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The Rockliffe Dynasty #2
A Duke Once Lost: The Rockliffe Dynasty Book 2
Eleven years ago, Lady Amelia Prescott was jilted on the night of her planned elopement, and the man who betrayed her disappeared from England with nothing more than a letter of farewell. Ever since, she has focused her attention on her secret work as an advice columnist while remaining staunchly closed off to finding love for herself. Yet a twist of fate renders her former betrothed a duke, and he reappears at the exact moment when her carefully guarded secret becomes threatened by a money-hungry blackmailer. Desperate to flee London and escape an impending scandal, Amelia finds herself seeking aid from the unlikeliest person: the one who shattered her heart.
Jonathan Astley—now the Duke of Branscombe—may have spent more than a decade traveling the world, but he could never go far enough to escape past regrets, or to forget the woman he once intended to marry before his hopes for the future crumbled to pieces. Upon returning to England, he knows he has no right to wish for a reconciliation with the ever-lovely—and unwed—Amelia. However, when their paths unexpectedly cross on the Great North Road, he can at least try to atone by doing as she asks and conveying her to her destination.
Unfortunately, the road north is fraught with calamities, from derelict inns to an undutiful coachman to rain that refuses to relent. Yet with each new disaster, the attraction between them flares back to life, and broken trust begins to rebuild. Will their tumultuous journey lead to the rekindling of a love once lost? Or will old hurts and secrets forever stand in the way of their second chance at happiness?
Jonathan Astley—now the Duke of Branscombe—may have spent more than a decade traveling the world, but he could never go far enough to escape past regrets, or to forget the woman he once intended to marry before his hopes for the future crumbled to pieces. Upon returning to England, he knows he has no right to wish for a reconciliation with the ever-lovely—and unwed—Amelia. However, when their paths unexpectedly cross on the Great North Road, he can at least try to atone by doing as she asks and conveying her to her destination.
Unfortunately, the road north is fraught with calamities, from derelict inns to an undutiful coachman to rain that refuses to relent. Yet with each new disaster, the attraction between them flares back to life, and broken trust begins to rebuild. Will their tumultuous journey lead to the rekindling of a love once lost? Or will old hurts and secrets forever stand in the way of their second chance at happiness?
284 pages, Kindle Edition
Published March 7, 2024
27 people are currently reading
54 people want to read
About the author
Jane Maguire
9 books168 followersJane Maguire is a Canadian author whose lifelong passions for history, writing, and love stories inevitably led her to begin penning historical romance novels. While her love of historical fiction spans all eras, she focuses her writing on high society in the regency period. She enjoys crafting stories with lots of angst, which makes giving her characters their happily ever afters all the more satisfying.
When she isn't at her computer writing and researching, you can find her vacationing in the Rocky Mountains, playing classical music on the piano, or simply curling up with a cup of tea and a good book. She lives with her husband, two kids, and a very floofy cat.
When she isn't at her computer writing and researching, you can find her vacationing in the Rocky Mountains, playing classical music on the piano, or simply curling up with a cup of tea and a good book. She lives with her husband, two kids, and a very floofy cat.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 39 reviews
January 4, 2025
⭐⭐⭐💫
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine.👍
Road trip.
Second chance romance.
A hero that has/had speech impediment.
(Stutter.)
A little tiny bit “older” heroine (29)
OK plot but….
OK romantic build up and chemistry but….
Rather good and likable main character.
(The hero.)
Somewhat interesting side character.
The heroine is not cantankerous or shrewish towards the hero even though she has a right and a reason to be resentful and bitter towards the hero for what he did.
She is not a doormat about it either..... she is still hurt by it and does not trust him etc. but she is not really cantankerous or shrewish.
➖ What I disliked:
The heroines mother that was manipulative and forceful/domineering.
The plot was OK but some things needed to be a little more fleshed out….. things like more info about the heroes speech impediment but also some other things.
The romantic build up and chemistry was OK but in some places lacked depth.
The steam is at times very cringey and the heroine is too naive/innocent.
(The hero “teaching” and showing/guiding the heroine how to pleasure herself and what is pleasurable with her own body is just cringey and dumb but also unrealistic.
The heroine is just too naive/innocent and willfully ignorant about sex and pleasure and her own body….. especially for a woman of her age (29) even for the era/time period they are in)
No adult no matter the era/time period they are in…… are that ignorant about sex and pleasure and their own body.🙄🤦♀️)
The pacing is a little bit on the slow side especially in the beginning of the story.
Too much miscommunications/misunderstandings and withheld/hidden information.
The heroine was not unlikable or annoying but a little too wishy-washy.
Anachronistic.
The hero was a little too insecure.
(The hero is a duke and he should have used what power and privilege that came with that more to his advantage and before he was a duke it was not like he was a commoner… the heroes grandfather was a duke. (Dukes were the highest rung/rank of the aristocracy.)
He is a cinnamon roll hero and I like to read those when they are well-written etc.
But even with his horrible past and his emotional scars/psychological scars from that (bullied and beaten etc.) and him having/had a speech impediment…. He still had been out in the world and built up his confidence and self-worth etc. and made friends and even had found family but also learnt ways of coping/controlling/managing his speech impediment….. And he also had the power and the privilege from being a duke…Very few adults would have been openly and publicly disrespectful/mocking of a duke or a grandchild of a duke… of course school children and teenagers is another thing and also people being disrespectful behind peoples backs and doing it in a more circumspect/inconspicuous ways…. But it is still a little too anachronistic among other things… and for the hero to go backwards and be kind of meek/insecure again did not make sense.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice about the hero.
(Hero= tall, muscular, handsome.)
3½ stars.
➕ What I liked :
Tall heroine.👍
Road trip.
Second chance romance.
A hero that has/had speech impediment.
(Stutter.)
A little tiny bit “older” heroine (29)
OK plot but….
OK romantic build up and chemistry but….
Rather good and likable main character.
(The hero.)
Somewhat interesting side character.
The heroine is not cantankerous or shrewish towards the hero even though she has a right and a reason to be resentful and bitter towards the hero for what he did.
She is not a doormat about it either..... she is still hurt by it and does not trust him etc. but she is not really cantankerous or shrewish.
➖ What I disliked:
The heroines mother that was manipulative and forceful/domineering.
The plot was OK but some things needed to be a little more fleshed out….. things like more info about the heroes speech impediment but also some other things.
The romantic build up and chemistry was OK but in some places lacked depth.
The steam is at times very cringey and the heroine is too naive/innocent.
(The hero “teaching” and showing/guiding the heroine how to pleasure herself and what is pleasurable with her own body is just cringey and dumb but also unrealistic.
The heroine is just too naive/innocent and willfully ignorant about sex and pleasure and her own body….. especially for a woman of her age (29) even for the era/time period they are in)
No adult no matter the era/time period they are in…… are that ignorant about sex and pleasure and their own body.🙄🤦♀️)
The pacing is a little bit on the slow side especially in the beginning of the story.
Too much miscommunications/misunderstandings and withheld/hidden information.
The heroine was not unlikable or annoying but a little too wishy-washy.
Anachronistic.
The hero was a little too insecure.
(The hero is a duke and he should have used what power and privilege that came with that more to his advantage and before he was a duke it was not like he was a commoner… the heroes grandfather was a duke. (Dukes were the highest rung/rank of the aristocracy.)
He is a cinnamon roll hero and I like to read those when they are well-written etc.
But even with his horrible past and his emotional scars/psychological scars from that (bullied and beaten etc.) and him having/had a speech impediment…. He still had been out in the world and built up his confidence and self-worth etc. and made friends and even had found family but also learnt ways of coping/controlling/managing his speech impediment….. And he also had the power and the privilege from being a duke…Very few adults would have been openly and publicly disrespectful/mocking of a duke or a grandchild of a duke… of course school children and teenagers is another thing and also people being disrespectful behind peoples backs and doing it in a more circumspect/inconspicuous ways…. But it is still a little too anachronistic among other things… and for the hero to go backwards and be kind of meek/insecure again did not make sense.)
Formulaic in the character description/visual appearance/character choice about the hero.
(Hero= tall, muscular, handsome.)
March 7, 2024
This is a really nice second-chance/road trip romance! Amelia and Jonathan almost eloped 10 years ago, but he wrote her a breakup note and noped out of England. After that, Amelia decided she wasn't marrying anyone, and instead started an anonymous advice column. Due to a series of unfortunate events (for his relatives, not for him), Jonathan just inherited a dukedom, so he's back in England. He never stopped loving Amelia, despite his breakup note, so when he realizes she's still not married ... he hopes he still has a chance. They coincidentally decide to flee some uncomfortable associations in London and run into each other on the road ... so they decide to road trip together. Along the way,
It's a quick read that doesn't skimp on the sexual tension. I especially enjoyed the final resolution, with Amelia realizing her worth and forgiving both Jonathan and her mother for some of their previous actions.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book for this objective review.
It's a quick read that doesn't skimp on the sexual tension. I especially enjoyed the final resolution, with Amelia realizing her worth and forgiving both Jonathan and her mother for some of their previous actions.
Thanks to the author for a complimentary copy of the book for this objective review.
March 7, 2024
Thanks to the author for an ARC copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.
This is book 2 of the Rockcliffe Dynasty series, but it can be read as a stand alone story, though there are recurring characters that cross over between the two.
This is a second chance at love story, with forced proximity, road trip, and bullying/socially awkward/wallflower themes to it as well. The main characters are Lady Amelia Prescott, and Jonathan Astley, the Duke of Branscombe. About a decade earlier, when she was about to enter Society as a debutante, and Jonathan was a poor, young, awkward young man, they met and fell sweetly in love. They kept their relationship hidden and planned to elope one night, and marry over the anvil in Gretna Green. Amelia was packed and planning on how to escape her room via the oak tree outside when she gets a devastating message from her beloved - jilting her by note, with an cold note of good bye. He abandons his secret bride and the shores of England in one fell swoop. Amelia lives on, and protects her heart by becoming a spinster, with a hidden identity, earning money as a Lady Lockheart, her pseudonym as a columnist in a popular lady's magazine.
As a further blow to her equanimity, that same night her blackmailer confronts her at a ball, she is forced to face her painful past, when Jonathan Astley, her former beloved, returns to society, taking on his new title as the Duke of Branscombe.
Her reputation is threatened however when a rakehell discovers her secret and threatens to expose her, unless she marries him and cedes her generous dowry to him. Amelia is loathe to do either, and impetuously chooses to runaway to her family's hunting box far in the country to escape the pending scandal and her blackmailer.
Unfortunately she is beset by many ills including getting lost and injuring herself in inclement weather. While she is so beleaguered, Jonathan, on escaping his own woes, comes across Amelia in distress. Jonathan still obviously has feelings for Amelia and regrets the loss of their relationship, but does not think there is a chance for their relationship to rekindle, however he does wish to help her and offers his assistance. Amelia, despite not wanting anything to do with Jonathan, ultimately ends up accepting his assistance and they travel together. Their way North though is not smooth, and they are forced to travel for prolonged periods alone in a carriage, facing various trials and tribulations, as well as delays on their trip, including shared inn rooms, and the like. This forces them to face their past and rekindle their feelings for each other.
However, as they reconnect and rekindle their love, another more formidable barrier is thrown in their way, in the form of Amelia's mother, the forceful, domineering, manipulative Dowager Marchioness of Rockcliffe. She shows Amelia what she believes to be the truth of Jonathan's past and current connection with her, and her truth is devastating... but ultimately not Jonathan's proof and he must work harder to prove to Amelia what is the truth about their past and in his heart, in the hopes that Amelia would give him another chance to win her heart.
I quite liked the sweetness of their youthful love and how two young people who appeared to be shy, awkward, and the targets of stronger wills and bullies found each other. Unfortunately, outside forces played against them, forcing them apart, and they never forgot each other. But I do love a second chance at love and the themes of bullying and social awkwardness and not fitting in show up again, when they are adults. I do feel that the latter theme could have been fleshed out more, especially with Jonathan's speech impediment. Both Amelia and Jonathan had a lot in common in their youth and I could see how they found solace and comfort in each other, including the manipulative and domineering family members.
While this story can be read as a stand alone, it obviously lays out some family history for the third book coming up, about the Amelia's older brother, who is missing, but referenced frequently, and her dead second brother, the husband of the FMC from book 1, who was her connection to developing her persona as Lady Lockheart and her career in writing. She also maintains her connections with her prior sister in law and nephews as well. But the Dowager Marchioness is still feisty, and forceful, not softening much from how she seemed in book 1 it would appear, until the very end of the book. Perhaps she does genuinely love and want more for her children, though she goes about it all in a heavy handed and overbearing way.
This is a slow burn, but steamy second chance at love story that I quite enjoyed.
4.25 stars out of 5
This is book 2 of the Rockcliffe Dynasty series, but it can be read as a stand alone story, though there are recurring characters that cross over between the two.
This is a second chance at love story, with forced proximity, road trip, and bullying/socially awkward/wallflower themes to it as well. The main characters are Lady Amelia Prescott, and Jonathan Astley, the Duke of Branscombe. About a decade earlier, when she was about to enter Society as a debutante, and Jonathan was a poor, young, awkward young man, they met and fell sweetly in love. They kept their relationship hidden and planned to elope one night, and marry over the anvil in Gretna Green. Amelia was packed and planning on how to escape her room via the oak tree outside when she gets a devastating message from her beloved - jilting her by note, with an cold note of good bye. He abandons his secret bride and the shores of England in one fell swoop. Amelia lives on, and protects her heart by becoming a spinster, with a hidden identity, earning money as a Lady Lockheart, her pseudonym as a columnist in a popular lady's magazine.
As a further blow to her equanimity, that same night her blackmailer confronts her at a ball, she is forced to face her painful past, when Jonathan Astley, her former beloved, returns to society, taking on his new title as the Duke of Branscombe.
Her reputation is threatened however when a rakehell discovers her secret and threatens to expose her, unless she marries him and cedes her generous dowry to him. Amelia is loathe to do either, and impetuously chooses to runaway to her family's hunting box far in the country to escape the pending scandal and her blackmailer.
Unfortunately she is beset by many ills including getting lost and injuring herself in inclement weather. While she is so beleaguered, Jonathan, on escaping his own woes, comes across Amelia in distress. Jonathan still obviously has feelings for Amelia and regrets the loss of their relationship, but does not think there is a chance for their relationship to rekindle, however he does wish to help her and offers his assistance. Amelia, despite not wanting anything to do with Jonathan, ultimately ends up accepting his assistance and they travel together. Their way North though is not smooth, and they are forced to travel for prolonged periods alone in a carriage, facing various trials and tribulations, as well as delays on their trip, including shared inn rooms, and the like. This forces them to face their past and rekindle their feelings for each other.
However, as they reconnect and rekindle their love, another more formidable barrier is thrown in their way, in the form of Amelia's mother, the forceful, domineering, manipulative Dowager Marchioness of Rockcliffe. She shows Amelia what she believes to be the truth of Jonathan's past and current connection with her, and her truth is devastating... but ultimately not Jonathan's proof and he must work harder to prove to Amelia what is the truth about their past and in his heart, in the hopes that Amelia would give him another chance to win her heart.
I quite liked the sweetness of their youthful love and how two young people who appeared to be shy, awkward, and the targets of stronger wills and bullies found each other. Unfortunately, outside forces played against them, forcing them apart, and they never forgot each other. But I do love a second chance at love and the themes of bullying and social awkwardness and not fitting in show up again, when they are adults. I do feel that the latter theme could have been fleshed out more, especially with Jonathan's speech impediment. Both Amelia and Jonathan had a lot in common in their youth and I could see how they found solace and comfort in each other, including the manipulative and domineering family members.
While this story can be read as a stand alone, it obviously lays out some family history for the third book coming up, about the Amelia's older brother, who is missing, but referenced frequently, and her dead second brother, the husband of the FMC from book 1, who was her connection to developing her persona as Lady Lockheart and her career in writing. She also maintains her connections with her prior sister in law and nephews as well. But the Dowager Marchioness is still feisty, and forceful, not softening much from how she seemed in book 1 it would appear, until the very end of the book. Perhaps she does genuinely love and want more for her children, though she goes about it all in a heavy handed and overbearing way.
This is a slow burn, but steamy second chance at love story that I quite enjoyed.
4.25 stars out of 5
March 21, 2024
I had never read this author but saw her in an author takeover on one of my steamy FB groups. Jane herself said she wasn't super steamy but fairly steamy. As much as I like super steamy, if she is a good writer, then not as steamy is fine with me. I actually was going to read another book of hers but saw the cover of this book and Book 1 and loved it so switched it up and I decided to read this series first. She only has 5 books total. I really enjoyed book 1.
I have to say I liked this story even more than Book 1. I really liked the characters Amelia and Jonathan. I liked their story a lot. Seems to have had a bit more steam than book 1. I feel she gets a lot of depth in her characters. Just a really good overall read.
I have to say I liked this story even more than Book 1. I really liked the characters Amelia and Jonathan. I liked their story a lot. Seems to have had a bit more steam than book 1. I feel she gets a lot of depth in her characters. Just a really good overall read.
March 8, 2024
A Second Chance for Love . . .
Lady Amelia Prescott and Jonathan Astley were planning to elope 11 years ago when he jilted her and broke her heart. Now Jonathan Astley has returned as the Duke of Branscombe to find Lady Amelia is still unmarried. The timing is perfect since she needs to quickly leave London to avoid scandal from a blackmailer and she and the Duke can travel together. Will the two of them accept the second chance now offered to them to restore their love and get their HEA? Will the disastrous road trip where everything seems to go wrong take away any chance of reconciliation? Or will it provide the means to re-establish the love and trust they thought was lost forever?
Lady Amelia Prescott and Jonathan Astley were planning to elope 11 years ago when he jilted her and broke her heart. Now Jonathan Astley has returned as the Duke of Branscombe to find Lady Amelia is still unmarried. The timing is perfect since she needs to quickly leave London to avoid scandal from a blackmailer and she and the Duke can travel together. Will the two of them accept the second chance now offered to them to restore their love and get their HEA? Will the disastrous road trip where everything seems to go wrong take away any chance of reconciliation? Or will it provide the means to re-establish the love and trust they thought was lost forever?
April 4, 2024
This novel was amazing!
"A Duke Once Lost" is the second book of the 'Rockcliffe Dynasty' series. The author gifts the reader with well-written and engaging story about a second chance for Lady Amelia Prescott and Jonathan Astley, the Duke of Branscombe. This estranged lovers hadn't easy at all. Between all the misorder and manipulations will love conquer all?
This book will was such a page turner and will make you clenching your fists and reaching for the tissues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
"A Duke Once Lost" is the second book of the 'Rockcliffe Dynasty' series. The author gifts the reader with well-written and engaging story about a second chance for Lady Amelia Prescott and Jonathan Astley, the Duke of Branscombe. This estranged lovers hadn't easy at all. Between all the misorder and manipulations will love conquer all?
This book will was such a page turner and will make you clenching your fists and reaching for the tissues.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2024
A new to me author I really enjoyed!! I loved the storyline with its second chance, road trip and forced proximity tropes, some steam, twists and turns and a touch of intrigue.
The characters are well developed and very likable. I especially liked cinnamon roll hero Jonathan.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as standalone. The characters and the events of the past are well described, but I will definitely catch up on the first installment.
When Amelia was jilted by her love Jonathan on the eve of her planned elopement to Gretna Green more than ten years ago, she decided never to marry.
Since then, she has been secretly writing an advice column for a newspaper.
When a presumed suitor discovers her secret identity and tries to blackmail her into marriage, she decides to leave London before the scandal becomes public.
After a decade abroad, Jonathan Astley, the new Duke of Branscombe, who has inherited his uncle's dukedom, returns to England and vows to become a better and more honorable duke than his late rakish uncle, even if it means facing up to the tormentors of his youth. In his childhood, he was bullied, humiliated and ridiculed because of his stutter.
But confronting them is more difficult than expected and he flees to his country estate.
On his way out of London, he rescues an injured woman on the street and realises that she is Amelia, the woman he loved and left behind. Because of their nearby destinations, they agree to set off on their journey together. Neither of them could have guessed the many an obstacle they face along their way…
Overall, an enjoyable read!
The characters are well developed and very likable. I especially liked cinnamon roll hero Jonathan.
Although this book is part of a series, it can be read as standalone. The characters and the events of the past are well described, but I will definitely catch up on the first installment.
When Amelia was jilted by her love Jonathan on the eve of her planned elopement to Gretna Green more than ten years ago, she decided never to marry.
Since then, she has been secretly writing an advice column for a newspaper.
When a presumed suitor discovers her secret identity and tries to blackmail her into marriage, she decides to leave London before the scandal becomes public.
After a decade abroad, Jonathan Astley, the new Duke of Branscombe, who has inherited his uncle's dukedom, returns to England and vows to become a better and more honorable duke than his late rakish uncle, even if it means facing up to the tormentors of his youth. In his childhood, he was bullied, humiliated and ridiculed because of his stutter.
But confronting them is more difficult than expected and he flees to his country estate.
On his way out of London, he rescues an injured woman on the street and realises that she is Amelia, the woman he loved and left behind. Because of their nearby destinations, they agree to set off on their journey together. Neither of them could have guessed the many an obstacle they face along their way…
Overall, an enjoyable read!
March 10, 2024
Deserving a second chance
All that Lady Amelia Prescott has to show for the past 11 years since she was abandoned by Jonathon Astley is an advice column for the lovelorn ladies of the ton. Now, that is in jeopardy. Amelia is being blackmailed by Lord Egerton to either marry him or have her identity revealed scandalizing her family. At this same ball she sees a ghost from the past…Jonathon, now the new Duke of Branscombe. A day later, the two are thrown together on a coach ride away from their troubles. She’s fleeing her blackmailer and he is trying to flee from his past. Theirs is the most unfortunate coach ride in history. They are constantly beset with rain for the whole trip, an unstable coachman, poor coaching inns and even highwaymen. His kindness, patience and heartfelt apologies about his abandonment of their elopement 11 years ago begin to crumble the stone walls encasing her heart.
Initially, I felt the novel was moving too slowly and even I was exasperated by the misfortunes that befell the couple. But the author reveals a history of misunderstandings, miscommunications and withholding of key letters of which neither were aware. What made Jonathon leave England? How will he regain her trust? Will he confront his own fears? Readers will empathize with the plight of a young woman nearing spinsterhood given to panic attacks and a newly minted duke given to stammering amongst his peers…one of them being Lord Egerton’s brother, a former Eton classmate. The revelation of secrets near the end of the novel are the highlights. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
All that Lady Amelia Prescott has to show for the past 11 years since she was abandoned by Jonathon Astley is an advice column for the lovelorn ladies of the ton. Now, that is in jeopardy. Amelia is being blackmailed by Lord Egerton to either marry him or have her identity revealed scandalizing her family. At this same ball she sees a ghost from the past…Jonathon, now the new Duke of Branscombe. A day later, the two are thrown together on a coach ride away from their troubles. She’s fleeing her blackmailer and he is trying to flee from his past. Theirs is the most unfortunate coach ride in history. They are constantly beset with rain for the whole trip, an unstable coachman, poor coaching inns and even highwaymen. His kindness, patience and heartfelt apologies about his abandonment of their elopement 11 years ago begin to crumble the stone walls encasing her heart.
Initially, I felt the novel was moving too slowly and even I was exasperated by the misfortunes that befell the couple. But the author reveals a history of misunderstandings, miscommunications and withholding of key letters of which neither were aware. What made Jonathon leave England? How will he regain her trust? Will he confront his own fears? Readers will empathize with the plight of a young woman nearing spinsterhood given to panic attacks and a newly minted duke given to stammering amongst his peers…one of them being Lord Egerton’s brother, a former Eton classmate. The revelation of secrets near the end of the novel are the highlights. I have received an ARC from Booksprout and I am leaving an unbiased review voluntarily.
March 7, 2024
Amelia & Jonathan - so young, so in love and then, all of a sudden, nothing. Shattered hearts, the broken pieces thoroughly and irrevocably mixed up, and the silver lining hidden by the clouds…
This is a beautiful second chance road trip romance!
Now, read the blurb because there’s simply no way I could sum up and honour this story any better.
This story constantly reshapes itself as it unveils memories, tampered truths, old secrets, subterfuge, manipulation and finally some long overdue honesty. These are two sensitive and hurt souls - she lacks self-confidence, he was bullied in his youth and a few more other things I won’t give away - but it’s rather endearing, sometimes funny and very compelling to see how all the mishaps along their road trip slowly rebuild their trust in each other and rekindle an old flame. Deliciously steamy as their reunion may be, it’s not all smooth sailing from there. Especially not when the dragon lady (her mother) decides it’s time for a detour…
I really love this quiet, thoughtful and caring duo! No hysterics, drama or misguided stubbornness. She’s just careful but open-minded, and he’s a true knight - this man knows what it means to stand by his woman, screwed-up past and all.
This was a lovely read, and even more so if you’ve read the first in the series ‘A Study in Desire’. If you didn’t, no worries, it works wonderfully well as a standalone as well. But… maybe do consider starting at the beginning because the Rockliffes are anything but ordinary and this series is turning into a fascinating family saga!
This is a beautiful second chance road trip romance!
Now, read the blurb because there’s simply no way I could sum up and honour this story any better.
This story constantly reshapes itself as it unveils memories, tampered truths, old secrets, subterfuge, manipulation and finally some long overdue honesty. These are two sensitive and hurt souls - she lacks self-confidence, he was bullied in his youth and a few more other things I won’t give away - but it’s rather endearing, sometimes funny and very compelling to see how all the mishaps along their road trip slowly rebuild their trust in each other and rekindle an old flame. Deliciously steamy as their reunion may be, it’s not all smooth sailing from there. Especially not when the dragon lady (her mother) decides it’s time for a detour…
I really love this quiet, thoughtful and caring duo! No hysterics, drama or misguided stubbornness. She’s just careful but open-minded, and he’s a true knight - this man knows what it means to stand by his woman, screwed-up past and all.
This was a lovely read, and even more so if you’ve read the first in the series ‘A Study in Desire’. If you didn’t, no worries, it works wonderfully well as a standalone as well. But… maybe do consider starting at the beginning because the Rockliffes are anything but ordinary and this series is turning into a fascinating family saga!
March 10, 2024
So much manipulation. So much lost time. I loved this story, even as it broke my heart. Each new revelation, each secret that had been kept, evoked ire or tears, and in some cases both. Jonathan was the nephew of the rotten to the core Duke of Branscombe. Amelia was the only daughter of the now deceased Marquess of Rockliffe. They planned to elope, except she received a letter that night calling it off and terminating any future interaction between them. Fast forward eleven years and Jonathan is back in England as the new Duke of Branscombe, determined to be the antithesis of his uncle. When things get too hot for him in London, he heads north to his country estate. Meanwhile, Amelia finds herself on the eve of a scandal and she heads north to her family’s hunting lodge. The hand of fate has him rescuing her and a joint journey full of one mishap after another ensues. Not only do they face danger and nasty weather, but they have to deal with their conflicting emotions and physical attaction. And just when you think there is hope for them, it is dashed away. This book will keep you riveted to the page, have you gritting your teeth, clenching your fists and reaching for the tissues. There are pieces of this story that have stuck with me days later, and I find that my emotional reaction is just as potent now as it was when I first read it. This author always weaves a wonderful tale and I highly recommend that you read and experience Amelia and Jonathan’s journey.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
February 17, 2024
A Duke Once Lost is the second book of the Rockliffe Dynasty series by Jane Maguire. Although it is a series, I think this book works pretty well as a standalone, although it took me a bit to get my head wrapped around the intricacies of the Rockliffe family and the tragedies that brought them to where they are.
Lord Jonathan Astley was never meant to have a title. He was the neglected son of a duke who already had an heir. His uncle and cousin were villains in their own right as well. And now, eleven years after he thought it was best to part ways with Amelia, they are back in each other's orbit. And now, Jonathan has inherited the title as the Duke of Branscombe.
This is a regency romance that follows the story of Lady Amelia Prescott, she's recently one brother, her other brother with the Rockliffe title shows no sign of returning, and has a borderline meddling and villainess mother. Also, eleven years ago she had fallen in love and was ready to elope with the nephew of a duke. But he disappeared and Amelia was crushed.
For readers that love regency romances that skirt the bounds of "society" and "propriety" for the time, then this is a book with a lot of hope and drama and rediscovering lost love. There is certainly more than enough drama and misunderstanding going as we get to piece together both the past and the future with Amelia and Jonathan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
Lord Jonathan Astley was never meant to have a title. He was the neglected son of a duke who already had an heir. His uncle and cousin were villains in their own right as well. And now, eleven years after he thought it was best to part ways with Amelia, they are back in each other's orbit. And now, Jonathan has inherited the title as the Duke of Branscombe.
This is a regency romance that follows the story of Lady Amelia Prescott, she's recently one brother, her other brother with the Rockliffe title shows no sign of returning, and has a borderline meddling and villainess mother. Also, eleven years ago she had fallen in love and was ready to elope with the nephew of a duke. But he disappeared and Amelia was crushed.
For readers that love regency romances that skirt the bounds of "society" and "propriety" for the time, then this is a book with a lot of hope and drama and rediscovering lost love. There is certainly more than enough drama and misunderstanding going as we get to piece together both the past and the future with Amelia and Jonathan.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 3, 2024
We start with a tragic prologue for Lady Amelia who has been jilted by the man she planned to elope with. Eleven years later, Amelia has never married and still lives with her overbearing mother. However, she soon finds out that the man who left her has recently returned to the country and is now a duke. And she has a separate problem of a gentleman blackmailing her into marriage with the knowledge that she secretly writes an advice column in a ladies’ magazine. Jonathan was the nephew of a debaucherous and irresponsible duke and now trying to take his duties seriously. Except that he still has a bit of a stammer and is trying to avoid the mocking ridicule of the men he went to school with many years ago. Jonathan quickly hightails it out of town in an unmarked carriage and runs into Amelia on the road. He rescues her, despite her protests, and then she convinces him to convey her to her target destination out in the country. We follow them through road trip trials like rain, robbers, crusty old inns, and carriage problems. And they finally talk through some of the issues that broke them apart all those years ago, but mostly they’re just trying to maintain some semblance of self-control around the person they still love.
March 7, 2024
A Duke Once Lost is the second book in the Rockcliffe Dynasty series by Jane Maguire, and it is a poignant, well-written story about a second chance at love for Lady Amelia Prescott and Jonathan Astley, the unexpected, newly minted Duke of Branscombe. When Amelia and Jonathan were teenagers, they fell head over heels in love with each other and had planned to elope, but forces beyond their control tore them apart – almost irrevocably - though neither has forgotten the other. What follows eleven years later is the story of them coming together again, enduring numerous disasters on a road trip that takes them north along the Great North Road. They each find that what they thought happened years ago was not the truth of their situation, and it was so enjoyable watching them learn to trust each other again as now almost 30 year-olds and grow.
As mentioned above, this story is so well-written from the standpoint of Maguire’s prose. It’s endearing and heartfelt, and both Jonathan and Amelia are likable characters. For me, I felt that Jonathan was a stronger hero than Amelia was a heroine. I loved how gentle and true he is with Amelia after all these years – but I also think he assumed too much guilt over their past mistakes. I wanted Amelia to be just a bit more resilient in herself, but perhaps that was due to her growing up with the Dowager Marchioness Rockcliffe, her mother. I also wanted her to cast aside more readily everyone else’s opinion about Jonathan and what his motives might have been long ago. I wanted her to trust what she experienced when she was with him on the road trip.
Additionally, there are so many disasters that befall these two that my heart was a wee bit distressed. I wanted them to be able to catch their breath in between catastrophes – which didn’t happen. This may be because I tend not to like too much angst in my romances. And this story has angst. At times, the pacing of the story felt a little uneven to me, but there are so many lovely moments between Jonathan and Amelia that I kept reading to see how they would get to their HEA.
Steam level is about a 2, but Jonathan is the ultimate in consideration and tenderness as the more experienced of the pair, and I loved that there is no doubt about her giving consent – so well done!
In all, I enjoyed this story, and given how the story ends, I'm looking forward to the next story in the series, which I hope involves Amelia’s older brother, Nicholas. As an aside, this book can stand alone. I haven’t read the first book in the series, and it’s not necessary to enjoy this tale. I do plan to go back and read the first book some time soon.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, and all opinions expressed herein are my own. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
As mentioned above, this story is so well-written from the standpoint of Maguire’s prose. It’s endearing and heartfelt, and both Jonathan and Amelia are likable characters. For me, I felt that Jonathan was a stronger hero than Amelia was a heroine. I loved how gentle and true he is with Amelia after all these years – but I also think he assumed too much guilt over their past mistakes. I wanted Amelia to be just a bit more resilient in herself, but perhaps that was due to her growing up with the Dowager Marchioness Rockcliffe, her mother. I also wanted her to cast aside more readily everyone else’s opinion about Jonathan and what his motives might have been long ago. I wanted her to trust what she experienced when she was with him on the road trip.
Additionally, there are so many disasters that befall these two that my heart was a wee bit distressed. I wanted them to be able to catch their breath in between catastrophes – which didn’t happen. This may be because I tend not to like too much angst in my romances. And this story has angst. At times, the pacing of the story felt a little uneven to me, but there are so many lovely moments between Jonathan and Amelia that I kept reading to see how they would get to their HEA.
Steam level is about a 2, but Jonathan is the ultimate in consideration and tenderness as the more experienced of the pair, and I loved that there is no doubt about her giving consent – so well done!
In all, I enjoyed this story, and given how the story ends, I'm looking forward to the next story in the series, which I hope involves Amelia’s older brother, Nicholas. As an aside, this book can stand alone. I haven’t read the first book in the series, and it’s not necessary to enjoy this tale. I do plan to go back and read the first book some time soon.
I received an Advanced Reader Copy from the author, and all opinions expressed herein are my own. I am leaving this review voluntarily.
March 23, 2024
There is so much to like about A Duke Once Lost, the second book in the Rockliffe Dynasty. I love a good road trip and this certainly provides! It's quite an unlucky trip as event after event plagues Jonathan and Amelia. But also, this book has so much pining! These two kiddos were all set to run off to Gretna Green ten years ago when Jonathan ended it via a stable boy (it was like the Post It note of its day), crushing Amelia and changing her trajectory and attitude. But unbeknownst to her, Jonathan's path also changed that night.
They meet again ten years later when Jonathan is now a duke much to his dismay and dislike. He, too, has past demons that plague him that he is trying to exorcise. When he comes across Amelia on his journey home, he realizes he might have another chance if he can understand who she is now and how to make up for the past--and if she'll even allow it.
The book is more than just the two of them trying to get past the past but also traverse the present trials and conflict that each are facing. The resolution is lovely and the ending...oh wow does it set up the next book in such a way that the reader canNOT wait!
They meet again ten years later when Jonathan is now a duke much to his dismay and dislike. He, too, has past demons that plague him that he is trying to exorcise. When he comes across Amelia on his journey home, he realizes he might have another chance if he can understand who she is now and how to make up for the past--and if she'll even allow it.
The book is more than just the two of them trying to get past the past but also traverse the present trials and conflict that each are facing. The resolution is lovely and the ending...oh wow does it set up the next book in such a way that the reader canNOT wait!
March 7, 2024
Lady Amelia has given up on love having been abandoned by her lover, Jonathan during their planned elopement. She is bitter and rightfully resentful of his treatment. After a 10 year absence Jonathan returns a duke disturbed to still be attached to his former flame. Both are still in love with each other but utterly in denial.
In a slightly fluky meeting the lovers discover they both need to leave London and escape to Norfolk. And so the road-trip and ride to redemption begins…
Things I liked:
The heroine - Amelia was strong and resourceful as well as being a working woman.
Second chance romance.
The hero’s backstory- I’m a sucker if a character that has been bullied in their youth.
Forced close proximity in an inn.
Additional thoughts: There is some lovely description and characterization in this novel but I think some of the pacing is a little slow.
Tropes
Road trip romance
Second chance
Duke hero
Regency
Spinster/working heroine
Highwaymen
Blackmail
Steamy scenes
In a slightly fluky meeting the lovers discover they both need to leave London and escape to Norfolk. And so the road-trip and ride to redemption begins…
Things I liked:
The heroine - Amelia was strong and resourceful as well as being a working woman.
Second chance romance.
The hero’s backstory- I’m a sucker if a character that has been bullied in their youth.
Forced close proximity in an inn.
Additional thoughts: There is some lovely description and characterization in this novel but I think some of the pacing is a little slow.
Tropes
Road trip romance
Second chance
Duke hero
Regency
Spinster/working heroine
Highwaymen
Blackmail
Steamy scenes
February 21, 2024
A duke, a spinster, and a carriage ride
While this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Frankly, it’s almost better if you do, as the villain(ess) seemed sort of repentant at the end of Book 1 but again takes the entire book to recognize that her shenanigans are not appreciated. I sort of wanted to slap her which I assume is the point. 😊
This Regency road trip romance manages to escalate tension without the one bed trope and does it really well!
Both the hero Jonathan, a new duke, and Amelia have traumatic pasts at the hands of bullies. The way they grapple with this, support each other, and eventually overcome that is a pleasure to read – all that despite apparent distrust between them from the 11 year old separation.
Once again, Jane Maguire has built a high heat slow burn romance that I could not put down. Loved it, and I can’t wait for Nicholas’s story!
While this is the second book in a series, it can easily be read as a standalone. Frankly, it’s almost better if you do, as the villain(ess) seemed sort of repentant at the end of Book 1 but again takes the entire book to recognize that her shenanigans are not appreciated. I sort of wanted to slap her which I assume is the point. 😊
This Regency road trip romance manages to escalate tension without the one bed trope and does it really well!
Both the hero Jonathan, a new duke, and Amelia have traumatic pasts at the hands of bullies. The way they grapple with this, support each other, and eventually overcome that is a pleasure to read – all that despite apparent distrust between them from the 11 year old separation.
Once again, Jane Maguire has built a high heat slow burn romance that I could not put down. Loved it, and I can’t wait for Nicholas’s story!
March 10, 2024
Lady Amelia aka Lady Lockhart columnist most renowned is not the best version of herself even after 11 years of writing and longing!
She is currently being black mailed for her secrets and no way out! She must escape!
Jonathan Astley aka Duke of Branscombe has been sailing the seas for 11 years and quietly amassing a fortune but never forgetting Amelia who stole his heart all those years ago!
There are several regrets between them and unknown forces that separated them long ago!
If they are to have any chance at a future they must face their past and their pain!
When a trip Amelia takes to the country turns into one disaster after another it is apparent that they are in desperate need of a conversation to make things right! It’s only with brutal honesty they may have a chance at a HEA long overdue!
You will laugh out loud, cry and cheer and not necessarily in that order!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion! Bravo
She is currently being black mailed for her secrets and no way out! She must escape!
Jonathan Astley aka Duke of Branscombe has been sailing the seas for 11 years and quietly amassing a fortune but never forgetting Amelia who stole his heart all those years ago!
There are several regrets between them and unknown forces that separated them long ago!
If they are to have any chance at a future they must face their past and their pain!
When a trip Amelia takes to the country turns into one disaster after another it is apparent that they are in desperate need of a conversation to make things right! It’s only with brutal honesty they may have a chance at a HEA long overdue!
You will laugh out loud, cry and cheer and not necessarily in that order!
I received an ARC copy for my unbiased opinion! Bravo
March 7, 2024
If you know me and my reviews, you know that I hate second chance with all my heart, but that I can tolerate the trope when the author is really good. This is the case with Jane Maguire, who’s a very, very talented writer. And I also think that in this book the characters were definitely too young to be together at the beginning. Yes, it was hateful that they were separated, but in my opinion they had to make their own way in the world, to grow up a bit, and Jon in particular had to find some self-confidence. But their story is sad nonetheless and the angsty atmosphere that permeated the book is perfectly suited to the topic. I loved both characters and I really felt for them! I was also very happy to see the characters of the previous book again and I really look forward to Nicholas’s story. Definitely a very enjoyable series!
March 2, 2024
Family, Letters, Emotionally Gripping Romance:
This is a gripping love story with two strong yet sensitive characters. Jonathan was awesome man. Amelia took some time for me to like.
This story is captivating from the beginning.
Amelia and Jonathan take the story through an incredible amount of emotions as they journey through more than one calamity after another.
with many shocking confessions throughout the story, and a beautiful letter that brought love to my heart.
I had many jaw clenching, heart pounding, frustrating moments while reading this beautiful love story.
🧐My first time reading this author. I enjoyed the plot, the steamy amount of passion and charisma between the characters.
🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
This is a gripping love story with two strong yet sensitive characters. Jonathan was awesome man. Amelia took some time for me to like.
This story is captivating from the beginning.
Amelia and Jonathan take the story through an incredible amount of emotions as they journey through more than one calamity after another.
with many shocking confessions throughout the story, and a beautiful letter that brought love to my heart.
I had many jaw clenching, heart pounding, frustrating moments while reading this beautiful love story.
🧐My first time reading this author. I enjoyed the plot, the steamy amount of passion and charisma between the characters.
🙋♀️I voluntarily read and reviewed and advanced copy for my honest thoughts and opinion.
March 5, 2024
Very well written, full of drama, blackmail, romance, intrigue, society, secrets, emotions and steam. Amelia and Jonathan were ready to elope until she receives a letter stating he was leaving. A long ten years have gone by and he returns as a Duke. They meet up again on the Great North Road and things start to happen to them. They begin to share how they feel and what they believe really happen to them. Both have lots of issues to get passed before they get to their happily ever after. A real page turner. This book will not disappoint you and keep you wanting more. Curl up and enjoy. Would recommend to everyone.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2024
This book was about a second chance for Amelia and Jonathan. They originally wanted to elope to Gretna Green when they were young. For reasons neither of them fully understood, the elopement fell through. Ironically, years later, the two of them find themselves making that northern journey. The tension in the cramped quarters was high. Will their long-buried emotions come to the surface?
This was the second book of a series. Theo, from the first book, plays a supporting role. The story is very emotional and most of the action takes place in the past. I liked Jonathan better than I liked Amelia. She was just too wishy-washy.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
This was the second book of a series. Theo, from the first book, plays a supporting role. The story is very emotional and most of the action takes place in the past. I liked Jonathan better than I liked Amelia. She was just too wishy-washy.
I received a free ARC from the author and this is my honest review.
March 8, 2024
This is another well-written, enjoyable story in the Rockcliffe Dynasty series. It revisits the strained family dynamic of the Prescott family. In this one the focus is on Amelia and Johnathan Astley, the new Duke of Branscombe. Ten years ago, on the night they planned to elope, everything fell apart. Johnathan disappeared leaving a note putting an end to their relationship. He has returned. He still loves Amelia, but she still feels that he betrayed her. Will they get a second chance? Will the same person keep them apart? This is an emotional story with a lot of drama, secrets, explanations, strong determined characters, humor, and a happy ending.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
I received an ARC of this book via BookSprout and voluntarily reviewed it.
March 7, 2024
I was so excited to read the next installment of the Rockliffe Dynasty! I love how lush Jane Maguire’s writing is—very reminiscent of Julia Quinn—and this did not disappoint. Normally second chance romance is all about miscommunication, and while that happened here, it was not the fault of either party and pains were taken to keep them misinformed. I loved the road trip aspects (just one bed! Carriage accident! Footpads!) and the steamy scenes were on point and emotional. The pacing was a little slow for me, but it was still a great read. 4.5 stars rounded to 5. Thank you to the author for the early read!
March 14, 2024
I've read and loved all of Jane Maguire's books, and this one is no different. A Duke Once Lost takes us on an unexpected journey (literally and figuratively), with so many unexpected twists and turns (pun intended!), secrets from the past, and complicated characters.
I held my breath the entire time reading this book. Amelia's "secret job" was inspiring, but the best part for me was seeing her mother from a different angle, finally understanding her, as well as the fact that Amelia was able to forgive her in the end.
If you like regency romance, I highly recommend A Duke Once Lost! I know I'm looking forward to Jane's next story!
I held my breath the entire time reading this book. Amelia's "secret job" was inspiring, but the best part for me was seeing her mother from a different angle, finally understanding her, as well as the fact that Amelia was able to forgive her in the end.
If you like regency romance, I highly recommend A Duke Once Lost! I know I'm looking forward to Jane's next story!
March 8, 2024
This is a bittersweet book, about two people who lost each other and, years later, get the chance to put it right. I'm not going to say anything about the plot, except to mention that there's an interesting twist at the end. I loved Amelia and Jonathan and was rooting for them from the start and, thank goodness, there is a HEA. This is decently steamy, a lot of historical romances can be a bit boring in that regard - but this one has the right amount of filth.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 9, 2024
Issues from the past.
I liked this second chance book. Jonathan chose not to elope with Amelia a decade ago. Amelia was left bitter and writes an advice column not to rush into marriage.
Jonathan is back after a decade abroad, when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. He was bullied as a youngster and had no prospects but is determined to do better. He also has a stutter. These two still carry a torch for each other, but Amelia is being blackmailed.
4.5
I liked this second chance book. Jonathan chose not to elope with Amelia a decade ago. Amelia was left bitter and writes an advice column not to rush into marriage.
Jonathan is back after a decade abroad, when he unexpectedly inherited a dukedom. He was bullied as a youngster and had no prospects but is determined to do better. He also has a stutter. These two still carry a torch for each other, but Amelia is being blackmailed.
4.5
May 13, 2025
Road Trip
Amelia & Jonathan were planning to elope until she received his farewell letter. Jonathan returned to England after 11 years as a Duke. Could old hurts, secrets and broken trusts rebuild a lost love? A road trip made them have old feelings, but could it rekindle a love once lost. Great characters, blackmail and betrayal made life difficult but forever loved is always worth the risk!
Amelia & Jonathan were planning to elope until she received his farewell letter. Jonathan returned to England after 11 years as a Duke. Could old hurts, secrets and broken trusts rebuild a lost love? A road trip made them have old feelings, but could it rekindle a love once lost. Great characters, blackmail and betrayal made life difficult but forever loved is always worth the risk!
March 3, 2024
Circumstances may have torn them apart but their love is unchanged even after a decade. Fate brought them back together but they have to come clean about the past and the present before they can have their HEA. It’s a beautiful and satisfying read.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
I received a free copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.
March 7, 2024
Young Amelia and Jonathan were stopped from their elopement, they thought by each other’s second thoughts but it was something darker behind the scenes. Now it’s years later, he’s back from abroad, but another is trying to blackmail Amelia into marriage for her dowry. Their race away from town is fraught with injuries and secrets revealed.
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