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The Duchess Dilemma #1
The Mad Duke's Bride
An exiled Duke who returns to claim what’s his. A wallflower who holds his fate in her palms. One accidental kiss. To escape a forced betrothal, Lady Selina runs off to the abandoned Castle Valebridge to seek out her childhood friend, Arthur. Except, the man she encounters there is not the tender boy she once knew… Marcus, once banished and erased from history by a callous father, returns home pretending to be his late twin, Arthur. But the unexpected arrival of a lady from his brother’s past threatens to expose his deception... Until Selina kisses him in front of an audience, and awakens in him a fierce desire he had long put to bed...
Each book in the Duchess Dilemma series is a standalone story of 60,000 words that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
Each book in the Duchess Dilemma series is a standalone story of 60,000 words that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.
- GenresHistorical Romance
352 pages, Kindle Edition
Published September 11, 2023
322 people are currently reading
99 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
November 17, 2023
Melodramatic, moody H has secrets and is hiding in plain sight. The attractive h is the catalyst that helps him to reveal all. They fall madly in love and together they resolve family issues. An old style romance.
September 19, 2023
This book put the "F" in Fantastic. I loved everything about it and would've had it read in a day had not life gotten in the way. I did not want to put it down once I started it.
Selina is running away from home when she is thrown from her horse during a storm. But she isn't just running away from home. She's running away from the old man whom she was to marry and had slapped her when she refused. Her father had witnessed the whole thing and had done nothing on her behalf. So, she made a run for it in search of her childhood friend, Arthur.
When she is rescued from her fall in a driving rainstorm, the man who found her took her to Valebridge and left her with who she thought was Arthur. She was loopy and not quite herself, but as she became more conscious, she began to see differences between Arthur and this guy who had a stunning resemblance to him. He didn't remember much of anything they did as children, he had a scar that Arthur didn't have, and other things didn't add up. But Arthur had no siblings that she knew of, so it had to be him. Right?
Marcus is Arthur's twin brother and had a tragic childhood. They both did. Their father was a sick bastard and did cruel things to his sons and their mother. The boys were separated, the strongest being chosen to inherit the dukedom and things just didn't go as expected.
This was an incredible story with strong characters, a great plot, some steam, and an intriguing mystery that kept me turning the pages. I loved Marcus and Selina alone and I loved them together. I loved Selina's maid and even the butler. I loved Dai. Yeah, this book is a keeper and a contender for my Top 10 Favorite Reads of the Year on my blog.
I will continue with this series.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
Selina is running away from home when she is thrown from her horse during a storm. But she isn't just running away from home. She's running away from the old man whom she was to marry and had slapped her when she refused. Her father had witnessed the whole thing and had done nothing on her behalf. So, she made a run for it in search of her childhood friend, Arthur.
When she is rescued from her fall in a driving rainstorm, the man who found her took her to Valebridge and left her with who she thought was Arthur. She was loopy and not quite herself, but as she became more conscious, she began to see differences between Arthur and this guy who had a stunning resemblance to him. He didn't remember much of anything they did as children, he had a scar that Arthur didn't have, and other things didn't add up. But Arthur had no siblings that she knew of, so it had to be him. Right?
Marcus is Arthur's twin brother and had a tragic childhood. They both did. Their father was a sick bastard and did cruel things to his sons and their mother. The boys were separated, the strongest being chosen to inherit the dukedom and things just didn't go as expected.
This was an incredible story with strong characters, a great plot, some steam, and an intriguing mystery that kept me turning the pages. I loved Marcus and Selina alone and I loved them together. I loved Selina's maid and even the butler. I loved Dai. Yeah, this book is a keeper and a contender for my Top 10 Favorite Reads of the Year on my blog.
I will continue with this series.
*I received a free copy of this book and voluntarily left a review.
September 15, 2023
mystery, romance and dastardly villains
They each were in a precarious situation, which collided into a huge entanglement complete with villains creating more chaos. But they had assistance from an unexpected source and their chaos turned into an HEA. Lovely characters with really hateful antagonists. Excellent read!
They each were in a precarious situation, which collided into a huge entanglement complete with villains creating more chaos. But they had assistance from an unexpected source and their chaos turned into an HEA. Lovely characters with really hateful antagonists. Excellent read!
October 7, 2023
Historical Regency Romance Spiced With Mystery
I always enjoy Tessa Brookman’s historical romances and this one is no different. It comes with a scorned duke, damsel in distress and mystery to keep one in suspense till the end. Lady Selina Voss’s father promised her to a vial old man who thought he could buy a young wife. It is a politically and financially convenient marriage for the Voss family, but when he strikes her and she not is not defended by the one man that ought to, her father, she runs off to Castle Valebridge to look from her childhood friend. If anyone can help her now it is Arthur Roy. The man she finds is Marcus Roy posing to be Arthur in order to become the Duke of Valebridge. Marcus is intrigued by this golden-haired angel. He does not want to lose the feeling of a racing heart and short-ness of breath that he finds himself experiencing in her company. No woman has affected him this way, but what will she do when she finds out the truth. This is a well written steamy historical regency romance with unexpected page turning twists and turns. Loved these two characters who were both driven from their homes by cruel fathers, but brought together by love.
I always enjoy Tessa Brookman’s historical romances and this one is no different. It comes with a scorned duke, damsel in distress and mystery to keep one in suspense till the end. Lady Selina Voss’s father promised her to a vial old man who thought he could buy a young wife. It is a politically and financially convenient marriage for the Voss family, but when he strikes her and she not is not defended by the one man that ought to, her father, she runs off to Castle Valebridge to look from her childhood friend. If anyone can help her now it is Arthur Roy. The man she finds is Marcus Roy posing to be Arthur in order to become the Duke of Valebridge. Marcus is intrigued by this golden-haired angel. He does not want to lose the feeling of a racing heart and short-ness of breath that he finds himself experiencing in her company. No woman has affected him this way, but what will she do when she finds out the truth. This is a well written steamy historical regency romance with unexpected page turning twists and turns. Loved these two characters who were both driven from their homes by cruel fathers, but brought together by love.
romance
October 18, 2025average. not the best at telling the story. don't have any desire to read the other books
October 26, 2023
No strong representation of diverse characters or minority identities.
Overall: 2-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog ❃ Newsletter ❃ Instagram
Overall: 2-stars
Safety Rating: Safe with Exceptions
Possible Triggers: Yes
Ending:
Talk Nerdy Book Blog ❃ Newsletter ❃ Instagram
January 19, 2024
Premise of story was good, but the plot and timelines just didn't line up to be believable. Characters who were childhood friends and the boy so nice and kind except when he was 6 he almost killed his twin (and knew it). Was this kid a Jekyll and Hyde? Then these childhood friends who hadn't seen each other in years and years since childhood were lovers, but not really because they just made out. Not sure why female main character's father knew about missing twin and how he ended up in that part of the plot line at the end. Even the epilogue which is 2 years later has the main characters having children 7 years old when they had no children when the book ended. Simplifying the plot and paying attention to details of the timeline would have made this a much better read.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
November 29, 2025
Lack of Plausiability
A woman from a storm is rescued into a childhood friend's home. She is immediately cared for and sparks fly on both sides. On the day of his re-debut into society as a Duke, she recovers enough thwart his intentions by drinking too much, descending the stairs, dressed as a maid, and engaging him in a torrid kiss.
The kiss is symptomatic of their yearning for each other. There is little to no embellishment on the time in which they lived or any other facet that could be used to describe that time. Yes, they had a passion for each other, which manifested itself beginning on page 31. I felt this was out of character for a woman of that time. And for her to interrupt his ball, dressed as a commoner, and to share a torrid kiss was truly out of context.
A woman from a storm is rescued into a childhood friend's home. She is immediately cared for and sparks fly on both sides. On the day of his re-debut into society as a Duke, she recovers enough thwart his intentions by drinking too much, descending the stairs, dressed as a maid, and engaging him in a torrid kiss.
The kiss is symptomatic of their yearning for each other. There is little to no embellishment on the time in which they lived or any other facet that could be used to describe that time. Yes, they had a passion for each other, which manifested itself beginning on page 31. I felt this was out of character for a woman of that time. And for her to interrupt his ball, dressed as a commoner, and to share a torrid kiss was truly out of context.
September 15, 2023
When is a Duke not a Duke
A lovely story with very unusual twists and turns. Duke Marcus was trying to prove that he was the heir to the Dukedom. He pretended to be his twin brother until he could reveal the truth. Lady Selina was trying to escape her cruel father who was forcing her to marry an equally cruel man. The story uncovered hidden documents detailing Marcus life with his father. There was such cruelty, it was surprising that he rose against it to fight for his Dukedom. Selina's love for him is strong and together they face the Regent to Prove Marcus' claim. A good story, well worth reading.
A lovely story with very unusual twists and turns. Duke Marcus was trying to prove that he was the heir to the Dukedom. He pretended to be his twin brother until he could reveal the truth. Lady Selina was trying to escape her cruel father who was forcing her to marry an equally cruel man. The story uncovered hidden documents detailing Marcus life with his father. There was such cruelty, it was surprising that he rose against it to fight for his Dukedom. Selina's love for him is strong and together they face the Regent to Prove Marcus' claim. A good story, well worth reading.
June 12, 2025
Driven from their homes by cruelty.
I loved this so much! Selina flees her home when her father tries to force her to marry a cruel and violent man twice her age. Her only hope is to find her childhood friend and first love Arthur. But Arthur is not the person she remembers. Marcus was exiled from his home as a child never understanding why his family did not want him. There is a mystery to unravel when he returns home at his father’s request years later but his father has already passed. Now he and Selina must work together to uncover long buried secrets and fend off Selina’s father before it is too late for their love to grow.
I loved this so much! Selina flees her home when her father tries to force her to marry a cruel and violent man twice her age. Her only hope is to find her childhood friend and first love Arthur. But Arthur is not the person she remembers. Marcus was exiled from his home as a child never understanding why his family did not want him. There is a mystery to unravel when he returns home at his father’s request years later but his father has already passed. Now he and Selina must work together to uncover long buried secrets and fend off Selina’s father before it is too late for their love to grow.
September 22, 2023
4.6⭐️ Twists & Turns finally lead to a HEA
I enjoyed this historical romance. There were some interesting twists & turns. I liked both of the main characters. They both were strong & resilient. I was happy with the HEA and the extended epilogue to be able to see further into their future.
I enjoyed this historical romance. There were some interesting twists & turns. I liked both of the main characters. They both were strong & resilient. I was happy with the HEA and the extended epilogue to be able to see further into their future.
October 11, 2023
A twisting steamy multi-layer tale of desperation and romance. I enjoyed this book very much. A spinster rake and more tale and Julia and Anthony fit their roles well. This is one of those stories I'm afraid to write too much less I accidentally give some of the story away but it's a satisfying read and I am pleased to have read it.
October 14, 2023
this is a personal ⭐️⭐️⭐️ for me and a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ as a book.
paving was good, spice was present but not overbearing, well written and a substantial plot with seeet sweet tension.
personally i’m not a regency reader so it was a bit boring for me but i think this would really hit home for those who do.
paving was good, spice was present but not overbearing, well written and a substantial plot with seeet sweet tension.
personally i’m not a regency reader so it was a bit boring for me but i think this would really hit home for those who do.
January 9, 2024
Typical romance
Nothing special. The sex scenes were overwritten and subject matter predictable. The characters were likable, but not fully developed. While I was able to read the book quickly due to its length, had the author developed the characters more so they weren’t so run off the mill it would have been a better read.
Nothing special. The sex scenes were overwritten and subject matter predictable. The characters were likable, but not fully developed. While I was able to read the book quickly due to its length, had the author developed the characters more so they weren’t so run off the mill it would have been a better read.
April 23, 2024
Not Just A Mad Duke
He may be mad but he's not crazy. The real question is , is he the real Duke or not. This is a journey of love confused by a man who may or may not be the Duke. The mystery is eventually solved at great peril to the lovers. Fathers, royalty, and the ton members are all against our lovers. Can they prevail? Read and Enjoy.
He may be mad but he's not crazy. The real question is , is he the real Duke or not. This is a journey of love confused by a man who may or may not be the Duke. The mystery is eventually solved at great peril to the lovers. Fathers, royalty, and the ton members are all against our lovers. Can they prevail? Read and Enjoy.
July 31, 2024
confused with the tittle
This was not a beauty and beast romance at all! I’m confused with the title. The H was so loving and kind and generous. He wasn’t mad at all. I got irritated with the h at times bc she was just talking and devolving his secret with a maid! Really?! Their love was cute and the plot had me guessing but it felt flat at times.
This was not a beauty and beast romance at all! I’m confused with the title. The H was so loving and kind and generous. He wasn’t mad at all. I got irritated with the h at times bc she was just talking and devolving his secret with a maid! Really?! Their love was cute and the plot had me guessing but it felt flat at times.
September 16, 2023
Hot and steamy
This story shows how bad some parents can be yet even with the worst of fathers Marcus and Selina find true love in each other's arms and will leave you feeling so happy for them.
This story shows how bad some parents can be yet even with the worst of fathers Marcus and Selina find true love in each other's arms and will leave you feeling so happy for them.
October 2, 2023
Very interesting. This story will certainly keep you truning the pages to see what is happening next. I think a different title might have been better suited to the story line. The graphic "steamy" parts detracted from the story for me.
November 7, 2023
Intriguing & Amazing!
Love Marcus's & Selina's story. Both were in search of a missing piece in their lives, to make them whole. I was wonderfully surprise by the real identity of one of the character's in this story. Did not see it coming, which I love! Highly recommend!!!
Love Marcus's & Selina's story. Both were in search of a missing piece in their lives, to make them whole. I was wonderfully surprise by the real identity of one of the character's in this story. Did not see it coming, which I love! Highly recommend!!!
September 6, 2024
Okay, but not believable.
Rather sloppy storytelling. (Male modiste? Unknown maid suddenly best friend? Convenient best friend/doctor?). Audience with the Regent rather ridiculous. HEA was just too rushed.
Rather sloppy storytelling. (Male modiste? Unknown maid suddenly best friend? Convenient best friend/doctor?). Audience with the Regent rather ridiculous. HEA was just too rushed.
October 16, 2024
A Conspiracy/ A Secret/TRUE LOVE!!
A secret that comes to light & a beautiful girl whose love grows daily, despite a despicable father
who does everything in his power to
Kidnap her. Secrets are waiting to be revealed & are forced to come into play for the truth to be revealed.
A secret that comes to light & a beautiful girl whose love grows daily, despite a despicable father
who does everything in his power to
Kidnap her. Secrets are waiting to be revealed & are forced to come into play for the truth to be revealed.
September 17, 2023
*plays hayloft by mother mother*
September 28, 2023
The Mad Dukes Bride
I really enjoyed this story. It had a great storyline. The story was very interesting and entertaining. The ending was perfect.
I really enjoyed this story. It had a great storyline. The story was very interesting and entertaining. The ending was perfect.
October 8, 2023
I don’t really love when deception is part of the plot but I feel like this panned out well enough. Overall good just kinda meh
January 12, 2024
Forgettable. Not really sure what all the magic was about. I really need to stop reading books at 1am. I have no self control
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 23, 2024
This has a LOT going on and not really in a good way. It's cluttered. It's like the author was writing two different books and just decided to cram them both together.
April 3, 2024
DNF
WRITING: it was ok, couldn’t get into the story. My least favorite romance trope (hidden identity, etc)
WRITING: it was ok, couldn’t get into the story. My least favorite romance trope (hidden identity, etc)
July 19, 2024
This was an unusual story. It seemed to jump around and mainly talk about sex which it seemed to go into great detail. If this what you like you will enjoy this book.
May 20, 2025
I finished it. I didn’t want to. Historical anachronisms and overly contrived situations. I love this genre but this book doesn’t hit the mark.
June 7, 2025
Love for the Duke
Question is, who is the Duke?
A mystery has everyone running from or to something, but what is that somt?!?
Question is, who is the Duke?
A mystery has everyone running from or to something, but what is that somt?!?
Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews