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The Duke's Last Word
Clean Regency Romance Novella - Miss Wilhemina Rose Middleton is a fiercely independent country gentleman’s daughter with a quick temper and cutting tongue to match. Willa dotes on her widowed father, Sir Edgar. But when he wagers their estate on a game of cards, she becomes the clause in a contract that would force her to marry against her will or risk financial ruin.
James, Duke of Heighbury, is a man of means and title who is accustomed to having the last word in business and courtship. Looking to gain a wife in order to save his inheritance from a conniving cousin, James agrees to save Sir Edgar from losing Middleton Grange, contingent on a marital match with Willa.
Can the affable and charming Duke convince Willa that marrying him would bring her happiness and security? Or will his selfishness and greed backfire on his plan to champion her hand? Can a loyal and unpretentious daughter overcome her willful resistance to leave her father and marry James? Or will the Duke of Heighbury always have the last word?
James, Duke of Heighbury, is a man of means and title who is accustomed to having the last word in business and courtship. Looking to gain a wife in order to save his inheritance from a conniving cousin, James agrees to save Sir Edgar from losing Middleton Grange, contingent on a marital match with Willa.
Can the affable and charming Duke convince Willa that marrying him would bring her happiness and security? Or will his selfishness and greed backfire on his plan to champion her hand? Can a loyal and unpretentious daughter overcome her willful resistance to leave her father and marry James? Or will the Duke of Heighbury always have the last word?
- GenresHistorical Fiction
127 pages, ebook
Published March 19, 2024
2 people are currently reading
16 people want to read
About the author
Sophie Leigh Fox
2 books18 followersSophie Leigh Fox is a clean romance writer from the South. She is indie publishing under Mellow & Mayhem, named after her two beloved dogs. Mayhem crossed the rainbow bridge in 2023.
She is an active member of JASNA, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, and Regency Fiction Writers.
She is a 2021 ACFW Genesis Semifinalist.
She lives in North Georgia with her husband and three dogs. When she’s not writing (or reading!), she’s out running trails or hiking with her fur kid family.
She is an active member of JASNA, Faith, Hope and Love Christian Writers, and Regency Fiction Writers.
She is a 2021 ACFW Genesis Semifinalist.
She lives in North Georgia with her husband and three dogs. When she’s not writing (or reading!), she’s out running trails or hiking with her fur kid family.
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Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews
February 29, 2024
Historical Romance Captures the heart.
Desperate to pay a debt and save his estate, Wilhemina Middleton’s father entered a contract pledging his daughter’s hand in marriage. James Barrow, Duke of Heighbury, must marry before his thirtieth birthday or lose his inheritance. As their wedding day approaches, Willa and James each struggle with conflicting emotions as they are forced to come to terms with reality. The author paints a vivid picture of life in nineteenth century England while taking the reader on a delightful journey to a bygone era.
Desperate to pay a debt and save his estate, Wilhemina Middleton’s father entered a contract pledging his daughter’s hand in marriage. James Barrow, Duke of Heighbury, must marry before his thirtieth birthday or lose his inheritance. As their wedding day approaches, Willa and James each struggle with conflicting emotions as they are forced to come to terms with reality. The author paints a vivid picture of life in nineteenth century England while taking the reader on a delightful journey to a bygone era.
March 1, 2024
This is one of the sweetest, most alluring books I’ve read in a while. There’s something so pure and captivating about the writing style, and honestly, it reminds me of Jane Austin.
This was a quick read, really. I kept thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading and was always ready to pick it back up again!
I love the tenderness in their growing attraction and the outright chivalry going on.
Willa is an excellent protagonist and captures the naivety and gentleness of a young woman in a different time.
James is dreamy and realistic, and I kept wanting to scream at Willa to dive in his arms already, lol!
Excellent writing and a solid start to a series!
This was a quick read, really. I kept thinking about the characters when I wasn’t reading and was always ready to pick it back up again!
I love the tenderness in their growing attraction and the outright chivalry going on.
Willa is an excellent protagonist and captures the naivety and gentleness of a young woman in a different time.
James is dreamy and realistic, and I kept wanting to scream at Willa to dive in his arms already, lol!
Excellent writing and a solid start to a series!
November 7, 2025
Most Enjoyable!
I enjoyed this sweet short story. It was just the right length for a story right before bed. James and Willa are a great couple. Now, if only they will get out of their own way.
I enjoyed this sweet short story. It was just the right length for a story right before bed. James and Willa are a great couple. Now, if only they will get out of their own way.
July 12, 2024
Willa is shocked when her father announces that his gambling debts are so pressing that she will have to marry a duke in order to pay off the debt or they will lose their home. James, the duke in question, has to fulfill a legal clause that requires him to marry if he wants to keep his inheritance. Willa's father is only too happy to make a deal with James, but Willa is fiercely independent and refuses to marry the duke. James is hoping to change her mind, and uses all his charm to beguile her into marriage. Can Willa trust her heart and happiness into James' keeping, or is he just greedy for his inheritance?
This sweet clean romance was exactly what I wanted! It's adorable and funny and delightful! I love reading stories set in the Regency era, and this book gives that Jane Austen vibe for sure.
I loved Willa's character. She is grieving from her mother's death years before, and especially missing a mother's guidance as she contemplates her future. She sparks with annoyance and anger at the duke, but at the same time she feels an irresistible connection to him. Willa also has a health issue that she is trying to hide from her father, because she doesn't want to worry him. But she is really scared about her health. She has a lot of complex emotions rolling around in her heart and I found it so interesting to go along with her on that inward journey.
I liked that James starts out really self-centered, but because Willa rejects him, he starts to rethink his life. He has been horribly spoiled because of his rank and riches, and it has made him selfish and thoughtless. Through the story, he starts to think more about Willa's feelings, instead of just thinking about himself. I loved his character development! By the end of the book, he is a hero worthy of Willa's love.
There is a trigger warning for sexual assault, but the person is rescued before anything really happens. There are no graphic descriptions, but it was still disturbing to read about, and I wish that that scene had been shortened or entirely cut out.
There are quite a few errors in grammar in the e-copy that I received. However, it was not so bad as to ruin my enjoyment of the book. Mainly just verb tenses that didn't agree and things like that.
There is also a scene were James and Willa ride on horseback together, and Willa sits in front of the saddle on the withers of the horse. God, that must be so uncomfortable! I hate that trope. It makes me roll my eyes. It just seems so silly to me. I guess some people think it's romantic though. To each their own, I suppose.
Overall, this book is a delightfully clean romance that captured my heart! One time I was reading it while cooking, and I burned my breakfast because I was so enthralled with the story! Haha! I couldn't put it down.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
This sweet clean romance was exactly what I wanted! It's adorable and funny and delightful! I love reading stories set in the Regency era, and this book gives that Jane Austen vibe for sure.
I loved Willa's character. She is grieving from her mother's death years before, and especially missing a mother's guidance as she contemplates her future. She sparks with annoyance and anger at the duke, but at the same time she feels an irresistible connection to him. Willa also has a health issue that she is trying to hide from her father, because she doesn't want to worry him. But she is really scared about her health. She has a lot of complex emotions rolling around in her heart and I found it so interesting to go along with her on that inward journey.
I liked that James starts out really self-centered, but because Willa rejects him, he starts to rethink his life. He has been horribly spoiled because of his rank and riches, and it has made him selfish and thoughtless. Through the story, he starts to think more about Willa's feelings, instead of just thinking about himself. I loved his character development! By the end of the book, he is a hero worthy of Willa's love.
There is a trigger warning for sexual assault, but the person is rescued before anything really happens. There are no graphic descriptions, but it was still disturbing to read about, and I wish that that scene had been shortened or entirely cut out.
There are quite a few errors in grammar in the e-copy that I received. However, it was not so bad as to ruin my enjoyment of the book. Mainly just verb tenses that didn't agree and things like that.
There is also a scene were James and Willa ride on horseback together, and Willa sits in front of the saddle on the withers of the horse. God, that must be so uncomfortable! I hate that trope. It makes me roll my eyes. It just seems so silly to me. I guess some people think it's romantic though. To each their own, I suppose.
Overall, this book is a delightfully clean romance that captured my heart! One time I was reading it while cooking, and I burned my breakfast because I was so enthralled with the story! Haha! I couldn't put it down.
Disclaimer: I received an e-copy of this book from the author in exchange for a free and honest review. All the opinions stated here are my own true thoughts and are not influenced by anyone.
May 8, 2024
Miss Wilhemina Middleton is a fiercely independent country gentleman's daughter with a quick temper and cutting tongue to match...
James, Duke of Heighbury, is a man of means and a title who is accustomed to have the last word...
Will these two make a match of it or choose to remain single in spite of the dire consequences?
I love Regency fiction, arranged marriage troupes and witty banter between the hero & heroine. This ticked all those boxes for me! A little background here, James & Willa met at a ballroom a year ago where he snubbed her rather publicly. So there's already animosity between these two—which for me, makes a great background for that witty/sarcastic banter I love so much. She doesn't have a high opinion of him in the first place so he has to work extra hard to paint himself, or rather his character, in a better light. His flirtatious manner only incites her temper more. But these two are running out of time to save themselves from financial ruin by joining in matrimony. Their refusal to see eye to eye will result in disaster unless something changes.
The journey Fox takes us on to get to the eventual happily-ever-after was a whole lot of fun for me. I didn't know how she would ever get these two together, and it was completely satisfying how she did! Though this is a shorter novella length story, there is still plenty of action and depth of character to please my palate. These two certainly tried my patience, but it was so worth it in the end. I can't wait for the next installment of the Love, Most Ardently series!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author through Interviews & Reviews and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *
James, Duke of Heighbury, is a man of means and a title who is accustomed to have the last word...
Will these two make a match of it or choose to remain single in spite of the dire consequences?
I love Regency fiction, arranged marriage troupes and witty banter between the hero & heroine. This ticked all those boxes for me! A little background here, James & Willa met at a ballroom a year ago where he snubbed her rather publicly. So there's already animosity between these two—which for me, makes a great background for that witty/sarcastic banter I love so much. She doesn't have a high opinion of him in the first place so he has to work extra hard to paint himself, or rather his character, in a better light. His flirtatious manner only incites her temper more. But these two are running out of time to save themselves from financial ruin by joining in matrimony. Their refusal to see eye to eye will result in disaster unless something changes.
The journey Fox takes us on to get to the eventual happily-ever-after was a whole lot of fun for me. I didn't know how she would ever get these two together, and it was completely satisfying how she did! Though this is a shorter novella length story, there is still plenty of action and depth of character to please my palate. These two certainly tried my patience, but it was so worth it in the end. I can't wait for the next installment of the Love, Most Ardently series!
* I received a complimentary copy from the author through Interviews & Reviews and was not obligated to leave a favorable review. All opinions expressed here are my own. *
September 14, 2025
A charming Regency romance! ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
I throughly enjoyed this historical romance story set in early 1880’s England. When James Barrow secures a marriage bargain by offering to save an old man’s estate in order to meet the conditions of his inheritance, the delightful and challenging courting of Wilhemina Middleton, a reluctant bride, begins. The characters are intriguing as they work through various issues of their unusual situation with the outcome always uncertain. The details of life during this era were interesting. To see both James and Willa grow from self-absorbed individuals to recognizing their love for each other was heartwarming. A great romance!
Favorite quote: To reveal such honesty without hesitation further spoke of his fine character.
I throughly enjoyed this historical romance story set in early 1880’s England. When James Barrow secures a marriage bargain by offering to save an old man’s estate in order to meet the conditions of his inheritance, the delightful and challenging courting of Wilhemina Middleton, a reluctant bride, begins. The characters are intriguing as they work through various issues of their unusual situation with the outcome always uncertain. The details of life during this era were interesting. To see both James and Willa grow from self-absorbed individuals to recognizing their love for each other was heartwarming. A great romance!
Favorite quote: To reveal such honesty without hesitation further spoke of his fine character.
April 18, 2024
I haven't read very many Regency romance books before, but this one sucked me in! James is an absolute dreamboat, and Willa is such a spitfire! The villan is truly a cad (I am STILL not over it), and I just loved the whole experience! I can't wait to read what comes next from Sophie!
September 14, 2025
This book was amazing! It felt like I was reading a Jane Austen short story. The story line was sweet, humorous, creative, and enthralling. I was sucked in and finished the book in one day. This read is a must!
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April 1, 2025If you like being immersed in the regency time period, you will enjoy The Duke’s Last Word.
June 15, 2024
Great Read
This book was a real page turner! You cannot speculate the next adventure or the outcome until you get to the very last page!
This book was a real page turner! You cannot speculate the next adventure or the outcome until you get to the very last page!
March 2, 2024
A sweet romance.
The heroine's mother has died, and she would rather stay at home and care for her father than to step out into marriage. But her father wants to see her marry into a stable situation, plus he's lost at gambling, and she's become part of the deal to settle his debts.
Agh! I'd rebel too!
And the duke has his own problems. The one he'd chosen to marry double-crossed him and he's obligated to find a bride within a time limit in order to keep his inheritance.
An intriguing plot. It took me a while to figure all this out as I read. I got a bit lost in the telling in spots. But as I got deeper into the story, I looked forward to finding out what would happen in the end. I still don't understand the situations like this that people of bygone eras found themselves in.
But when two true hearts find one another there can be true romance.
As a novella, the onus is more on the reader to fill in gaps of information with their own imagination. The story is fairly quick paced. To be honest, I found I needed to read quickly to get the gist, otherwise I felt confused in spots.
It's for readers who like a quick romance and don't worry about details. A fun read.
The heroine's mother has died, and she would rather stay at home and care for her father than to step out into marriage. But her father wants to see her marry into a stable situation, plus he's lost at gambling, and she's become part of the deal to settle his debts.
Agh! I'd rebel too!
And the duke has his own problems. The one he'd chosen to marry double-crossed him and he's obligated to find a bride within a time limit in order to keep his inheritance.
An intriguing plot. It took me a while to figure all this out as I read. I got a bit lost in the telling in spots. But as I got deeper into the story, I looked forward to finding out what would happen in the end. I still don't understand the situations like this that people of bygone eras found themselves in.
But when two true hearts find one another there can be true romance.
As a novella, the onus is more on the reader to fill in gaps of information with their own imagination. The story is fairly quick paced. To be honest, I found I needed to read quickly to get the gist, otherwise I felt confused in spots.
It's for readers who like a quick romance and don't worry about details. A fun read.
November 4, 2024
The first novel in the Love, Most Ardently series, The Duke’s Last Word was a quick read that left quite the impression on me.
I was instantly transported from the moment I picked up this book, my heart going out to both protagonists and their plights. Who doesn’t want to marry for love, but what do you do when circumstances force your hand? You either do what must be done or fight with all your heart, which is exactly where we see James and Willa.
I’ve seen some stubborn heroines in my book, but Willa is not one to be messed with. Her stubbornness knows no bounds, almost to the point of being frustrating to read, but this also resonated with me, from one stubborn gal to another. James’s character had me quickly won over with his heart of gold that is masked by his flirtations. Almost every moment spent between him and Willa were some of my favorites, as I loved their chemistry together!
The overall storyline and flow of the novel are fantastic, the characters are believable, and I loved learning that we could see Willa and James in future books! I can’t wait to see where this series will take us next!
I was instantly transported from the moment I picked up this book, my heart going out to both protagonists and their plights. Who doesn’t want to marry for love, but what do you do when circumstances force your hand? You either do what must be done or fight with all your heart, which is exactly where we see James and Willa.
I’ve seen some stubborn heroines in my book, but Willa is not one to be messed with. Her stubbornness knows no bounds, almost to the point of being frustrating to read, but this also resonated with me, from one stubborn gal to another. James’s character had me quickly won over with his heart of gold that is masked by his flirtations. Almost every moment spent between him and Willa were some of my favorites, as I loved their chemistry together!
The overall storyline and flow of the novel are fantastic, the characters are believable, and I loved learning that we could see Willa and James in future books! I can’t wait to see where this series will take us next!
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December 31, 2025A fun bit of Christian Regency romance. They are both actually religious even though her father has gambled her away to a duke who needs a wife but wants a faithful one. He's been burned in the past, and she mistakenly thinks everything going on is the Duke's fault. I liked how the Duke insisted that the girl had to be agreeable to the match, and he wasn't even the one who took part in the gambling. It wasn't a forced marriage, and yet they both have something at stake if they back out. The only bit I didn't like was the girl's trip to London, but otherwise, it was a nice diverting read. :)
March 6, 2024
The Duke's Last Word is a terrific debut for author Sophie Leigh Fox! I'm a fan of Regency romances, and the period "voice" of this novella is spot on. James, the swoony hero/duke, and Wilhemina, the unwilling-to-marry-him heroine, are likable characters who'll steal your heart. This faith-filled book is a quick and entertaining read!
I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions here are my own.
I received an ARC from the author, but the opinions here are my own.
April 4, 2024
I thoroughly enjoyed this delightful read from 19th century England. The author includes just the right amount of detail to immerse the reader in the era. The characters are well developed, and their sweet romance is on spot. I can't wait for the sequel! Highly recommend!
September 9, 2025
This clean historical romance was a breath of fresh air! I loved the way the two main characters finally came to terms at the end of the story! The romance was tender and sweet, and the relationship survived some very rocky ground! I look forward to more books by this author.
Displaying 1 - 16 of 16 reviews