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The Duchess Dilemma #2
The Cruel Duke's Bride
A Duke seeking vengeance. A Lady who threatens to expose him. One fateful kiss.
Lady Amelia's childhood was ruined when her father fell victim to the notorious ‘Masked Rogue’. Years later, on the balcony of the grand annual Stanhope ball, she finds herself face to face with the same man, and she seizes an opportunity of vengeance…
On the surface, Gideon is the esteemed Duke of Stanhope, but deep down, he harbors a dark he is the infamous Masked Rogue of London. And his life takes a dramatic turn when Lady Amelia discovers his secret, threatening him with a dire marry her or she will expose him…
Left with no alternative, Gideon devises a to make Amelia uncomfortable enough with his intense advances that she’ll seek an annulment…
Unbeknownst to him, however, Amelia has her own reasons to remain married for at least 30 days, and she won’t give up so easily…
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.
Lady Amelia's childhood was ruined when her father fell victim to the notorious ‘Masked Rogue’. Years later, on the balcony of the grand annual Stanhope ball, she finds herself face to face with the same man, and she seizes an opportunity of vengeance…
On the surface, Gideon is the esteemed Duke of Stanhope, but deep down, he harbors a dark he is the infamous Masked Rogue of London. And his life takes a dramatic turn when Lady Amelia discovers his secret, threatening him with a dire marry her or she will expose him…
Left with no alternative, Gideon devises a to make Amelia uncomfortable enough with his intense advances that she’ll seek an annulment…
Unbeknownst to him, however, Amelia has her own reasons to remain married for at least 30 days, and she won’t give up so easily…
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.
393 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 7, 2023
273 people are currently reading
80 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews
December 19, 2023
This was ok. I think it would’ve been more enjoyable if the character of the hero had matched the title. He definitely wasn’t cruel. I’ve read crueler heroes in HP romances. He was bent on revenge and in his quest he hurt innocent people (the heroine being one) but he was way too charming and smirky to be cruel. He’s trapped into marriage by the heroine and his grand scheme to get her to seek an annulment? Shock her with lustful advances. Okaaaaayyyyy, that makes no sense, but whatever!
I also found it unbelievable that the heroine was able to keep her parentage a secret. Or why she would. She had no reason to hide that she was the earl of Marlowes daughter. And as the daughter of an earl, she would have been a lady. Even an impoverished lady would have her family connections known, ESPECIALLY in a world where family and name were so integral to survival. There’s no way a Duke would’ve married a woman and not have been made aware of her entire family history.
I tried to ignore the historical mistakes and ludicrous plot lines just focus on the love story—a man and woman falling in love—it was ok, enjoyable if nothing else.
Safe-ish. Hero’s past is mentioned, a kinda manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, cheating or sharing. HEA and epilogue included with newsletter signup
I also found it unbelievable that the heroine was able to keep her parentage a secret. Or why she would. She had no reason to hide that she was the earl of Marlowes daughter. And as the daughter of an earl, she would have been a lady. Even an impoverished lady would have her family connections known, ESPECIALLY in a world where family and name were so integral to survival. There’s no way a Duke would’ve married a woman and not have been made aware of her entire family history.
I tried to ignore the historical mistakes and ludicrous plot lines just focus on the love story—a man and woman falling in love—it was ok, enjoyable if nothing else.
Safe-ish. Hero’s past is mentioned, a kinda manwhore. Heroine is a virgin and belongs only to her hero. No others, cheating or sharing. HEA and epilogue included with newsletter signup
December 14, 2023
Readable historical romance. I enjoyed this story of shy and downtrodden Amelia & her moment of bravery that results in a marriage of convenience to the duke of the title. The reader is drawn to the likeable character of Amelia as she is treated horribly by her family; her determination to gain her independence is admirable when she seizes an opportunity to obtain her inheritance (to be released to her after 30 days of marriage) by kissing the duke at a ball and forcing a union to save both their reputations. Gideon is focussed on revenge on the men who destroyed his father and whom he blames for the demise of his disabled brother. An enjoyable read with sub-plots involving Amelia’s sister and the duke’s gradual realisation that revenge isn’t everything. I enjoyed the fact that is the duke who really ‘falls first’ and things quickly turn steamy between the pair. A good historical romantic read.
December 19, 2023
Passionate Marriage of Convenience
Lady Amelia feels like a puppet on his strings when she is close to Gideon, the Duke of Stanhope. She acts without thinking on urges she never thought possible. She detests this man, despises every fiber of his being, however, this hatred as it is buried under layers of need around him. She must not let the Masked Rogue deter her from her mission to help her sister. To Gideon marriage signifies the end of his carefree bachelorhood and instead sharing his life, his space and time with a lady he has only just met. He needs to force her into an annulment as quickly as possible and complete his mission as the Masked Rogue. This is an intriguing historical regency romance with lots of layers of vengeance and love. I enjoyed the passion of these characters and how they fit together.
Lady Amelia feels like a puppet on his strings when she is close to Gideon, the Duke of Stanhope. She acts without thinking on urges she never thought possible. She detests this man, despises every fiber of his being, however, this hatred as it is buried under layers of need around him. She must not let the Masked Rogue deter her from her mission to help her sister. To Gideon marriage signifies the end of his carefree bachelorhood and instead sharing his life, his space and time with a lady he has only just met. He needs to force her into an annulment as quickly as possible and complete his mission as the Masked Rogue. This is an intriguing historical regency romance with lots of layers of vengeance and love. I enjoyed the passion of these characters and how they fit together.
June 15, 2025
Revenge.
Duke Gideon is on a mission for revenge against the men who ruined his father which resulted in the death of his brother. In disguise as the Masked Rogue, he has slowing gotten revenge on all but one of the men responsible. Amelia has to get out of her uncle’s house and marry in order to get her inheritance so she can save her sister. And why not get back at the man who ruined her father at the same time. I enjoyed the storyline although I didn’t like Amelia much in the beginning. It didn’t make sense to me how she thought she could just remove her sister from her marriage or that she could get an annulment of her own marriage without a valid reason. Still, a well written book worth reading.
Duke Gideon is on a mission for revenge against the men who ruined his father which resulted in the death of his brother. In disguise as the Masked Rogue, he has slowing gotten revenge on all but one of the men responsible. Amelia has to get out of her uncle’s house and marry in order to get her inheritance so she can save her sister. And why not get back at the man who ruined her father at the same time. I enjoyed the storyline although I didn’t like Amelia much in the beginning. It didn’t make sense to me how she thought she could just remove her sister from her marriage or that she could get an annulment of her own marriage without a valid reason. Still, a well written book worth reading.
May 16, 2024
This story never met my level of expectation. I have read other Tessa Brookman stories with much enjoyment and better character and plot development. This one was just okay. The h was 'old' at 21 (gasp) and the H had only revenge on his mind. They met through a screw up. The H had instructed his staff to have limited access for a balcony where he would meet the intended mistress. Unfortunately, the h and everyone else seemed to access same balcony with no problem. They saw the anticipated ruinous actions of H and h and this forced the MOC...except for the lust of the H and the snark of the h. Fast forward: love wins, sister is rescued, H is redeemed, HEA.
December 13, 2023
Review
The layers in this story are slowly revealed to the reader and the 2 main characters. We first meet Gideon, the Duke of Stanhope, setting his lustful evening plans into motion. Amelia, intent on escaping for a few moments to compose herself to meet someone to marry. She interrupts his plans and is compromised. As their marriage unfolds , the reasons and pain for their skillfully revealed. Can they find their way past their trauma and learn to embrace the other. The resolution is a satisfying one for the reader.
The layers in this story are slowly revealed to the reader and the 2 main characters. We first meet Gideon, the Duke of Stanhope, setting his lustful evening plans into motion. Amelia, intent on escaping for a few moments to compose herself to meet someone to marry. She interrupts his plans and is compromised. As their marriage unfolds , the reasons and pain for their skillfully revealed. Can they find their way past their trauma and learn to embrace the other. The resolution is a satisfying one for the reader.
July 26, 2024
Love overcomes revenge
Amelia is desperate to marry to gain her inheritance, she needs to rescue her sister who is married to an abusive husband. She’s steps out on a balcony and the Duke of Stanhope, confuses her with a woman whom he has set up a liaison. The Duke kisses her and they are caught. She realizes that he is the Masked Rogue who ruined her family, so she tells him that he has to marry her or she will tell.
That is all I’m saying, it’s a great story. They both have issues that need to be resolved. Loved it.
Amelia is desperate to marry to gain her inheritance, she needs to rescue her sister who is married to an abusive husband. She’s steps out on a balcony and the Duke of Stanhope, confuses her with a woman whom he has set up a liaison. The Duke kisses her and they are caught. She realizes that he is the Masked Rogue who ruined her family, so she tells him that he has to marry her or she will tell.
That is all I’m saying, it’s a great story. They both have issues that need to be resolved. Loved it.
December 14, 2023
3.5 stars for this book.
I am not sure if the title is apt with the story. I don't find the duke that cruel...
For me, the first half of this book is kind of slow-paced, maybe because the characters have their respective pasts or histories to tell. However, halfway to the ending, the story creates a turnaround that would give readers satisfaction considering that both male and female protagonists were able to somehow achieve their own goals.
I am not sure if the title is apt with the story. I don't find the duke that cruel...
For me, the first half of this book is kind of slow-paced, maybe because the characters have their respective pasts or histories to tell. However, halfway to the ending, the story creates a turnaround that would give readers satisfaction considering that both male and female protagonists were able to somehow achieve their own goals.
December 16, 2023
I wouldn’t say the hero is cruel, vengeful would be a better word as he seeks out those he blames for his father’s and brother’s deaths. He assumes a masked identity. The heroine finds out who he is and uses blackmail to get him to marry her, because she wants her inheritance. They go through some rough patches as they seek their own goals. There are some supporting characters that help the storyline along. It was a good read.
December 17, 2023
The cruel duke's bride
Amazing just beautiful story of vengeance ,love ,patience and forgiveness all enclosed in one delightful story.A villain turned hero and a villianess turned heroine. All engrossed in one story.Enjoyed every bit to the extent I read through the night and it is 4am now.Would not be surprised if the story is turned into a successful movie in the near future.Kudos to the authoress madam Tessa Brookman.
Amazing just beautiful story of vengeance ,love ,patience and forgiveness all enclosed in one delightful story.A villain turned hero and a villianess turned heroine. All engrossed in one story.Enjoyed every bit to the extent I read through the night and it is 4am now.Would not be surprised if the story is turned into a successful movie in the near future.Kudos to the authoress madam Tessa Brookman.
January 9, 2024
it’s revenge enough?
This is one of Ms. Brookman more intriguing stories. Amelia, youngest daughter of an Earl, is forced to live with her cruel uncle and vicious aunt and cousin, wants revenge against the “Mask Rogue”, he caused her despair! Gideon is the Duke of Stanhope, but to carry out his revenge against the men who caused his family’s disgrace years he is trapped in marriage! Very interesting and will hold your attention!
This is one of Ms. Brookman more intriguing stories. Amelia, youngest daughter of an Earl, is forced to live with her cruel uncle and vicious aunt and cousin, wants revenge against the “Mask Rogue”, he caused her despair! Gideon is the Duke of Stanhope, but to carry out his revenge against the men who caused his family’s disgrace years he is trapped in marriage! Very interesting and will hold your attention!
January 21, 2024
A wonderful story
This story began with revenge, Amelia was seeking revenge for her family and sister. Gideon was seeking revenge for a past that hurt his family as well, but in King so had the power to destroy. We see two people with their own agenda fall together and realize that revenge cannot be the path foreward. I enjoyed this book and was only exposed to the author through the first book in this series. I look forward to the next book. Enjoy!
This story began with revenge, Amelia was seeking revenge for her family and sister. Gideon was seeking revenge for a past that hurt his family as well, but in King so had the power to destroy. We see two people with their own agenda fall together and realize that revenge cannot be the path foreward. I enjoyed this book and was only exposed to the author through the first book in this series. I look forward to the next book. Enjoy!
February 15, 2024
3.75⭐️ I quite enjoyed Gideon and Amelia’s story! They had amazing chemistry and a good sense of humor.
The mmc wasn’t cruel per se as he was described in the title, he was more sarcastic than cruel, which was fine by me. The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is because the last half of the book felt rushed, their relationship was mostly off page (with the exception of a few times where they kissed and one time when they slept together) and the issue at the end was resolved way too easily.
The mmc wasn’t cruel per se as he was described in the title, he was more sarcastic than cruel, which was fine by me. The only reason I didn’t rate it higher is because the last half of the book felt rushed, their relationship was mostly off page (with the exception of a few times where they kissed and one time when they slept together) and the issue at the end was resolved way too easily.
December 10, 2023
Hot and steamy
Gideon has been taking vengeance on the people who hurt his family when he meets Amelia who is one of his victims daughter. Amelia recognised him and used that fact to force him in to a marriage so she can claim her inheritance from this they being to
fall in love with each other and become
better and stronger people.
Gideon has been taking vengeance on the people who hurt his family when he meets Amelia who is one of his victims daughter. Amelia recognised him and used that fact to force him in to a marriage so she can claim her inheritance from this they being to
fall in love with each other and become
better and stronger people.
December 11, 2023
well written as always
Gideon and Amelia’s story flowed smoothly despite all the complications along the way. The manner in which problems were overcome felt natural. This book is a little more spicy than some of her previous books, but the situations did not feel forced or gratuitous. Well worth a read.
Gideon and Amelia’s story flowed smoothly despite all the complications along the way. The manner in which problems were overcome felt natural. This book is a little more spicy than some of her previous books, but the situations did not feel forced or gratuitous. Well worth a read.
December 12, 2023
She needs to rescue her sister and he burns for vengeance. Their lives are connected in ways they weren’t aware of but their strong attraction and eventual love for each other would help them navigate the pitfalls and danger their lives were heading towards. Excellent read with tons of passion and wonderful supporting characters.
December 12, 2023
Super read
This is a great storyline! Amelia hates the Masked Rogue for ruining her family. Gideon is on a mission to avenge the deaths of his father and brother. They meet in a instance of mistaken identity. What happens when they fall in love and then discover each other’s secrets? You have to get the book and find out. R. K. C.
This is a great storyline! Amelia hates the Masked Rogue for ruining her family. Gideon is on a mission to avenge the deaths of his father and brother. They meet in a instance of mistaken identity. What happens when they fall in love and then discover each other’s secrets? You have to get the book and find out. R. K. C.
February 15, 2024
Disappointment of a book. No relationship development (they go from 0 to 180 seemingly based on nothing but some stilted dialogue), multiple plot holes, dragging start. "The Masked Rogue" sounded like a much more dangerous and interesting persona then it turned out to be. And the duke isn't even a little bit cruel. DNF at 58%.
August 8, 2024
what a great read!
I love when you find a book that keeps you hooked from the very beginning! This book was amazing!! I would say better than the first! I gave it 4 star bc it felt the dragged the problem a bit longer than it should and also bc it’s supposed to be a series but the book had nothing to do the first book. Other than that it was a great read.
I love when you find a book that keeps you hooked from the very beginning! This book was amazing!! I would say better than the first! I gave it 4 star bc it felt the dragged the problem a bit longer than it should and also bc it’s supposed to be a series but the book had nothing to do the first book. Other than that it was a great read.
December 13, 2023
A very interesting tale, all the characters are amazing and have quite the emotional journey to navigate. I read it in a day, I just couldnt stop myself. If you love books about love but with a touch of realism, you're going to love it.
January 24, 2024
Stunning!!!
Love this story. The author did an amazing job with the two main characters, Gidion and Amelia. I love how she delved into their past to explain what they both have become and why. Hugely Recommend!!!
Love this story. The author did an amazing job with the two main characters, Gidion and Amelia. I love how she delved into their past to explain what they both have become and why. Hugely Recommend!!!
March 6, 2025
There could have so much complexity with the sister and the vigilante. I still have no idea what the "Masked Rogue" does. I just wished those plot devices were actually developed and maybe fewer steamy scenes instead.
March 22, 2025
Revenge/A Kiss/Marriage/Love..
Heading to the last ball Amelia needs to find a Beau..but nothing works out as planned. Then a kiss & a new life awaits with the Duke but their many issues rise to haunt them both from the past. And Dorothy, Amelia’s sister, needs help also.
Heading to the last ball Amelia needs to find a Beau..but nothing works out as planned. Then a kiss & a new life awaits with the Duke but their many issues rise to haunt them both from the past. And Dorothy, Amelia’s sister, needs help also.
June 10, 2025
The perfect cruel Duke meets perfect Lady romance
This story has every needed component for a sexy love story! I'm thrilled that the evil aunt and the dreadful cousin were not main characters since the little I read of them left me not wanting more!
This story has every needed component for a sexy love story! I'm thrilled that the evil aunt and the dreadful cousin were not main characters since the little I read of them left me not wanting more!
February 16, 2024
The Cruel Duke"s Bride
I loved that she saved herself from her evil relatives. She kinda trapped him but he got what he deserved.! He was dealing with his demons she saved him!
I loved that she saved herself from her evil relatives. She kinda trapped him but he got what he deserved.! He was dealing with his demons she saved him!
January 3, 2026
Our FMC Amelia is living with her uncle and aunt and her cousin following her parent’s death. She is not treated as one of the family, receiving harsh ‘care’ from her aunt and cousin. Amelia’s sister is in a cruel marriage and Amelia is desperate to help her. Once Amelia has been wed for 28days she will receive the sizeable inheritance left by her father, and it is her goal to use the money to then rescue her sister from her abusive husband.
So Amelia finds herself on a balcony with a duke at a ball, he mistakes Amelia for someone he has been negotiating a potential dalliance with by correspondence. Amelia with a boldness that surprises even herself seizes the moment and kisses him. This is witnessed by others so the Ton expect a wedding to avoid scandal.
However there is a big secret held by our MMC which Amelia discovers and she threatens to disclose it to all if he does not go through with the marriage.
Neither of our main characters really want to marry nor do they initially really know each other. And both, without the other realising, want the marriage annulled. Amelia after getting her inheritance so she can leave and help her sister. Whilst Gideon, our MMC, wishes to carry on with his secret dealings - which are driven by his need for revenge.
So their new marriage brings the testing of boundaries on both sides which is entertaining to read. Gideon is demanding various daring and inappropriate things to push Amelia away, while Amelia will do things to stay married for the minimum of 28days that she needs. Things don’t go according to either’s plan obviously. Gideon becomes increasingly attracted to Amelia as she shows her strength to stand up to him with his antics. As Amelia starts to get to know him, her feelings also develop, both unaware of how the other feels.
When they get close, Amelia internally struggles with what to do plus identifying how she feels and tries to avoid Gideon. Even with Gideon going to London for a few days, Amelia just ponders her feelings and realises she misses him.
When they reunite, sparks are ignited and mutual yearning flourishes into pleasure. So Amelia and Gideon’s seperate initial goals for the marriage of convenience change as their feelings develop.
Complicating factors are that Gideon’s long held secret and the motives behind it get revealed when Gideon gets drunk. Plus Amelia is also startled to discover frightening news of her sister which drives her to want to leave to rescue her sister.
There are some very emotional and difficult conversations between our main characters - powerfully written so the reader feels the emotions almost coming off the page.
Great characters, emotional at times, some humour, steam and a HEA - an enjoyable well written read
So Amelia finds herself on a balcony with a duke at a ball, he mistakes Amelia for someone he has been negotiating a potential dalliance with by correspondence. Amelia with a boldness that surprises even herself seizes the moment and kisses him. This is witnessed by others so the Ton expect a wedding to avoid scandal.
However there is a big secret held by our MMC which Amelia discovers and she threatens to disclose it to all if he does not go through with the marriage.
Neither of our main characters really want to marry nor do they initially really know each other. And both, without the other realising, want the marriage annulled. Amelia after getting her inheritance so she can leave and help her sister. Whilst Gideon, our MMC, wishes to carry on with his secret dealings - which are driven by his need for revenge.
So their new marriage brings the testing of boundaries on both sides which is entertaining to read. Gideon is demanding various daring and inappropriate things to push Amelia away, while Amelia will do things to stay married for the minimum of 28days that she needs. Things don’t go according to either’s plan obviously. Gideon becomes increasingly attracted to Amelia as she shows her strength to stand up to him with his antics. As Amelia starts to get to know him, her feelings also develop, both unaware of how the other feels.
When they get close, Amelia internally struggles with what to do plus identifying how she feels and tries to avoid Gideon. Even with Gideon going to London for a few days, Amelia just ponders her feelings and realises she misses him.
When they reunite, sparks are ignited and mutual yearning flourishes into pleasure. So Amelia and Gideon’s seperate initial goals for the marriage of convenience change as their feelings develop.
Complicating factors are that Gideon’s long held secret and the motives behind it get revealed when Gideon gets drunk. Plus Amelia is also startled to discover frightening news of her sister which drives her to want to leave to rescue her sister.
There are some very emotional and difficult conversations between our main characters - powerfully written so the reader feels the emotions almost coming off the page.
Great characters, emotional at times, some humour, steam and a HEA - an enjoyable well written read
Displaying 1 - 27 of 27 reviews