When his wife was mysteriously murdered, Lord Fitzwilliam Mavis, Duke of Chatham, became a young widower at the age of thirty-one. Even though he was absolved of any involvement in her death, he was socially stigmatised, living like an almost recluse for some years now. When his solitude gets too much to handle, he knows he needs to move on and find himself a wife. Destiny will bring him in front … front of a mysteriously seductive young lady. Could this passionate but unusual bride set his heart on fire?
Miss Diana Casey may be forced to marry the Duke to soothe her father’s financial troubles, but she has no plans to fall for him. She is a rather unconventional young lady who doesn’t like to be told what to do. With her ravishing body and wild passion, Diana is as innocently alluring as she is forbidden. Will there ever be anyone that will change her mind?
Their arranged marriage will prove to be more than they expected. Diana is ready to go where fate takes her, to leave everything behind, even propriety, in her desire for this handsome, honorable widower. What can an empty soul offer a tempting woman? Fitz’s burning passion for Diana is undeniable, but there’s still something that holds him back. Dare he offer his bruised heart as well as his body? The answers to their questions may be found in an unlikely place: in each other’s arms. Are these two fierce souls finally ready to be schooled in the art of passion?
“The Duke’s Tempting Bride” is a Regency romance full of passion, forbidden love and adventure. If you like powerful heroines and mysterious lovers, then you’ll adore Lucy Langton’s Regency tale.
“The Duke’s Tempting Bride” is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
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Perfectly charming and heartwarming characters. Just enough heat! Interesting plot that kept me thoroughly engaged throughout. Enjoyed every minute of it!
*I received a complimentary ARC of this book in order to read and provide a voluntary, unbiased and honest review, should I choose to do so.
A murder mystery, a second chance, an arranged marriage, a family facing penury and estranged siblings. The h of the story was easy to like. She loved her parents deeply and even though her family was of nobility she based friendships not on title but on character. Her parents had lost their wealth and they were living on a shoestring. The h learned how to manage the books and she herself was taught to tend the garden, mend clothes, do laundry and other household necessities. She had a strong constitution, a noble wit and always had a smile to share. She was direct, honest and when necessary asked the tough questions. Her older brothers and sisters had turned their backs on her and her parents. They knew the h and her parents needed financial help but no one responded. This caused the h to be angry at her siblings that she had not heard nor seen in years. Meanwhile, the H was trying to get over the murder of his wife three years ago. The murderer was never found. Now the H was thinking that he needed an heir and would settle for an arranged marriage to avoid the London marriage mart. He sent letters to the local noble families regardless of rank of his intentions. Many replied but only one accepted. The h’s parents accepted the arranged marriage for their daughter, the h. The h knew what it meant. If she accepted then she and her parents would live a comfortable life for the rest of their days. She was afraid for she heard of the death of the H’s wife and the rumors that maybe the H had killed her even though he was cleared of any wrong doings. The H was a handsome mature man, thoughtful and kind to his staff and kept in touch with his tenants via mail. He spent his time running the dukedom himself and when he had time he would read. Anything to absorb his thought of missing his deceased wife. The first meeting between the H and the h went better than expected and brought hope to both of them that this marriage had the potential for an amicable and caring relationship. The more they spent time together, the more they learned about each other. The H loved children and wanted to have his own family; he liked to fish which he had in common with his future father-in-law. The h shared with the H their financial problems. She did not want any secrets between them. She was an honest person. She also shared the way her siblings had ignored her many letters requesting financial help and how angry she was about it. When the time came to formalize the arrangement the h still had a small niggling feeling that the murderer of the H’s wife was still out there and what if she was next? She also was looking forward to seeing her siblings but not for the reason of reuniting but to see their reactions that now she was of a higher rank than any of them. I really liked reading this story because it detailed the natural progression of the courtship. It was comforting to know that the relationship was not rushed avoiding the H/h being uncomfortable with one another. I also loved the way the H always stood up for the h in front of her siblings. It was a beautiful thing to behold the H’s ability to use his gift of conversation and wit to make the siblings ashamed of themselves. When the time of the wedding drew closer the h noticed strange out of place incidents. Little did she know betrayal and death were hot on her heels. An excellent story and I do recommend it.
A lonely Duke who society has condemned as a possible wife murderer, a feisty young lady to be put in her place by what’s effectively a forced marriage. Such are the ingredients for the eventual romance of Diana and Fitz in Lucy Langton’s The Duke’s Tempting Bride. I love a good, well written, historical Regency Period romance, especially when there’s a Duke involved (I’ve a weakness for Dukes). This book satisfied me completely and I’m happy to highly recommend it.
Very well written and highly recommended. These two both have baggage and heartache with them in their new relationship. But with their kind hearts and experience they overcome lots of it. It is exciting, suspenseful, emotional, intriguing, full of love and surprises. I received a review copy and voluntarily review it.
Beautifully written storyline that hooked me right from the very beginning and the well created characters kept me totally glued to my kindle until the very last page
ONE VASTLY ENJOYABLE TREAT!!!
Whoops! Lucy brings it on home with this sensational approach, delivering one titillating storyline and enticing plot with all the sincerity, finesse, style and passion, melding this jewel together flawlessly. A surging tempest chocked full of stirring circumstances and inexplicable events blasts those swirling emotions into play, throwing this baby into a tizzy with a life altering, prize winning culmination. Thundering through the trials and tribulations, noting the stunning twists and striking turns, probing for answers, testing our characters in ways they could have never imagined. Toss in drama, intrigue, turmoil, confusion, misgivings and mounting suspense along with a boatload of revealing revelations, you have one block busting masterpiece. The intense attraction and sizzling chemistry smolders as each layer is peeled back exposing an undeniable connection, grounding in it’s strength and awe-inspiring in it’s depth. The personalities are well matched and blend together smoothly. Embellishing abundantly detailed descriptions intertwining each scenario with all the zeal and gusto bringing them to life before your eyes. Fantastic job Lucy, thanks for sharing this little fella with us.