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Trapped with the Beastly Duke: A Historical Regency Romance Novel

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“I am to marry a murderer, the beast who killed his father”

The Duke that haunts Emberly castle is determined to remain hidden. Until scandal forces him to claim a bride.

Rose would do anything to protect her sisters, even marry a man cloaked in rumors.

She knows Duke Alexander is hiding something, but with every secret she uncovers, the more distant he becomes. Yet Rose is determined to break down her husband’s walls. Even if it means coming face to face with his dark past.

*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then Trapped with the Beastly Duke is the novel for you.

An enchanting regency romance of 60,000 words (around 300 pages), written by Arabella Wells and published by Cobalt Fairy.

No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Grab "Trapped with the Beastly Duke" today to discover Arabella's fantastic story!

276 pages, Kindle Edition

Published May 7, 2024

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Arabella Wells

29 books11 followers

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5 stars
166 (61%)
4 stars
81 (29%)
3 stars
18 (6%)
2 stars
4 (1%)
1 star
2 (<1%)
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews
Profile Image for Jo|Ruth Reads.
771 reviews92 followers
May 12, 2024
Rose and Alexander are involved in a scandal forcing them to marry. The problem is that there are so many rumors surrounding Alexander and the mystery behind his fathers death, and his facial scar. Despite the rumors, Rose believes there is more to her husband and is determined to unpack his secrets. But the closer they get, the more at times he seems distant. And just when things start looking up... Alexanders fathers killer resurfaces, and this time his sights are on Rose?!

Is this marriage of convenience finally shifting to something real?
Who is to blame for Alexanders fathers death, and why is he targeting Rose?
And can Alexander ever rise above the rumors and be seen for something more than a beast?

This was a sweet, sweet story. Its a bit of a slow burn , causing me at times to put it down and come back to it later. But yet... I loved the characters. Rose was brave, outspoken and it was her character and patience that brought out the best in Alexander. And I love that Alexander did open up to Rose as the story went on... even with his reservations. He seemed like such a sweet character and you find yourself seeing him through Rose's eyes.
Profile Image for Carol.
1,121 reviews11 followers
August 4, 2024
Great Plot

I very much enjoyed this romance. Alexander and Rose are excellent characters, flawed as they are. How the author reveals Alexander’s loving, caring, fun side through his interactions with his youngest siblings is clever and utterly delightful.
The writing is patchy, with a mixture of awkward dialogue and narrative. The too-often repetition of Alexander’s feelings of guilt, self-loathing, and unworthiness is boring. Olivia’s constant use of ‘dearest brother’, ‘brother mine’, and so forth is irritating.
Finding better ways to write dialogue and express these emotions would considerably improve the novel.
There are a few historical inaccuracies, not least of which is the punishment of Verimoor. Did the author mean stocks or the pillory? Regardless, it would not have been used. The Magistrate would take Verimoor to the local jail and eventually he would be tried for murder, among other charges. His punishment when/if found guilty would be hanging.
A knowledgeable editor would have corrected these errors.
All in all an engaging romance & I do recommend you read it. It’s fun and entertaining.
122 reviews1 follower
July 15, 2024
Rose and not quite a beast

A great retelling of Beauty and the Beast, but more like an unsure young man.
I can see where honor can cause the insecurity that Alexander had as an adult and how it can cause the Beast to make the first impression for society.
I liked how Rose was strong and yet also insecure until she realized her worth also.
BUT... did we really need a the last bit of drama?
Yes rescuing the fair maid from the villain is always a great ending but couldn't it have been delivered in a more realistic way after all there is a year of mourning after the death of close family and Verimoor was such a stickler for rules, unless he broke them. Maybe her fainting from the news of his death (in reality drugged and kept at his house) but sharing the story she was too distraught and unstable for visits while keeping her drugged.
1,163 reviews7 followers
May 21, 2024
Never wear a necklace with large prongs!

Rose is going to the ball and has on a new necklace that her mother has just had reset, and the prongs catch on her clothes, no time to change must go to the ball before they are late. But not long after she arrives the Earl , very struck on himself, ash her to dance and she’s bore to death. Duke Alexander hates to go to balls, has a scar on his face, and rumors that he killed his own father. After her dance she heads to the gardens to cool off, when she turns to go back in she collides with Alexander and her necklace tangles with his cravat. As they struggle to untangle his tie they are caught, and a marriage of convenience! But she has to know what he not telling her?
604 reviews2 followers
May 25, 2024
A Good Story

I enjoyed this clean love story. Duke Alexander hid himself away from society. His father had been murdered. He was persuaded to attend a ball. Rose was also at the ball. She was regarded as being beautiful. She did not want to dance with Lord Verrimore and left the ballroom. She bumped into the Duke and they were found together, unchaperoned. They married and Rose tried hard to change Alexander's cold attitude. Slowly but surely, he began to change.Denise However, other people were keen to interfere with their relationship. There is a kidnapping and violence before Rose and Alexander are safe in each other's arms. Read and enjoy this well-written story.
241 reviews1 follower
June 6, 2024
Good Book

The story of Rose and Alexander was a good read, more like a lift to beauty and the beast. Loved all the characters in the book especially Alexander's siblings. I really loved the spunkiness character of Rose. Stumbled upon this author while searching for a book. Enjoyed the book and would recommend it. Gave 4 stars because I felt it needed a bit more romance between Rose and Alexander, and a bit more mystery and suspense regarding Alexander background.
201 reviews1 follower
May 14, 2024
This was a lovely story, I really loved it. Several unexpected things throughout. I really appreciate Rose's determination & passion for what was right & willing to stand up for it & how kind & caring Alexander was & their relationship was so sweet & fun to read & I love the relationship they both had with Olivia. Great read.
1 review3 followers
May 18, 2024
Very good!

This is not my usual genre of books,I usually read Christian romance, or historical Christian romance, but it is a good clean book, with some mild language, it has some mystery, I read the excerpt, and it was interesting enough that I bought it and it did not disappoint!
889 reviews4 followers
May 19, 2024
Karma is Alive

Alexander retreated from the ton following the murder of his father and suspicion that he was the one that killed him . He was found alone with Rose at a ball which brought about their marriage . love resulted and grew stronger for her kidnapping and plans for his murder.
278 reviews3 followers
May 19, 2024
A beautiful love story

When I started to read this story, I fell in love with the characters . Slightly flawed, he stood alone, feeling he didn't and couldn't be loved or loved. That was the case until he and the young woman were thrown into one another's arm through a maze of lies, untruths. And of course the evil character. Read it andove it has I did
Profile Image for Lesleigh.
49 reviews
May 13, 2024
Rose and Alexander were such a sweet couple. I felt like it was such a quick read. If you like a sweet regency romance this book definitely hits the spot.

The families were great side characters too.

Arabella Wells did a great job delivering a sweet happily ever after!
140 reviews
May 21, 2024
Extremely good book

Loved all the characters in the book and their many encounters.
Sweet story couldnt put it down. I've found a new author as this was the first book I've read but it won't be the last
6 reviews
June 30, 2024
wonderful and intricate plot

I could not stop reading this great story
The twist of what happened eight years ago impacting their lives along with the mothers being acquainted was in deed an intricate plot. Wow!
114 reviews
July 29, 2024
Very good book.

Love the ups and downs. Made the story must enjoyable. Couldn’t be made at the Gillian because it was so well written. Buy the book. I read in one setting. Will be adding to my collection.
99 reviews1 follower
May 18, 2025
Trapped???

Great story. Love, adventure, fun, and laughter. Overall I enjoyed reading this romance novel. I like the "thought revels" Arabella, the author, placed with many of the scenes. I recommend this to all readers. Thank you.
720 reviews6 followers
November 18, 2025
The blurb to this book gives a quick overview of the story. I loved the interactions between the main characters, Alexander and Rose. This was a version of the Beauty and the Beast and I enjoyed it. Thank you to Ms. Wells for this wonderful story!!! 4.5 stars!
Profile Image for Tina Mooney.
36 reviews
January 24, 2026
A Wonderful Story

What a wonderful story this is. I enjoyed it very much. I loved seeing the growth of the protagonists, they helped each other become their true selves. A little twist here and there were fun to discover. All in all an enjoyable read!
139 reviews2 followers
May 13, 2024
Wonderful retelling of the classic Beauty and the Beast done in clean historical fiction. Loved the characters, original plot and subplots and the wonderful descriptions. Excellent read!
4 reviews
May 26, 2024
Great read!

Great Read! The story was captivating. I enjoyed the way the couple dealt with their problems. Hard to put this book down.
275 reviews
May 31, 2024
beast no more

Rose and Alexander, forced to marry find each other and solve a murder mystery all in this delightful tale. Great characters and a good pace.
Profile Image for Deb.
470 reviews2 followers
June 30, 2024
The best one I've read from this author. I'm looking forward to the next one.
1 review
July 11, 2024
wonderful story

It was lovely. Couldn’t stop reading. Family is wonderful and love wins. Always. I recommend it highly. You will love it
Profile Image for S.K. Brown.
Author 4 books6 followers
March 26, 2025
Where do I begin?

This story had so many plot holes and discrepancies in the dialogue, the physical placement of the characters, grammar, and forget about historical accuracy!
Displaying 1 - 23 of 23 reviews