My Captive Duchess: A Grumpy Sunshine Forced Proximity Regency Romance

The Reeves of Reeves Hall #1

by M.M. Wakeford

“You cannot leave Reeves Hall again. Here you will remain.”
Recently widowed, Jane, Duchess of Coleford, has moved to an isolated part of Cornwall with her young daughter. There she meets her nearest neighbour, Brook Reeves, a man with a seemingly permanent scowl on his handsome face who soon makes it clear that he wants her gone. Despite his many offers to purchase the crumbling house she inherited from her late husband, she stubbornly insists on staying.

It is not long before the two become adversaries, both determined to ignore the attraction that has flared between them. Until one day, Jane ventures uninvited into his domain and sees things she must never tell the world about. There is only one solution. At Reeves Hall she must remain, his captive duchess.

Author’s note: My Captive Duchess is a slow-burn yet steamy romance set in Regency England with a science-fiction twist. It is book one of a four-part series, The Reeves of Reeves Hall, set around the mysterious Reeves family who are not what they seem. However, this book can be read and enjoyed as a standalone.

Genres: Romance, Historical, Historical Romance, Audiobook, Regency

273 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 29, 2024

About the author

M.M. Wakeford lives with her husband and son in a London terraced house that gathers dust while she loses herself in her writing. A lifelong reader of romantic novels, she writes in many genres including contemporary, sci-fi and historical romance.

Her stories capture that heady feeling of falling in love, with emotionally rich characters whose journey to a happily ever after is lined with dilemmas, desire and difficult choices. If you're looking for a page turning romance with high emotion and a good dose of spice, you're in the right place.

To be the first to hear about new releases, sneak previews and exclusive extras, sign up for M.M. Wakeford's mailing list at mw-author.com.


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Reviews

[QuinnReads · Rating 4 out of 5]

Worlds Collide

Jane Price Cavendish, Dowager Duchess of Coleford, and Brook/Broek Reeves have a... unique story. I stepped out of my comfort zone, when I picked this up. It is undoubtedly an interesting mix of genres as Regency meets something literally out of this world with the Reeves family and servants coming from another galaxy.

As odd as it was for the two worlds to collide, I found myself enjoying it. Chloe, Jane's daughter, helps ease some of the tension, especially when she's begging for sweets. 😀

I received an author's copy of the audio book. The narrators are Sebastian Hardcastle and the author. I enjoyed both, but the recording quality for the two varies between them. It's not a showstopper, just an observation.

Story: 3.5 stars
Narration: 3.5 stars
Listening Speed: 1.8x

H = 30s; h = 25

[Pat Robinson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I am normally not into sci-fi, but this story of Regency England wrapped in sci-fi is the most fascinating story I have read in a long while! Jane is an orphan , a “Cinderella “ type who wins the Duke and then loses him. Broek is her nemesis, her neighbor and the man who awakens desires she has never felt. The Writer does an awesome job of wrapping technology with 1800’s England and the Grumpy /Sunshine is a genre I absolutely adore. It was fun to imagine what the author was describing in Broek’s world and home. The chemistry between them just fills the page , though I thought maybe Catana would have been a little more aggressive in keeping her place in Broek’s life. The climax between Jane and Broek was heart-wrenching and well written. I adored Jane’s pull to pray at the church and the peace it gave her. The author did a wonderful job of showing Jane to be a mother who makes mistakes, has regrets and still does her best to love her daughter well. The freedom thread proves once again, that love can’t be forced, but has to be given freely. Watching Broek realize that and learn from it was rewarding and seeing Jane realize pride a problem she had to release before she could move on with her life was enlightening. All in all, a wonderful read!

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Lynn_G · Rating 4 out of 5]

When widowed Jane and her infant daughter are forced from their home and sent to the only non-entailed property among the estate, their coachmen make a wrong turn and are confronted by a taciturn Broek who all but slams the door in their faces after tersely directing them toward Penhale Manor.

As they dwell in neighboring estates, Broek is unable to avoid Jane, and circumstances conspire to put them in each other’s path repeatedly. What begins as disdain soon turns to heated clashes, then becomes something which straddles the line between dislike and attraction.

How in the world (or out of it) will they overcome the monumental obstacles in their way?

This is the first book in the Reeves family series, a four book arc centering around extraterrestrial siblings exiled to Regency era Great Britain, assimilating with the population while holding themselves apart in order to prevent humans from discovering their impossible to explain technological gadgets. It mostly works as a standalone.

It’s rather high concept and there are a lot of moving parts, so I’m certain subsequent books will fill in some of the plot holes inherent in this volume. All in all it’s a great romp of an opening act.

I was furnished an advance reader copy from the author and booksirens, and I’m sharing my honest impressions.

[Rose Seals · Rating 5 out of 5]

What a remarkable story that mixes two different times- one the future and one the past. Has quite the storyline. Broek is from the future but sent to the past to Earth in exile while Jane is a widow and a Duchess in England. Jane's husband death has left her nothing as all the dukedom is entailed but he did leave her a home in the country. She now needs to make her home there with her daughter. Broek meets Jane as she heads to this property. He wants to buy this property and use it for his family. He offers to buy the property so that she could find another home. They bump heads constantly till she realizes that with that money that she has, she just can't make it work. Broek has some choices and there is a lot of hot steamy scenes between them. Can't wait for the next story in this series. Would offer more than 5 stars if able. Would strongly recommend to others.

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

[Natalia · Rating 2 out of 5]

I struggled to rate this one. On the one hand it’s an innovative take on historical romance. On the other, as likeable as the FMC was, the romance just wasn’t believable and the chemistry between her and MMC just told to us rather than us seeing it throughout. It also was dual pov until suddenly we had a chapter in a third character’s pov and that just felt very jarring. I see why the author did it, since it was at the twist point, but it could’ve just been done from the FMC’s pov and worked much better.

I also wished that both the cover and the book selling copy were more reflective of the content and had a bit more of the sci-fi aspect there. They felt misleading.

[Julie Ambrose · Rating 4 out of 5]

A historical romance with a scientific twist .

The duchess left a widow with a young daughter is left with run down home , a gentleman from an ajoining estate wants her house and land but why .

The story unfolds and she finds out the truth of why he wants her home .An awful accident outside reeves hall her daughter is seriosly injured they and are taken into the hall and all becomes a reality

Now knowing there secret she can not leave ever again .

The story then explores the characters and their lives .

Wanting her freedom and trust yet slowing falling in love this is slow burning and yet compelling love story .

An enjoyable read .

[Yudi · Rating 5 out of 5]

I won a paperback copy of this book from a Goodreads giveaway and I am giving my honest opinion.

I immediately started to read this book because I was super curious about the story and how it would come about, especially since it involves a bit of sci-fi.
From the get go the author managed to capture my attention. The writing style of a storyteller that just kept me interest from beginning to end.
While reading, it was so easy to picture in my head what was happening as if I was reading a movie. Well paced without meandering or overly detailing to fill up pages.
It’s a historical romance with an interesting twist and I found that to be so refreshing!

Broek is the eldest of four siblings. Exiled with loyal servants and his siblings to Earth because of the treasonous act of his mother and former lover in their home Planet. Being the eldest, makes him be responsible for his siblings, their wealth, and safety in a world where they are not from so it makes him be grumpy. Too much responsibilities on his shoulders.
Jane is a very intelligent and curious woman. Orphaned as a teen and had to live under the roof of family that didn’t treat her well. Her late husband, Giles the Duke of Coleford, fell in love with her and treated her well. Unfortunately he had an accident and passed away leaving Jane a widow with a small child to take care of.
The banter between Jane and Broek made me laugh. It was so obvious the attraction and growing affection both have for reach other. Also, this is like a second chance at love for the both of them. Jane because she lost her dear husband and Broek because of the betrayal of his former lover.

Overall this was such a fun read for me! The whole premise of the story was so interesting. It kept me wanting to find out more and turning the pages eager to know more of what would happen next. It’s been a while since I read a historical romance and it was so nice to read one with a fresh new take. I loved the sci-fi aspect of it. I am curious about the other siblings stories 👀 so I ended up ordering the second book and look forward to reading it when it arrives.

[Linda · Rating 4 out of 5]

Well, this was different. I was not expecting sci-fi and historical together, but it works.

Jane had just lost her husband, a duke. She was left with a young daughter and no place to live because she did not have a son. There was a small property she could move to because it wasn't entailed. The housekeeper and groundskeeper were informed that she was coming and to prepare the house for her.

After a long and hard journey, she finally arrived to find the house a mess, the housekeeper dead, and the groundskeeeper drunk. Well, she had no place else to go, so she rolled up her sleeves and got to work making it livable.

Two days later her neighbor, Brook Reeves, came and offered to buy the property. Jane had met him on the way to her new home. She mistook him for the gatekeeper and thought he was very impolite. When she found out he was her impolite neighbor she told him she wasn't selling and asked him to leave.

Brook and his family had been banished from his home planet. He needed more land to house his people. He was bound and determined to get the property. Jane was determined to keep it.

Jane had come to Brook's home and while at the gate her daughter saw a dog and ran after it onto the road where she was hit and knocked down by a speeding mail coach. She was carried into his home where there was medical equipment like Jane had never seen before(Brook's planet's equipment). Because she saw it, Brook told her she could not leave. He had to protect his people.

Well, while she was there they began to fall in love. He asked her to marry him, but she couldn't marry a man who didn't trust her. It all worked out in the end and then we get Brook's sister's story.

[Tilde D · Rating 4 out of 5]

If it’s important to you to know what tropes are in a book, let me take care of that now: My Captive Duchess is: Grumpy/Sunshine with dashes of Alpha Male, Hidden Identity and Opposites Attract.

Grumpy is Broek, exiled with his siblings from their home planet Uvon to Regency-era England. Broek Reevas is a handsome, hot, alien, alpha male (maybe that makes him an Alpha Centauri male) with domineering and dictatorial tendencies, and all the charming manners of a Klingon. He’s like a super-buff Mr. Darcy who talks like Worf. Broek, who has changed his name to the more English-sounding “Brook Reeves” is the leader of the exiled Uvonians, who are attempting to live quiet lives on an estate in Cornwall, and keeping the truth about themselves from becoming known by the local populace. To ensure their Uvonian technology remains undiscovered, Brook and the other exiles make sure that the locals never gain entrance to Reeves Hall.

Sunshine is Jane, the recently widowed Duchess of Coleford, who has come with her 3 year old daughter to live in Penhale Manor, the estate next door to Reeves Hall. The decrepit Penhale Manor house, full of dust, cobwebs, and mice, was bequeathed to Jane in her husband’s will. Jane has nowhere else to go, so, determined to make a clean, cozy home for herself and her daughter, she immediately gets to work cleaning and making repairs. Jane is no stranger to hard work, as she was orphaned at a young age and sent to live with her aunt and uncle, who treated her like an unpaid servant. Then, for a brief time, Jane found happiness with Giles, her titled husband, who plucked Jane from her dreary obscurity and made her his duchess. After 3 and a half idyllic years and the birth of their daughter Chloe, Giles died in an accident, leaving Jane to make her way alone in the world, with very limited funds to live on.

Broek doesn’t like it that Jane has moved next door. He wants to buy Penhale Manor and set up one of his siblings there, to be a sort of annex to the Reeves estate. He doesn’t want Jane to get close enough to spy the advanced technology at Reeves Hall. So, Broek offers to buy Penhale from Jane. Jane refuses. Broek asks again. Jane again refuses.

Their relationship turns into a verbal sparring match, with Jane giving as good as she gets, and Broek discovering that the diminutive duchess is a formidable adversary. Sparks fly.

And, inevitably, one night Jane unwittingly enters a forbidden part of Reeves Hall and witnesses unimaginable wonders including television screens, electric lights, and a flush toilet with a built-in bidet. What deviltry is this??!

Since she has seen their Uvonian technology, Jane along with Chloe and their maid Betsy must now live in Reeves Hall, forever, with no chance to escape.

Sparks fly in more ways than one. Jane and Broek fight a growing attraction. If they are ever to reach a HEA, hard choices need to be made, and hard lessons about trust and the nature of love and choice need to be learned.

This was immensely enjoyable. There are plot holes big enough to fly the Enterprise through, but I just didn’t care, I was having too much fun. The steam/spice level was enjoyable, too.

I’m looking forward to reading more books in this series. A very solid 4 stars.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Debbie Steed · Rating 4 out of 5]

I was a bit dubious about reading this first book in this series as sci fi really isn’t my thing but I have to admit I’m really glad I did. It was an interesting read, keeping mainly to historical romance throughout the plot with remembering times in the past and also scenes in Reeves Hall that have the elements of sci fi in the story.
Jane, the recently widowed Duchess of Coleford is still grieving her husband who swept her away from her unhappy home with her aunt and uncle. She and her young daughter Chloe are moving to their new home, Penhale Manor, left to her by her husband in a remote part of Cornwall. Her nearest neighbours are a reclusive family living at Reeves Hall.
Brook (Broek) Reeves lives in Reeves Hall with his younger siblings, sister Liora and two brothers Simor and Horis and their extensive staff. He wants to buy Penhale Manor to keep strangers away from them as they hold a secret that no one can find out about.
When Broek goes to Jane with a generous offer to purchase Penhale Manor. He’s shocked when she refuses to sell to him and she’s adamant she won’t sell in the future either. They don’t start off on the best terms but they do have an attraction to each other that they can’t deny.
An accident involving Chloe outside Reeves Hall has consequences that will affect both families forever.
This story has an interesting plot from the beginning. It’s well written with great characters and a strangely believable storyline. It’s well paced and steamy nearer the end. I love Broek’s grumpy exterior but soft personality inside and Jane’s tenacity to do the best for her and Chloe. Chloe is a cutie and is enchanted by Brook from their first meeting. It’s lovely to read his interactions with Chloe. Jane and Broek have a more fiery relationship, Jane isn’t one to be walked over but has to try to gain Broek’s trust when he’s adamant she can’t be trusted. The attraction between them grows stronger the longer they are together but Jane feels guilty having strong feelings for another so soon after her husband’s death and Broek was hurt badly in the past and he finds his new found feelings for Jane very unsettling. His siblings try to smooth things over but in the end Jane and Broek have to work together and try to understand each other to see if they can have a relationship with trust and respect.
I really found this a little gem of a story in a vast selection of other great historical romance books. It’s a story with a difference but doesn’t stray too far away from my love of historical steamy romance novels. I have read all of M. M Wakeford’s historical novels and loved all of them, including this one. I look forward to reading the next book in this series.
I received a copy of this book from the author. I’m writing this review voluntarily.

[Nanna · Rating 5 out of 5]

Where to start with this amazing story, I have read a ton of regency romance, and this one is so different and special. The author has taken two very different story lines, historical romance and Sci Fi and combined them for a wonderful story of two very different people. The Duchess of Coleford, June finds herself widowed with her small daughter, Chloe. Then she finds out her wonderful husband didn’t leave any provisions or support for them! Everything will go to the new Duke. There is an old house, Penhale manor, that she can have. She finds it to be in bad shape and with a lack of funds she is not sure what she will do. Brook Reeves, with his sister and two brothers, lives next door. They keep to themselves as they have a lot of powerful secrets that no one can find out about. The last thing he wants is someone moving into the manor he had plans to buy. Brook, his brother, Horis and Simor with their sister Lora are all here not my choice. When an accident happens to Chole, the only way to save her life is at Reeves Hall. Now the real story begins and what a story it is. Both Brook and June must deal with so much and decide what is best for all. There is so much going on within Reeves Hall, it was amazing to read and imagine how one would feel leaving technology behind as Brook and his family had too. While June must overcome the shock at what she sees. Both are drawn to the other even when they are at odds with the other. Neither can stop the attraction to the other. I loved the ending and how June shocked Brook with her knowledge of the burial and just what to say. I love it; it was even more special as I am also the daughter of a churchman. It was perfect. This is a book all should not miss. It is a steamy story but a unique fun read that makes one think. I bought this book as I received an ARC of the last book and wanted to make sure I understood it. This series is the best read in order. I am starting to book two now and can’t wait to see what happens to the sister. Rush and get your copy, you will not be disappointed.

[Bonnie · Rating 4 out of 5]

Thanks to the author for a copy of this ebook and this is my freely given opinion.

This was not what I was expecting at all, and because it involved a futuristic/sci-fi/alien/strangers in a strange land storyline, rather than straight up historical, I was a bit taken aback and not sure what to make of it at first. For the past several years, historical romances have been my preferred method to escape from reality. But I used to be quite an avid fan of works of people like Piers Anthony and Robert A. Heinlein, so this kind of threw me back to when I used to be a fan of Sci-Fi/fantasy and after getting used to the change in direction, enjoyed the mash-up that is this novel.

In this story, we are introduced to the Reeves family, known by a different name, on an alien planet where, because of seditious actions by close family, the siblings are being banished for life to another planet, where there has been an abandoned attempt to colonize it. This planet is of course, Earth, and the beings that were sent to colonize it many eons before, have progressed to the Regency period. Despite abandoning the colonization attempt, there is information on the progress on Earth of the people, and while the Reeves, and those loyal to them travelled the two years to reach Regency England, Earth, they learned what they could to assimilate.

On arriving, they were able to establish themselves in a remote area, and establish an estate where they could conceal their natures and technologies, while maintaining the illusion of a Regency family. They generally succeed in fitting in, and using their advanced abilities, they are able to become wealthy and thrive, despite maintaining relative isolation and secrecy. They have a large enough retinue that the eldest and leader, Broek, who has taken on the more-Earthly name of Brook, has been putting out feelers to obtain a nearby abandoned estate so they can expand their holdings, especially as their group expands as members start to have families of their own, but still maintain a relatively closed community. Unfortunately his inquiries fail to get anywhere. Also their secretive and isolated behaviour is starting to draw unwanted speculation and suspicion from local society. The siblings conclude that they must integrate more with local society, including inviting members to their home, and perhaps one of them marrying a local prominent member of society, though there is some contention as to who would make that sacrifice.

Jane is the recently widowed Duchess of Coleford and now single mother of a young daughter. She was a poor orphan, who somehow managed to win the love of her husband, a Duke, defying all expectations. But it was a Cinderella love story that came to a sudden and ignoble end when he died suddenly, leaving his widow and daughter with a small inheritance and remote, unentailed estate, otherwise all his wealth is entailed and now belongs to the new duke. Jane is forced to to leave her home to take up residence at the neglected manor on the outskirts of Exeter. There, she meets Brook Reeves and they strike sparks off each other. Brook resents that the little Duchess is taking residence on the estate he wants, and when he tries to pressure her into leaving and selling to him, Jane fights back and suddenly she is also taking up residence in his head - and he starts to resent how attracted he is to her and how much of his thoughts she occupies. He works hard to get her to leave and almost succeeds, after she sells him her manor and prepares to leave the neighbourhood. But due to circumstances beyond their control, the secrets of the Reeves are exposed to Jane and to prevent her from exposing them to the world at large, Brook make her and her daughter captives on their estate.

This becomes a forced proximity, enemies to lovers story that is quite steamy, as Jane learns more about the Reeves, their past, and their world, and Brook and his family learn to trust and care for her. But despite her growing attraction and feelings for Brook, she still feels she is a prisoner and cannot feel she can give of herself, unless she can do so as a free, independent woman. Also, despite being told their banishment is permanent, Brook and his family find out that they are offered a reprieve and now must make a choice - do they stay on Earth, or return home?

Despite being taken aback by the Sci fi element, I did find myself drawn in and enjoying this mash up of a story, including the aspects of Jane discovering the

I have some minor issues about the story, but they are minor ones, such as why the Reeves would invite the Duchess to a dinner party, or why she would accept, since she was in deep and relatively decent mourning for her husband, which would make public socialization, especially with relative strangers would be verboten during deep mourning. Also some missing elements such how they managed to gather the materials to continue their tech, and produce things, such as the produce for their native food, etc. And yes, I am likely overthinking things, but also things like their lack of exposure to Earth etc, how would they really manage with things like local illnesses, etc, since they only observed from afar, and generally abandoned the colony many eons before (after all, look at what happened to unexposed indigenous populations when exposed to flu and smallpox by colonizers like the British/French/Spanish, etc).

Regardless, I found it to be a refreshing change, and an oddly beguiling story.

3.75 stars out of 5

Editted to add - just listened to the audiobook as I was given a copy of it by the author. I normally don't listen to audiobooks and this was a reminder why - I find them too slow, and I found myself reading along with it. But it made me appreciate the written book more and I enjoyed it more on the second go around. I enjoyed the cadence of how the book was read in the two narrator's voices - though I did speed it up, and the British accents. One thing the audiobook was lacking in was the prologue explaining the history of the Reeves, how they came to be exiled, and establishing their colony in Regency England. I felt that was an important part of the story, to lay that background, since this is not a typical historical romance, and it also lays the groundwork for Boerk's taciturn, domineering bitterness.

4 stars out of 5 on re-reading - maybe a bit less for the audiobook because of the missing prologue.

[Reg Hancock · Rating 5 out of 5]

As usual this writer gives us a good story, romance and sensuality. This is a little different in that it involves a touch of sci-fi. Jane the Duchess of Coleford was but a maid before the duke fell in love with her ignoring all advice and married her. He was kind and handsome and they produced a daughter however the duke tragically died in a hunting accident and since the ducal properties were entailed all the possessions went to the heir leaving Jane with only a run-down estate in Cornwall, Penhale Manor. Since she hadn't come from much Jane with her 3 year old daughter was intent to forge ahead despite conflict with her neighbor, Brook Reeves who owned the large estate adjacent and had wanted to buy and annex her estate to his. Here the story expands as when Jane has cause to visit his estate she encounters things she has never seen before and Brook then makes her a captive as he cannot allow her to spread word. The banished exile from the planet Uvon, millions of miles away now lives here with his sister and two younger brothers so we will see more of them in the sequels. This does get deliciously steamy though is a slow burn. Fun read even if leaving us with many questions. Received this arc and have voluntarily reviewed.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a historical romance with an element of science fiction. Newly widowed Jane and her young daughter were low on funds and had few options. When they travelled to their new home in remote Cornwall, Jane was shocked to see the terrible condition of the house. Jane was also dismayed at the rudeness of her handsome neighbor. He wished to buy her home and wouldn't take "no" for an answer.
Brook Reeves and his family were introverts out of necessity. Although human, they came from a technologically advanced society in another galaxy. They did their best to fit in with the locals. Having Jane show up was an unexpected complication. Brook couldn't get the stubborn widow out of his head.
I couldn't put this book down! It was a good story with steam and great characters. I assumed that there was going to be a happy ending, but it really was tough to figure out how Jane and Brook were going to get there. This is going to be an interesting series.

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

[Lois Karasek · Rating 5 out of 5]

Absolutely outstanding writing! It isn't often I can issue such praise, but this author deserves it. Superb blend of Scifi/Alien characters and early 19th Century setting and characters. Through a vividly descriptive writing style, the reader can "see" the story unfold and develop.

A family of aliens from another galaxy are banished to Earth and adapt to British 19th Century life. The neighbors, however, have dubbed them witches because of their isolated non-social behavior. They finally decide to have a dinner party to try and dispel the rumors. One of the guests, a newcomer to the neighborhood, finds something she shouldn't have and is made a prisoner in order to keep the family's secret. She wants desperately to escape, but the head of the alien family is determined to keep her. Is there a greater reason for this than simply to keep the family secrets?

Original story with uncompromising storytelling that you will have difficulty putting down once you start reading. Highly recommend.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Emily Pennington · Rating 5 out of 5]

Holding Her Captive . . .

This story line was definitely unexpected, but well-written. When Brook Reeves, along with his three younger siblings Liora, Horis, and Simor. were forced to leave their home planet Uvon when his mother commits treason, they arrived in Cornwall and have remained there quietly to avoid notice. When Jane Cavendish’s husband died, she moved to a crumbling wreck of a country home next door to Brook’s estate. To maintain their strict privacy, he tried to purchase it from her, but she stubbornly refused to sell. But when she accidentally discovers the neighbor’s secret, she is forced to remain his captive. Will they become attracted to each other? Could she have a future with him? Or will she find a means of escape?

I applaud the clever plot in this story. I adore both Regency and Sci-Fi, but never expected to see a combination of my two favorites! Well done!

[Jen · Rating 5 out of 5]

Recommended Read – a brilliant story
Fantastic! I missed any notification this has a Sci-Fi element, so imagine my surprise from page 1. I had to check the book cover again to make sure I had the right book, LOL. But you know what? It works. A seamless blend between the two genres, throw in some spice, a strong & feisty FMC, a cute daughter, and a stubborn manly-man with the weight of balancing two worlds, and you have a winner. Dual POV. Riveting and gripping story right from the start right up until the nicely wrapping-it-all-up HEA. I am now a huge fan of this blended genre style. With exceptional writing and story-telling I'll be keen read more from this is author.

[Debdutch · Rating 4 out of 5]

“My Captive Duchess” by M.M. Wakeford is an intriguing blend of Regency romance and sci-fi, offering a fresh twist on the grumpy/sunshine trope. Jane’s emotional journey, Brook’s growth, and their sizzling chemistry drive a well-paced story. The fusion of 19th-century England with futuristic technology is both inventive and captivating. While high-concept and layered, this standalone opener promises even richer storytelling in the Reeves family series.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Kathy Kilgore · Rating 4 out of 5]

Written for the space junkies living in all of us.

If you ever wondered about the origin of humans or looked at.the heavens and wondered if other humans shared the universe you may enjoy this novel. Tenancy period books will never look quite the same to me.
Themes of where a person belongs, what is truly important, what moral values are acceptable and family love are all explored and add richness to the story.

I am looking forward to the next chapter in the lives of the Reeves family

[Diana · Rating 5 out of 5]

Timeless love

Originally, I wasn't sure if I'd enjoy My Captive Duchess, but I was pleasantly surprised and only put it down when my eyes needed a break from reading. I can only imagine having such amazing technology, yet having to live in a civilization before it's time. Even more so, would be trusting both that knowledge and one's heart - finding love and sacrificing all that is needed for that love. I'm definitely looking forward to reading books two and three in the Reeves of Reeves Hall series!

[Maria Wise · Rating 2 out of 5]

While reading the books description you get the impression that it's going to be an historical romance. But, there are instead aliens clumsily mixed in making the whole book messy. I couldn't finish the book. Would have liked a more accurate book description. Yes, the mention there was going to be a plottwist but the book started with describing the aliens situation.

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

[Marjorie Messerschmidt · Rating 5 out of 5]

The introduction mentions sci-fi, so I was a little wary, however, I found the story so engaging I couldn’t put it down. The duchess character was well developed with morals appropriate for the time. Most readers should be able to identify with one of the siblings as they each have issues for us to see. I’m definitely interested in the next in series.

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

[Melanie Purcell · Rating 4 out of 5]

I found the storyline fascinating! The characters range from charming to a bit brash but vividly drawn and key to adding depth. The FMC is an interesting blend of stubborn and sweet with a strong faith while the MMC is less complex. The story presents some intriguing perspective and questions about society's mores in any era.

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

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

This was a great book and it was a page tuner and the suspense was great. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put down. It was a sweet and romantic moment between these characters. The drama caught my attention in this moment of passion and tension.
I definitely recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed.
I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily. Trina Jones

[Barbara]

This is book one of a four-part series, The Reeves of Reeves Hall, set around the mysterious Reeves family who are not what they seem. This is Jane, the recently widowed Duchess of Coleford and her young daughter Chloe who move to their new home, Penhale Manor and meets Brook (Broek) Reeves, who has a secret. A well written story that held my interest. I want to read the next book. I received a copy of this book via Booksprout and am voluntarily leaving a review.

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series.

It is a regency story with a sci-fi twist.

The FMC moves to the country when her husband dies. She ends up starting a feud with the neighbour, but when she finds out what it is he has been hiding, she ends up becoming his captive so that his secret remains hidden.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.

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

[Kat M · Rating 5 out of 5]

This had everything that I was looking for and enjoyed from the historical fiction novel, it had that feel that I was looking for and enjoyed the romance going on. It was a strong start to the Reeves of Reeves Hall series, and left me wanting to read more in this series. M.M. Wakeford has everything that I wanted and was invested in this story.

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

[Ojone Nwosu · Rating 4 out of 5]

Inspiring, adventurous, educative as well. When you live in an era of high suspicion where anything not understood is looked upon as bad, being careful becomes the utmost goal. It’s a book that’s intriguing and interesting read. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily

[Lyn D Rose · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a well written and original historical sci-fi love story. The story was entertaining with action, drama, intrigue, suspense, a hidden lifestyle, a near death accident, a forced captivity, and so much more interest and excitement that kept me engaged. I enjoyed jow a beautiful romance came to be, and the surprising ending. I highly recommend reading!

[Mrs Deborah · Rating 5 out of 5]

Unusually Good

This was a strange read for me. I struggled a little with the concept of the main two characters narrating their parts of the story. However I thoroughly enjoyed the book and its spice of sci fi. I really liked the story and leading characters. Great dialogue between the leads and you could feel their chemistry. Worth reading.