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Wedded to the Forbidden Duke
“Have no doubt, sweet wife, I will have you begging in surrender by the time the night is done.”
Lady Cecilia knows the perfect match for her sworn bachelor brother is her best friend. However, the most irritating obstacle stands in her her brother’s best friend, the most rakish of lords.
Duke Ian vowed never to wed after his family’s fatal accident. So when the captivating Lady Cecilia meddles in his best friend’s life, he must protect him from the threat of imminent marriage.
Yet during one of Cecilia’s matchmaking attempts, the ton catches them in each other’s arms. Now, Ian must marry his best friend’s sister… And the moment he tastes his wife’s lips, he aches to cross the most forbidden claim her completely…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Wedded to the Forbidden Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 60,000 words (around 300 pages), written by Ava MacAdams and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "Wedded to the Forbidden Duke" today to discover Ava's fantastic new story!
Lady Cecilia knows the perfect match for her sworn bachelor brother is her best friend. However, the most irritating obstacle stands in her her brother’s best friend, the most rakish of lords.
Duke Ian vowed never to wed after his family’s fatal accident. So when the captivating Lady Cecilia meddles in his best friend’s life, he must protect him from the threat of imminent marriage.
Yet during one of Cecilia’s matchmaking attempts, the ton catches them in each other’s arms. Now, Ian must marry his best friend’s sister… And the moment he tastes his wife’s lips, he aches to cross the most forbidden claim her completely…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then Wedded to the Forbidden Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 60,000 words (around 300 pages), written by Ava MacAdams and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Pick up "Wedded to the Forbidden Duke" today to discover Ava's fantastic new story!
315 pages, Kindle Edition
Published July 21, 2024
398 people are currently reading
57 people want to read
About the author
Ava MacAdams
77 books62 followersBorn and raised in rural Louisiana, Ava's rebellious nature would always find her riding her horse through vast farmlands or lying under a tree, getting lost in one of her favourite historical romances. Always itching for adventure, she was only nineteen when she decided to embark on her biggest adventure and travel through Europe.
She studied art and theater in London, where she met several people that filled her with valuable experiences. Taking part in a writing competition upon her professor's encouragement, she realised that this was what she always wanted to do. Married to that same professor a few years later, she decided to return to her roots to settle down and write about her favourite era.
Let yourselves be lured into an intense experience of desire and passion, alongside irresistible Lords and seductive Ladies of the Regency Era. Ava's skilled writing hand will throw you back in time, when tales were told and songs were sung...
She studied art and theater in London, where she met several people that filled her with valuable experiences. Taking part in a writing competition upon her professor's encouragement, she realised that this was what she always wanted to do. Married to that same professor a few years later, she decided to return to her roots to settle down and write about her favourite era.
Let yourselves be lured into an intense experience of desire and passion, alongside irresistible Lords and seductive Ladies of the Regency Era. Ava's skilled writing hand will throw you back in time, when tales were told and songs were sung...
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Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews
October 1, 2025
4-ish?
Enjoyed, fairly predictable, to me anyway. I would try another in this series though.
I do love love a good historical, my original romance go-to!
Enjoyed, fairly predictable, to me anyway. I would try another in this series though.
I do love love a good historical, my original romance go-to!
July 27, 2024
Wedded to the Forbidden Duke by Ava MacAdams is your usual steamy romance novel. And that's not a bad thing. Like most novels in the genre, this story revolved around the characters and their relationship and how it develops and affects them and the people around them. As with most historical romances, particularly those in the regency era like this one, the drama is over the top, even melodramatic, if you will, but that's part of what makes this book genre so much fun: the emotional hits, the highs, and lows. Ava MacAdams does a fine job of making the reader feel for the characters. But let's get into the nitty-gritty.
The story follows Cacilia, a young woman making her debut in regency era London society, a challenging aspect for every woman in a time where one's first appearance will likely stay with them for many years to come. We also follow the titular Duke, Ian, who has a history of womanizing and general rakishness. As expected by the title of the story, these two main characters end up tied together, though how that happens is less romantic than the genre of the book might lead you to believe. However, the two end up married and have to work through the complications that any newly wedded couple has to work through, including the societal challenges that clearly reflect the time period.
Beyond the main characters and story, we are also shown some side characters, but not too many, and how they are dealing with their own lives, as well as a bit of the social no-nos of society of the time. The small cast of characters allows the story to revolve around the main cast without being watered down by side stories. Using side characters also allows us to see aspects of society and Macadam's research into the era that we would only see a little of if everything was focused on the two main characters. It also hints at more stories, which is great to see.
All in all, Wedded to the Forbidden Duke is once again a particularly entertaining regency-era romance by Ava MacAdams and a definite must-read if you are looking for something steamy for a summer read.
The story follows Cacilia, a young woman making her debut in regency era London society, a challenging aspect for every woman in a time where one's first appearance will likely stay with them for many years to come. We also follow the titular Duke, Ian, who has a history of womanizing and general rakishness. As expected by the title of the story, these two main characters end up tied together, though how that happens is less romantic than the genre of the book might lead you to believe. However, the two end up married and have to work through the complications that any newly wedded couple has to work through, including the societal challenges that clearly reflect the time period.
Beyond the main characters and story, we are also shown some side characters, but not too many, and how they are dealing with their own lives, as well as a bit of the social no-nos of society of the time. The small cast of characters allows the story to revolve around the main cast without being watered down by side stories. Using side characters also allows us to see aspects of society and Macadam's research into the era that we would only see a little of if everything was focused on the two main characters. It also hints at more stories, which is great to see.
All in all, Wedded to the Forbidden Duke is once again a particularly entertaining regency-era romance by Ava MacAdams and a definite must-read if you are looking for something steamy for a summer read.
July 25, 2024
A Good Story
I enjoyed this story. Duke Ian and Cecelia have been childhood friends. She is his best friend's sister. They have no wish to wed and are always argumentative towards each other. However, they are found unchaperoned in a garden and are forced to marry. They seem to take delight in being antagonistic but gradually their feelings change. Will they realise that they need to speak openly to admit their feelings for each other before it is too late? Read on and enjoy.
I enjoyed this story. Duke Ian and Cecelia have been childhood friends. She is his best friend's sister. They have no wish to wed and are always argumentative towards each other. However, they are found unchaperoned in a garden and are forced to marry. They seem to take delight in being antagonistic but gradually their feelings change. Will they realise that they need to speak openly to admit their feelings for each other before it is too late? Read on and enjoy.
July 31, 2024
The heroine literally falls into the hero’s arms. Oops. They are caught so a marriage is arranged to save her reputation. She is trying to get her brother matched to her best friend. The hero is trying to undo the match. There is some entertaining banter between the two. The secondary characters add to the story line of these two opposites finding their HEA. The heroine comes off as a little too bossy at the beginning. The hero doesn’t want to love as he doesn’t want to get hurt is they leave. It was enjoyable.
June 3, 2025
Lack of concurrent knowledge
I usually dont care about period accuracy as long as I'm not ripped out of a scene, which happened often in this book. Just two examples: swaying to the music and packed her bags. Swaying did not really happen during an ambulatory ballroom dance. I felt like I landed in a 90s prom dance. What were bags in historical England? Do they have zippers? It's just ridiculous and something an editor should have caught, including the abundant use of incorrect pronouns usually within one sentence.
I usually dont care about period accuracy as long as I'm not ripped out of a scene, which happened often in this book. Just two examples: swaying to the music and packed her bags. Swaying did not really happen during an ambulatory ballroom dance. I felt like I landed in a 90s prom dance. What were bags in historical England? Do they have zippers? It's just ridiculous and something an editor should have caught, including the abundant use of incorrect pronouns usually within one sentence.
July 23, 2024
Hot and steamy
Ian has been a rake due to being scared after the death of his parents when he was a child. Yet he has been attracted to his friend sister since they first meet even though she hates the effect he has on her brother when they are caught in a scandal they are forced to marry soon they fall in love but still fight it due to his fear of love
Ian has been a rake due to being scared after the death of his parents when he was a child. Yet he has been attracted to his friend sister since they first meet even though she hates the effect he has on her brother when they are caught in a scandal they are forced to marry soon they fall in love but still fight it due to his fear of love
August 9, 2024
Wedded to the Forbidden Duke
Wedded to the Forbidden Duke is Cecilia and Ian’s story. Cecilia is attracted to Ian but can fathom being with rake. Story goes well but I have read quite a few of Ava M's books on the trot and are recognising similarities, so need a break from this author but be sure Ava writes some great HOT scenes
Wedded to the Forbidden Duke is Cecilia and Ian’s story. Cecilia is attracted to Ian but can fathom being with rake. Story goes well but I have read quite a few of Ava M's books on the trot and are recognising similarities, so need a break from this author but be sure Ava writes some great HOT scenes
July 29, 2024
Wedded to the Forbidden Duke
Another love story that goes in all directions! This story has it all… friendship, heartache, family duty, excitement and love. These, along with the crew of characters make for an enjoyable tale.
Another love story that goes in all directions! This story has it all… friendship, heartache, family duty, excitement and love. These, along with the crew of characters make for an enjoyable tale.
August 2, 2024
Wedded to the forbidden Duke
Wow!I loved Ian and Cecilia and their storyline. Let us hope that her brother and her best friend are as happy in their marriage. ( hint, hint!) I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.
Wow!I loved Ian and Cecilia and their storyline. Let us hope that her brother and her best friend are as happy in their marriage. ( hint, hint!) I would recommend this book to anyone who loves romance.
August 3, 2024
A Near Fall/A Wedding/ Truth
Fate throws them together but love tries to drive them apart. Friends or Lovers as their marriage faces trials & tribulations with the thought of becoming so close to love- or is love already there but just hiding?
Fate throws them together but love tries to drive them apart. Friends or Lovers as their marriage faces trials & tribulations with the thought of becoming so close to love- or is love already there but just hiding?
August 4, 2024
Plenty of banter
Ian and Cecelia struck sparks off one another from their first meeting. Their banter ranged from critical to playful and seductive. Ian resisted falling in love with his bride, not wanting to lose another loved one. A good read.
Ian and Cecelia struck sparks off one another from their first meeting. Their banter ranged from critical to playful and seductive. Ian resisted falling in love with his bride, not wanting to lose another loved one. A good read.
August 22, 2024
A beautiful love story.
Sometimes, you start reading a romance book, such as all the usual elements of a story. Then, as you read it, you are drawn into the story. This was one such tale. I enjoyed every moment of it.
Sometimes, you start reading a romance book, such as all the usual elements of a story. Then, as you read it, you are drawn into the story. This was one such tale. I enjoyed every moment of it.
May 7, 2025
From rake to husband
Great story wonderful story line great characters. Celia and Ine, we're caught in a compromised situation and forced to marry.
Has they tease each other and argue most of the time, they discover their love is undeniable.
Thank you ❤️
Great story wonderful story line great characters. Celia and Ine, we're caught in a compromised situation and forced to marry.
Has they tease each other and argue most of the time, they discover their love is undeniable.
Thank you ❤️
August 12, 2025
Unforgettable!!!
Love Ian's and Cecilia's story. He was determined to avoid the pain that came from attachment. She was free spirit but deed down dreamed of a love match.
Together, their dislike was palpable, so was their passion? Hugely Recommend!!!!
Love Ian's and Cecilia's story. He was determined to avoid the pain that came from attachment. She was free spirit but deed down dreamed of a love match.
Together, their dislike was palpable, so was their passion? Hugely Recommend!!!!
July 27, 2024
Very Good Storyline
This was a great story, a fantastic plot and wonderful characters. BUT, there was way too much spiciness to it. I’m just not a fan of graphic content.
This was a great story, a fantastic plot and wonderful characters. BUT, there was way too much spiciness to it. I’m just not a fan of graphic content.
July 30, 2024
An enchanting story of past loss and renewal
This story brings forth all emotions. It's a story of past loss which must be overcome to ensure a future of love.
This story brings forth all emotions. It's a story of past loss which must be overcome to ensure a future of love.
July 30, 2024
Stubborn love
I love when two stubborn people find one another. Ian and Cecilia are a great couple. I wonder what their mothers will do next.
I love when two stubborn people find one another. Ian and Cecilia are a great couple. I wonder what their mothers will do next.
July 31, 2024
Beautiful story
Enjoyed the storyline and the cast of characters. Interesting how the characters engaged thru out to their happy ever after
Enjoyed the storyline and the cast of characters. Interesting how the characters engaged thru out to their happy ever after
September 3, 2024
good read
I like the book but I just wish I could have read more about Nancy and Zachary especially after their wedding.
I like the book but I just wish I could have read more about Nancy and Zachary especially after their wedding.
October 8, 2024
Lovely story
Enjoyed this book very much. The story kept me reading until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
Enjoyed this book very much. The story kept me reading until the end. Looking forward to the next book in the series.
January 28, 2025
I enjoyed this story very much! It kept my interest and I was quite happy with the ending.
May 16, 2025
2.5 Stars
There’s a bunch of inconsistencies in the timing of the story. For example one night versus a week. It’s also very superficial without much depth in the characters.
There’s a bunch of inconsistencies in the timing of the story. For example one night versus a week. It’s also very superficial without much depth in the characters.
July 30, 2024
Wedded to the Forbidden Duke…..
This was the story of Cecelia and Ian, the Duke of Harwick. After being caught in a compromising position after he saved her from falling, they were forced to marry to save her reputation. This was an enemies to lovers trope, which isn’t my favorite so I was reluctant to keep reading after the preview, with a marriage of convenience twist. Cecelia was not very likable at first. She was overly bossy, meddlesome, and confrontational. Her character was somewhat redeemed in my opinion after she allowed herself to see another side of her husband. Ian was misguided about love creating too much potential for loss and hurt. They both overcame their hang ups and found their HEA.
This was the story of Cecelia and Ian, the Duke of Harwick. After being caught in a compromising position after he saved her from falling, they were forced to marry to save her reputation. This was an enemies to lovers trope, which isn’t my favorite so I was reluctant to keep reading after the preview, with a marriage of convenience twist. Cecelia was not very likable at first. She was overly bossy, meddlesome, and confrontational. Her character was somewhat redeemed in my opinion after she allowed herself to see another side of her husband. Ian was misguided about love creating too much potential for loss and hurt. They both overcame their hang ups and found their HEA.
August 4, 2024
Wedded War!
A steamy look at how loss of parents in early years of life can warp a person for life. Cecilia is a headstrong young lady who has set out to match her best friend Nancy with her brother. But his best friend will stop her meddling, and after he follows her out to the garden to talk to her about it, wind catches her shawl and when she grabs for it, starts to fall and he catches her. And of course someone sees them and a marriage of convenience, and the war is on, and the steam rises! Good story but is steamy scenesbother you, better skip this book.
A steamy look at how loss of parents in early years of life can warp a person for life. Cecilia is a headstrong young lady who has set out to match her best friend Nancy with her brother. But his best friend will stop her meddling, and after he follows her out to the garden to talk to her about it, wind catches her shawl and when she grabs for it, starts to fall and he catches her. And of course someone sees them and a marriage of convenience, and the war is on, and the steam rises! Good story but is steamy scenesbother you, better skip this book.
Displaying 1 - 25 of 25 reviews