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A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke
The sophisticated Cassandra Rivers has always been an outcast in her family, finding herself at odds with the demands of the ton. Uninterested in balls and superficial conversations, she seeks solace in her books rather than the pursuit of a suitor. However, her unbearable mother’s pressure to marry and a fateful mistake bring Cassandra dancing by the side of a surprisingly interesting Lord. If only her sister would not suddenly become interested in him as well...
Can Cassandra finally take a stand for her true desires and bravely pursue romance?
Lucius Spencer, Duke of Richmond, a man of striking charm and noble bearing, remains haunted by his wife’s tragic passing that transformed him into a recluse. With literature and his passion for ancient civilizations as his peaceful shelter, he harbors guilt that stifles any inclination towards romance. His world turns upside down though during a ball where a dance with a dashing wallflower makes his carefully constructed world fall into pieces.
Can this peculiar lady be the one to heal his wounds?
Drawn together by chance, Cassandra and Lucius discover a connection that defies convention in a swirling of wit and tenderness. Torn between their growing feelings and familial expectations, they must confront the barriers and schemes that threaten to keep them apart. Can their budding love withstand the scrutiny of society and the weight of their own pasts? Or will their heartfelt emotion collapse against their will?
"A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
Can Cassandra finally take a stand for her true desires and bravely pursue romance?
Lucius Spencer, Duke of Richmond, a man of striking charm and noble bearing, remains haunted by his wife’s tragic passing that transformed him into a recluse. With literature and his passion for ancient civilizations as his peaceful shelter, he harbors guilt that stifles any inclination towards romance. His world turns upside down though during a ball where a dance with a dashing wallflower makes his carefully constructed world fall into pieces.
Can this peculiar lady be the one to heal his wounds?
Drawn together by chance, Cassandra and Lucius discover a connection that defies convention in a swirling of wit and tenderness. Torn between their growing feelings and familial expectations, they must confront the barriers and schemes that threaten to keep them apart. Can their budding love withstand the scrutiny of society and the weight of their own pasts? Or will their heartfelt emotion collapse against their will?
"A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke" is a historical romance novel of approximately 60,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a guaranteed happily ever after.
358 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 7, 2024
241 people are currently reading
45 people want to read
About the author
Aria Norton
125 books57 followersAria Norton grew up in Sussex, England. She left abroad for studies but returned after she got married to her husband, and they currently live with their two wonderful children.
She has worked as a History teacher for years, but she always wrote stories whenever she got the chance. Putting her knowledge of history to a creative use was a dream of hers ever since she was a college student. She finally found a way around that plan, when her best friend suggested that she attends a creative writing class, which changed her life forever!
When she’s not teaching and writing, Aria loves watching true crime documentaries with her husband, drinking fine wine with her friends, and reading romance novels!
Aria always enjoys connecting with her readers!
She has worked as a History teacher for years, but she always wrote stories whenever she got the chance. Putting her knowledge of history to a creative use was a dream of hers ever since she was a college student. She finally found a way around that plan, when her best friend suggested that she attends a creative writing class, which changed her life forever!
When she’s not teaching and writing, Aria loves watching true crime documentaries with her husband, drinking fine wine with her friends, and reading romance novels!
Aria always enjoys connecting with her readers!
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
April 23, 2024
I enjoyed this storyline! The writing was interesting, occasional oops with editing and spell check, but these did not detract from the story. The h was the 'throw-away' middle daughter in a family with 3 daughters, 2 still at home. The youngest was the favored and was spoiled. The h's sister was the typical Regency socialite and met all of the superficial, not too intelligent and narcissistic measures preferred by her mother. The h was intelligent, wore glasses and was not impressed by the ton or the need for a loveless marriage or any marriage.
The widower H was reclusive, titled and an a lover of historical books, places and facts. They met by accident and the roller coaster began. The awful sister decided that she wanted him and both her and their mother treated the h with derision and verbal abuse. The H's sister-in-law was a more aggressive version of the h's sister and also wanted the H; he wanted neither. I do fault him for not making his preferences clearer much earlier than he did as this would have saved the h a lot of heartache.
They did get their HEA but what a wild and troublesome path they had to follow!
The widower H was reclusive, titled and an a lover of historical books, places and facts. They met by accident and the roller coaster began. The awful sister decided that she wanted him and both her and their mother treated the h with derision and verbal abuse. The H's sister-in-law was a more aggressive version of the h's sister and also wanted the H; he wanted neither. I do fault him for not making his preferences clearer much earlier than he did as this would have saved the h a lot of heartache.
They did get their HEA but what a wild and troublesome path they had to follow!
April 10, 2024
Choose Me
This story pulled at my heart strings, grab a tissue box.
Cassandra Rivers has always been considered odd, her family always called her the ugly duckling. She wasn't crazy about balls and meaningless conversation, she rather read her books.
Lucius Spencer the Duke of Richmond, haunted by his wife tragic passing, became a recluse. He vowed he would never marry again.
Cassandra was at her uncle ball, her mother pointed to a gentleman to tell her next partner. Cassandra tells the gentleman they are supposed to dance and takes him to the dance floor. Lucius enjoyed his dance with Cassandra.
Charlotte who is Cassandra sister walks into the Duke of Richmond and her mother is there, she invites him for tea to make up. Lucius goes to the house and while outside with Charlotte spots Cassandra and they have a conversation. After the Duke leaves Charlotte goes into tantrum and complains to her mother that Cassandra is taking her Duke from her. Her mom and sister are pushing these old gentleman onto her.
As Lucius deals with Charlotte and his sister in law Victoria and his mother pushing him to marry. Cassandra is hurt by all the lies, she stands up for her self and tells her parents she is not marrying anyone they choose.
At a ball Cassandra is confronted by Victoria and her friends over Lucius she goes and hides in the library. Lucius hears the rumors and he finds her. She tells him it's too late she's leaving can't deal with it anymore.
Will Lucius come to term with his feelings for Cassandra or will he let her leave?
This story pulled at my heart strings, grab a tissue box.
Cassandra Rivers has always been considered odd, her family always called her the ugly duckling. She wasn't crazy about balls and meaningless conversation, she rather read her books.
Lucius Spencer the Duke of Richmond, haunted by his wife tragic passing, became a recluse. He vowed he would never marry again.
Cassandra was at her uncle ball, her mother pointed to a gentleman to tell her next partner. Cassandra tells the gentleman they are supposed to dance and takes him to the dance floor. Lucius enjoyed his dance with Cassandra.
Charlotte who is Cassandra sister walks into the Duke of Richmond and her mother is there, she invites him for tea to make up. Lucius goes to the house and while outside with Charlotte spots Cassandra and they have a conversation. After the Duke leaves Charlotte goes into tantrum and complains to her mother that Cassandra is taking her Duke from her. Her mom and sister are pushing these old gentleman onto her.
As Lucius deals with Charlotte and his sister in law Victoria and his mother pushing him to marry. Cassandra is hurt by all the lies, she stands up for her self and tells her parents she is not marrying anyone they choose.
At a ball Cassandra is confronted by Victoria and her friends over Lucius she goes and hides in the library. Lucius hears the rumors and he finds her. She tells him it's too late she's leaving can't deal with it anymore.
Will Lucius come to term with his feelings for Cassandra or will he let her leave?
April 13, 2024
True Love Wins Through History
I enjoyed this clean, well-written romance. Duke Lucius was very interested in ancient history. When her met Cassandra he recognized her intellect and knowledge. He was drawn to her immediately. However, Cassandra's sister was jealous and wanted him for herself. Lucius' sister in law wanted him to marry her because she was like the wife he had lost. Poor Cassandra and Lucius. Even Cassandra's mother was determined to prevent her marriage to Lucius. Their families seemed determined to keep them apart. Will they be able to see past the rumours and gossip? Will Cassandra and Lucius be able to share their love of ancient history and let it develop into their own shared love? Read on and enjoy.
I enjoyed this clean, well-written romance. Duke Lucius was very interested in ancient history. When her met Cassandra he recognized her intellect and knowledge. He was drawn to her immediately. However, Cassandra's sister was jealous and wanted him for herself. Lucius' sister in law wanted him to marry her because she was like the wife he had lost. Poor Cassandra and Lucius. Even Cassandra's mother was determined to prevent her marriage to Lucius. Their families seemed determined to keep them apart. Will they be able to see past the rumours and gossip? Will Cassandra and Lucius be able to share their love of ancient history and let it develop into their own shared love? Read on and enjoy.
July 15, 2025
Cassandra Rivers is an unashamed bluestocking, caring more for her books and studies than the ton. She has a younger sister, Charlotte, who seems to have her mother's ear and her father's approval. When they both meet Lucius Spencer, the Duke of Richmond, both women are attracted to him. Immediately, Cassandra's mother pushes her to marry one of two geriatric men, leaving the way for Charlotte to marry the duke. However, no one asked the duke about this arrangement.
Lucius is a widower who has no intention of marrying again. The loss of his wife was too traumatic to repeat. His sister-in-law, Victoria, has set her cap for the duke as well. However, he is intrigued by Cassandra's breadth of knowledge and her interest in discussing history.
With the constant tension in their home, Cassandra makes it clear to her parents that she will not marry either of the old men they have chosen for her. At a ball, Victoria and her cronies gang up on Cassandra, and she decides she's had enough. This is a story of sibling rivalry taken to the max.
Lucius is a widower who has no intention of marrying again. The loss of his wife was too traumatic to repeat. His sister-in-law, Victoria, has set her cap for the duke as well. However, he is intrigued by Cassandra's breadth of knowledge and her interest in discussing history.
With the constant tension in their home, Cassandra makes it clear to her parents that she will not marry either of the old men they have chosen for her. At a ball, Victoria and her cronies gang up on Cassandra, and she decides she's had enough. This is a story of sibling rivalry taken to the max.
April 12, 2024
Cassandra and Lucius meet at a ballroom when she misunderstands who her mother wants her to dance with but within the time they’re dancing they both realize they both have the same intense interest in the same type of books. After that a friendship develops along with jealousy on the part of two ladies. Who were the two ladies? What occurs around them as they are furthering their friendship tog and how does it inspire big problems with our two jealous ladies? There are also issues with her family’s attitude towards her she must contend with. After all these obstacles are overcome they find their hea.
I, personally, had a hard time with her relationship with her family and with how Lucius handled things with everyone but it was a clean stand alone romance.
I, personally, had a hard time with her relationship with her family and with how Lucius handled things with everyone but it was a clean stand alone romance.
April 26, 2024
Great Story
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story touches many different points that men and women go through life ignoring them until reality hits them in the face. Lucian lost his first wife and he did not wanted to remarry because he missed her so much. He meets Cassandra that is a lot like his deceased wife and him, she loves to learn about the Roman and Greek writers and translate their work, and so does he. in the end after she being accused by the ton and one of her sisters of bad behaviour, Lucian realized that he really loved her and asked her to marry him. This is a great book to read, job well done Aria!
I really enjoyed reading this book. The story touches many different points that men and women go through life ignoring them until reality hits them in the face. Lucian lost his first wife and he did not wanted to remarry because he missed her so much. He meets Cassandra that is a lot like his deceased wife and him, she loves to learn about the Roman and Greek writers and translate their work, and so does he. in the end after she being accused by the ton and one of her sisters of bad behaviour, Lucian realized that he really loved her and asked her to marry him. This is a great book to read, job well done Aria!
April 20, 2024
The story has some small editing mistakes, but they don’t detract from the storyline. The heroine is an intelligent, bespectacled young lady who is constantly put down by her family. They only see her as marrying much older men regardless of their character. The hero is a widower who has been a recluse since his wife’s death. I enjoyed how they first met as the heroine’s mother won’t let her wear glasses in public so she mistakes the hero for another man. The mother, sister and the hero’s sister-in-law are very selfish persons. It was an enjoyable read.
September 23, 2024
Title : A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke
Author : #AriaNorton
May 15, 2024
In "A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke," we follow the lives of Cassandra Rivers and Lucius Spencer. Their chance meeting at a ball sparks a tumultuous journey as societal pressures clash with Cassandra's independent spirit and their growing connection faces relentless opposition. The narrative captures the essence of love's resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing the transformative power of love.
Author : #AriaNorton
May 15, 2024
In "A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke," we follow the lives of Cassandra Rivers and Lucius Spencer. Their chance meeting at a ball sparks a tumultuous journey as societal pressures clash with Cassandra's independent spirit and their growing connection faces relentless opposition. The narrative captures the essence of love's resilience in the face of adversity, showcasing the transformative power of love.
April 17, 2024
An intersting story of how Lucius Spencer, Duke of Richmond, almost gave up interest in having a life due to the loss of his wife. Once he meets Cassandra Rivers quite by accident, she changes everything for him. There is a dysfunctional family, sister jealousy, tragedy, friendship and love. I think you will enjoy this story and it does have a great life leason for all of us.
April 27, 2024
Everyone. Blushes. All. The. Time.
Like, it's literally every few paragraphs.
That and Cassandra is like "oh my sister sabotages me in every way possible, tells me she hates me every day, throws a toddler tantrum every time something good happens to me and is genuinely a bitch all the time... but I still love her!"
Like, it's literally every few paragraphs.
That and Cassandra is like "oh my sister sabotages me in every way possible, tells me she hates me every day, throws a toddler tantrum every time something good happens to me and is genuinely a bitch all the time... but I still love her!"
May 21, 2024
Will they? Won't they?
If there has ever been so many people interfering in 2 people's lives and trying to stop them being together, that you feel like strangling the whole lot of the interferes. Then this is how I felt. Please read it. It's a story of two people who don't even know they are in love until people start objecting
If there has ever been so many people interfering in 2 people's lives and trying to stop them being together, that you feel like strangling the whole lot of the interferes. Then this is how I felt. Please read it. It's a story of two people who don't even know they are in love until people start objecting
January 15, 2025
Okay
Although the conflict felt slightly forced, it's a cute and light read.
Cassandra was likable.
I liked Lucius's character to a point. However, he was a tad bit too weak for my taste. He allowed everything to play out with no effort on his part, which caused me to skip some sections to avoid his silence.
Although the conflict felt slightly forced, it's a cute and light read.
Cassandra was likable.
I liked Lucius's character to a point. However, he was a tad bit too weak for my taste. He allowed everything to play out with no effort on his part, which caused me to skip some sections to avoid his silence.
January 19, 2025
Smart in Love
When great minds think alike, anything can happen. This story features a couple who couldn't be a better fit for each other, yet their families and the ton seem determined to keep them apart. Love will overcome all if Cassandra's parents don't Marry her off quickly to a man more than 2x's her age!
When great minds think alike, anything can happen. This story features a couple who couldn't be a better fit for each other, yet their families and the ton seem determined to keep them apart. Love will overcome all if Cassandra's parents don't Marry her off quickly to a man more than 2x's her age!
July 31, 2025
I wanted to finish this book I liked the main characters. Their friendship was fun. BUT the mother and sister were to mean to her calling her the ugly duckling and pushing her towards mean 5 times her age. The meanness of those two made me not finish the book. They were written to evil in my opinion. It made the book not good to me.
April 11, 2024
A Wallflower for the widowed Duke
Cassandra has said she wants to live as a spinster but she meets Lucian a duke who says he will never marry again but he falls for Cassandra though her sister and his sister and law does also but love works it out and the pair find happiness
Cassandra has said she wants to live as a spinster but she meets Lucian a duke who says he will never marry again but he falls for Cassandra though her sister and his sister and law does also but love works it out and the pair find happiness
April 12, 2024
Lovely story
Lucien widowed for 11 years meets Cassandra and they have mutual interests and like each other. Outside forces try to separate them but it all turns out right in the end.
Lucien widowed for 11 years meets Cassandra and they have mutual interests and like each other. Outside forces try to separate them but it all turns out right in the end.
April 13, 2024
happiness found
Cassandra was cursed to be the sister of a very spoiled Charlotte. Lucius knew what sister he preferred and how many interests they shared but he had to defeat the spoiled sister, his ex sister-in-law and parents in order to find his happiness
Cassandra was cursed to be the sister of a very spoiled Charlotte. Lucius knew what sister he preferred and how many interests they shared but he had to defeat the spoiled sister, his ex sister-in-law and parents in order to find his happiness
April 23, 2024
A Wallflower for the Widowed Duke
Finally I got this extended epilogue. I have trouble getting a lot of them. The story was great. I was annoyed at the parents but they finally came around. The extension cleared some things up.
Finally I got this extended epilogue. I have trouble getting a lot of them. The story was great. I was annoyed at the parents but they finally came around. The extension cleared some things up.
April 28, 2024
Cassandra and Lucius
Cassandra and Lucius
The characters were appealing and also intelligent. The plot proved it could also entertain. It was just one very enjoyable story. Read this.
Cassandra and Lucius
The characters were appealing and also intelligent. The plot proved it could also entertain. It was just one very enjoyable story. Read this.
July 24, 2024
Not a lot of depth, it was difficult to understand the motivations of most characters and the main pair were irritating. A lot of it did not feel very realistic and for a good chunk I skimmed through, feeling like I’d be better off just watching Mean Girls instead.
April 13, 2024
Enjoyable
This was a fun read. I loved Cassandra and Lucius. The chemistry was obvious from the start. Good, fun read.
This was a fun read. I loved Cassandra and Lucius. The chemistry was obvious from the start. Good, fun read.
April 24, 2024
I really enjoyed this story. A little heart wrenching hearing the abuse Cassandra has to take but the Duke's care and love for her is sweet.
June 21, 2024
Joy To Read
This book had me hooked from the first page. Characters had just the right connections to each other. Putting in my collection, so I can read again and again.
This book had me hooked from the first page. Characters had just the right connections to each other. Putting in my collection, so I can read again and again.
August 4, 2025
Cassandra and Lucius
This was a good book and it kept my interest until the very end:..This was a love story between Cassandra and Lucius..
This was a good book and it kept my interest until the very end:..This was a love story between Cassandra and Lucius..
September 21, 2025
Fairytale
A very dramatic and emotional story. The non acceptance of people who follow their own path, the entitlement of others, the acceptance of tradition. Was a good read!
A very dramatic and emotional story. The non acceptance of people who follow their own path, the entitlement of others, the acceptance of tradition. Was a good read!
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews