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A Duchess Required
“You need a husband and I need a mother for my daughter. So marry me, My Lady…”
Despite being a spinster, Lady Esther is desperate to prove her worth. But her parents ruin everything when they arrange a marriage for her with the worst possible groom…
The recluse Duke Phillip has killed his wife. Or at least that’s what everyone says while he tries to raise his daughter alone. And the task proves impossible unless… he finds a bride!
Yet Phillip’s determination to keep their marriage only on paper wavers. For he cannot deny the attraction he feels for Esther. Even if it makes him face his greatest losing another wife…
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then A Duchess Required is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance by Cobalt Fairy of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Hazel Linwood. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up "A Duchess Required" today to discover Hazel's captivating story!
Despite being a spinster, Lady Esther is desperate to prove her worth. But her parents ruin everything when they arrange a marriage for her with the worst possible groom…
The recluse Duke Phillip has killed his wife. Or at least that’s what everyone says while he tries to raise his daughter alone. And the task proves impossible unless… he finds a bride!
Yet Phillip’s determination to keep their marriage only on paper wavers. For he cannot deny the attraction he feels for Esther. Even if it makes him face his greatest losing another wife…
*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then A Duchess Required is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance by Cobalt Fairy of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Hazel Linwood. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.
Pick up "A Duchess Required" today to discover Hazel's captivating story!
461 pages, Kindle Edition
Published April 17, 2024
413 people are currently reading
78 people want to read
About the author
Hazel Linwood
81 books47 followersInfluenced by the extraordinary tales of Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth, Hazel Linwood has always adored the fairy-tale like romances of the past. The youngest of four sisters, she has spent most of her youth lost in the classic historical romances of her favorite authors. Despite her parents’ efforts to persuade her to pursue a career in medicine, she found her heart's true calling in English Literature.
After obtaining her degree, Hazel worked as an English teacher. That was until she met her husband and decided to indulge in her secret passion...writing! When she isn’t writing, Hazel enjoys spending time with her family, travelling or roaming the Texan countryside.
Embark on this journey of desire, decorum and intense love of Regency England. Let Hazel transport you into an era of pure, sincere love and charming lords that will take your breath away!
After obtaining her degree, Hazel worked as an English teacher. That was until she met her husband and decided to indulge in her secret passion...writing! When she isn’t writing, Hazel enjoys spending time with her family, travelling or roaming the Texan countryside.
Embark on this journey of desire, decorum and intense love of Regency England. Let Hazel transport you into an era of pure, sincere love and charming lords that will take your breath away!
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews
April 21, 2024
I really liked Esther, she's vary optimistic even with a fair bit of negatively in her life & I appreciate her determination ones she sets her mind to something & logical but caring way of going about it. Her sister are vary entertaining & I appreciate the approach she took with Theodosia & I really like the development between Esther & Phillip & getting to know Phillip better & more about his past
April 22, 2024
Some parts to like….
This was a story of a marriage of convenience between Phillip, the Duke, and Esther, the spinster eldest daughter. Phillip wanted a mother for his daughter from a previous marriage, but Esther was determined to please him and have a real marriage. The story started out pretty charming. The progression of their relationship was sweet, but then Esther’s overreactions became distracting and annoying. It made no sense to go back to the abusive environment of her parents’ home especially since her decision to leave was also hurting her daughter and that seemed uncharacteristic for her and how she cared for others. Letting her ego overrule her love was misplaced. The resolution to the separation seemed abrupt as well. I felt like some details were over explained while others were skimmed over. They were able to get their happy ending, but the story lacked even a hint of stem that helped to substantiate the connection and love shared.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This book contained a lot of grammatical errors that were quite distracting and disappointing. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered this many before.
This was a story of a marriage of convenience between Phillip, the Duke, and Esther, the spinster eldest daughter. Phillip wanted a mother for his daughter from a previous marriage, but Esther was determined to please him and have a real marriage. The story started out pretty charming. The progression of their relationship was sweet, but then Esther’s overreactions became distracting and annoying. It made no sense to go back to the abusive environment of her parents’ home especially since her decision to leave was also hurting her daughter and that seemed uncharacteristic for her and how she cared for others. Letting her ego overrule her love was misplaced. The resolution to the separation seemed abrupt as well. I felt like some details were over explained while others were skimmed over. They were able to get their happy ending, but the story lacked even a hint of stem that helped to substantiate the connection and love shared.
I received a free ARC of this book and am voluntarily leaving this review.
This book contained a lot of grammatical errors that were quite distracting and disappointing. I don’t think I’ve ever encountered this many before.
April 21, 2024
A love story
Loved this story of Phillip & Esther. It helped with the prequel to Phillip's past with his father of his first marriage involving the birth & demise of her death in understanding Phillip's attitude. Loved how Esther tackled the duke while trying to come to terms living as a duchess being critiqued at all times by her parents in what she should do & say among the ton. Always good to have a happy ending & worked out in the end for them.
Loved this story of Phillip & Esther. It helped with the prequel to Phillip's past with his father of his first marriage involving the birth & demise of her death in understanding Phillip's attitude. Loved how Esther tackled the duke while trying to come to terms living as a duchess being critiqued at all times by her parents in what she should do & say among the ton. Always good to have a happy ending & worked out in the end for them.
April 30, 2024
Tropes: Marriage of Convenience, Single Dad, Regency Period, Angsty, Grumpy/Sunshine, Kisses Only/Low Spice Romance
Overall, I really did enjoy this book! I am a sucker for both marriage of convenience and historical romance! In addition, the single dad trope is definitely growing on me!
I really enjoyed the relationship between the FMC and MMC, it was so fun to see them grow and learn to love each other and adapt! I really did enjoy this book! I wish there was a little bit more of them together in an actual relationship, but I did enjoy it, and there was a lot of cuteness even when they were strictly “for convenience”.
In addition, I loved seeing Esther’s relationship growing with Theodosia. Cute kids are amazing, and Theodosia was amazing in that role. I loved her, and seeing her build a relationship with Esther, and then alter her relationship with her father? So cute.
My biggest issue was that there were a couple of continuity errors or other errors that sometimes removed a tiny bit from the story, however, overall, they were easy to ignore!
Overall, I really loved this historical romance and plan to look into other ones by this author! Definitely suggest it if you are looking for one!
Overall, I really did enjoy this book! I am a sucker for both marriage of convenience and historical romance! In addition, the single dad trope is definitely growing on me!
I really enjoyed the relationship between the FMC and MMC, it was so fun to see them grow and learn to love each other and adapt! I really did enjoy this book! I wish there was a little bit more of them together in an actual relationship, but I did enjoy it, and there was a lot of cuteness even when they were strictly “for convenience”.
In addition, I loved seeing Esther’s relationship growing with Theodosia. Cute kids are amazing, and Theodosia was amazing in that role. I loved her, and seeing her build a relationship with Esther, and then alter her relationship with her father? So cute.
My biggest issue was that there were a couple of continuity errors or other errors that sometimes removed a tiny bit from the story, however, overall, they were easy to ignore!
Overall, I really loved this historical romance and plan to look into other ones by this author! Definitely suggest it if you are looking for one!
April 22, 2024
An Interesting Story
I enjoyed the story but not all the errors. There are a lot of missing words and spelling errors that spoil the flow of the story. Duke Phillip had a lot of emotional stress due to the death of his cruel father and the suicide of his wife. He needed a wife to be a mother to his daughter. Lady Esther was a spinster and her parents bullied her because she was not married. They arranged her marriage to Phillip. He did not want children any more and refused to consummate the marriage. Esther and Phillip both have to deal with their emotions about their parents, their family and each other. Will they be able to sort through their emotions and find happiness.
I enjoyed the story but not all the errors. There are a lot of missing words and spelling errors that spoil the flow of the story. Duke Phillip had a lot of emotional stress due to the death of his cruel father and the suicide of his wife. He needed a wife to be a mother to his daughter. Lady Esther was a spinster and her parents bullied her because she was not married. They arranged her marriage to Phillip. He did not want children any more and refused to consummate the marriage. Esther and Phillip both have to deal with their emotions about their parents, their family and each other. Will they be able to sort through their emotions and find happiness.
April 28, 2024
First there were a lot of ooops (wrong words/sex/name, etc) but they did not detract from the story. I like that despite the unsupportive environment in her home, that the h was a survivor who sincerely had a good and loving heart. Her parents lacked...just about everything. The H was a nice guy who survived a horrid father and a loveless marriage. As a widower, he loved his daughter to the exclusion of anything else.
The h's parents betrothed her to the H who only wanted a mother figure for his daughter. Big surprise. She taught him how to love and cherish others, how to forgive and how to be more engaged with his daughter. He taught her how to value herself and defend against who/what ever when necessary. They complimented each other.
Enjoyable.
The h's parents betrothed her to the H who only wanted a mother figure for his daughter. Big surprise. She taught him how to love and cherish others, how to forgive and how to be more engaged with his daughter. He taught her how to value herself and defend against who/what ever when necessary. They complimented each other.
Enjoyable.
May 6, 2024
THREE LONELY PEOPLE - WHEN WILL THEY REALISE ?
LADY ESTHER - Spinster her parent's constantly on to her regarding marriage (how it's her fault she has not married). Esther always wanted to marry for love she is very feeling and put others first, her parents had decided they would select a husband for her.
Esther always wanted a family and to be a mother.
DUKE PHILLIP - Needed a mother for his daughter (HE DID NOT NEED A WIFE).
He was told about Lady Esther how polite and agreeable she was, without seeing her decided he would offer to marry her, unknown to her a marriage was arranged with her parents by the Duke for as soon as possible his daughter needed a mother to teach her etiquette and feelings (he loved his daughter very much).
I LOVED THE CHARACTERS IN THIS ESTHER KNEW NOTHING OF THE TERMS OF THIS MARRIAGE.
Brilliant storyline, heart breaking in parts.
Lots more going on.
I received an ARC
LADY ESTHER - Spinster her parent's constantly on to her regarding marriage (how it's her fault she has not married). Esther always wanted to marry for love she is very feeling and put others first, her parents had decided they would select a husband for her.
Esther always wanted a family and to be a mother.
DUKE PHILLIP - Needed a mother for his daughter (HE DID NOT NEED A WIFE).
He was told about Lady Esther how polite and agreeable she was, without seeing her decided he would offer to marry her, unknown to her a marriage was arranged with her parents by the Duke for as soon as possible his daughter needed a mother to teach her etiquette and feelings (he loved his daughter very much).
I LOVED THE CHARACTERS IN THIS ESTHER KNEW NOTHING OF THE TERMS OF THIS MARRIAGE.
Brilliant storyline, heart breaking in parts.
Lots more going on.
I received an ARC
April 25, 2024
Word choice--new dress from market. At their social/economic status, they would have gone to a dressmaker as they did in chapter 4. Consistancy is important.
Chapter 5 "Years of reading romance novels had taught her that much." Many women didn't read and Romance novels were rare.
Chapter 12 The only thing he ever told me was that he (correction sh
Chapter 17 " we thought that it would br a great idea for the both of you..,)
Us ?
Handling grievances discussed in chapter 24
Chapter 25 Gradmother quoted Holding a grudge cannot be good for your spirit.
Chapter 5 "Years of reading romance novels had taught her that much." Many women didn't read and Romance novels were rare.
Chapter 12 The only thing he ever told me was that he (correction sh
Chapter 17 " we thought that it would br a great idea for the both of you..,)
Us ?
Handling grievances discussed in chapter 24
Chapter 25 Gradmother quoted Holding a grudge cannot be good for your spirit.
May 3, 2024
The widower hero needs a mother for his daughter. It is widely thought he had a hand in his first wife’s feather so he is a gloomy recluse. He arranges a marriage to the heroine, whose family berates her and wants her married off to improve the chances of her sisters. After the marriage the heroine learns the heroes rules - marriage in name only. She enjoys the time with the daughter and slowly works on her husband to get him to respond. It was a good story plot but too many editing mistakes to be more than average.
May 4, 2024
One Star
This book had good thought behind it.
However, I’ve given it one star, only because it was not thoroughly edited, and that impacted the flow of reading through it. There were moments when more than one word in a sentence was misspelled or replaced with a completely different word, and one chapter had the entirety of its writing copied in the same chapter.
The story had intrigue, and I did love the main characters, but they were overshadowed by the lack of editing and proofreading.
This book had good thought behind it.
However, I’ve given it one star, only because it was not thoroughly edited, and that impacted the flow of reading through it. There were moments when more than one word in a sentence was misspelled or replaced with a completely different word, and one chapter had the entirety of its writing copied in the same chapter.
The story had intrigue, and I did love the main characters, but they were overshadowed by the lack of editing and proofreading.
July 17, 2024
Pretty basic story with the usual issues
The story had nothing new but the usual arranged marriage, prior issues and expected outcomes. I did not like the frequent missing words in the text and the regular misconceptions of Regency period behaviour. For instance, a groom would never attend the wedding gown fittings. It is considered very bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the wedding day in the UK. I am amazed how many historical novels are not previewed by someone who actually knows about British history, habits and behaviour.
The story had nothing new but the usual arranged marriage, prior issues and expected outcomes. I did not like the frequent missing words in the text and the regular misconceptions of Regency period behaviour. For instance, a groom would never attend the wedding gown fittings. It is considered very bad luck for the groom to see the dress before the wedding day in the UK. I am amazed how many historical novels are not previewed by someone who actually knows about British history, habits and behaviour.
April 22, 2024
Sweet wife and daughter
This book was really good. An arranged marriage for the sake of his daughter. He just has to get over things in his past and relax a little. I enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is I felt like it needed a little more editing - just inconsistencies and some ways it didn’t flow right at times making it confusing. (And I really don’t want to be critical because I’ve never written a book!)
This book was really good. An arranged marriage for the sake of his daughter. He just has to get over things in his past and relax a little. I enjoyed this book. The only reason I didn’t give it 5 stars is I felt like it needed a little more editing - just inconsistencies and some ways it didn’t flow right at times making it confusing. (And I really don’t want to be critical because I’ve never written a book!)
April 23, 2024
Phillip and Esther enter an arranged marriage and while Esther tries to work at a happy marriage Phillip only married so his eleven year old daughter would have a mother. His first wife died after having his daughter and he has lived the past ten since of her death with false rumors blaming him. So despite the rough beginning both overcome all the difficulties and find their hea. Enjoy this sweet and clean read
May 9, 2024
the spinster turned duchess
Esther the spinster was picked up by Philip the duke to be a mother for his daughter. Philip didn’t expect their marriage to be a real one other than of convenience. Little did he know that Esther will melt all his reservations about marriage. She is full of surprises and captured his daughter’s heart before capturing his. Beautiful story and highly recommended
Esther the spinster was picked up by Philip the duke to be a mother for his daughter. Philip didn’t expect their marriage to be a real one other than of convenience. Little did he know that Esther will melt all his reservations about marriage. She is full of surprises and captured his daughter’s heart before capturing his. Beautiful story and highly recommended
June 11, 2024
Misconceptions
Phillip has now contracted two dreaded marriages. The second for the benefit of the daughter he loves so she will have a motherly influence. Esther was deemed a disappointment to her parents who had nothing but criticism for her.
Under such negative circumstances would it be possible for any affection to grow? This engrossing story caught my attention from the beginning in spite of the occasional confusing phrases.
Phillip has now contracted two dreaded marriages. The second for the benefit of the daughter he loves so she will have a motherly influence. Esther was deemed a disappointment to her parents who had nothing but criticism for her.
Under such negative circumstances would it be possible for any affection to grow? This engrossing story caught my attention from the beginning in spite of the occasional confusing phrases.
October 20, 2024
The story was 3 stars but editing was 2 so I averaged it to 3. For the love of all that is holy, it is "wary" not "weary"!! Wary means careful or worried, weary means tired! There were at least 4 instances of this in the story. There were lots of other grammatical errors as well, like missing words in a sentence or incorrect pronouns (he when the antecedent was a female). Please get a good proofreader!
April 17, 2025
Great story!
Phillip was a Duke who grew up with a miserable father. Esther was a young lady echo grew up with very strict parents who gave her no credit for anything and were very miserable. Now it was time for her to marry. Her father told her that a Duke asked for her hand, he excepted. So now she would experience love and a family, but the Duke wanted no intimacy or another child. She was going to work hard to change his mind…
Phillip was a Duke who grew up with a miserable father. Esther was a young lady echo grew up with very strict parents who gave her no credit for anything and were very miserable. Now it was time for her to marry. Her father told her that a Duke asked for her hand, he excepted. So now she would experience love and a family, but the Duke wanted no intimacy or another child. She was going to work hard to change his mind…
May 1, 2024
I enjoyed this story despite the errors, although at times they do keep you guessing or make sure you're paying attention... yet the pages kept turning. :) Esther and Phillip were a well-suited couple and I liked watching how their relationship unfolded. I loved Lady Esther and Theodosia's relationship too, that was sweet.
May 19, 2024
Nice love story
Two people living under the weight of a rigid, judgmental society come together broken and determined. Fortunately for the heroine, her loving spirit is what is needed to make love grow - in this relationship, their daughter and extended to her parents and (maybe) his friend and her sisters. This is book 1 after all🤷🏾♀️.
Two people living under the weight of a rigid, judgmental society come together broken and determined. Fortunately for the heroine, her loving spirit is what is needed to make love grow - in this relationship, their daughter and extended to her parents and (maybe) his friend and her sisters. This is book 1 after all🤷🏾♀️.
July 16, 2024
An Arranged Marriage/A Daughter/& As Love
As the years seem to slip by Esther is considered to be a spinster … until an arranged marriage pares her with a Duke & a young daughter. As their love begins to grow they are faced with many
obstacles but they conquer them one at a time.
As the years seem to slip by Esther is considered to be a spinster … until an arranged marriage pares her with a Duke & a young daughter. As their love begins to grow they are faced with many
obstacles but they conquer them one at a time.
January 13, 2025
Finding your own voice in love
Great story wonderful story line greate characters. I enjoyed reading Esther and Phillip's story, they had a lot in common as a couple goes. Their marriage was slow getting started, but Esther was not one to give up.
When tragedy strikes and Esther is hurt the
Duke realizes, that she is his only love
Thank you ❤️
Great story wonderful story line greate characters. I enjoyed reading Esther and Phillip's story, they had a lot in common as a couple goes. Their marriage was slow getting started, but Esther was not one to give up.
When tragedy strikes and Esther is hurt the
Duke realizes, that she is his only love
Thank you ❤️
February 14, 2025
Good read
The story was good, I just wish it was proofread a little more. There were times when ages and names kept changing, characters who were talking to other people were having conversations with themselves, and 3 pages are repeated in Chapter 4. I overall loved the book, just was a bit confusing at times.
The story was good, I just wish it was proofread a little more. There were times when ages and names kept changing, characters who were talking to other people were having conversations with themselves, and 3 pages are repeated in Chapter 4. I overall loved the book, just was a bit confusing at times.
April 22, 2024
Change for the better
Philip and Ester began their arranged marriage with very different expectations. With time they found they were meant to be together. Their journey was an enjoyable read.
Philip and Ester began their arranged marriage with very different expectations. With time they found they were meant to be together. Their journey was an enjoyable read.
April 22, 2024
The prequel is beneficial to help understand Phillip's character better. Beautiful love story of Esther and Phillip. Another case of bad parents for them both. The extended epilogue is a must read for this couples happily ever after.
May 4, 2024
A wonderful historic romance ,
I really enjoyed reading this book. A good story about wonderful characters make me a happy reader. This story was written for my enjoyment, thank you, Jack.
I really enjoyed reading this book. A good story about wonderful characters make me a happy reader. This story was written for my enjoyment, thank you, Jack.
May 9, 2024
GOOD ROMANCE
Enjoyed the story very much, but it really, really needs a good editors touch. Lots of typos. A very good romance otherwise, very well developed. Interested in more from this author!
Enjoyed the story very much, but it really, really needs a good editors touch. Lots of typos. A very good romance otherwise, very well developed. Interested in more from this author!
June 25, 2024
This is the worst book I have read in a long while! I think it has been written by computer/AI ! It has the worst grammar I have ever come across and there was no editing at all! It was so bad that I found it difficult to read! A waste of time!
July 20, 2024
decent story - terrible editing!
While the story was acceptable, and the heroine was engaging, I was disappointed. The editing, or lack thereof, made the book difficult to read and detracts from any enjoyment of the story. Will not read further books.
While the story was acceptable, and the heroine was engaging, I was disappointed. The editing, or lack thereof, made the book difficult to read and detracts from any enjoyment of the story. Will not read further books.
August 16, 2024
Good story shame about the written word.
Who ever proof read this needs sacking for me it spoiled the book needs taking down and proof read again to rectify not just one or two mistakes but a lot.
Who ever proof read this needs sacking for me it spoiled the book needs taking down and proof read again to rectify not just one or two mistakes but a lot.
August 24, 2024
I really liked the story. Had me in tears in some places. I have two issues, the little girl spoke way too old for her age, or maybe her speech was almost robotic. It's hard to explain. Also, so many wrong words used, or misspelled words. It was REALLY bad. But again, the story was really nice.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 49 reviews