Wedded to the Cruel Duke: A Steamy Marriage of Convenience Historical Regency Romance Novel

Duty and Desire #1

by Claire Devon

“I shall show you what happens when you disobey me one too many times, dear wife,” he whispered.

Lady Phoebe is an unabashed spinster. And she harbors an embarrassing secret—she’s hopelessly enamored with her neighbor, the mysterious Marquess of Wentworth. Until one day, her private diary is inexplicably in the papers, and the ton erupts with the news of their impending betrothal…

Haunted by his past, Marquess Charles adheres to a life of strict routines and rituals. His only rule? Never get close to anyone, lest they end up harmed. A perfectly simple task, until his name is plastered all over the papers, announcing his very own betrothal…

To protect Phoebe, Charles bites the bullet and agrees to marry her. The catch? There is a list of rules she must abide by while living in his home.

Except Phoebe is determined to break every single one of them. And to seduce her mysteriously dashing husband in the process…

Each book in the Duty and Desire series is a standalone story that can be enjoyed out of order and can be read for free with Kindle Unlimited.

Genres: Historical Romance

452 pages, Kindle Edition

Published August 12, 2024

Reviews

[Sarah P · Rating 5 out of 5]

Charles mmm, what a man. Exceedingly paranoid, and with good reason, yet beneath that guarded exterior lies a thoughtful, kind soul who would do anything to make Phoebe happy. His complexity makes him a fascinating hero to follow.

Phoebe is smart, witty, and unwilling to be silenced. She fights not only for herself but also for Charles, proving herself his equal in strength and devotion. Their dynamic is both fiery and tender, a perfect balance.

Scumthorpe is a villain you don’t see coming, but his nefarious schemes ultimately serve as the catalyst that brings Charles and Phoebe together. In the aftermath of scandal, Charles does the honorable thing by offering for Phoebe a choice made all the more poignant since she has been half in love with him for years, watching his odd ways from her window.

The result is a great match: a romance forged through trials, misunderstandings, and ultimately, trust. Claire Devon delivers a story of love tested by secrets and strengthened by resilience, making this a truly satisfying read.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a great, fun interesting story. There is so much going on with our couple. If you're looking for a story set in the ton and ball rooms this is not the book for you. The ton and society do play into our story but most take place in a mansion. Lord Charles Montgomery the Marquess is a grump plain and simple, he is a recluse hardly leaving his estate. He pays his servants a lot to keep his secrets and follow all his rules and he has a lot of them. He is wealthy, handsome as sin and all the mothers are hoping one of their daughters could catch him if he would ever go to any social events. After working for the Crown all he sees in life is the dark and bad side of everyone. He trusts very few people. Phoebe on the other hand is light, fun, loving and see’s the good in all. She comes from a very loving family and is super close to her sisters, one older and one younger. She is a spinster and does not find it as bad as the ton says. Thanks to parents who give her more privileges than most married women would have. She has joined The Spinsters Club where she has made friends with like thinking other women on the shelf. They meet every week and Charles name always comes up. She has a secret in that her home is next doors to Charles estate and she has been watching and writing in her diary for a while what goes on there. She is somewhat in love with the strange man and his weird coming and going. One really should be careful what they put in writing and poor Phoebe is shocked when her name and Charles ends up in the papers! Her diary is missing and someone found it and gave to the gossip papers! Nothing could be worst for a man like Charles. He meets with her parents and explains the only thing to stop the gossip is for the to marry and fast. Oh, my let the games between. Dark and Light, bright and fun meets grumpy and dark. Oh, what a read. There are secrets, the past of both, a villain, mystery, passion and learning to trust for both. If you prefer a clean story then skip this one it is a passion, steamy read that fits our couple perfect. Once you start it you will not be able to put it down. I read, once again late into the night to see how it ended. I received and ARC from the author and wish to thank her. This is my honest opinion and am freely giving it.

[Dani · Rating 4 out of 5]

Excellent story that is original, well written, and entertaining.

Lady Phoebe is part of the spinster "club" and is embarrassed to find herself the subject of an impending scandal. Not only has her personal journal been published but now everyone knows she has had an interest in her neighbour Charles - soon to be Duke.
He is a main subject of her daily diary entries.

Charles is a recluse, preferring to live his life alone with just his servants - he has his reasons, he has experience with the darker side of life. His life suddenly has a complication he didn't expect, he is being embroiled into a scandal by Lady Phoebe's diary

The only way to prevent a scandal and ruining Lady Phoebes reputation is by marrying but there will be rules to follow in this marriage...

Charles has a lot of rules for Phoebe to follow. These are all designed to protect her and keep her safe, although she is unaware of that.
Phoebe hates rules, she feels they shouldn't be followed and she really enjoys breaking them.
While Phoebe is breaking rules, seducing her new husband, and both are falling for each other, Charles hopes he can keep her safe....

This story is filled with so much. Secrets, danger, mystery, romance, and love. Really enjoyed the characters, their personalities, the growth they both have, and their strength of character. Their unexpected journey to a happy ever after was an enjoyable one.

I received an ARC from the author. All opinions expressed are my own.

[Michelle · Rating 2 out of 5]

I feel like I am in the twilight zone…What is with the four and five stars? This book is ridiculous and boring and the writing is immature. Charles and Phoebe‘s names were linked together in the broad sheets. since Charles works for the crown, he married Phoebe without knowing her to keep her safe, but doesn’t explain anything to her and basically keeps her in his estate where she’s not allowed to go out. the windows and curtains have to be kept closed and he doesn’t even speak to her for weeks, but explains none of this to her.
They are attracted to each other even though she is explained as like this 6 foot Amazon - there is no witty banter between them… Supposedly the staff loves her, but you don’t even see any interactions between Phoebe and his staff. After a few weeks, there is some kissing and some touching… After the 50% mark, they consummate the marriage- the rest of the intimate scenes are off the pages— then…Charles gets a letter that his fsther died- they go to London- have the funeral- Charles is barely speaking to Phoebe for no reason- he demands they throw a ball while still in mourning- it makes no sense- Charles is mean and rude to Phoebe-
To add to this stupidity, Phoebe’s ex kidnaps her— Charles rescues her and the final scene they are having sex- no words of love, no explanation, no groveling—
I will NEVER read another book by this author

[Pickle · Rating 5 out of 5]

A FEW SURPRISES - TOWARDS THE END

CHARLES - his father the Duke was ill (in fact he was not going expected to live very long) Charles would then be the Duke.
He lived a very secretive life away from London - his servants were people he trusted his life with keeping himself to himself, he would never marry or get close to anyone (aware something might happen to them) .
LADY PHEOBE A MEMBER OF THE SPINSTER CLUB - lived on the estate next to his (they were interested in the gentleman living next door - some of the members (believed he was dangerous as he never went out, Pheobe
would defend him and wrote about him in her diary (until after one meeting her was lost she believed it had been taken).
UNTIL her father read in the paper that she was in love with and was betrothed to the
Marquees of Wentworth, ( WHO WAS JUST AS CONFUSED WHEN HE SAW IT IN THE PAPER). He knew what he had to do he would now be in danger.
I LOVED THIS - HERE IS SO MUCH MORE - I DON'T WANT TO SPOIL IT.
(ONE THING - THAT WAS UNEXPECTED THE OTHER GENTLEMAN (as there was no mention of him until it all goes wrong)
BRILLIANT CHARACTERS .
I RECEIVED AN ARC

[Sue Carter · Rating 4 out of 5]

Enjoyable historical romance. ‘On the shelf’ spinster, Pheobe is mortified when her private diary is given to the press and published without her knowledge. She is further embarrassed that their neighbour, Charles (a Marquis & soon to be Duke) is implicated as the object of her affection in the ensuing scandal, necessitating a hasty marriage. I loved both the main characters in this story, secretive and protective Charles and kind and gentle Pheobe. The development of their romance is a delightful read as Pheobe effectively seduces her new husband into consummating their marriage: I really liked the way Charles has little chance of resisting his innocent bride’s determination to experience all the delights of her marriage with the man she has come to love. A highly readable period romance with a touch of danger from Claire Devon.

[Doreen Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Good Story

I enjoyed this story. It is well-written. Lord Charles was considered to be reclusive. He lived a lonely existence with only his servants to look after him. Phoebe lived on the estate next door and watched Charles follow a routine around his grounds each evening. She recorded her observations in her diary but, when she lost her diary, it resulted in a scandal. She was forced to marry Charles to save her reputation and those of her two sisters. Charles had many rules but Phoebe seemed to delight in breaking them, without realising that the rules were designed to keep her safe. Would Charles be able to protect Phoebe? Would they realise who they could trust? Would they be able to have a settled marriage eventually? Read on and enjoy.

[Rose Seals · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well written, full of drama, love, secrets, romance, laughs, twists, mystery and rules. Phoebe has been watching and writing in her diary about her neighbor, Charles. Charles is a Marquess who has many secrets and his rules , that he follows. As she writes about what she sees and feels, someone lets her secrets out to the public. As a way out of this issue, Charles offers her marriage to save both of their reputations but has lots of rules that she will have to follow. Phoebe really doesn't like rules or feels the need for them so she breaks them one at a time. Rules are made to be broken. They both their happily ever after. Curl up and enjoy this book.
I am an ARC and leave this unbiased, honest review.

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

When Dark meets Light!

Charles is a curmudgeon…it is as simple as that, or is it? Having worked for the Crown , he understands the darkest side of life. Even though Phoebe is a spinster, she sees good in just about everyone. It was very interesting to see how the author weaved a tale of a man clothed in darkness found his light.Watching him bloom was a testimony of what love can do. The villain is well hidden until the end and Phoebe’s unwillingness to lose showed her strength and fortitude. This is a very original tale and though some questions remained as to the “why” he was so paranoid and why she was so upset about a suitor remains unknown, it doesn’t take away from the story at all. Kept my attention!

I received this story for free and these are my own opinions

[Caligirlkrys · Rating 4 out of 5]

Phoebe has had her fill of going through Seasons and being unable to secure a suitor of her tastes. She has put herself on the shelf and is satisfied with life as a spinster. She is an intelligent young woman that doesn’t quite fit the ton’s ideals and while frustrated about it has also found contentment in spinsterhood. She has a keen interest in the habits of her neighbor which leads to a fateful meeting with him one evening. Charles is a very secretive and paranoid man who doesn’t trust others easily. He leads a life full of secrets and loneliness. This story has a grumpy/sunshine trope and a marriage of convenience trope. The characters are likable and detailed and there is even a cute kitty who steals the show at times. A little mystery and suspense thrown in make for an enjoyable read.

[Trinnia Greenlee · Rating 5 out of 5]

I love a story with a difficult Hero and the perfect heroine that whips him into shape. Claire has written a riveting, drama filled and sometimes funny book with many secrets and a few twists to keep you reading. I loved this wonderful book with its interesting characters and a plot that immerses you and takes you along for the ride to this couples HEA. I enjoyed this funny, sexy novel and I think you will too. I highly recommend it!

TG



I received an ARC of this book and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Ruth · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lady Phoebe is secretly in love with her neighbor Charles Montgomery the Marquees of Wentworth. She watches him from her bedroom window.

All her thoughts are written in her diary, she carries with her. Phoebe diary ends up printed in the newspaper. Charles agrees to marry her, but she must follow his rules. Phoebe goes about breaking Charles rules.

What interesting characters Phoebe and Charles are. She's outgoing and Charles is straight lace. You have mystery and kidnapping and love thrown in. Well worth the read.

I received a free copy of this book and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[KAREN MARTIN · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great story,

Charles and Phoebe came together due to a journal that Phoebe kept with her. Until it was lost and her secrets about her interest in Charles a neighbor of the family hit the gossip sheets. Although a spinster who was on the shelf the gossip would hurt her sisters chances of making a match. Charles read about the supposed connection in the scandal sheets and met with the family and decided to propose. Charles was quite odd and difficult to figure out in the beginning but hang in there is does get better with a bit of mystery towards the end. Enjoy!

[Sharon Becker · Rating 2 out of 5]

confusing

I had really high hopes for this book, it had a high rating and I first read a sample before I purchased and it really was interesting and looked forward to reading more. The further I got into the story so many things didn’t make sense and never explained, don’t open drapes, danger everywhere, you can’t go out and nothing was ever happening. The story went on and on way too long and sex parts at time way more than needed.

[Amy Willey · Rating 2 out of 5]

2 stars for publishing a book. Deserves less.

Badly written and badly plotted, this book desperately needed more rounds of editing. The characters have zero sense and the FMC has the personality of dishwater. I’m mad at myself for reading the whole thing and then giving my email address for an extended epilogue that did not further the story in any actual way (not even the obligatory pregnancy reveal).

[Shelby Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Never go looking for a lost cat!

That was Phoebe’s way of meeting her crush and next door neighbor! Duke Charles has no time for trespassing neighbor, he has a phobia, someone is trying to harm him,can’t be to cautious! But when Phoebe’s diary is published in the paper, they are forced into a marriage of convenience! But thinking she will not rebel against , well you will find out!

[Call Me Cordelia · Rating 3 out of 5]

I enjoyed this book, my first from this author. I was invested in the characters and story; however, parts of the plot were confusing due to lack of detail.

There seemed to be an assumption that the reader had some prior knowledge of the characters and plot (especially why Charles was the way he was), which was frustrating for me. I felt I had to bridge too many gaps with my imagination.

I adored Phoebe! I hope subsequent books about her sisters retain her as a character.

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Diary/A Scandal-Almost/Enchantment!

Lady Phoebe misplaces her diary without thinking or remembering at a meeting & the next thing she’s in the paper in a scandal. The Marques next door offers to marry her & she realizes later that there is much more to him than his rules/ his mysterious side/ & his devotion-love & more love.

[Julia Talbot · Rating 4 out of 5]

a lot of untied plot lines

Three and a half stars for me on this one. Cute trope meet up. Neuro spicy hero is adorable. But there’s so many untied up plots. SPOILER. Who tried to kill him and why when she mentions a woman did that? What was with the letters he was getting? What was in them? I’m like did I just miss it? I wanted to see the plots all come together

[Pauline Clark · Rating 5 out of 5]

Hot and steamy

Claire has written a wonderful story in which Charles and Phoebe are neighbours who have not meet yet through a scandal they are forced to marry. As they slowly fall in love with each other they are being hunted by someone who wishes to part them for ever

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

The heroine has a crush on her neighbor and writes about it in her journal. Somehow the journal gets published. To save her reputation the hero marries her, but has a list of rules that must be followed. HEA comes after the rules are broken. It was a humorous read.

[Vickie Gehrt · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wedded to the Cruel Duke

Romance with a bit of mystery, intrigue and excitement. This story has so many “about faces” that you will get dizzy but entertained! Colorful characters and endless new happenings will keep you hooked.

[Terryan · Rating 3 out of 5]

It probably is a good read but for the fact it follows a similar sequence of events and storyline as a previous book from the same Author that I read before this one. When the story seems to familiar I get bored and hence give up.

[Yajaira Diaz · Rating 3 out of 5]

so many unanswered questions

Through out this book we have the MC being paranoid with close windows, not wanting to go outside and forbidding the FC from visiting family bc “he’s being watched”. Well the book finished and none of those things were addressed! I’m just confused 🤔

[Camila · Rating 2 out of 5]

I did not enjoyed it that much, it had too many things that bother me. The part he does not allow her wife to go out was too much for my liking.
*sorry for the misspelling, I speak spanish