A Duke’s Unexpected Match

by Amanda Seabrook

Miss Hannah Ballard is not looking for love. She has a fortune at her disposal and a passion for painting that outstrips the ladylike conventions of the day, and a man will only slow her down. However, when an intriguing invitation from the new Duke of Rutherford disrupts her quiet existence, Hannah finds herself torn.

Will she give this mysterious man a chance, or let her preconceptions stand in the way?

The newly appointed Duke of Rutherford, Simon Maddox, faces the challenge of restoring his dilapidated estate while grappling with his reluctance to embrace the responsibilities of his station. Determined to uphold his family's honor, Simon's plans are disrupted when he encounters Hannah, a woman whose spirit and independence captivate him.

Could the nearby heiress hold the key to not only his financial woes, but most importantly, his heart?

Hannah and Simon begin to grow closer despite their differences, but a woman from Simon’s past enters the picture just as their romance blossoms. Lady Georgiana Carrington is everything Simon ever wanted in a wife, but Hannah is what makes his heart feel more alive than ever. Will Simon's loyalty to an old love threaten the much more fulfilling romance with Hannah, or will their love overcome past obstacles and temptations?

"A Duke’s Unexpected Match" is a historical romance novel of approximately 80,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.

Genres: Historical Romance

416 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 19, 2024

Reviews

[Judith Syren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Very good read!

I enjoyed this book very much. I've experienced this plot before but found this story special. The characters were very engaging and lovable, except for that wicked Lady Georgiana. Lady Hannah just wanted her freedom and not be bound to a man in marriage. When her father suggested she get to know the Duke of Rutherford she decided to do everything possible to dissuade him. Add a few twists and turns and you’ll invest in a great love story.

[Jerry Jares · Rating 4 out of 5]

Hannah Ballard is the daughter of a merchant and is well-dowered. However, she is uninterested in marriage. Instead, she is an accomplished artist (self-taught) and prefers to continue with her art.

The new Duke of Rutherford, Simon Maddox, has lots of land and tenants but no funds to increase the fortunes of his inherited estate. When Hannah's father suggests that he would welcome the addresses of the new duke for his daughter's hand, Simon is taken aback.

This author has changed this trope with winsome interactions and interesting characters to freshen the plotline. It became more interesting as the story unfolded.

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I think you will enjoy this well written story. Simon and Hannah are two characters you will enjoy as they are both very relatable. This is a story where you will learn that you should not "judge a book by its cover." This story has secrets, manipulation, jealousy, regret, guilt, distrustkindness, friendship and love. This story will keep you guessing till the end as Simon goes through what his mind and his heart are saying, especially when they are saying different things. Hannah's father is a very strong character who loves his daughter and is not afraid to show it.

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine loves her art and doesn’t really want to marry. The hero grew up as a son of a trader, but recently found himself a duke due to the death of a distant relative. They are thrown together at a house party. Just as they are getting to develop feelings, his ex love appears to add some drama to the story. It was a well written story with enough twist to keep my interest.

[Linda · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written, great character development, interesting storyline. The h was strong but no shrew and she had loving, supportive parents. The H was transitioning from the working world to be part of the titled elite. His mother was a surprisingly supportive sub character. The OW was totally unlikeable, finally exposed and eliminated from the scene. Well done.

[Marc · Rating 4 out of 5]

quick read.

predictable. but hey what were you expecting. i like strong women who know what they want and honorable men who know their duty. these two fall into traps of misunderstanding but all is right in the end.

[Karl F. Anderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

An amazing artist captures a Duke

An invitation to a house party leads to romance in a delightful Regency Era romance between a Duke and a most excellent female artist.

Highly recommended!

[Dorothy Beer · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Ducks unexpected match

A very interesting tale with worthy character. Many surprising and unexpected twists and turns. It held my interest from beginning to the end. Highly recommend it

[Anna Kinser · Rating 4 out of 5]

Pretty good book.

I enjoyed the storyline. I enjoyed the characters.
This book has minimal typos.
No cussing. Plenty of drama and romance.
The extended epilogue was great as well.

[Sandra Driver · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Duke and the Country Girl

A very sweet story. One that readers can enjoy to the end. It is well written and the characters chosen carefully.

[Marjorie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good Love Story

This was a good book. Hannah and Simon had a hard beginning but love won out and they had a happy life afterwards.

[Coralie · Rating 3 out of 5]

Fun read!

[K McBride · Rating 3 out of 5]

virtual voice narration is AWFUL!!!