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The Duke's Unwanted Virgin
"I hate to break it to you, Sunshine, but we're going to be stuck together forever."After she was forced to marry the most notorious Duke of the ton, Helen vows to make his life hell, in hopes he might send her away.
She never expected him to enjoy her shenanigans. Or that he would be so devilishly handsome.
Instead of a timid wife, Duke Jackson’s new bride is dressed in the most outlandish outfits and hairstyles, takes on birdwatching as a hobby, and talks to herself.
But when the ghosts of his past threaten to take her away from him, Jackson will blaze a path of fire to keep her close to him…*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then The Duke's Unwanted Virgin is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Daphne Byrne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "The Duke's Unwanted Virgin" today to discover Daphne's splendid new story!
She never expected him to enjoy her shenanigans. Or that he would be so devilishly handsome.
Instead of a timid wife, Duke Jackson’s new bride is dressed in the most outlandish outfits and hairstyles, takes on birdwatching as a hobby, and talks to herself.
But when the ghosts of his past threaten to take her away from him, Jackson will blaze a path of fire to keep her close to him…*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then The Duke's Unwanted Virgin is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Daphne Byrne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "The Duke's Unwanted Virgin" today to discover Daphne's splendid new story!
- GenresRegency Romance
357 pages, Kindle Edition
Published October 26, 2023
420 people are currently reading
90 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
December 7, 2023
The writing is unintentionally hilariously poor. The father’s name is Scott Smith and the author uses his first name so often that it’s funny. He’s never “her father”. Instead, it’s always Scott. Scott was listening at the door. Scott walked toward her. Scott looked at her sternly. Part of my amusement comes from the fact that I had a dog named Scott, but the other is that the fmc never even thinks the word “father” as part of her internal observation. He’s not even titled or nicknamed as Papa or similar. Just Scott.
I find these kinds of literary failures happen fairly regularly with modern authors attempting to emulate historical tone in fiction without bothering to do any research into the language or customs of the era - which is rather disappointing. Now that books are beta read by friends instead of collaboratively published using editors, it’s hard to find books that are well-written as they are buried by trash choking the search algorithms.
I find these kinds of literary failures happen fairly regularly with modern authors attempting to emulate historical tone in fiction without bothering to do any research into the language or customs of the era - which is rather disappointing. Now that books are beta read by friends instead of collaboratively published using editors, it’s hard to find books that are well-written as they are buried by trash choking the search algorithms.
November 10, 2023
Had the potential to be a good book
The typos and inconsistencies drove me crazy. A simple spell checker app and a decent editor would have helped.
The plot was interesting but the author should research the time period if she wants to write about it. A Regency novel requires more than titles, servants and the ton to make it believable.
The typos and inconsistencies drove me crazy. A simple spell checker app and a decent editor would have helped.
The plot was interesting but the author should research the time period if she wants to write about it. A Regency novel requires more than titles, servants and the ton to make it believable.
November 1, 2023
Arranged marriage turned to love
I enjoyed the funnies in the beginning as she fought against marrying him. The mystery was good. Can’t wait to possibly read in future books about his friends Liam and Ethan (hint hint). Thank you Daphne for another good book!
I enjoyed the funnies in the beginning as she fought against marrying him. The mystery was good. Can’t wait to possibly read in future books about his friends Liam and Ethan (hint hint). Thank you Daphne for another good book!
November 15, 2023
maybe one of the worst book I’ve read
Where do I start?? First I am confused by all the great reviews; did we read the same book? Second, this author could really use an editor. The book is all over the place. The flow does not make sense, and this might be the only book I have ever read where the guy was, -and I meant this humbly- Dumb as rocks. Not in a charming way, like genuinely… absolutely idiotic, not in love or anything sentimental but in life. The characters are lackluster and it was impossible to root for any of them. I am trying to branch away from my usual authors and sample others, but I will probably never read anything from Daphne ever again. I finished reading the book just to get the pop up to rate it.
Where do I start?? First I am confused by all the great reviews; did we read the same book? Second, this author could really use an editor. The book is all over the place. The flow does not make sense, and this might be the only book I have ever read where the guy was, -and I meant this humbly- Dumb as rocks. Not in a charming way, like genuinely… absolutely idiotic, not in love or anything sentimental but in life. The characters are lackluster and it was impossible to root for any of them. I am trying to branch away from my usual authors and sample others, but I will probably never read anything from Daphne ever again. I finished reading the book just to get the pop up to rate it.
October 30, 2023
A Good Romance with a Twist
I enjoyed this story. Jackson and Helen had a marriage of convenience. Helen was desperate to annoy Jackson so that he would have the marriage annulled. However, Jackson was unmoved by Helen's odd behaviour. They remained together but there was a mystery to be solved about the murder of Jackson's best friend. Jackson realised he needed Helen's help. Together with some of Jackson's friends they plan a trap to reveal the murderer. Will their plan succeed? Will Helen realise that she has feelings for Jackson? Will they find happiness eventually? Read on and enjoy.
I enjoyed this story. Jackson and Helen had a marriage of convenience. Helen was desperate to annoy Jackson so that he would have the marriage annulled. However, Jackson was unmoved by Helen's odd behaviour. They remained together but there was a mystery to be solved about the murder of Jackson's best friend. Jackson realised he needed Helen's help. Together with some of Jackson's friends they plan a trap to reveal the murderer. Will their plan succeed? Will Helen realise that she has feelings for Jackson? Will they find happiness eventually? Read on and enjoy.
November 13, 2023
Maybe 3.5. story line decent
There were enough inaccuracies in the story to make it a bit frustrating. A peers daughter married to a Duke would have had a Lady's maid and more servants to wait on her. Saying that the men were in college together at Eton was incorrect. It is called Eton college, but it is a secondary school ( high school) and they would have been teenagers then. The speech and relationship with the other men would have been more deferential to a Duke. Also, if Jackson "needed" to marry, he would have been eager to have a son, not wait to bed his wife. Plenty other inconsistencies.
There were enough inaccuracies in the story to make it a bit frustrating. A peers daughter married to a Duke would have had a Lady's maid and more servants to wait on her. Saying that the men were in college together at Eton was incorrect. It is called Eton college, but it is a secondary school ( high school) and they would have been teenagers then. The speech and relationship with the other men would have been more deferential to a Duke. Also, if Jackson "needed" to marry, he would have been eager to have a son, not wait to bed his wife. Plenty other inconsistencies.
July 15, 2024
It’s okay
I am only giving this a one star because this was so boring. No originality. The storytelling was awful! It was like the author was told the story a while ago and was only able to recall bits and pieces of it. It was choppy and all over the place. Things worked out too perfectly that it was unrealistic. There was no reason for Jackson to be interested in Helen, aside from her being the diamond of the season. They had nothing in common to connect with. She was immature and supposedly a gossip but she never talked to anyone besides her best friend. This story had the potential to be really good but it seems the author had no idea how to tell it. 👎👎👎
I am only giving this a one star because this was so boring. No originality. The storytelling was awful! It was like the author was told the story a while ago and was only able to recall bits and pieces of it. It was choppy and all over the place. Things worked out too perfectly that it was unrealistic. There was no reason for Jackson to be interested in Helen, aside from her being the diamond of the season. They had nothing in common to connect with. She was immature and supposedly a gossip but she never talked to anyone besides her best friend. This story had the potential to be really good but it seems the author had no idea how to tell it. 👎👎👎
November 2, 2023
Bravo for Helen
Helen was forced into marriage with a Jackson, who is a Duke. Helen plans on making the Duke so miserable that he will have the marriage annulled. Well that doesn’t work, Jackson finds her amusing and a breath of fresh air. Jackson is going through a tough time due to the loss of his best friend. Jackson is trying to find out what really happened to his friend Will. It was a good story.
I read this as part of arc.
Helen was forced into marriage with a Jackson, who is a Duke. Helen plans on making the Duke so miserable that he will have the marriage annulled. Well that doesn’t work, Jackson finds her amusing and a breath of fresh air. Jackson is going through a tough time due to the loss of his best friend. Jackson is trying to find out what really happened to his friend Will. It was a good story.
I read this as part of arc.
November 2, 2023
I always enjoy Daphne Byrne’s books. This one was no exception, although I’m still scratching my head trying to figure out all the quirks in Jackson’s personality.
Then there’s Helen’s dad. If he was such a horrible father why did he just disappear right after the wedding? In my book he should’ve at least been put in his place. That said, it’s a very good read with some surprises, lots of smiles, anger and even some tears with a beautiful ending.
Then there’s Helen’s dad. If he was such a horrible father why did he just disappear right after the wedding? In my book he should’ve at least been put in his place. That said, it’s a very good read with some surprises, lots of smiles, anger and even some tears with a beautiful ending.
November 5, 2023
After Helen is forced to marry a notorious duke, her main objective is to get his to annul the marriage or just let her go. She does everything in her power to appear very unlady like from talking to herself and wearing odd outfits . Duke Jackson finds her very amusing must to her dismay. When he pasts comes to cause problem with his new bride, he will do whatever it takes to keep her. There is some "steamy" parts in this book.
November 7, 2023
Our future is what we make it!
Helen’s father is tired of her not making a decision about a husband and tells her if she doesn’t choose on that night , he’ll announce her betrothal that night! Duke Jackson is at-the ball, first in years, and leaves betrothed to Helen! She’s not happy and plans on making his life miserable every day. But there’s more behind each others past, and problems in the future!
Helen’s father is tired of her not making a decision about a husband and tells her if she doesn’t choose on that night , he’ll announce her betrothal that night! Duke Jackson is at-the ball, first in years, and leaves betrothed to Helen! She’s not happy and plans on making his life miserable every day. But there’s more behind each others past, and problems in the future!
November 19, 2023
Rolling my eyes.
This is a very trite modern book with characters in costume purporting to be Regency. The characters speak in modern idioms. The plot is hackneyed with no sparkle. the author frequently describes a character showing annoyance by rolling back their shoulders. The first three times I amused myself by trying to picture what it looked like. The fourth occurrence I stopped reading.
This is a very trite modern book with characters in costume purporting to be Regency. The characters speak in modern idioms. The plot is hackneyed with no sparkle. the author frequently describes a character showing annoyance by rolling back their shoulders. The first three times I amused myself by trying to picture what it looked like. The fourth occurrence I stopped reading.
December 30, 2025
A Wedding/Birds/Friends/A Murderer..
The recluse Duke, Jackson, must marry so he does with convenience
& chooses Lady Helen. He is quite surprised at her antics & intelligence
& little by little his wall begins to crumble. But there is still a vision of a tragedy from years ago that plaques his heart. And that must be cleared up. But how?
The recluse Duke, Jackson, must marry so he does with convenience
& chooses Lady Helen. He is quite surprised at her antics & intelligence
& little by little his wall begins to crumble. But there is still a vision of a tragedy from years ago that plaques his heart. And that must be cleared up. But how?
November 3, 2023
Loved this story about Helen and Jackson’s arranged marriage and the actions of Helen trying to put Jackson off.Never a dull moment,only for the pair to grow closer together And the mysterious murder in the mix.Fantastic
November 10, 2023
Persistent and Determined
It was fun reading to watch Helen’s great plans backfire about driving the Duke away. The harder she tried outlandish behavior, the more determined and turned on Jackson became. A great story and happy ending.
It was fun reading to watch Helen’s great plans backfire about driving the Duke away. The harder she tried outlandish behavior, the more determined and turned on Jackson became. A great story and happy ending.
January 23, 2024
Good story but historical inaccuracies
It's a good yarn BUT there are some awful historical inaccuracies. There's a lot of poor editing with modern / american terminology that would not be used during the era of this story.
It's a good yarn BUT there are some awful historical inaccuracies. There's a lot of poor editing with modern / american terminology that would not be used during the era of this story.
May 16, 2024
Started strong…
Story and writing started out strong. But somewhere around Chapter 20, the story no longer flows nor is it cohesive. It also appears editing and proofreading stopped around the same time.
Story and writing started out strong. But somewhere around Chapter 20, the story no longer flows nor is it cohesive. It also appears editing and proofreading stopped around the same time.
July 25, 2024
This could have used a few more rounds of editing but was still a silly fun spicy time 😆 makes me want to pick up more historical romance for sure cause the tensions in stories from this era can’t be beat
October 29, 2023
Hot and steamy
You will find yourself laughing at Helen antics to get Jackson to annul the marriage while all the time they are falling in love with each other.
You will find yourself laughing at Helen antics to get Jackson to annul the marriage while all the time they are falling in love with each other.
November 27, 2023
Drastic editing needed
This needs proof reading
It is disjointed,it's dialogue is too.modern for the era. The narrative jumps and is confusing. Very disappointing.
This needs proof reading
It is disjointed,it's dialogue is too.modern for the era. The narrative jumps and is confusing. Very disappointing.
December 2, 2023
The suspense and mystery was really good.
February 9, 2024
Jackson withstood everything Helen did to make marriage to her repulsive. That makes the story entertaining. His reactions to what she does makes it lovely.
February 18, 2024
Good Love Story
This was a good book. It had a lot of suspense but there was still love and a good life to be had after murder mystery was solved love abound.
This was a good book. It had a lot of suspense but there was still love and a good life to be had after murder mystery was solved love abound.
March 16, 2024
So good!
Funny, whimsical, and a joy to read. A mystery is there also, so you will enjoy this book so much that it will be hard to put down!
Funny, whimsical, and a joy to read. A mystery is there also, so you will enjoy this book so much that it will be hard to put down!
October 8, 2025
wrong use
This story contained factually incorrect words and terminology that were not known or used at this moment in history more research needed
This story contained factually incorrect words and terminology that were not known or used at this moment in history more research needed
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews