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Wylder Sisters #3
When the Duke Found Love
The spirited Wylder sisters continue to scandalize the ton in Isabella Bradford’s witty and winsome trilogy. This time, the most impulsive of the siblings meets her a charming rake determined to save her from an arranged marriage.
The youngest of the Wylder girls—and the last left unwed—Lady Diana is also the most willful, a trait that’s leading her ever closer to dishonorable disaster. While her family’s solution is a fast and excruciatingly respectable marriage, Diana can’t imagine being wed to the very staid and dull Lord Crump. But while wedding plans are being made, a chance meeting at a gala turns Diana’s world upside down.
A kiss from a dazzling stranger gives Diana a most intimate introduction to one of the ton ’s most resolute and scandalous bachelors, the Duke of Sheffield. Torn between family duty and her heart’s desire, Diana recklessly surrenders to the headiest of passions, recognizing that she has found a kindred soul in the handsome young duke. Soon it’s clear that seduction is no longer the Something deep and lasting has come to bind their hearts, and the stakes are nothing less than true love.
“Sexy, funny, touching, and truly romantic.”— New York Times bestselling author Loretta Chase
The youngest of the Wylder girls—and the last left unwed—Lady Diana is also the most willful, a trait that’s leading her ever closer to dishonorable disaster. While her family’s solution is a fast and excruciatingly respectable marriage, Diana can’t imagine being wed to the very staid and dull Lord Crump. But while wedding plans are being made, a chance meeting at a gala turns Diana’s world upside down.
A kiss from a dazzling stranger gives Diana a most intimate introduction to one of the ton ’s most resolute and scandalous bachelors, the Duke of Sheffield. Torn between family duty and her heart’s desire, Diana recklessly surrenders to the headiest of passions, recognizing that she has found a kindred soul in the handsome young duke. Soon it’s clear that seduction is no longer the Something deep and lasting has come to bind their hearts, and the stakes are nothing less than true love.
“Sexy, funny, touching, and truly romantic.”— New York Times bestselling author Loretta Chase
320 pages, Mass Market Paperback
First published January 1, 2012
30 people are currently reading
525 people want to read
About the author
Isabella Bradford
9 books158 followersIsabella Bradford is a pseudonym for Susan Holloway Scott, the award-winning author of more than fifty historical novels and historical romances. Her bestselling books have been published in nineteen countries and translated into fourteen languages with more than three million copies in print. Bradford also writes as half of the Two Nerdy History Girls (twonerdyhistorygirls.com), an entertaining history blog and Twitter account (@2nerdyhistgirls) with an international following. She is a graduate of Brown University, and lives with her family outside of Philadelphia.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 70 reviews
December 6, 2012
2.5 stars - because Sheffield was cute!
This is the third and final book in Isabella Bradford’s trilogy about the Wylder sisters. Having married off both Charlotte and Lizzie to suitable dukes, the focus now shifts to Diana, the youngest sister; but whereas both her sisters had been betrothed from childhood, no such arrangement was made for Diana.
Like her sisters, she is beautiful, vivacious and headstrong, and at the beginning of the story we are told that she has already got herself into several ‘scrapes’ with young gentlemen, the latest of which almost resulted in an elopement to Gretna Green. Because of this and the ensuing gossip, Lady Hervey (the girls’ mother) decides that Diana must be married off quickly so as to prevent either her ruin, or at the very least, more damaging gossip.
The gentleman fixed upon for her latest son-in-law is one Lord Crump, a very serious and proper widower, and of course, Diana is less than keen on the idea.
The hero, the Duke of Sheffield is another of the cousins descended – albeit on the wrong side of the blanket – from royalty and is thus related to both Marchbourne and Hawkesworth, the heroes of the previous two books in the series, and to Breckonridge, who has been his only family since the death of his parents. Sheffield has rather a reputation with the ladies, so of course Brecon tells him that under no circumstances is he to have anything to do with Diana.
Red Rag – meet the Bull.
Sheffield is also to be the beneficiary of an arranged marriage, but by a stroke of luck, hits upon a way of getting out of it while at the same time helping the lady chosen for him to marry her true love instead.
There are, naturally, obstacles and misunderstandings along the way for Diana and Sheffield, and it’s done with a very light touch. But it all feels very insubstantial, and most of these obstacles and misunderstandings are of Diana’s own making. And while of course, the “unwanted suitor” is a staple of romance novels, in this one, it’s so obviously just a flimsy plot device with no real reason behind it. Even before we meet him, it’s clear from just his name that Crump is never meant to be seen as a serious contender for Diana’s hand, and that there is never any real risk that Diana might end up marrying him.
The real stumbling block with this book for me though was the fact that it was impossible to believe that Diana’s mother and her sister Charlotte would think, for even one second, that Diana could have any chance of happiness with Crump. From what we’ve seen of them as a family, they’re closeknit and care very much for each other; Lady Hervey is not some sort of stately matriarch with no real interest in her daughter’s welfare, and Charlotte, while happy in her arranged marriage, can surely not wish her sister to be miserable. In promoting the match with Crump, it seems to me that they are behaving completely out of character – regardless of the fact that Diana’s antics have already got her a reputation in society for being somewhat flighy. They both spend all of the novel telling Diana how she will come to love her husband, and are unable to see how absolutely miserable she is at the prospect of marrying this dry stick of a man. It’s like they’re completely different characters to in the other books, and if there’s one thing that is guaranteed to spoil a story for me, it’s inconsistent or poor characterisation.
I’ve been thinking since book 1, that I’d like to read Breckonridge’s story. After all, he’s often described as being handsome and intelligent – but he’s at least forty (shock, horror!) which perhaps disqualifies his being cast as a romantic lead. He also appears to have a decent amount of common sense and maturity, so perhaps that has something to do with it. In any case, he gets his HEA with Lady Hervey – and I suspect they’ll be just as happy, if not more so, than their less mature and more wayward relatives.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
This is the third and final book in Isabella Bradford’s trilogy about the Wylder sisters. Having married off both Charlotte and Lizzie to suitable dukes, the focus now shifts to Diana, the youngest sister; but whereas both her sisters had been betrothed from childhood, no such arrangement was made for Diana.
Like her sisters, she is beautiful, vivacious and headstrong, and at the beginning of the story we are told that she has already got herself into several ‘scrapes’ with young gentlemen, the latest of which almost resulted in an elopement to Gretna Green. Because of this and the ensuing gossip, Lady Hervey (the girls’ mother) decides that Diana must be married off quickly so as to prevent either her ruin, or at the very least, more damaging gossip.
The gentleman fixed upon for her latest son-in-law is one Lord Crump, a very serious and proper widower, and of course, Diana is less than keen on the idea.
The hero, the Duke of Sheffield is another of the cousins descended – albeit on the wrong side of the blanket – from royalty and is thus related to both Marchbourne and Hawkesworth, the heroes of the previous two books in the series, and to Breckonridge, who has been his only family since the death of his parents. Sheffield has rather a reputation with the ladies, so of course Brecon tells him that under no circumstances is he to have anything to do with Diana.
Red Rag – meet the Bull.
Sheffield is also to be the beneficiary of an arranged marriage, but by a stroke of luck, hits upon a way of getting out of it while at the same time helping the lady chosen for him to marry her true love instead.
There are, naturally, obstacles and misunderstandings along the way for Diana and Sheffield, and it’s done with a very light touch. But it all feels very insubstantial, and most of these obstacles and misunderstandings are of Diana’s own making. And while of course, the “unwanted suitor” is a staple of romance novels, in this one, it’s so obviously just a flimsy plot device with no real reason behind it. Even before we meet him, it’s clear from just his name that Crump is never meant to be seen as a serious contender for Diana’s hand, and that there is never any real risk that Diana might end up marrying him.
The real stumbling block with this book for me though was the fact that it was impossible to believe that Diana’s mother and her sister Charlotte would think, for even one second, that Diana could have any chance of happiness with Crump. From what we’ve seen of them as a family, they’re closeknit and care very much for each other; Lady Hervey is not some sort of stately matriarch with no real interest in her daughter’s welfare, and Charlotte, while happy in her arranged marriage, can surely not wish her sister to be miserable. In promoting the match with Crump, it seems to me that they are behaving completely out of character – regardless of the fact that Diana’s antics have already got her a reputation in society for being somewhat flighy. They both spend all of the novel telling Diana how she will come to love her husband, and are unable to see how absolutely miserable she is at the prospect of marrying this dry stick of a man. It’s like they’re completely different characters to in the other books, and if there’s one thing that is guaranteed to spoil a story for me, it’s inconsistent or poor characterisation.
I’ve been thinking since book 1, that I’d like to read Breckonridge’s story. After all, he’s often described as being handsome and intelligent – but he’s at least forty (shock, horror!) which perhaps disqualifies his being cast as a romantic lead. He also appears to have a decent amount of common sense and maturity, so perhaps that has something to do with it. In any case, he gets his HEA with Lady Hervey – and I suspect they’ll be just as happy, if not more so, than their less mature and more wayward relatives.
With thanks to the publisher and NetGalley for the review copy.
February 16, 2015
I got this book for free through Goodreads First Reads
Lady Diana Wylder is the youngest and the last of the unwed sisters, she is also the most 'wildest' one with a few indiscretion in her past. In order to tame her and save her family from embarrassment, she is promised to Lord Crump, an older dull man that is really in need of someone to bare him a heir. But when she meets a stranger in a park then shares a kiss at him in the gala, her whole world turns upside down. The last thing the Duke of Sheffield expected was a passionate kiss from the mysterious unnamed woman from the park, but Lady Diana hits close to home. Sheffield has also been forced into marriage by the king after his severe indiscretions in France, when he is forced to marry Lady Enid, who has no interest in him but is in love with somebody else.
Let me just say that I have read a lot of mixed reviews on this book. A lot of them came from people who have read the first two. As someone who has not read the first or the second book, I really really enjoyed this one. Yes, at a point this book was kind of slow, but as I got more into it I realized I was reading more and more of it. I really liked Sheffield and at times I felt a little sorry for him and Lady Diana. Diana was stuck in an arranged marriage thanks to her mother and aunt. Meanwhile her late father was the one who had arranged the marriage of her other two sisters for whom it had turned into love. Lord Crump on the other hand was unresponsive and boring.
Lady Diana was a lively spirit who was stuck in one of the most unfortunate situation with a man who can put out her spark and Sheffield a womanizer who finally found a woman who challenges him. The attraction between the two was instant and I thought the two of them were adorable together. I also loved Sheffield's dog, Fantome, who was just an awesome bundle of love.
The storyline to me was interesting and different from my other mostrecent reads, and of course this being a historical romance I loved the time period. Once I really got into the book I was unable to put it down. I really did enjoy the main characters and what they had to offer even if Lady Diana frustrated me at times for her treatment of Sheffield, but their story was beautiful. The way Sheffield handled Lady Enid's situations was quiet touching as well, but I won't spoil it. This book does make me want to back track and read the first of the series that I heard was quiet good and since I liked Lady Charlotte in this book, I think I just might.
Lady Diana Wylder is the youngest and the last of the unwed sisters, she is also the most 'wildest' one with a few indiscretion in her past. In order to tame her and save her family from embarrassment, she is promised to Lord Crump, an older dull man that is really in need of someone to bare him a heir. But when she meets a stranger in a park then shares a kiss at him in the gala, her whole world turns upside down. The last thing the Duke of Sheffield expected was a passionate kiss from the mysterious unnamed woman from the park, but Lady Diana hits close to home. Sheffield has also been forced into marriage by the king after his severe indiscretions in France, when he is forced to marry Lady Enid, who has no interest in him but is in love with somebody else.
Let me just say that I have read a lot of mixed reviews on this book. A lot of them came from people who have read the first two. As someone who has not read the first or the second book, I really really enjoyed this one. Yes, at a point this book was kind of slow, but as I got more into it I realized I was reading more and more of it. I really liked Sheffield and at times I felt a little sorry for him and Lady Diana. Diana was stuck in an arranged marriage thanks to her mother and aunt. Meanwhile her late father was the one who had arranged the marriage of her other two sisters for whom it had turned into love. Lord Crump on the other hand was unresponsive and boring.
Lady Diana was a lively spirit who was stuck in one of the most unfortunate situation with a man who can put out her spark and Sheffield a womanizer who finally found a woman who challenges him. The attraction between the two was instant and I thought the two of them were adorable together. I also loved Sheffield's dog, Fantome, who was just an awesome bundle of love.
The storyline to me was interesting and different from my other mostrecent reads, and of course this being a historical romance I loved the time period. Once I really got into the book I was unable to put it down. I really did enjoy the main characters and what they had to offer even if Lady Diana frustrated me at times for her treatment of Sheffield, but their story was beautiful. The way Sheffield handled Lady Enid's situations was quiet touching as well, but I won't spoil it. This book does make me want to back track and read the first of the series that I heard was quiet good and since I liked Lady Charlotte in this book, I think I just might.
September 14, 2025
#3 in the Wylder Sister Regency romance series
This was a very nice finale to this trilogy. Sheffield is the rake among the dukes, spoiled and incorrigible, used to getting his own way. But charming, of course, and handsome. He falls for Diana, the youngest and most impulsive of the Wylder sisters. She's living with older sister Charlotte (from the first book), and to "tame" her, she has been betrothed to a dry stick of a man who happens to be a new marquis who is looking for a wife. It's obvious that they are totally mismatched, but the parents have decided it's for the best. And Sheffield has been directed to become betrothed to another lady of his acquaintance. Luckily, the lady in question is in love with someone else (unsuitable, of course), so she's willing to sneak around to get out of the betrothal. And Diane is conveniently around when Sheffield happens to be available. They fall in love, of course, but both are chafing at the rules of high society that encourage matches for political and convenience reasons rather than for love.
This was a very nice finale to this trilogy. Sheffield is the rake among the dukes, spoiled and incorrigible, used to getting his own way. But charming, of course, and handsome. He falls for Diana, the youngest and most impulsive of the Wylder sisters. She's living with older sister Charlotte (from the first book), and to "tame" her, she has been betrothed to a dry stick of a man who happens to be a new marquis who is looking for a wife. It's obvious that they are totally mismatched, but the parents have decided it's for the best. And Sheffield has been directed to become betrothed to another lady of his acquaintance. Luckily, the lady in question is in love with someone else (unsuitable, of course), so she's willing to sneak around to get out of the betrothal. And Diane is conveniently around when Sheffield happens to be available. They fall in love, of course, but both are chafing at the rules of high society that encourage matches for political and convenience reasons rather than for love.
March 15, 2020
When the Duke Found Love is book three in The Wylder Sisters series by Isabella Bradford. I thought this was a delightfully written romance. Bradford infuses comedy in her story that keeps the tale moving and engaging. Diana Wylder is the youngest daughter of the Wylder sisters. Diana is young, impulsive and prone to trouble. She is a relatable character that slowly develops throughout the story. I loved the attraction between Diana and the hero Sheffield. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Bradford’s books. I checked this one out from my local library.
August 4, 2022
in my historical romance era xx
it was bad tho got pretty bored and the build up was way too long. there were so many pointless set backs and lord chromp xx lovely name 💅🏻💅🏻😍
it was bad tho got pretty bored and the build up was way too long. there were so many pointless set backs and lord chromp xx lovely name 💅🏻💅🏻😍
January 3, 2013
Book 3 "When The Duke Found Love" just didn't work for me. I loved the hero Duke Sheffield and his character was written well that is why I gave the story two stars instead of one. Sheffield is tall, handsome, rich and a Duke, everything a girl dreams about. However, Ms. Bradford tries to make the case that he is suppose to be a rake and the worst sort of a rogue. Its unbelievable because he is written opposite to this. Diana is the 3rd and last Wlyder sister to be married. Her mother lady Hervey has betroth Diana to a Marquis who is rude, cold in nature and very unattractive. He acts like the Puritans of old and is very indifferent to Diana. Lady Hervey is persuaded, with the help of the foolish eldest cousin Brecon of the Royal Duke cousins, that he would make a better match for Diana than Sheffield who is a Duke!! It just doesn't make sense and poor Diana doesn't want to go against her families wishes or disappoint them so she agrees to the match. The first two sisters marriages where planned and arranged by their father before his accidental death. They were betroth to two of the Royal Duke cousins. My question to the author is why didn't the Mother Lady Hervey continue what her husband had done with the other two sisters? Who wants less for their youngest child? If the father Lord Hervey was still alive it is obvious he would have betroth Diana to the last and youngest of the four Duke cousins. The eldest of the Duke cousins Brecon was a meddling old fool. He never gave good advice to his cousins in books 1 or 2. I was also, shocked that Charlotte the eldest Wlyder sister didn't help her baby sister get out of the betrothal with the Marquis but encouraged it even when she knew how unhappy her sister was.
The author Isabella Bradford has the makings of a great HR writer. She is spot on with her description of the food, cloths and the houses or mansions for the era. She even writes the virginal you lady which is very correct for the Historical era of the times. A females virginity was extremely important at this time and to her credit Bradford wrote this well. When she write a good story line this author will be a bestseller. However not with this series!!!
The author Isabella Bradford has the makings of a great HR writer. She is spot on with her description of the food, cloths and the houses or mansions for the era. She even writes the virginal you lady which is very correct for the Historical era of the times. A females virginity was extremely important at this time and to her credit Bradford wrote this well. When she write a good story line this author will be a bestseller. However not with this series!!!
November 23, 2012
Lady Diana is the youngest of her three sisters and it has come time for her to marry, especially since she has had a few indiscretions already but since her sisters are duchesses she is hanging on to her respectability. Through some persuasion from her sisters and mother, she agrees to a marriage to a man she doesn't know. After all, the arranged marriages for her sisters worked out wonderfully so it can happen again, right? Wrong. Her intended is a dreadful bore and not suited for her at all. And to complicate matters, she runs into the most dashing man at the park...a man that sparks her interest and he is just as intrigued by her. The Duke of Sheffield is no stranger to gossip himself and needs to marry a respectable young lady quickly to avoid the kings wrath and he finds himself engaged to a passable lady. Unfortunately she is in love with another and all of Sheffield's thoughts are consumed with Diana. Will Diana and Sheffield do what is proper of them or will the do one last daring, risky endeavor for true love?
Overall not a bad conclusion to a fun, yet somewhat predictable, series. I enjoyed Diana and her zest for life but I did feel she bent to the rules her mother and sisters wanted her to follow rather quickly. I thought there might have been more conflict with her but there was not anything major. Sheffield was a joy to read. Yes he has rakish tendencies but underneath he has a heart of gold. I liked his manner with dealing with his fiance and I thought his dog added a wonderful sense of humor. Paired with Diana's love for her cat, the animals are a great secondary act. The attention to details through fashion and the surroundings was great and something I always appreciate and enjoy. The love blooms fast between Sheffield and Diana but they find it hard to find some time alone but I appreciated how truthful they were with everything. So while nothing major happens, which is a nice change of pace sometimes, this is a nice comfort read with love, laughter and family. 3 1/2 stars
eARC provided by Ballatine Books via Netgalley
Overall not a bad conclusion to a fun, yet somewhat predictable, series. I enjoyed Diana and her zest for life but I did feel she bent to the rules her mother and sisters wanted her to follow rather quickly. I thought there might have been more conflict with her but there was not anything major. Sheffield was a joy to read. Yes he has rakish tendencies but underneath he has a heart of gold. I liked his manner with dealing with his fiance and I thought his dog added a wonderful sense of humor. Paired with Diana's love for her cat, the animals are a great secondary act. The attention to details through fashion and the surroundings was great and something I always appreciate and enjoy. The love blooms fast between Sheffield and Diana but they find it hard to find some time alone but I appreciated how truthful they were with everything. So while nothing major happens, which is a nice change of pace sometimes, this is a nice comfort read with love, laughter and family. 3 1/2 stars
eARC provided by Ballatine Books via Netgalley
November 27, 2012
Willful Lady Diana, the youngest of the Wylder sisters, has dallied with a rake one too many times and now her family is in a rush to get her married to salvage her reputation. The dull and dour Lord Crump has agreed to wed her but Diana cannot forget her recent chance encounter with the Duke of Sheffield, a charming, dashing cousin of her brothers-in-law (his identity was unbeknownst to her at the time).
Sheffield upsets Diana's plans as she cannot get him out of her head. Meanwhile, Sheffield has his own issues as his cousin has found a "suitable" mate for him to marry in accordance with the King's wishes following his latest scandal.
I really enjoyed this final story of this series. Diana may be the most spirited of the sisters but she is also the one to feel the most obligated to her family. Crump was a pig but was providing the balm for her reputation and Diana's family was steamrolling her into moving forward with this union, even though it was obvious to them it was a poor match. Sheffield was determined that he could win her over but it was a tougher challenge. I really liked him and though she could be frustrating at times, I liked Diana, too. I got her commitment to family and her unwillingness to make them unhappy. The ruse involving Sheffield's betrothed made the story a bit more interesting, at least providing an acceptable means for Diana and Sheffield's interludes. There were also many hilarious moments involving Sheffield's beloved dog, providing comic relief during some tense moments. It was tough to watch Diana's transformation from an impulsive, fun-loving young woman to the stifled conformist demanded by Crump. While I struggled with what seemed to be the obtuseness of her family, I also understood the norms of the period that drove their insensitivity. It just made the romance between Diana and Sheffield that much more special and I loved their interludes.
This was a fitting end to the series, even though I'm reluctant to let these characters go. The Wylder sisters and their delectable men were a fun escape and I really enjoyed each of their stories.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
Sheffield upsets Diana's plans as she cannot get him out of her head. Meanwhile, Sheffield has his own issues as his cousin has found a "suitable" mate for him to marry in accordance with the King's wishes following his latest scandal.
I really enjoyed this final story of this series. Diana may be the most spirited of the sisters but she is also the one to feel the most obligated to her family. Crump was a pig but was providing the balm for her reputation and Diana's family was steamrolling her into moving forward with this union, even though it was obvious to them it was a poor match. Sheffield was determined that he could win her over but it was a tougher challenge. I really liked him and though she could be frustrating at times, I liked Diana, too. I got her commitment to family and her unwillingness to make them unhappy. The ruse involving Sheffield's betrothed made the story a bit more interesting, at least providing an acceptable means for Diana and Sheffield's interludes. There were also many hilarious moments involving Sheffield's beloved dog, providing comic relief during some tense moments. It was tough to watch Diana's transformation from an impulsive, fun-loving young woman to the stifled conformist demanded by Crump. While I struggled with what seemed to be the obtuseness of her family, I also understood the norms of the period that drove their insensitivity. It just made the romance between Diana and Sheffield that much more special and I loved their interludes.
This was a fitting end to the series, even though I'm reluctant to let these characters go. The Wylder sisters and their delectable men were a fun escape and I really enjoyed each of their stories.
(I received an ARC from NetGalley)
December 6, 2012
Let me apologize right up front with our readers because I am about to be blunt: I hated this book. The basic plot outline is one that Historical readers have seen a hundred times over; Young woman is pushed into an arranged marriage but falls in love with someone else. Because we’ve all seen this story before, the book is going to succeed or fail on the merits of how the author brings new ideas to the circumstances and breathes life into her characters. In When the Duke Found Love, author Isabella Bradford disappointed on both of these tasks, with the worst offence towards the characters.
The heroine of the story, Diana Wylder is supposedly a free spirit who has already embarked on a few misadventures in her short time being out in society. From her family’s accounts she is impulsive, lively, and in need of a strong presence in her life to help reel her in. Unfortunately, all of Diana’s irresponsible behavior happened well before the start of her own story because from her dialog and actions in the pages of this book I never got that impression. What I did see was a young woman who had been raised with a certain level of freedom having to acclimate herself to the structures of her station while trying to retain a part of her independence and personality. When her mother and older sister arrange for Diana to be married, at a basic level Diana understands her responsibilities to marry well and to accept her fate, but that supposed hoyden side of her rebels when she catches the eye of a handsome man in the park. The back and forth between Diana’s two personalities (the sensible side trying to do right against the brash side looking for love and excitement) was almost like watching a tennis match, with the poor hero being the one volleyed back and forth.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2012/1...
The heroine of the story, Diana Wylder is supposedly a free spirit who has already embarked on a few misadventures in her short time being out in society. From her family’s accounts she is impulsive, lively, and in need of a strong presence in her life to help reel her in. Unfortunately, all of Diana’s irresponsible behavior happened well before the start of her own story because from her dialog and actions in the pages of this book I never got that impression. What I did see was a young woman who had been raised with a certain level of freedom having to acclimate herself to the structures of her station while trying to retain a part of her independence and personality. When her mother and older sister arrange for Diana to be married, at a basic level Diana understands her responsibilities to marry well and to accept her fate, but that supposed hoyden side of her rebels when she catches the eye of a handsome man in the park. The back and forth between Diana’s two personalities (the sensible side trying to do right against the brash side looking for love and excitement) was almost like watching a tennis match, with the poor hero being the one volleyed back and forth.
For the full review, please go to http://www.thewindowseat13.com/2012/1...
December 11, 2012
Lady Diana is the wildest Wylder sister of all. She believes in dashing suitors, love and fairytale endings, all in that order. Unfortunately for Diana, her mother has firmly decided her youngest daughter will marry Lord Crump. After all, marriage to a severe man like Lord Crump will smooth over Diana’s past behavior and make her the picture of refinement.
George, Duke of Sheffield, has come home to England, after a notorious affair with a married woman makes it necessary for him to leave France. Now the king strongly suggests Sheffield marry Lady Enid, a young woman of impeccable manners. Fortunately for Sheffield, Enid is in love with another. So all he has to do is pretend to be engaged while helping her find a way to marry the man her parents do not approve of.
In the midst of this complex arrangement with Enid, Sheffield is drawn irresistibly to Diana. She is the polar opposite of everything a Duke like him should endeavor to marry, and yet he does not care. She is his perfect match, and the woman he cannot live without. All they need is to seize the moment, flaunt the expectations of society and reach for the love of a lifetime.
This wildly romantic story is full of humor and witty dialog. Readers will enjoy seeing the last Wylder sister fall head over heels for the sexy Duke of Sheffield. Not only is there a complex cast of secondary characters to keep things lively, but a surprise twist ending as well. This is a sweet and poignant love story.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
George, Duke of Sheffield, has come home to England, after a notorious affair with a married woman makes it necessary for him to leave France. Now the king strongly suggests Sheffield marry Lady Enid, a young woman of impeccable manners. Fortunately for Sheffield, Enid is in love with another. So all he has to do is pretend to be engaged while helping her find a way to marry the man her parents do not approve of.
In the midst of this complex arrangement with Enid, Sheffield is drawn irresistibly to Diana. She is the polar opposite of everything a Duke like him should endeavor to marry, and yet he does not care. She is his perfect match, and the woman he cannot live without. All they need is to seize the moment, flaunt the expectations of society and reach for the love of a lifetime.
This wildly romantic story is full of humor and witty dialog. Readers will enjoy seeing the last Wylder sister fall head over heels for the sexy Duke of Sheffield. Not only is there a complex cast of secondary characters to keep things lively, but a surprise twist ending as well. This is a sweet and poignant love story.
Kaitlin
Reviewer for Coffee Time Romance & More
February 12, 2013
These two hit it off from the get go when they came upon each other in the park. As Sheffield tries to woo Diana she spends her time fighting the attraction to please her family. It soon becomes a hopeless cause as she lets herself accept the love she has for Sheffield. They both are betrothed to other people. His betrothal was a farce to hide the plan to see his betrothed marry another. Diana's engagement comes about when she finds out about Sheffield's. She's angered and automatically accepts a proposal she desperately doesn't want.
It's a story of forbidden love full of secrets that could lead to scandal. I found myself wondering how in the world these two would ever find their way to love without causing damage to others around them and totally destroying any hope Diana may have at salvaging her good name. The story is full of laugh out loud humor and Sheffield's dog totally stole my heart. I can't help but think that had Diana's father lived that he would have chosen Sheffield for her. As their families are fighting to see them wed to others Sheffield is determined to make sure that love conquers all which brings the reader on a ride of merriment and these two, in the end, let their hearts guide them. I closed this book with a smile on my face.
I won this book on Goodreads and have given an honest, unbiased opinion of the book.
It's a story of forbidden love full of secrets that could lead to scandal. I found myself wondering how in the world these two would ever find their way to love without causing damage to others around them and totally destroying any hope Diana may have at salvaging her good name. The story is full of laugh out loud humor and Sheffield's dog totally stole my heart. I can't help but think that had Diana's father lived that he would have chosen Sheffield for her. As their families are fighting to see them wed to others Sheffield is determined to make sure that love conquers all which brings the reader on a ride of merriment and these two, in the end, let their hearts guide them. I closed this book with a smile on my face.
I won this book on Goodreads and have given an honest, unbiased opinion of the book.
February 17, 2017
I absolutely love historical romance so it was no surprise that I was hooked on this book the more I read it. I have to admit the start of it wasn't interesting to me at all (mostly because I expected a love scene at the start), but I became interested as soon as the love triangle began between the main characters. I like how this story can be relatable to others because even though the book isn't in current times, the characters are struggling to choose between being happy and in love over being miserable in an arranged marriage. I think this is a good book, but I wouldn't recommend this to children because it has some adultery involved in it. Overall, it was very enjoyable to read.
September 15, 2017
Diana, the youngest Wylder sister, is all grown up now, and ready for her own grand romance. It most certainly isn't going to be with the completely unaffected Lord Crump (the name alone should be a tipoff on this one,) not when Sheffield, the last of the ducal cousins is around, but Diana accepts Crump's proposal anyway, because that's what a girl does when it's expected of her. Small problem; Diana and the proper thing to do are not exactly BFFs, so when she finds herself in the grip of a powerful attraction to the last man on earth she should fancy, she goes for it, and plants a kiss right on Sheffield's mouth. Problem solved?
Eh, not quite. Small matter of Sheffield's betrothal to the scholarly Lady Edith, but shh, he has ulterior motives. Pretend to be engaged to the suitable lady, provide a smokescreen so she can meet her most un-suitable beau, and facilitate an elopement for the pair, then use the ordeal of being jilted to explain his continued bachelor status. Genius. Well, almost. Sheffield can't get Diana out of his mind. and, when she becomes an essential part of abovementioned smokescreen, it's not only Enid and her true love who benefit. Oh what a tangled web they weave, but can true love set it all straight? This is a romance, after all, and in the hands of a true mistress of the genre, so that much we do know. What we don't is the how, and therein lies the puzzle.
Fans of the trilogy will find this a satisfying finale to the adventures of the Wylder girls, and their mother also gets herself the second chance at love she's always denied she needed. Diana's cat, Fig, and Sheffield's bulldog, Fantome, are both in fine furry form, and guide several pivotal points in the story, to add an extra layer for animal lovers. Everything ties together with the right amount of period detail, and some absolutely gorgeous word pictures as Ms. Bradford's skills in description truly shine.
Eh, not quite. Small matter of Sheffield's betrothal to the scholarly Lady Edith, but shh, he has ulterior motives. Pretend to be engaged to the suitable lady, provide a smokescreen so she can meet her most un-suitable beau, and facilitate an elopement for the pair, then use the ordeal of being jilted to explain his continued bachelor status. Genius. Well, almost. Sheffield can't get Diana out of his mind. and, when she becomes an essential part of abovementioned smokescreen, it's not only Enid and her true love who benefit. Oh what a tangled web they weave, but can true love set it all straight? This is a romance, after all, and in the hands of a true mistress of the genre, so that much we do know. What we don't is the how, and therein lies the puzzle.
Fans of the trilogy will find this a satisfying finale to the adventures of the Wylder girls, and their mother also gets herself the second chance at love she's always denied she needed. Diana's cat, Fig, and Sheffield's bulldog, Fantome, are both in fine furry form, and guide several pivotal points in the story, to add an extra layer for animal lovers. Everything ties together with the right amount of period detail, and some absolutely gorgeous word pictures as Ms. Bradford's skills in description truly shine.
February 19, 2025
When the Duke Found Love is book three in The Wylder Sisters series by Isabella Bradford. I thought this was a delightfully written romance. Bradford infuses comedy in her story that keeps the tale moving and engaging. Diana Wylder is the youngest daughter of the Wylder sisters. Diana is young, impulsive and prone to trouble. She is a relatable character that slowly develops throughout the story. I loved the attraction between Diana and the hero Sheffield. Although this is the third book in the series, it can be read as a stand-alone. I am looking forward to reading more of Ms. Bradford’s books. I checked this one out from my local library.
May 31, 2020
Nobility
I consider this a great read. Plenty of Dukes and Duchesses to go around. Loved both the hero Sheffield and truly fell in love with Diana. Crump was the most pathetic Marquess who ever lived, I don't think he could find someone in a whorehouse to marry him. I would recommend this book to all readers. I almost forgot the bulldog, he is awesome.
I consider this a great read. Plenty of Dukes and Duchesses to go around. Loved both the hero Sheffield and truly fell in love with Diana. Crump was the most pathetic Marquess who ever lived, I don't think he could find someone in a whorehouse to marry him. I would recommend this book to all readers. I almost forgot the bulldog, he is awesome.
January 20, 2025
Feels like reading a true classic English literature with the features of dukes, duchess, and all the noble classes......I like how the protagonist Diana challenges the status quo of the English noble class and willingly to love someone that she likes and how she go to any lengths to maintain it.....
March 27, 2019
The two central characters whom everyone thought immature were possibly the only two who knew what thy wanted. Sheffield especially knew and understood he had to fight for it. Their family who only wished the best for them seemed determined to I’ve them the worst. An enjoyable read.
September 16, 2019
Isabella Bradford writes open bedroom door (though very well done) Susan Holloway Scott is more along the lines of Phillipa Gregory.
Very fun novel about two very well suited individuals being steered by family to marriages with very unsuitable spouses.
Very fun novel about two very well suited individuals being steered by family to marriages with very unsuitable spouses.
May 19, 2017
Entertaining. Again with this author, lovely costume details. Tad frothy occasionally and Lord Crump is a bit of a stock character, but a fun romance.
July 16, 2025
i started thebook5times and couldnt get through it for some reason. dont even know what it is about. sorry dnf at ghe page 10 or something..
August 24, 2016
Let me apologize right up front with our readers because I am about to be blunt: I hated this book. The basic plot outline is one that Historical readers have seen a hundred times over; Young woman is pushed into an arranged marriage but falls in love with someone else. Because we’ve all seen this story before, the book is going to succeed or fail on the merits of how the author brings new ideas to the circumstances and breathes life into her characters. In When the Duke Found Love, author Isabella Bradford disappointed on both of these tasks, with the worst offence towards the characters.
The heroine of the story, Diana Wylder is supposedly a free spirit who has already embarked on a few misadventures in her short time being out in society. From her family’s accounts she is impulsive, lively, and in need of a strong presence in her life to help reel her in. Unfortunately, all of Diana’s irresponsible behavior happened well before the start of her own story because from her dialog and actions in the pages of this book I never got that impression. What I did see was a young woman who had been raised with a certain level of freedom having to acclimate herself to the structures of her station while trying to retain a part of her independence and personality. When her mother and older sister arrange for Diana to be married, at a basic level Diana understands her responsibilities to marry well and to accept her fate, but that supposed hoyden side of her rebels when she catches the eye of a handsome man in the park. The back and forth between Diana’s two personalities (the sensible side trying to do right against the brash side looking for love and excitement) was almost like watching a tennis match, with the poor hero being the one volleyed back and forth.
I did care a bit more for the hero Lord Sheffield, since his personality never wavered much from his early introduction. He was charming, light-hearted and a bit of a romantic. His enjoyment in life was in the pursuit of pleasure, but I guess I’ve been predisposed to forgive that part of a male character, so hearing about Sheffield’s past indiscretions never changed my opinion of him. I loved him for his rather egalitarian ideas about love in an age where members of the peerage primarily married to increase lands or for financial gains. I felt terribly for Sheffield as I watched him give his heart over to Diana while she was adamant about marrying the depressingly dull Lord Crump. As the book neared its end and Diana still wouldn’t fight for her own love I just wanted Sheffield to give up on her. He could have done much better than the spineless and cowardly young woman he ended up with.
The worst part of When the Duke Found Love was in how poorly the secondary characters came across in this book as opposed to their previous appearances in the series. The worst offenders were Diana’s sister Charlotte and Sheffield’s cousin Breckon. In the first book, Charlotte was written in a similar vein as Diana; young, unschooled in society and looking for love. I remember liking her character within her own book as she was strong enough to push for love and openness in her own marriage. Somewhere between her own story and this one Charlotte had a complete personality change, becoming the vehement champion of the Dutiful Marriage based on nothing more than ancient titles and a possible regard for the groom. For Breckon, originally he was a widower who dabbled in his own indiscretions but was not afraid to push his cousin into laying bare the fears that were creeping into his marriage. His influence on the heroes of books one and two was more of a sage guide as they worked their way through mistakes to find wisdom. In this story he’s quite heavy-handed about knowing what is best for all the younger characters. He is the one to suggest the boring suitor for Diana and helps arrange the marriage contracts between them. He is the one to declare that Sheffield must reform his wicked ways and pushes another ill-matched marriage on him. Breckon is also the biggest hypocrite in the story; however it would be a bit of a spoiler for me to explain further. Suffice it to say, this disservice to all of the secondary characters just cemented my overall disdain for the story.
I had hoped that When the Duke Found Love would be the redemption of this series after my disappointment with the second story When the Duchess Said Yes. Sadly, it was just more of the same frustration. I would tell any reader interested in this series to pick up book one, enjoy that story and the characters in their original incarnation, then stop on that high note.
The heroine of the story, Diana Wylder is supposedly a free spirit who has already embarked on a few misadventures in her short time being out in society. From her family’s accounts she is impulsive, lively, and in need of a strong presence in her life to help reel her in. Unfortunately, all of Diana’s irresponsible behavior happened well before the start of her own story because from her dialog and actions in the pages of this book I never got that impression. What I did see was a young woman who had been raised with a certain level of freedom having to acclimate herself to the structures of her station while trying to retain a part of her independence and personality. When her mother and older sister arrange for Diana to be married, at a basic level Diana understands her responsibilities to marry well and to accept her fate, but that supposed hoyden side of her rebels when she catches the eye of a handsome man in the park. The back and forth between Diana’s two personalities (the sensible side trying to do right against the brash side looking for love and excitement) was almost like watching a tennis match, with the poor hero being the one volleyed back and forth.
I did care a bit more for the hero Lord Sheffield, since his personality never wavered much from his early introduction. He was charming, light-hearted and a bit of a romantic. His enjoyment in life was in the pursuit of pleasure, but I guess I’ve been predisposed to forgive that part of a male character, so hearing about Sheffield’s past indiscretions never changed my opinion of him. I loved him for his rather egalitarian ideas about love in an age where members of the peerage primarily married to increase lands or for financial gains. I felt terribly for Sheffield as I watched him give his heart over to Diana while she was adamant about marrying the depressingly dull Lord Crump. As the book neared its end and Diana still wouldn’t fight for her own love I just wanted Sheffield to give up on her. He could have done much better than the spineless and cowardly young woman he ended up with.
The worst part of When the Duke Found Love was in how poorly the secondary characters came across in this book as opposed to their previous appearances in the series. The worst offenders were Diana’s sister Charlotte and Sheffield’s cousin Breckon. In the first book, Charlotte was written in a similar vein as Diana; young, unschooled in society and looking for love. I remember liking her character within her own book as she was strong enough to push for love and openness in her own marriage. Somewhere between her own story and this one Charlotte had a complete personality change, becoming the vehement champion of the Dutiful Marriage based on nothing more than ancient titles and a possible regard for the groom. For Breckon, originally he was a widower who dabbled in his own indiscretions but was not afraid to push his cousin into laying bare the fears that were creeping into his marriage. His influence on the heroes of books one and two was more of a sage guide as they worked their way through mistakes to find wisdom. In this story he’s quite heavy-handed about knowing what is best for all the younger characters. He is the one to suggest the boring suitor for Diana and helps arrange the marriage contracts between them. He is the one to declare that Sheffield must reform his wicked ways and pushes another ill-matched marriage on him. Breckon is also the biggest hypocrite in the story; however it would be a bit of a spoiler for me to explain further. Suffice it to say, this disservice to all of the secondary characters just cemented my overall disdain for the story.
I had hoped that When the Duke Found Love would be the redemption of this series after my disappointment with the second story When the Duchess Said Yes. Sadly, it was just more of the same frustration. I would tell any reader interested in this series to pick up book one, enjoy that story and the characters in their original incarnation, then stop on that high note.
November 15, 2012
When The Duke Found Love is the third and final book in Wylder Sisters Trilogy. It is a fun little romp amongst the ton by two of it's brightest stars.. and the two who in today's world would have Most Likely to Create a Scandal under their pictures in the yearbook. Isabella Bradford shares a fun time in this book.
George Charles Bramley Atherton, the fourth Duke of Sheffield, is home from France.. well come home in a bit of disgrace. Ready to settle up with his family and maybe just spend some time in London, he has no clue that the King, himself has suggested that he marry.. oh and he's picked out the bride. When his older cousin, the man who has been a father/brother and friend to him tells him it's time to bite the bullet, Sheffield promises to give it a try. Only one or two things stand in his way..
1. The bride hates him on site.. well she doesn't hate him but is in love with another man.
2. He has met the vision.. the woman who could possibly be the one to make him stand for love.. only to find out that..
Diana Wylder, the youngest of the Wylder girls. The one to race headlong into life has finally realized that her luck has run out. One too many wild adventures, bad choices and less than proper men in her life. Her family has decided upon a groom for her and she really doesn't have a choice. Only problem is..
1. The man makes boring look exciting. Caught up in himself, his position and his society all he wants to do is his duty and Diana isn't really even allowed an opinion of her own.
2. On their very first meeting in the park, he left her alone, standing there by. her. self.. so he could discuss business. And when he did she met the man she could love forever.
While Diana and Sheffield are wonderfully written characters and the way they face their struggles is admirable.. I was often angry at the way Diana's family treated her. Constantly telling her that love would come later, ok I get that but not seeing what the prig of all prigs was doing to her. I was sure eventually we were going to see her battered and abused. This man, had all the tendencies of an abusive mate. While it didn't ever come to that, I kept waiting. And it made my stomach clench. First because I was sure he was going to and second because her family all but condoned it.
While Sheffield is portrayed as a loveable rake who might need to be reigned in a bit. He was also charming, considerate and open to falling in love. He never stated that he would treat his wife with anything less than respect, that he would be unfaithful, he just wanted a marriage like his parents had, a love match, until then he was having fun. To see everyone treat him as the charming rogue but never the right one for Diana was equally frustrating.
I guess, that while the lead characters were exceptional the secondary characters ruined this book for me. I wanted to like it, there was so much potential there but the attitude of all these people who were supposed to "love" them was horrid. This wasn't a bad book, I just won't recommend it. It grated on me.. I wish Ms Bradford had chosen a different form of tension for this couple. Some other obstacle to overcome.
Maybe I am just getting too picky.. but there you have it
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of When the Duke Found Love provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on November 27, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
George Charles Bramley Atherton, the fourth Duke of Sheffield, is home from France.. well come home in a bit of disgrace. Ready to settle up with his family and maybe just spend some time in London, he has no clue that the King, himself has suggested that he marry.. oh and he's picked out the bride. When his older cousin, the man who has been a father/brother and friend to him tells him it's time to bite the bullet, Sheffield promises to give it a try. Only one or two things stand in his way..
1. The bride hates him on site.. well she doesn't hate him but is in love with another man.
2. He has met the vision.. the woman who could possibly be the one to make him stand for love.. only to find out that..
Diana Wylder, the youngest of the Wylder girls. The one to race headlong into life has finally realized that her luck has run out. One too many wild adventures, bad choices and less than proper men in her life. Her family has decided upon a groom for her and she really doesn't have a choice. Only problem is..
1. The man makes boring look exciting. Caught up in himself, his position and his society all he wants to do is his duty and Diana isn't really even allowed an opinion of her own.
2. On their very first meeting in the park, he left her alone, standing there by. her. self.. so he could discuss business. And when he did she met the man she could love forever.
While Diana and Sheffield are wonderfully written characters and the way they face their struggles is admirable.. I was often angry at the way Diana's family treated her. Constantly telling her that love would come later, ok I get that but not seeing what the prig of all prigs was doing to her. I was sure eventually we were going to see her battered and abused. This man, had all the tendencies of an abusive mate. While it didn't ever come to that, I kept waiting. And it made my stomach clench. First because I was sure he was going to and second because her family all but condoned it.
While Sheffield is portrayed as a loveable rake who might need to be reigned in a bit. He was also charming, considerate and open to falling in love. He never stated that he would treat his wife with anything less than respect, that he would be unfaithful, he just wanted a marriage like his parents had, a love match, until then he was having fun. To see everyone treat him as the charming rogue but never the right one for Diana was equally frustrating.
I guess, that while the lead characters were exceptional the secondary characters ruined this book for me. I wanted to like it, there was so much potential there but the attitude of all these people who were supposed to "love" them was horrid. This wasn't a bad book, I just won't recommend it. It grated on me.. I wish Ms Bradford had chosen a different form of tension for this couple. Some other obstacle to overcome.
Maybe I am just getting too picky.. but there you have it
Shauni
This review is based on the ARC of When the Duke Found Love provided by netgalley and is scheduled for release on November 27, 2012
For more reviews by Shauni check out Tea and Book and
Bodice Rippers, Femme Fatales and Fantasy
January 24, 2013
Originally posted on My Book Musings.
I waited so long for this book because I really enjoyed the first two books in the Wylder Sisters series, but I found that When the Duke Found Love did not live up to my expectations.
Diana Wylder was truly lovely, vivacious, and just seemed so alive. I envisioned her as someone who always has a bright smile and quite optimistic. I even felt like I could relate to her as we’re both vivacious and just want to have fun (cue the song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun in my head). With her ‘wild’ nature, she seems to be developing a reputation for her wild ways – and her family pushes her to settle down with a very boring man, Lord Crump.
Ugh, Lord Crump. I understand the sentiment, but truly, I felt like her family was so blind! They think he is all that is proper, but have they forgotten how improper the husbands of her sisters were when they were courting? They kept insisting that Diana will find love, but Crump just does not inspire that feeling. Plus, her family does not even notice that she has lost her vivacity and spark; they viewed it as a turn for the better. Is that a loving family? *shakes my head*
The Duke of Sheffield, on the other hand, is one of those notorious rakes who finally found love. It’s a cliché, I know, but that’s who he is. One of the consolations for this book is that he was portrayed as utterly in love. I quite liked how he proposed – bumbling and in awe of Diana. I quite like to imagine that if someday, someone proposes to me, he’ll be as nervous and humbled as Sheffield was.
I did not like the other characters in this story. Honestly, my eyes glazed over several times because I was not enjoying the story anymore. I just finished it because I was hoping things will improve. The relationship between Diana and Sheffield felt a bit fast-paced, but they were so truly alike in character that I can just see them having fun and staying in love through the years.
For me, the plot had several unresolved issues. First is, Brecon finds out about what Sheffield did for his fiancée, but Sheffield never tried to find out or punish who that servant was. Furthermore, why did Brecon inquire about Sheffield’s secrets, did he think so bad of the latter?
Second, the issue of what happened with Lord Crump was left unanswered. Based on my readings of several historical romance books, the breaking off of an engagement in those times was rather a huge scandal, with the jilted party deserving a huge amount. When Diana’s family found out that she was married, it’s like they were all just happy and did not mind the scandal. And why did Lord Crump not even arrive on scene? It was like, “Oh you’re married, okay then.” This was weird because Diana’s mother was just mentioning what a big scandal being jilted was.
Third, Diana felt bad that she was to marry Crump but she did not even know his Christian name, or even leave to not call him “lord” anymore. But never in the book has she ever referred to Sheffield by his Christian name. In fact, he only gives her leave to call him Sheffield, while he calls her Diana.
Lastly, the plot felt too fast paced, with the numerous obstacles to their story not given enough time or proper space to be truly addressed. I felt a bit let down with all my anticipation, especially after enjoying the first two books. With all the issues I have with the book, I only give it 3 stars.
Ciao! Happy musings :)
I waited so long for this book because I really enjoyed the first two books in the Wylder Sisters series, but I found that When the Duke Found Love did not live up to my expectations.
Diana Wylder was truly lovely, vivacious, and just seemed so alive. I envisioned her as someone who always has a bright smile and quite optimistic. I even felt like I could relate to her as we’re both vivacious and just want to have fun (cue the song Girls Just Wanna Have Fun in my head). With her ‘wild’ nature, she seems to be developing a reputation for her wild ways – and her family pushes her to settle down with a very boring man, Lord Crump.
Ugh, Lord Crump. I understand the sentiment, but truly, I felt like her family was so blind! They think he is all that is proper, but have they forgotten how improper the husbands of her sisters were when they were courting? They kept insisting that Diana will find love, but Crump just does not inspire that feeling. Plus, her family does not even notice that she has lost her vivacity and spark; they viewed it as a turn for the better. Is that a loving family? *shakes my head*
The Duke of Sheffield, on the other hand, is one of those notorious rakes who finally found love. It’s a cliché, I know, but that’s who he is. One of the consolations for this book is that he was portrayed as utterly in love. I quite liked how he proposed – bumbling and in awe of Diana. I quite like to imagine that if someday, someone proposes to me, he’ll be as nervous and humbled as Sheffield was.
I did not like the other characters in this story. Honestly, my eyes glazed over several times because I was not enjoying the story anymore. I just finished it because I was hoping things will improve. The relationship between Diana and Sheffield felt a bit fast-paced, but they were so truly alike in character that I can just see them having fun and staying in love through the years.
For me, the plot had several unresolved issues. First is, Brecon finds out about what Sheffield did for his fiancée, but Sheffield never tried to find out or punish who that servant was. Furthermore, why did Brecon inquire about Sheffield’s secrets, did he think so bad of the latter?
Second, the issue of what happened with Lord Crump was left unanswered. Based on my readings of several historical romance books, the breaking off of an engagement in those times was rather a huge scandal, with the jilted party deserving a huge amount. When Diana’s family found out that she was married, it’s like they were all just happy and did not mind the scandal. And why did Lord Crump not even arrive on scene? It was like, “Oh you’re married, okay then.” This was weird because Diana’s mother was just mentioning what a big scandal being jilted was.
Third, Diana felt bad that she was to marry Crump but she did not even know his Christian name, or even leave to not call him “lord” anymore. But never in the book has she ever referred to Sheffield by his Christian name. In fact, he only gives her leave to call him Sheffield, while he calls her Diana.
Lastly, the plot felt too fast paced, with the numerous obstacles to their story not given enough time or proper space to be truly addressed. I felt a bit let down with all my anticipation, especially after enjoying the first two books. With all the issues I have with the book, I only give it 3 stars.
Ciao! Happy musings :)
August 8, 2012
This review also appears on my blog at http://www.thegoldenruleof666.blogspo...
I had really hoped to like this book, I really did. But, unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations.
Let me start by saying what I did like.
I loved how richly detailed the setting was and I loved the writing itself.
And I ADORED Sheffield. He was what really saved the book for me, the only thing that kept me from completely disliking it. He was so sweet and charming and just perfect. Once he realized that he was in love, he stopped at nothing to win Diana's heart. He was undoubtedly the best part of the book.
Now to the bad. It was really two things: the plot and Diana.
Diana was not what I expected. From the characterization, I thought she would be wild, lively, impulsive, and full of life. What I got was a meek lady who decided duty should come before love. This first came about when she accepted the hand of her suitor, Lord Crump. No one even forced her to do it, her family just wanted her to give him a chance. She was the one who decided to act like a martyr and accept his hand. You would think she would have fought even the thought of being engaged to someone she didn't know and later had nothing in common with. But she just meekly accepted him. And then, despite Sheffield's insistence that she should marry him instead, she continues to meekly accept the engagement THEN AGREE TO MOVE UP THE WEDDING DATE. Do you sense a pattern. She was meek, spineless, cowardly, and wimp.
Here I was thinking she would be a heroine full of life and she was just dull. First, that didn't fit the characterization. That was not the way she was described; her actions didn't fit her character. And second, her spinelessness made me dislike her. I like my leading ladies with some fire. Diana showed none. Until the last few pages when she suddenly comes to her senses. That last-minute return to sanity is what saved me from hating her outright. I just couldn't like her. I could understand why she wanted to do her duty, but I didn't think that involved dousing all of her fire and becoming a wimp. Forgive me if I sound like I was ranting. It was just really disappointing for me to start the book and realize that the heroine was the opposite of what I expected. I tried my best to like her, but I couldn't.
The problem with the plot was a result of Diana. It tended to drag. She spent 95% of the book acting like a wimp, so there wasn't really a move in the plot. It dragged from about a couple of chapters in to right before the end, with only a few moments of life in between. And those few moments were only because Sheffield was there, bringing some life and fun into Diana's depressing mindset. At the end, however, I must say that despite the couple finally coming together, I felt bad for Lord Crump. He was nice, really just a pawn in the story. I felt sorry for him. I don't think there will be any further books because all three sisters are called for, so I guess that loose end won't be tied.
I didn't hate When the Duke Found Love. But I didn't like it either. It was just okay. The problems I mentioned were too much for me to really like this book.
So, unfortunately, 2/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy.
I had really hoped to like this book, I really did. But, unfortunately, it didn't live up to expectations.
Let me start by saying what I did like.
I loved how richly detailed the setting was and I loved the writing itself.
And I ADORED Sheffield. He was what really saved the book for me, the only thing that kept me from completely disliking it. He was so sweet and charming and just perfect. Once he realized that he was in love, he stopped at nothing to win Diana's heart. He was undoubtedly the best part of the book.
Now to the bad. It was really two things: the plot and Diana.
Diana was not what I expected. From the characterization, I thought she would be wild, lively, impulsive, and full of life. What I got was a meek lady who decided duty should come before love. This first came about when she accepted the hand of her suitor, Lord Crump. No one even forced her to do it, her family just wanted her to give him a chance. She was the one who decided to act like a martyr and accept his hand. You would think she would have fought even the thought of being engaged to someone she didn't know and later had nothing in common with. But she just meekly accepted him. And then, despite Sheffield's insistence that she should marry him instead, she continues to meekly accept the engagement THEN AGREE TO MOVE UP THE WEDDING DATE. Do you sense a pattern. She was meek, spineless, cowardly, and wimp.
Here I was thinking she would be a heroine full of life and she was just dull. First, that didn't fit the characterization. That was not the way she was described; her actions didn't fit her character. And second, her spinelessness made me dislike her. I like my leading ladies with some fire. Diana showed none. Until the last few pages when she suddenly comes to her senses. That last-minute return to sanity is what saved me from hating her outright. I just couldn't like her. I could understand why she wanted to do her duty, but I didn't think that involved dousing all of her fire and becoming a wimp. Forgive me if I sound like I was ranting. It was just really disappointing for me to start the book and realize that the heroine was the opposite of what I expected. I tried my best to like her, but I couldn't.
The problem with the plot was a result of Diana. It tended to drag. She spent 95% of the book acting like a wimp, so there wasn't really a move in the plot. It dragged from about a couple of chapters in to right before the end, with only a few moments of life in between. And those few moments were only because Sheffield was there, bringing some life and fun into Diana's depressing mindset. At the end, however, I must say that despite the couple finally coming together, I felt bad for Lord Crump. He was nice, really just a pawn in the story. I felt sorry for him. I don't think there will be any further books because all three sisters are called for, so I guess that loose end won't be tied.
I didn't hate When the Duke Found Love. But I didn't like it either. It was just okay. The problems I mentioned were too much for me to really like this book.
So, unfortunately, 2/5
Thanks to Netgalley for a copy.
October 12, 2013
George Charles Branley Atherton the fourth, Duke of Sheffield, is home from France. Ready to spend some time in London. The King has created a problem for Atherton, but Atherton doesn't know. The King has not only suggested he marry but has picked out the bride.
Just a couple of things are in his way, First, the bride hates him, well not exactly, she has another love. Secondly, he has met his vision, a woman who could be the one to make him stand up for love.
The youngest Wylder girl, races straight forward into any situation, but now realizes her luck has run out. There had been too many wild adventures, too many bad choices and too many men, improper men. Her family has arranged a husband for her and the choice is no longer hers. There's a problem. Dianna's family treated her badly. They couldn't seem to see the way she was being treated by others.
The man, Lord Crump, is just plain boring, so totally egotistical. But Dianna doesn't even get a say so or opinion of what she wants. This is not what she wants. On their very first meeting, he left her standing alone. He'd gone off to discuss business. In the mean time she had met the love of her life.
The choice was not hers but she struggled and faced adversity with Lord Crump. The man had a lot of abusive traits. Does it ever come to that? Where was her family, to help and protect her? If adults would just be adults. You wish Diana's family would watch out for her. Atherton wanted a marriage like he'd seen when growing up, a perfect union of love. Until that happened, he was going to have fun. And then, it happened. A Mere kiss. Have they fallen hard?
The characters at times, were like children. Diana was torn between family duty and her heart's longing. She finds she has fallen for the handsome young Duke. Deep and lasting love has brought their hearts together. Will they have a chance to let love grow, or will they both live a bitter life without love?
The author did a wonderful job of giving details of the characters and the setting. The book was very well written. It's a good read, and interesting. It's not a real page turner but it's well worth the read. So pick up the book and READ.
I received this complimentary e-copy of 'When The Duke Found Love' from a giveaway at Goodreads and Susan Holloway.
You can find more information about the author at http://www.susanhollowayscott.com
Her facebook page is wonderful. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabell...
The review is also on my blog. http://bemiown.blogspot.com
Just a couple of things are in his way, First, the bride hates him, well not exactly, she has another love. Secondly, he has met his vision, a woman who could be the one to make him stand up for love.
The youngest Wylder girl, races straight forward into any situation, but now realizes her luck has run out. There had been too many wild adventures, too many bad choices and too many men, improper men. Her family has arranged a husband for her and the choice is no longer hers. There's a problem. Dianna's family treated her badly. They couldn't seem to see the way she was being treated by others.
The man, Lord Crump, is just plain boring, so totally egotistical. But Dianna doesn't even get a say so or opinion of what she wants. This is not what she wants. On their very first meeting, he left her standing alone. He'd gone off to discuss business. In the mean time she had met the love of her life.
The choice was not hers but she struggled and faced adversity with Lord Crump. The man had a lot of abusive traits. Does it ever come to that? Where was her family, to help and protect her? If adults would just be adults. You wish Diana's family would watch out for her. Atherton wanted a marriage like he'd seen when growing up, a perfect union of love. Until that happened, he was going to have fun. And then, it happened. A Mere kiss. Have they fallen hard?
The characters at times, were like children. Diana was torn between family duty and her heart's longing. She finds she has fallen for the handsome young Duke. Deep and lasting love has brought their hearts together. Will they have a chance to let love grow, or will they both live a bitter life without love?
The author did a wonderful job of giving details of the characters and the setting. The book was very well written. It's a good read, and interesting. It's not a real page turner but it's well worth the read. So pick up the book and READ.
I received this complimentary e-copy of 'When The Duke Found Love' from a giveaway at Goodreads and Susan Holloway.
You can find more information about the author at http://www.susanhollowayscott.com
Her facebook page is wonderful. http://www.facebook.com/pages/Isabell...
The review is also on my blog. http://bemiown.blogspot.com
September 29, 2012
Lady Diana is the youngest of three daughters. She's the only one who isn't betrothed at a young age, set up by her late father. At eighteen, she needs to start looking for a husband, especially since she's been involved in some scandalously improper behaviour. Unfortunately for her, instead of a loving father finding a good match for her, her mother, Lady Cecilia Hervey is in charge.
Lady Diana's mother loves her dearly, but it's obvious the mother is completely oblivious. She's dumb as a doornail when it comes to finding a suitable husband for her youngest. She heeds the advice of Lord Brecon. If Lord Brecon recommended Lord Crump, then I fear for his sons. The end of the story gives a glimpse as to why Diana's mother and Brecon were distracted, but still, they were so far off, it's not even funny.
Duke of Sheffield was more or less raised by Brecon after he was orphaned. He's similar to Diana in passion and search for love. He is the love interest in this story which is no surprise. He's a rake who enjoys women and lays the reason at the feet of his ancestors. Of course it couldn't be his own choices that has him picking married women to dally with and then get caught with his pants down.
The two main characters, Sheffield and Diana are engaging. They are amusing and both are endearing characters. This historical romance is pretty consistent in the restrictions of its times. The society's double standards ring true. Ms. Bradford writes a lovely romance novel where two couples have to struggle to be together. What was odd was the last few chapters.
The story built up the issue and blossoming love well. The issues raised were slowly being resolved. Diana's marriage to Lord Crump is in the way and it's clear the two are not compatible. The resolution to this problem was no surprise. What was a surprise was the responses from family members. Given the strong stances against the two to be married, the ending made little sense. The fall out was completely unbelievable. It also felt abrupt and rushed. This caused the ending to fizzle out instead of smoothly come to a closure. Still, it is a happily ever after which is required of a historical romance. This story is recommended for historical romance lovers who enjoy a omnia vincit amor theme.
Lady Diana's mother loves her dearly, but it's obvious the mother is completely oblivious. She's dumb as a doornail when it comes to finding a suitable husband for her youngest. She heeds the advice of Lord Brecon. If Lord Brecon recommended Lord Crump, then I fear for his sons. The end of the story gives a glimpse as to why Diana's mother and Brecon were distracted, but still, they were so far off, it's not even funny.
Duke of Sheffield was more or less raised by Brecon after he was orphaned. He's similar to Diana in passion and search for love. He is the love interest in this story which is no surprise. He's a rake who enjoys women and lays the reason at the feet of his ancestors. Of course it couldn't be his own choices that has him picking married women to dally with and then get caught with his pants down.
The two main characters, Sheffield and Diana are engaging. They are amusing and both are endearing characters. This historical romance is pretty consistent in the restrictions of its times. The society's double standards ring true. Ms. Bradford writes a lovely romance novel where two couples have to struggle to be together. What was odd was the last few chapters.
The story built up the issue and blossoming love well. The issues raised were slowly being resolved. Diana's marriage to Lord Crump is in the way and it's clear the two are not compatible. The resolution to this problem was no surprise. What was a surprise was the responses from family members. Given the strong stances against the two to be married, the ending made little sense. The fall out was completely unbelievable. It also felt abrupt and rushed. This caused the ending to fizzle out instead of smoothly come to a closure. Still, it is a happily ever after which is required of a historical romance. This story is recommended for historical romance lovers who enjoy a omnia vincit amor theme.
January 4, 2013
When the Duke Found Love (Kindle Edition)
Book 3 "When The Duke Found Love" just didn't work for me. I loved the hero Duke Sheffield and his character was written well that is why I gave the story two stars instead of one. Sheffield is tall, handsome, rich and a Duke, everything a girl dreams about. However, Ms. Bradford tries to make the case that he is suppose to be a rake and the worst sort of a rogue. Its unbelievable because he is written opposite to this. Diana is the 3rd and last Wlyder sister to be married. Her mother lady Hervey has betroth Diana to a Marquis who is rude, cold in nature and very unattractive. He acts like the Puritans of old and is very indifferent to Diana. Lady Hervey is persuaded, with the help of the foolish eldest cousin Brecon of the Royal Duke cousins, that he would make a better match for Diana than Sheffield who is a Duke!! It just doesn't make sense and poor Diana doesn't want to go against her families wishes or disappoint them so she agrees to the match. The first two sisters marriages where planned and arranged by their father before his accidental death. They were betroth to two of the Royal Duke cousins. My question to the author is why didn't the Mother Lady Hervey continue what her husband had done with the other two sisters? Who wants less for their youngest child? If the father Lord Hervey was still alive it is obvious he would have betroth Diana to the last and youngest of the four Duke cousins. The eldest of the Duke cousins Brecon was a meddling old fool. He never gave good advice to his cousins in books 1 or 2. I was also, shocked that Charlotte the eldest Wlyder sister didn't help her baby sister get out of the betrothal with the Marquis but encouraged it even when she knew how unhappy her sister was.
The author Isabella Bradford has the makings of a great HR writer. She is spot on with her description of the food, cloths and the houses or mansions for the era. She even writes the virginal you lady which is very correct for the Historical era of the times. A females virginity was extremely important at this time and to her credit Bradford wrote this well. When she write a good story line this author will be a bestseller. However not with this series!!!
Book 3 "When The Duke Found Love" just didn't work for me. I loved the hero Duke Sheffield and his character was written well that is why I gave the story two stars instead of one. Sheffield is tall, handsome, rich and a Duke, everything a girl dreams about. However, Ms. Bradford tries to make the case that he is suppose to be a rake and the worst sort of a rogue. Its unbelievable because he is written opposite to this. Diana is the 3rd and last Wlyder sister to be married. Her mother lady Hervey has betroth Diana to a Marquis who is rude, cold in nature and very unattractive. He acts like the Puritans of old and is very indifferent to Diana. Lady Hervey is persuaded, with the help of the foolish eldest cousin Brecon of the Royal Duke cousins, that he would make a better match for Diana than Sheffield who is a Duke!! It just doesn't make sense and poor Diana doesn't want to go against her families wishes or disappoint them so she agrees to the match. The first two sisters marriages where planned and arranged by their father before his accidental death. They were betroth to two of the Royal Duke cousins. My question to the author is why didn't the Mother Lady Hervey continue what her husband had done with the other two sisters? Who wants less for their youngest child? If the father Lord Hervey was still alive it is obvious he would have betroth Diana to the last and youngest of the four Duke cousins. The eldest of the Duke cousins Brecon was a meddling old fool. He never gave good advice to his cousins in books 1 or 2. I was also, shocked that Charlotte the eldest Wlyder sister didn't help her baby sister get out of the betrothal with the Marquis but encouraged it even when she knew how unhappy her sister was.
The author Isabella Bradford has the makings of a great HR writer. She is spot on with her description of the food, cloths and the houses or mansions for the era. She even writes the virginal you lady which is very correct for the Historical era of the times. A females virginity was extremely important at this time and to her credit Bradford wrote this well. When she write a good story line this author will be a bestseller. However not with this series!!!
February 25, 2013
When The Duke Found Love is the third book in the Wylder Sisters series. Although it is a series, these books can be read as a standalone, as I have done, but if you enjoy this one like I did then it is definitely worth investing in the other two books, which I will be doing!
Lady Diana is the youngest of her sisters, and her family wants her to marry. But they don’t want her to marry just anyone, and they have set up a marriage between Diana and Lord Crump, a very dull man who is not suited to her. Diana however, can’t forget her encounter with The Duke of Sheffield, who is handsome and intriguing. The Duke of Sheffield is also engaged to another, but has his eye on Diana. Though she is intended to wed Lord Crump, Diana is reckless and wants to throw herself head-first in the direction of the Duke of Sheffield. Will Diana and the Duke of Sheffield take the paths that are intended for them, or will they take a chance with each other?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I really liked Diana as a character – I loved her personality, her attitude to life and I warmed to her from page one. She was very vibrant and I felt Diana in particular shone throughout the story. Sheffield was a fantastic character! He was charming, and I loved his determination with Diana. I enjoyed the attraction between Sheffield and Diana, and I always looked forward to their scenes together. The pets were a brilliant addition to the book as well!
The descriptions were beautiful, I especially loved the detail that was added in, making it so very easy for any readers to picture the settings and the scenarios in their mind. I love books that are set in a past time period, and I loved the descriptions of the buildings and clothes as it enhanced my enjoyment of the story. Isabella Bradford’s writing was very engaging throughout and her way with words in particular made the story flow well and so I found myself reading with ease and enthusiasm.
When The Duke Found Love is a fun, charming story that will be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction, or anyone who likes a bit of romance in what they read. This novel is very well written and personally I will be looking out for more releases from Isabella Bradford!
Lady Diana is the youngest of her sisters, and her family wants her to marry. But they don’t want her to marry just anyone, and they have set up a marriage between Diana and Lord Crump, a very dull man who is not suited to her. Diana however, can’t forget her encounter with The Duke of Sheffield, who is handsome and intriguing. The Duke of Sheffield is also engaged to another, but has his eye on Diana. Though she is intended to wed Lord Crump, Diana is reckless and wants to throw herself head-first in the direction of the Duke of Sheffield. Will Diana and the Duke of Sheffield take the paths that are intended for them, or will they take a chance with each other?
I thoroughly enjoyed this book! I really liked Diana as a character – I loved her personality, her attitude to life and I warmed to her from page one. She was very vibrant and I felt Diana in particular shone throughout the story. Sheffield was a fantastic character! He was charming, and I loved his determination with Diana. I enjoyed the attraction between Sheffield and Diana, and I always looked forward to their scenes together. The pets were a brilliant addition to the book as well!
The descriptions were beautiful, I especially loved the detail that was added in, making it so very easy for any readers to picture the settings and the scenarios in their mind. I love books that are set in a past time period, and I loved the descriptions of the buildings and clothes as it enhanced my enjoyment of the story. Isabella Bradford’s writing was very engaging throughout and her way with words in particular made the story flow well and so I found myself reading with ease and enthusiasm.
When The Duke Found Love is a fun, charming story that will be enjoyed by fans of historical fiction, or anyone who likes a bit of romance in what they read. This novel is very well written and personally I will be looking out for more releases from Isabella Bradford!
December 1, 2012
WHEN THE DUKE FOUND LOVE by Isabella Bradford is another exciting Regency historical romance. Book #3 in the "Wylder Sisters"series,but can be read as a stand alone, although, I would recommend reading all three of these engaging and entertaining stories. See, "When You Wish Upon A Duke" and "When The Duchess Said Yes". What a wonderful and exciting conclusion to this amazing,fast paced story of three country siblings and their intended cousin Dukes. Lady Diana,is the youngest Wylder sibling and her father died before he could arrange her marriage like he did her other siblings. But she soon finds herself where her family wishes her to marriage the very dull Lord Crump. Enter the dashing,sexy,rakish Duke of Sheffield. One kiss and that is all it takes for the willful younger Wylder to come up with an idea. Sheffied, is the youngest cousin to the other Wylder's spouses and has been away from England,with a rakish reputation. Follow Lady Diana and the Duke of Sheffield on another merry chase as they find true love,and happiness. Filled with witty banter, passion,desire,a secret or two which will be revealed,romance and love. "When The Duke Found Love" is entertaining,funny,emotional,heartfelt,and you will be surprised by the Wylder sister's mother and the Duke's uncle. Laugh out loud at times,a little emotional at others. The best of the three. Little lady Diana is not so little after all especially when love comes knocking on the door,nor is Sheffield so rakish. A must read! Received for an honest review from the publisher and Net Galley. For more information visit Ballantine Books,Random House Publishing and My Book Addiction and More.
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
RATING: 4.5
HEAT RATING: MILD
REVIEWED BY: AprilR, My Book Addiction and More/My Book Addiction Reviews
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