What do you think?
Rate this book
Regency Rakes #1
Duchess by Chance
Welcome to Regency England — a world of charming gentlemen, elegant ladies, and sizzling passion! Enjoy this stunning read from USA Today Bestselling author Wendy Vella.
Daniel, Duke of Stratton, learns of his betrothal to Miss Berengaria Evangeline Winchcomb minutes before his father’s death. Having gambled his fortune away, all the late Duke had left to sell was his son. To save his family’s honor Daniel agrees to the marriage, but society’s favorite bachelor is no longer a charming easygoing man— his father’s betrayal has left him angry and with a thirst for revenge.
Eva learns she is to wed the Duke of Stratton on the way to the church. Inside she feels a flicker of hope that at last she is to leave her horrid family— however that flicker is short-lived as she faces the cold unyielding man who is now her husband.
BOOKS IN THE REGENCY RAKES SERIES
Duchess By Chance
Rescued By A Viscount
Tempting Miss Allender
258 pages, ebook
First published August 8, 2013
1460 people are currently reading
1050 people want to read
About the author
Wendy Vella
96 books828 followersWendy Vella is a USA Today and Amazon bestselling author of historical romances filled with mystery, intrigue, unconventional heroines, and dashing heroes.
Connect with Wendy in her Facebook reader group facebook.com/groups/wendyvellareaders or sign up for her reader newsletter at WendyVella.com to get goodies, exclusive excerpts and behind-the-scenes peeks.
Wendy also writes small town contemporary romances under the name Lani Blake.
Ratings & Reviews
Friends & Following
Create a free account to discover what your friends think of this book!
Community Reviews
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews
April 28, 2021
This was really good except for some editing issues until the 70% mark.
Nicely done evil relatives, an additional evil character that didn’t really make sense, a nice heroine, a hero that showed signs of intelligence, nice little side characters for a sequel then it went downhill. Oops, I just used "nice" three times in one sentence.
The problem. Instead of turning to her husband, THE DUKE, the heroine decides tostupidly heroically solve the problem herself and protect her husband from the bad guys. Heavy sigh here! A Duke has almost as much power as major members of the Royal house like a Prince Regent. Sometimes even more considering some of the dunces that have been Prince Regent and no that is not me commenting on the current one.
Still a 3 star, but a low three instead of a high three. Definitely going to check more out.
Nicely done evil relatives, an additional evil character that didn’t really make sense, a nice heroine, a hero that showed signs of intelligence, nice little side characters for a sequel then it went downhill. Oops, I just used "nice" three times in one sentence.
The problem. Instead of turning to her husband, THE DUKE, the heroine decides to
Still a 3 star, but a low three instead of a high three. Definitely going to check more out.
February 12, 2018
Eva was a wonderful heroine. She was so insecure and shy after years of being bullied by her father and half brothers. The poor girl didn't even think she was attractive and her horrible clothing made her look unattractive to the hero. He didn't realize she was beautiful until he saw her weeks after the wedding day in the new clothes that a neighbor's daughter had helped her to choose. The H had behaved like an idiot to the heroine until he saw how beautiful she was. Damn, but I almost wished he had noticed her beauty when it was hidden beneath the dowdy clothes she used to wear.
The love affair between the MC's grew gradually and the H soon realized that his wife was blameless in the scheme that her evil father had concocted. It was nice to see Eva blossom as a duchess and embrace her new role but then her nasty old father and his lecherous friend had to blackmail her by threatening her younger brother with harm. That part was really sad, because her brother had been beaten so many times by the beastly father.
Eventually, the H was able to help both the heroine and her brother and the villains got exactly what they deserved. This was a beautiful marriage of convenience romance with a H who had to work hard ( and did ! ) to get into my good books. But the heroine of the story will always be the standout character, in my eyes. This is definitely a story I can read again.
April 20, 2021
You know when a book feels cozy? That's how I felt reading this. Even though there's quite a lot of violence and abuse, the hero and heroine bring a certain peace into their characters.
This book was very simply written, a simple plot, simple characters but the feeling it brought was nothing simple. I recommend this book if you like a fast read, a sweet marriage of convenience, rags to rich, enemies to lovers romance.
This book was very simply written, a simple plot, simple characters but the feeling it brought was nothing simple. I recommend this book if you like a fast read, a sweet marriage of convenience, rags to rich, enemies to lovers romance.
February 21, 2025
Eva and Daniel future was won in a game of cards, when they were both children. Forced into Marriage by their evil father’s.
Interesting and humorous read.
Interesting and humorous read.
April 23, 2021
I enjoyed this
The hero was great but the heroine was even better. I loved the whole betrothed as children and even though she was brought up by her abusive Father and half brothers she was such a sweet person. I also loved the Grandma. She turned out to be one of my favorite characters. The evil leche r Huxley was terrible and her Father was despicable. My favorite scene was when her Dad was down on the floor and she went over and kicked him. And then She asked if she could punch him too and it was just so funny to me. Her dad was vile.
The hero was great but the heroine was even better. I loved the whole betrothed as children and even though she was brought up by her abusive Father and half brothers she was such a sweet person. I also loved the Grandma. She turned out to be one of my favorite characters. The evil leche r Huxley was terrible and her Father was despicable. My favorite scene was when her Dad was down on the floor and she went over and kicked him. And then She asked if she could punch him too and it was just so funny to me. Her dad was vile.
February 6, 2022
They were perfect and politically correct idiots!
2,5 stars!
2,5 stars!
March 7, 2019
Tale as old as time when your father wins you a husband at cards... This seemed to be a popular way to gain a husband in Victorian era. I liked the book but despite all the horrors that Eva has gone through, it still felt light-hearted and not as angsty as I thought it would be.
Eva has lived with her father's and elder brothers' abuse all her life. So when the chance presents itself to escape a life of drudgery and be free from them, she takes it and marries a stranger who happens to be a duke. Not that she had a choice, mind you. She would have been forced but she accepted her fate with grace. But then she got worried that she might have exchanged one monster for another as her new husband didn't make it easy for her.
Daniel is leg shackled to a timid woman of no consequence. He is spitting mad that his father can dictate him what to do even from the grave. I can understand the anguish but it seemed boorish to me to take his frustrations on the woman near him. It's not like she had a choice. But I was happy to see that once he cooled off he finally saw reason and saw the real beauty that his wife was.
I liked them together. They took time to get to know each other. And Daniel, who is usually a silver tongued rogue, turned into bumbling jealous idiot when facing Eva. Once they worked out their differences their love was sweet and passionate. But Eva's father and his crony Huxley kept tormenting her. Now, I know Eva was sheltered, and to a young woman of barely 18 years old her own father might look intimidating. But for the love everything chocolate and sugary why, when a woman is blackmailed by her disreputable relatives who from life excesses probably look like grumpy trolls and have stamina of one, would Eva think that her virile, athletically fit and strong husband would be in such a danger! Why not come clean? That piece of drama I didn't like. The rest of it was great!
Plus the book needed good editing since sometimes somehow Eva's best friend's name Ms Belmont magically transformed into Ms Belton! Yes, it kept getting in the way of the story as many other misprints. I really liked the side characters though, the humor that made me laugh out loud many times. So all in all I enjoyed this book! I recommend it!
Eva has lived with her father's and elder brothers' abuse all her life. So when the chance presents itself to escape a life of drudgery and be free from them, she takes it and marries a stranger who happens to be a duke. Not that she had a choice, mind you. She would have been forced but she accepted her fate with grace. But then she got worried that she might have exchanged one monster for another as her new husband didn't make it easy for her.
Daniel is leg shackled to a timid woman of no consequence. He is spitting mad that his father can dictate him what to do even from the grave. I can understand the anguish but it seemed boorish to me to take his frustrations on the woman near him. It's not like she had a choice. But I was happy to see that once he cooled off he finally saw reason and saw the real beauty that his wife was.
I liked them together. They took time to get to know each other. And Daniel, who is usually a silver tongued rogue, turned into bumbling jealous idiot when facing Eva. Once they worked out their differences their love was sweet and passionate. But Eva's father and his crony Huxley kept tormenting her. Now, I know Eva was sheltered, and to a young woman of barely 18 years old her own father might look intimidating. But for the love everything chocolate and sugary why, when a woman is blackmailed by her disreputable relatives who from life excesses probably look like grumpy trolls and have stamina of one, would Eva think that her virile, athletically fit and strong husband would be in such a danger! Why not come clean? That piece of drama I didn't like. The rest of it was great!
Plus the book needed good editing since sometimes somehow Eva's best friend's name Ms Belmont magically transformed into Ms Belton! Yes, it kept getting in the way of the story as many other misprints. I really liked the side characters though, the humor that made me laugh out loud many times. So all in all I enjoyed this book! I recommend it!
March 13, 2025
3.75⭐️The right book at the right time! It wasn’t the best written one, in fact it needed a lot of editing and it felt rushed at times given how short it was, but I still found it very enjoyable!
The plot:
The Duke of Stratton was forced into a marriage of convenience by his late father in order to pay an old debt. The book starts out with Daniel and Eva sitting silently in their carriage right after their unfortunate wedding ceremony. He can’t stand the very sight of her, in fact he doesn’t even take the time to properly look at her, thinking of her as a mousy little thing. And Eva, having lived all of her life in the presence of mean bullies who tormented her, is fine with the Duke’s cold treatment as long as he keeps his distance from her. Cold, indifferent and unwilling to have anything to do with Eva in the beginning, Daniel leaves her alone in the country side, thinking they could lead separate lives and be perfectly content with that arrangement. Well he was completely wrong, because he couldn’t stop thinking about Eva, not understanding why that is and 2 months after his departure, something occurred that made him come back to her. And lo and behold, instead of the mousy woman he was expecting to see, he found a beauty who completely captivated him. The rest you can read for yourself because I don’t want to give you more spoilers.
The witty banter, the funny side characters and the drama that unfolded kept me hooked until the end.
Was this an objectively good book? Not necessarily or maybe it depends on who you ask! But for me personally, it needed to be longer and have a bit more substance to be classified as a perfect book, but it delivered on the MOC/forced marriage trope, so I enjoyed it a lot. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
The plot:
The Duke of Stratton was forced into a marriage of convenience by his late father in order to pay an old debt. The book starts out with Daniel and Eva sitting silently in their carriage right after their unfortunate wedding ceremony. He can’t stand the very sight of her, in fact he doesn’t even take the time to properly look at her, thinking of her as a mousy little thing. And Eva, having lived all of her life in the presence of mean bullies who tormented her, is fine with the Duke’s cold treatment as long as he keeps his distance from her. Cold, indifferent and unwilling to have anything to do with Eva in the beginning, Daniel leaves her alone in the country side, thinking they could lead separate lives and be perfectly content with that arrangement. Well he was completely wrong, because he couldn’t stop thinking about Eva, not understanding why that is and 2 months after his departure, something occurred that made him come back to her. And lo and behold, instead of the mousy woman he was expecting to see, he found a beauty who completely captivated him. The rest you can read for yourself because I don’t want to give you more spoilers.
The witty banter, the funny side characters and the drama that unfolded kept me hooked until the end.
Was this an objectively good book? Not necessarily or maybe it depends on who you ask! But for me personally, it needed to be longer and have a bit more substance to be classified as a perfect book, but it delivered on the MOC/forced marriage trope, so I enjoyed it a lot. It was exactly what I was in the mood for.
August 4, 2020
The good: it was free when I got it (I think) and I don't mind the trope of a surprise marriage.
The bad: cheese-fest later on combined with the heroine who seems to have a personality (of any kind) only because the author informs us of that occasionally, ruins everything. She is constantly moved from one place/spot to another so other characters could act/react to whatever they are reacting to at that moment.
The bad: cheese-fest later on combined with the heroine who seems to have a personality (of any kind) only because the author informs us of that occasionally, ruins everything. She is constantly moved from one place/spot to another so other characters could act/react to whatever they are reacting to at that moment.
September 20, 2018
Seriously flawed
Wendy Vella has found a strong market, but it does not include me. First, I detest stupid heroines, and the idiot who accepts a dance with a man who attempted to rape her, against the express wishes of her husband, is stupid. Add to that not knowing the difference between to and too or between subject and object pronouns( he/him), and not bothering to hire a decent copy editor. To top it off, her history is wrong, including her fashion history. Sorry, I'll go clean my bathroom now, it will be more fun.
Wendy Vella has found a strong market, but it does not include me. First, I detest stupid heroines, and the idiot who accepts a dance with a man who attempted to rape her, against the express wishes of her husband, is stupid. Add to that not knowing the difference between to and too or between subject and object pronouns( he/him), and not bothering to hire a decent copy editor. To top it off, her history is wrong, including her fashion history. Sorry, I'll go clean my bathroom now, it will be more fun.
April 25, 2021
Very sweet and cute, despite a few tstl choices from the heroine.
June 14, 2025
4.5 stars
This was an excellent romance read. I loved the main couple and the story was easy to follow but not boring in the slightest. The premise caught my attention quickly and I dived right into it. Basically, Eva and Daniel's fathers were gambling and once Daniel's father was about to lose his fortune Eva's father compromised and made a marriage contract between Eva and Daniel.
I loved that the romance and love blossomed at a great pace where the reader could see them fall in love in their own time. Eva has finally escaped her awful father and older brothers and into the arms of her new husband. Daniel grows to be very protective of Eva and he will do whatever he can to keep her out of harms way. Daniel wants to make sure that he will not follow in his father's footsteps of losing control of his anger and works to earn Eva's trust. The reader will be able to see changes in Eva and Daniel's relationship through the book. It isn't an easy adjustment for either of them at first but they really do learn to not only get along but to protect and understand each other. The romance is so sweet and totally believable. It develops in its own time and I was completely engrossed by it. This is the kind of book I would give to first time romance readers. I fell in love with their story very quickly and I am excited to continue with the series.
Also there is a great cast of characters. We have the Dowager Duchess who is a little scary and intimidating but she grows to love Eva as family. There is Daniel's friend Simon who I love and he offers a strong friendship and hilarity. Eva's friend Claire supports Eva when she really needed it. All of the characters have their own necessity in the story and as always, I appreciate a loveable cast of characters.
Overall this was one of my favorite romances and would definitely recommend this to lovers of romance.
This was an excellent romance read. I loved the main couple and the story was easy to follow but not boring in the slightest. The premise caught my attention quickly and I dived right into it. Basically, Eva and Daniel's fathers were gambling and once Daniel's father was about to lose his fortune Eva's father compromised and made a marriage contract between Eva and Daniel.
I loved that the romance and love blossomed at a great pace where the reader could see them fall in love in their own time. Eva has finally escaped her awful father and older brothers and into the arms of her new husband. Daniel grows to be very protective of Eva and he will do whatever he can to keep her out of harms way. Daniel wants to make sure that he will not follow in his father's footsteps of losing control of his anger and works to earn Eva's trust. The reader will be able to see changes in Eva and Daniel's relationship through the book. It isn't an easy adjustment for either of them at first but they really do learn to not only get along but to protect and understand each other. The romance is so sweet and totally believable. It develops in its own time and I was completely engrossed by it. This is the kind of book I would give to first time romance readers. I fell in love with their story very quickly and I am excited to continue with the series.
Also there is a great cast of characters. We have the Dowager Duchess who is a little scary and intimidating but she grows to love Eva as family. There is Daniel's friend Simon who I love and he offers a strong friendship and hilarity. Eva's friend Claire supports Eva when she really needed it. All of the characters have their own necessity in the story and as always, I appreciate a loveable cast of characters.
Overall this was one of my favorite romances and would definitely recommend this to lovers of romance.
February 5, 2017
Turns out buying whatever happens to be 99 cents in the Kindle store isn't the best way to choose books. This was part of a three book set, which, I mean, how economical! Unfortunately after an intriguing beginning it just shuffled along well worn romantic tropes, with no charm to redeem it. The dialogue was stilted and uncomfortable and the writing was not interesting.
I won't be reading the remaining two books given I could barely scan the last 25% of this one.
I won't be reading the remaining two books given I could barely scan the last 25% of this one.
January 25, 2018
I have to say that the cover was the best thing about this book.
The plot was not bad. And it was a fun read until Eva decided she could handle thing on her own. So, I thought I might skip a few pages only to find out I was at chapter 10 out of 13. So, I braced myself and barged the rest of the chapters and woohoo for me, I prevailed.
The plot was not bad. And it was a fun read until Eva decided she could handle thing on her own. So, I thought I might skip a few pages only to find out I was at chapter 10 out of 13. So, I braced myself and barged the rest of the chapters and woohoo for me, I prevailed.
December 23, 2021
I recognize I'm in the minority here but I had to knock off a star when at the end I was still so mad at the heroine, like super mad! She classified as a TSTL h for me, she multiple times goes off alone after promising her husband that she wouldn't and as a result is abused and nearly raped which is why her husband asked for her promise (which clearly means nothing to her, she is constantly lying and withholding info)! This girl is constantly in danger, has been abused by her father and his friend and yet never thinks 'hmmm maybe I shouldn't go and meet them or give them more money, perhaps I should listen to my husband and not dance with the man who tried to rape me last month." I liked the beginning, I really did but she became TSTL by the end and if I leave a book angry I have to knock off a star!
August 16, 2018
This book started out rather brilliantly. Powerful duke; heartless late father, crooks and gambling shenanigans, endearing heroine with an awful past, and my personal favourite.... an arranged marriage! Yet somehow, despite all these awesome parts, the whole falls a little short. Not a bad read, but overly memorable either.
September 28, 2018
This book was so ridiculous. I usually love the marriage of convenience or arranged marriage trope which brought me to this particular story. It started off well, but devolved very quickly. Literally just after the first chapter.
Most problematic, nearly every other male in the book outside the Duke’s household was chomping at the bit to either rape or abuse the new Duchess. It was not only eye rolling, it is extremely lazy writing, using attempted rape as a plot device over and over. There were at least three rape attempts. Surely we can all come up with dozens of other ways to introduce tension and drama in a romance storyline, right?
Despite all the attempted rape and abuse, or maybe because of if, the character development and interpersonal relationships in this story felt rather shallow. Like the author has a paint-by-numbers guide on how to write a developing romance and followed it correctly, but the result lacked any realness, any personality or passion.
There were numerous editing problems as well. Occasional slips into first person POV despite the book being in third. Someone’s ball was once called Stratton Ball (confusing because Stratton is also the name of the Duke’s country house, though the Ball in question was being held by a London peer), then two paragraphs later it was called Sutton Ball.
I skimmed this one to finish, as I have a large TBR and couldn’t justify any more time spent on this one.
Most problematic, nearly every other male in the book outside the Duke’s household was chomping at the bit to either rape or abuse the new Duchess. It was not only eye rolling, it is extremely lazy writing, using attempted rape as a plot device over and over. There were at least three rape attempts. Surely we can all come up with dozens of other ways to introduce tension and drama in a romance storyline, right?
Despite all the attempted rape and abuse, or maybe because of if, the character development and interpersonal relationships in this story felt rather shallow. Like the author has a paint-by-numbers guide on how to write a developing romance and followed it correctly, but the result lacked any realness, any personality or passion.
There were numerous editing problems as well. Occasional slips into first person POV despite the book being in third. Someone’s ball was once called Stratton Ball (confusing because Stratton is also the name of the Duke’s country house, though the Ball in question was being held by a London peer), then two paragraphs later it was called Sutton Ball.
I skimmed this one to finish, as I have a large TBR and couldn’t justify any more time spent on this one.
May 25, 2018
How can you be a writer when you don’t know the difference between too and to, and me and I? Ugh. There were so many mistakes I lost count. So many aspects of the story seemed unlikely, forced, and predictable but I maybe would have given it two stars if I hadn’t been distracted by all the typos and grammatical errors.
June 2, 2018
Parts of this need better development and the whole thing is in need of a good editor.
May 14, 2020
Perfect love story. I love how both characters changed and warmed up to their marriage. It had great humor too!
August 31, 2013
My rating for this book is 3.5 stars so I rounded it up.
* * *
Disclosure: I requested this review copy from the author. Thank you, Wendy, for the opportunity to read your work. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
The marriage came as a surprise for both Daniel and Eva, whose futures were both gambled on by their fathers' eighteen years before. Now, as Duke of Stratton, Daniel is honor-bound to fulfill the terms of the agreement drafted all those years ago: he must not only marry Berengaria Evangeline Winchcomb, but also consummate said marriage.
Eva isn't certain how she feels about the marriage: on one hand, she escapes her father's tyranny but, on the other hand, her new husband's coldness and enmity makes her worry for her present and future safety.
When her husband leaves her at Stratton Hall after a failed attempt at consummating the marriage, Eva slowly lets her guard down and has her first taste of freedom and independence. With her newfound friend and neighbor, Claire Belmont, Eva casts off her dowdy dresses and all remnants of her past life and embraces her new one -- and she loves it.
What I've learned in many years of reading romances is that a marriage of convenience is rarely convenient for the hero and the heroine. Daniel and Eva had no say in their father's deal and their marriage isn't only inconvenient but also quite sudden. I enjoyed reading about their carriage ride home to Stratton Hall (after their hasty wedding), how Daniel didn't even know the color of his new wife's hair or eyes -- or even what to call her.
The initial obstacle that our hero and heroine have to overcome is their marriage, which happened under duress. It was heartbreaking to see Eva weigh her optimism against reality and how Daniel wrestles with his sense of honor and his father's final behest. I got the sense that Daniel had a lot of issues with his father and that he strives to be his father's opposite in all things -- and it grates at him to have to honor a dishonorable man's request. Would doing so mean that his father has triumphed over him?
* * *
* * *
When they overcome their initial prejudices, they realize that there is a lot for both of them to gain from their marriage. (I did feel that the domesticity and the banter/camaraderie between Eva, Daniel, Claire, and Daniel's friend, Simon, beca,e a bit too ideal and too sweet and too cozy.)
There are strains of traditional regency romances in how Vella highlights manners and social mores: Daniel's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, is the embodiment of what is proper and she guides Eva in her new life in London. (Read Chapter 11, when they are planning Eva's first ball.) And also in the characters that the author introduces: Mrs. Potter, the vicar's wife, and the Dowager Duchess of Stratton and Ladies Fairlie and Dunbar -- but the author also steps out of traditional regency with her commentaries and insights into the Ton:
The second part of the book is more Eva's story than Daniel's and it involves her father and his cohort, Lord Gilbert Huxley. Vella doesn't really delve into Eva's backstory but does provide enough hints to give her readers the idea that Eva's life had been filled with hardship and abuse. I wonder why her father singled out his two children (Eva and Reggie) from his second wife and punished them. What happened?
Daniel takes on a supporting role as Eva sorts through her family problems and all of her previous insecurities and distrust come back to the surface. Eva's characterization in the second part felt a bit inconsistent: one moment she's brave and then, timid, the next -- I understand that change doesn't happen overnight but I still felt a bit frustrated with the way Eva handled her father and Lord Huxley -- why didn't she tell Daniel? She was aware of how powerful and well-connected her husband is, but she didn't consider asking him for help. Considering how poorly her father and Lord Huxley treated her before, I would have expected Eva not to entertain her father and his attempts to blackmail her -- but, instead, she allowed him to have power over her -- even after Daniel's constant reminder of her position as duchess (and his own support), and even after her staff's assurance that they are there to protect her.
Despite my small complaint about Eva in the second half, I still thought she was an admirable heroine (loved the bit with the shotgun), and Daniel typified all the positive elements of an alpha male.
Overall, Duchess by Chance was an enjoyable read.
A final note: The names of some of the characters were a bit strange: Eva is Berengaria Evangeline Winchcomb, the cook at Stratton Hall is Hepitatia Stimpel and Eva's brother, Reggie, is Reginald Ransom Hibernians Cyrus Winchcomb -- I'm not sure if the author meant for this to be a comedic motif.
* * *
Disclosure: I requested this review copy from the author. Thank you, Wendy, for the opportunity to read your work. Yes, this is an honest review.
* * *
The marriage came as a surprise for both Daniel and Eva, whose futures were both gambled on by their fathers' eighteen years before. Now, as Duke of Stratton, Daniel is honor-bound to fulfill the terms of the agreement drafted all those years ago: he must not only marry Berengaria Evangeline Winchcomb, but also consummate said marriage.
Eva isn't certain how she feels about the marriage: on one hand, she escapes her father's tyranny but, on the other hand, her new husband's coldness and enmity makes her worry for her present and future safety.
When her husband leaves her at Stratton Hall after a failed attempt at consummating the marriage, Eva slowly lets her guard down and has her first taste of freedom and independence. With her newfound friend and neighbor, Claire Belmont, Eva casts off her dowdy dresses and all remnants of her past life and embraces her new one -- and she loves it.
What I've learned in many years of reading romances is that a marriage of convenience is rarely convenient for the hero and the heroine. Daniel and Eva had no say in their father's deal and their marriage isn't only inconvenient but also quite sudden. I enjoyed reading about their carriage ride home to Stratton Hall (after their hasty wedding), how Daniel didn't even know the color of his new wife's hair or eyes -- or even what to call her.
The initial obstacle that our hero and heroine have to overcome is their marriage, which happened under duress. It was heartbreaking to see Eva weigh her optimism against reality and how Daniel wrestles with his sense of honor and his father's final behest. I got the sense that Daniel had a lot of issues with his father and that he strives to be his father's opposite in all things -- and it grates at him to have to honor a dishonorable man's request. Would doing so mean that his father has triumphed over him?
In his eyes, she had crossed him --, or more importantly, her family had, and he was not going to differentiate between the two. She was here and he was angry; therefore, Eva would bear the brunt of that anger.
- p. 17
* * *
Maybe in time her husband might wish for an heir, but for now she would be content with her life. There would be no more fear, just her and the servants. And they would rub along together nicely; she would make sure of it.
- p. 24
* * *
Daniel realized that she was as much a victim, if not more so, than he in this mess they called a marriage. He'd never had a woman fear him and was at a loss to know what to do to reassure her that he meant her no harm.
- p. 46
When they overcome their initial prejudices, they realize that there is a lot for both of them to gain from their marriage. (I did feel that the domesticity and the banter/camaraderie between Eva, Daniel, Claire, and Daniel's friend, Simon, beca,e a bit too ideal and too sweet and too cozy.)
There are strains of traditional regency romances in how Vella highlights manners and social mores: Daniel's grandmother, the Dowager Duchess, is the embodiment of what is proper and she guides Eva in her new life in London. (Read Chapter 11, when they are planning Eva's first ball.) And also in the characters that the author introduces: Mrs. Potter, the vicar's wife, and the Dowager Duchess of Stratton and Ladies Fairlie and Dunbar -- but the author also steps out of traditional regency with her commentaries and insights into the Ton:
Eva soon realized there was not much to learn about social chitchat. You answered with a thank you and a name when complimented and usually the recipient was happy to take up the reins and talk about either himself or the latest piece of gossip. She didn't like the leering or touching and in some cases the foul-smelling breath, but for the most part, she coped.
- p. 242
The second part of the book is more Eva's story than Daniel's and it involves her father and his cohort, Lord Gilbert Huxley. Vella doesn't really delve into Eva's backstory but does provide enough hints to give her readers the idea that Eva's life had been filled with hardship and abuse. I wonder why her father singled out his two children (Eva and Reggie) from his second wife and punished them. What happened?
Daniel takes on a supporting role as Eva sorts through her family problems and all of her previous insecurities and distrust come back to the surface. Eva's characterization in the second part felt a bit inconsistent: one moment she's brave and then, timid, the next -- I understand that change doesn't happen overnight but I still felt a bit frustrated with the way Eva handled her father and Lord Huxley -- why didn't she tell Daniel? She was aware of how powerful and well-connected her husband is, but she didn't consider asking him for help. Considering how poorly her father and Lord Huxley treated her before, I would have expected Eva not to entertain her father and his attempts to blackmail her -- but, instead, she allowed him to have power over her -- even after Daniel's constant reminder of her position as duchess (and his own support), and even after her staff's assurance that they are there to protect her.
Despite my small complaint about Eva in the second half, I still thought she was an admirable heroine (loved the bit with the shotgun), and Daniel typified all the positive elements of an alpha male.
Overall, Duchess by Chance was an enjoyable read.
A final note: The names of some of the characters were a bit strange: Eva is Berengaria Evangeline Winchcomb, the cook at Stratton Hall is Hepitatia Stimpel and Eva's brother, Reggie, is Reginald Ransom Hibernians Cyrus Winchcomb -- I'm not sure if the author meant for this to be a comedic motif.
January 9, 2019
I liked the MCs and it was a cute story.
May 10, 2021
There's a difference between independence and idiocy. The girl is an idiot.
Firstly, she keeps lying and stealing from her husband when clearly, he can help.
Secondly, after a whole mess of her brother getting kidnapped because of her stupidity, she promises to be safer and be accompanied at all times because she, her husband and not to mention THE BABY are in danger. What does she do?
She wanders off alone.
And then when the husband is forced into a duel she's all "no! You could die! "
Who's fault do you think that is you twat?
By the end, I didn't even think she deserved the HEA. I wanted her to be smacked in the face with all of her stupidity so she could wallow in them.
Firstly, she keeps lying and stealing from her husband when clearly, he can help.
Secondly, after a whole mess of her brother getting kidnapped because of her stupidity, she promises to be safer and be accompanied at all times because she, her husband and not to mention THE BABY are in danger. What does she do?
She wanders off alone.
And then when the husband is forced into a duel she's all "no! You could die! "
Who's fault do you think that is you twat?
By the end, I didn't even think she deserved the HEA. I wanted her to be smacked in the face with all of her stupidity so she could wallow in them.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
June 12, 2024
Re read June 12/24
An 18 year old gambling debt that includes a promise of marriage is not revealed to the H and h until just before their wedding. The H is furious that once more his controlling father has directed his life with his deathbed revelation . The h is hopeful that the marriage will rescue her from her abusive family.
I read this book over a year ago and it was not memorable. It was not familiar until the father meets the h and threatens the safety of her husband and brother. The h has difficulty trusting the H and sharing the blackmailing. An OK story.
An 18 year old gambling debt that includes a promise of marriage is not revealed to the H and h until just before their wedding. The H is furious that once more his controlling father has directed his life with his deathbed revelation . The h is hopeful that the marriage will rescue her from her abusive family.
I read this book over a year ago and it was not memorable. It was not familiar until the father meets the h and threatens the safety of her husband and brother. The h has difficulty trusting the H and sharing the blackmailing. An OK story.
Read
August 9, 2018So many typos.
Want to read
June 9, 2019Free on Amazon 9th June 2019
December 31, 2023
Very sweet
March 5, 2021
Da o niel and Eva
Thanks to their father's, they must marry and consummate the marriage. Daniel is the Duke of Stratton and she is just a country woman.Despite the many problems they face after marriage, they find love.
Thanks to their father's, they must marry and consummate the marriage. Daniel is the Duke of Stratton and she is just a country woman.Despite the many problems they face after marriage, they find love.
Read
March 5, 2025DNF at 50%
Not feeling this book at all! I don’t feel any chemistry between the MC’s and there’s a lot of telling instead of showing so the story is really dragging for me.
Not feeling this book at all! I don’t feel any chemistry between the MC’s and there’s a lot of telling instead of showing so the story is really dragging for me.
April 25, 2022
To be honest, I have been sitting here for the better part of five minutes trying to figure out how to put into words how bad this story was. I don't enjoy writing negative reviews, but this book just had too much going on to find anything good to say about it.
Let's begin with the characters. Every male connected to Eva's past (with the exception of her youngest brother Reggie) are just so over the top in their villainy that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. Lord Huxley arrives at her home and tries to rape her after she has married and become a Duchess, yet she dances with him at a ball so as to not cause a scene? Her father (a mere mister with no title), attempts to blackmail her, and instead of telling her husband who is actually in a position to help her, Eva goes behind his back and gives away not only the money and jewelry Daniel has given her, but his grandfather's ring as well. Even after Daniel confronts her, she continues to lie to him throughout most of the book. Her father goes so far as to come to her home to tell her how Huxley and himself are unhappy with her behaviors, and that she would do well to remember where her loyalties lie. Uhhh sir? She is a married woman now, and a Duchess to boot.
Now I totally understand that Eva has been raised by these villains, but her blatant stupidity and disregard for her own safety is mind-blowing. Near the end of the book, Huxley breaks into the home of Daniel's grandmother during a ball in order to kidnap Eva and have her once and for all. Daniel interrupts them before this happens, and ends up fighting a duel over it (a duel that she repeatedly begs him not to fight). And what does he get for his trouble? Eva yelling at him! She goes so far as to tell Daniel that she doesn't want him fighting duels "every time someone challenges" her. I'm sorry what? Huxley wasn't challenging you dimwit, he was going to kidnap you.
I would have found more enjoyment in this novel if the relationship between Daniel and Eva was at least believable or enjoyable, but alas, it was not. When they are first married, he is cruel to her. While that is somewhat understandable due to the nature of their forced marriage, the fact that in one scene he very nearly rapes her as well left a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, he apologizes, then leaves for London straightaway. He is content to stay there while his wife remains at his country estate until he gets word that Huxley had accosted her in their home. He returns only to force her (against her protests) to return with him to London so he can "protect her". From there, we are expected to believe that they become friends, then fall in love, but I never really felt that from them. At best, they were acquaintances who slept together.
I found the Dowager Duchess and Daniel's friend Simon to be the most likable of the bunch, and even though Simon's book is up next, I doubt I will continue on. Between the overall mess that was the plot, and the constant spelling errors, I don't think this author is for me.
Let's begin with the characters. Every male connected to Eva's past (with the exception of her youngest brother Reggie) are just so over the top in their villainy that I couldn't stop rolling my eyes. Lord Huxley arrives at her home and tries to rape her after she has married and become a Duchess, yet she dances with him at a ball so as to not cause a scene? Her father (a mere mister with no title), attempts to blackmail her, and instead of telling her husband who is actually in a position to help her, Eva goes behind his back and gives away not only the money and jewelry Daniel has given her, but his grandfather's ring as well. Even after Daniel confronts her, she continues to lie to him throughout most of the book. Her father goes so far as to come to her home to tell her how Huxley and himself are unhappy with her behaviors, and that she would do well to remember where her loyalties lie. Uhhh sir? She is a married woman now, and a Duchess to boot.
Now I totally understand that Eva has been raised by these villains, but her blatant stupidity and disregard for her own safety is mind-blowing. Near the end of the book, Huxley breaks into the home of Daniel's grandmother during a ball in order to kidnap Eva and have her once and for all. Daniel interrupts them before this happens, and ends up fighting a duel over it (a duel that she repeatedly begs him not to fight). And what does he get for his trouble? Eva yelling at him! She goes so far as to tell Daniel that she doesn't want him fighting duels "every time someone challenges" her. I'm sorry what? Huxley wasn't challenging you dimwit, he was going to kidnap you.
I would have found more enjoyment in this novel if the relationship between Daniel and Eva was at least believable or enjoyable, but alas, it was not. When they are first married, he is cruel to her. While that is somewhat understandable due to the nature of their forced marriage, the fact that in one scene he very nearly rapes her as well left a bad taste in my mouth. Of course, he apologizes, then leaves for London straightaway. He is content to stay there while his wife remains at his country estate until he gets word that Huxley had accosted her in their home. He returns only to force her (against her protests) to return with him to London so he can "protect her". From there, we are expected to believe that they become friends, then fall in love, but I never really felt that from them. At best, they were acquaintances who slept together.
I found the Dowager Duchess and Daniel's friend Simon to be the most likable of the bunch, and even though Simon's book is up next, I doubt I will continue on. Between the overall mess that was the plot, and the constant spelling errors, I don't think this author is for me.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 209 reviews