. Meeting the duke again was no doubt inevitable, but being drawn to him so strongly is something that takes her by complete surprise. They were never meant to be, but old habits are hard to break. Are they too set in their ways to risk their hearts or will the needs of others separate them a second time?
My review :
When two lovers torn apart for decades rekindle their relationship, can they overcome the past for a brighter future …
I have discovered Mrs Heather Boyd no so long ago, and I love her really personal writing style.
I do love when the characters are older than the usual young fellows set as the heroes.
They are lived, suffered and lost why they understand the value of what they have in front of them more than anyone.
Kitty and Sinclair are two nice persons, it was miscommunications and some vile persons interference which torn them apart three decades ago. Due to their different upbringing and then statut, both did know their relationship was doomed to be condemned by society, still they were youngsters in love until life caught them up.
They lived their eyes apart and seemed to have moved on but Kitty never came back when Sinclair never married. In their own way, they avoided each other because of the pain of knowing they could not be together.
But when they rekindle, it is society’s expectations that might ruin their reunion if they are unable to see past them. And their own needs to secrecy may have a price too.
Mrs Boyd has brought to life complex characters with aplenty of layers, they are no more the easy persons of their youth, challenges and pains shaped them in stronger peoples and if their sentiments remain the same, their life is still not always their own to do with.
A lively and sweet second chance at love for two lovers still drawn to one another.
4.5 stars
I was granted an advance copy by the author, and I also purchased my own.
Here is my true and unbiased opinion.
Heather Boyd has a wonderful writing style that really captures the readers imagination. This is actually my first book by this author and I am so glad that I found her. I love the fact that the hero and heroine were older, and much more mature. Their second chance story as well written and delightful.
I found the characters to be quite wonderful, good and kind people. Kitty and Sinclair are complex characters who had been in love 30 years ago but were separated by misunderstandings and an unscrupulous person. The secondary characters were quite charming, Kitty’s brother Percy, her niece, her friend Willa and Teddy, Sinclair’s heir presumptive, adding to the story.
The dialogue is well done with lots of humor and wit. The story flowed smoothly and was well written. There’s intrigue and a bit of mystery in this engaging story. I think the author did a wonderful job of showing the characters as befitting their age and maturity. It was clear to both Kitty and Sinclair, once they saw each other again that the love they shared was still there. This is a beautiful romance and love story is was a joy to read.
Thank you so much Heather for this Beautiful story of love and romance. I absolutely loved Teddy and look forward to his story.
Ms. Boyd is definitely one of my favorite Regency authors. It’s always a treat when I pick up one of her books and this one was no different. This is a beautifully written second chance romance story between Sinclair and his childhood sweetheart Kitty. Thirty years ago she married someone else, but now she is back and they have another chance. This book has just the right amount of intrigue and romance with an entertaining plot and storyline. I enjoyed this story very much and would definitely recommend! A great start to a new series!
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Loved the Characters, But the Plot…
This is a proper novel-length story. So many authors write novellas these days that it is a surprise to actually read a novel. I was particularly delighted to see that the author featured a couple who is middle-aged, him approaching his 50th birthday and her a little younger. That’s not often done in contemporary romance in general and certainly not in Regency romance. The author created excellent characters in the hero and heroine as well as secondary characters like her brother, her young niece, and his heir presumptive cousin. As I never re-read a books description before I start reading a book to review, when I first started the book, I thought the story might be about Teddy, the heir, and I was highly amused at his first scene where he’s pretending to be the duke’s footman because he’s not comfortable yet with the idea of being his heir. By the way, I thought Teddy was a great character, and I hope the author writes his romance. I wasn’t quite sure about the hero at first as he seemed a little lightweight to carry a novel, seemingly bored with life and a little shallow at times. He became much more interesting when the heroine came on the scene. They had been teenage lovers who separated, she marrying another man and going to live in Ireland for the last 30 years.
While I liked the characters, I didn’t think the author did much interesting with them for too long of a time. She set up some potentially interesting subplots, like bringing the niece up to scratch enough to enter society and the marriage mart and watching Teddy become more comfortable in his role as heir presumptive. Even the mad scientist brother could have had an interesting, potentially comic subplot. I actually think novel-length romances need one or two of these, especially if the couple doesn’t really get together much until later in the book, as happened in this case. I read this book over the course of several days, and I find myself not remembering what happened early on because it wasn’t that interesting. Things improved when the couple decided to rekindle their former flame, but even that felt like it came together too easily. The impediments keeping them apart seemed too small, especially if they just discussed options more. So while I love the characters, the plot and subplot(s) needed work to make this a fully satisfying novel.
I received a free copy of this book, but that did not affect my review.
Love a good historical romance. Lots of drama on the journey to romanvce and love. Entertaining and interesting characters with flaws. Good read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.