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Marriage and Duty #1
The Duke's Widow
“You will never be his, Martha…”
Josiah Elkins, the reluctant new Duke of Pembroke, has lived in the shadow of his older brother’s cruelty and greed. Now, with the title thrust upon him, he returns to Pembroke Manor, where duty compels him to confront the one woman he swore to forget Lady Martha, his brother’s widow and the only woman he has ever loved.
Scarred by an abusive marriage and burdened by society’s expectations, Martha has vowed never to let another man control her life. Yet Josiah’s quiet strength and steadfast kindness stir something she thought she had lost forever hope.
But the ghosts of the past linger in every shadow, and the weight of the present threatens to tear them apart. With scandal looming and unspoken truths between them. Will they fight for a love worth risking everything, or will fear drive them to let it slip away?
If you enjoy historical romance with strong characters and a touch of redemption, " The Duke’s Widow" is for you. It’s a heartfelt story of love, hope, and second chances that will captivate you.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Also available free with Kindle Unlimited.
Josiah Elkins, the reluctant new Duke of Pembroke, has lived in the shadow of his older brother’s cruelty and greed. Now, with the title thrust upon him, he returns to Pembroke Manor, where duty compels him to confront the one woman he swore to forget Lady Martha, his brother’s widow and the only woman he has ever loved.
Scarred by an abusive marriage and burdened by society’s expectations, Martha has vowed never to let another man control her life. Yet Josiah’s quiet strength and steadfast kindness stir something she thought she had lost forever hope.
But the ghosts of the past linger in every shadow, and the weight of the present threatens to tear them apart. With scandal looming and unspoken truths between them. Will they fight for a love worth risking everything, or will fear drive them to let it slip away?
If you enjoy historical romance with strong characters and a touch of redemption, " The Duke’s Widow" is for you. It’s a heartfelt story of love, hope, and second chances that will captivate you.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Also available free with Kindle Unlimited.
141 pages, Kindle Edition
Published January 18, 2025
223 people are currently reading
37 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews
April 11, 2025
Misunderstanding Trope
Speaking as someone who will read a cereal box when I’m in the mood to read, I didn’t have a hard time getting through this book. For some reason, I managed to go all the way to the end, so the writing wasn’t completely abysmal.
Let me just say that the story is about a Duke who stole away the woman his brother was attracted to. The Duke died and the brother became the new Duke and was still “smitten” but his brother’s widow. Of course you can guess the end, but for the life of me, I can’t imagine how it could’ve possibly turned out a HEA. Two and a half stars.
Speaking as someone who will read a cereal box when I’m in the mood to read, I didn’t have a hard time getting through this book. For some reason, I managed to go all the way to the end, so the writing wasn’t completely abysmal.
Let me just say that the story is about a Duke who stole away the woman his brother was attracted to. The Duke died and the brother became the new Duke and was still “smitten” but his brother’s widow. Of course you can guess the end, but for the life of me, I can’t imagine how it could’ve possibly turned out a HEA. Two and a half stars.
February 9, 2025
This book was a pain to read. I even had a headache once lol Though that had more to do with the fact that English is not my first language and this has a very regency inspired way of speaking.
The first 50% was so slow I almost quit. And it was so repetitive. I just kept reading because I paid for the book and I really liked the premise. So, I was hoping it would get better.
But can you believe that the plot was solved in the epilogue? I mean, we spend 95% of the book waiting for the main characters to confess their love for each other and we don't even get to see their relationship develop in a meaningful way.
I felt like the author wasted half of the book with not at all relevant matters and repetitive thoughts rather than allowing the characters to know each other deeply and make the reader part of their growing fondness. I mean, one day she hates the guy and the other she's head over heels for him but when did that happen? Did I missed some pages?
I don't know, it didn't really felt like a romance book. I assume this was supposed to be a quick read but where it's the fun in that if you don't get to feel anything?
The first 50% was so slow I almost quit. And it was so repetitive. I just kept reading because I paid for the book and I really liked the premise. So, I was hoping it would get better.
But can you believe that the plot was solved in the epilogue? I mean, we spend 95% of the book waiting for the main characters to confess their love for each other and we don't even get to see their relationship develop in a meaningful way.
I felt like the author wasted half of the book with not at all relevant matters and repetitive thoughts rather than allowing the characters to know each other deeply and make the reader part of their growing fondness. I mean, one day she hates the guy and the other she's head over heels for him but when did that happen? Did I missed some pages?
I don't know, it didn't really felt like a romance book. I assume this was supposed to be a quick read but where it's the fun in that if you don't get to feel anything?
March 1, 2025
DNF at 45%. I have zero sympathy for this man. The title blurb makes it sound like he is a tortured individual whose brother tore him away from someone who was very much in love with.
What actually happened is that he saw her in passing in society, I said literally nothing to her, told his brother that he liked her, and then the brother proceeded to marry her to spite him, abuse her horribly and then die. It's not like they had a courtship or a love or anything of the kind, he simply decided he loved her after her seeing her a couple of times.
After his brother's death, he then returns to the estate and is absolutely shitty to everyone involved including her? The woman he claims to love, the woman he can't forget, the woman he howled in despair when his brother told him that he was marrying her? nope, he berates her for not being subservient enough when he arrives 10 months after his brother died. Then, after treating her horribly, he wonders why she is avoiding him! I have no interest in continuing this book at all.
What actually happened is that he saw her in passing in society, I said literally nothing to her, told his brother that he liked her, and then the brother proceeded to marry her to spite him, abuse her horribly and then die. It's not like they had a courtship or a love or anything of the kind, he simply decided he loved her after her seeing her a couple of times.
After his brother's death, he then returns to the estate and is absolutely shitty to everyone involved including her? The woman he claims to love, the woman he can't forget, the woman he howled in despair when his brother told him that he was marrying her? nope, he berates her for not being subservient enough when he arrives 10 months after his brother died. Then, after treating her horribly, he wonders why she is avoiding him! I have no interest in continuing this book at all.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
February 9, 2025
Starting Over
This was a little different take on this time period in which we usually find a young woman, age 18-22, going through her “season” during which it is hoped she will find a suitable match, meaning a wealthy husband. In this case, we have a young woman married to a man who was a cruel drunkard which prompted her household staff to hide and protect her from him. Following his unexpected death and after a suitable period of mourning, she finds herself starting over, vowing to never marry again.
It was interesting that a widow seemed to not have the restrictions placed on her behavior as found placed on a young woman in her season. It did not appear that she was required to always have an escort and she was allowed to actually be in a room with a man alone.
This was a little different take on this time period in which we usually find a young woman, age 18-22, going through her “season” during which it is hoped she will find a suitable match, meaning a wealthy husband. In this case, we have a young woman married to a man who was a cruel drunkard which prompted her household staff to hide and protect her from him. Following his unexpected death and after a suitable period of mourning, she finds herself starting over, vowing to never marry again.
It was interesting that a widow seemed to not have the restrictions placed on her behavior as found placed on a young woman in her season. It did not appear that she was required to always have an escort and she was allowed to actually be in a room with a man alone.
January 30, 2025
This author is my favorite for historical romance reads, she never disappoints. This one was another one that didn’t disappoint. The main character Martha became a widow which wasn’t a bad thing since her husband was a drunk who beat her up. Meanwhile, her husband’s brother had feelings for Martha before his brother pretty much stole her before he could tell her of his feelings. Now that Martha was a widow, does the new Duke tell her of his feelings or has things changed? The story line is very good about what happens after Martha becomes a widow, the Duke tackles his feelings about his brother’s widow, and how they go on in the future. A great read.
January 31, 2025
A gentle and kind Martha has fallen into the hands of a mean-spirited and drunkard of a husband, until he is gone. Pembroke, the Duke's brother, may be a carbon copy of his sibling, including the explosive anger and violent outbursts. Fortunately, both Martha and Pembroke have an ally to help sort out their duties and their feelings. I couldn't put this beautifully written Regency time piece down and neither will you. Five and a half stars!
January 28, 2025
a lovely romance
Martha has suffered at the hands of her husband one night he
Comes home drunk and tries to get to Martha and falls down the
Stairs and dies. His brother becomes he Die who really loved Martha
This is Pembrook and Martha fighting back and forth to decide that
They really loved each other
Martha has suffered at the hands of her husband one night he
Comes home drunk and tries to get to Martha and falls down the
Stairs and dies. His brother becomes he Die who really loved Martha
This is Pembrook and Martha fighting back and forth to decide that
They really loved each other
January 27, 2025
Never second guess yourself
A most intriguing and betrayal which ends in anguish for our her an,md heroine. Gives you the answer to the fact, if you have feelings for another, tell them before too late! Would have saved a lot of heartbreak!
A most intriguing and betrayal which ends in anguish for our her an,md heroine. Gives you the answer to the fact, if you have feelings for another, tell them before too late! Would have saved a lot of heartbreak!
January 30, 2025
Quick read
This book should have a trigger warning for abuse. I m8ght have missed it in the first few pages but I didn't see one. I str7ggled to connect to the characters in this book but it was a nice quick read.
This book should have a trigger warning for abuse. I m8ght have missed it in the first few pages but I didn't see one. I str7ggled to connect to the characters in this book but it was a nice quick read.
February 8, 2025
A Beast/A Beauty/A New Love
A marriage in danger with a mad Duke who treats others poorly with
Another love far away who has
His own issues. And everything must be handled until he comes to his senses & professes his love.
A marriage in danger with a mad Duke who treats others poorly with
Another love far away who has
His own issues. And everything must be handled until he comes to his senses & professes his love.
March 3, 2025
The Duke’s Widow
A story of tragedies.. from beginning to end there are twists and turns to navigate through and feelings to combat. But with the colorful characters and the tale told it will keep you entertained.
A story of tragedies.. from beginning to end there are twists and turns to navigate through and feelings to combat. But with the colorful characters and the tale told it will keep you entertained.
April 7, 2025
Wanted more
I love beginning of the story , but toward the ending after he found out she didn't steal the rubies,they didn't say what happen to lady that did steal them,been nice was a wedding
I love beginning of the story , but toward the ending after he found out she didn't steal the rubies,they didn't say what happen to lady that did steal them,been nice was a wedding
January 25, 2025
interesting
This is a story with a lot of twists and turns. Perhaps things are still that way in matters of love sometimes.
This is a story with a lot of twists and turns. Perhaps things are still that way in matters of love sometimes.
January 27, 2025
Great book
I really enjoyed this book even though it was not my usual genre. I'm glad it ended with a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
I really enjoyed this book even though it was not my usual genre. I'm glad it ended with a happily ever after. I recommend this book.
February 7, 2025
Very enjoyable story. So much emotion involved really gave me the depth of characters I love. Well done!
February 7, 2025
I would've preferred more romance than conflict between the main characters, Martha and Josiah. And only one kiss to end the book.
February 22, 2025
Interesting view of forced marriages in the Regency age.
Makes one very happy to be living now instead of then.
Makes one very happy to be living now instead of then.
March 2, 2025
A rather painful tale of abuse, jealousy, embezzlement.
March 5, 2025
Great Storyline
Enjoyed the book … Good storyline and great characters.
There are quite a few typos … need to get another proofreader to take a look.
Enjoyed the book … Good storyline and great characters.
There are quite a few typos … need to get another proofreader to take a look.
March 17, 2025
A fun read
A fun and quick read about love, misunderstanding and how cruelty can affect one’s viewpoint. But of course there is a happy ending.
A fun and quick read about love, misunderstanding and how cruelty can affect one’s viewpoint. But of course there is a happy ending.
June 2, 2025
Romance
This story was good, with ingesting characters. The ending was a bit rushed though. Could have had a bit more suspense.
This story was good, with ingesting characters. The ending was a bit rushed though. Could have had a bit more suspense.
August 27, 2025
Boring. No charisma or charm or chemistry.
October 21, 2025
This was a shorter book, but it seemed to go on and on. I found I couldn't care about the main characters.
October 6, 2025
Rating: ⭐⭐
This plot felt completely not thought out. The author's lack of attention to historical detail made the entire premise awkward, even vile.
Here's why: Marriages between a brother-in-law and a widow were illegal after 1835. While they might have been annulled by a bishop before that if family objected, this story never addressed the issue, nor did the author provide any dates. I can only assume it was before 1835 since the new Duke finished out the war with Napoleon. Regardless, the entire situation between the two brothers felt vile.
The worst part is Josiah's inner turmoil. He supposedly loved Martha, yet he blames her for marrying his brother when he was the one who didn't act on his feelings or challenge his brother for her hand before the wedding! He just runs off to war instead. The whole thing genuinely upset me and made it impossible to enjoy the story. Yes, his eventual redemption in her eyes is heartwarming, but it's simply not enough to salvage the entire experience.
This plot felt completely not thought out. The author's lack of attention to historical detail made the entire premise awkward, even vile.
Here's why: Marriages between a brother-in-law and a widow were illegal after 1835. While they might have been annulled by a bishop before that if family objected, this story never addressed the issue, nor did the author provide any dates. I can only assume it was before 1835 since the new Duke finished out the war with Napoleon. Regardless, the entire situation between the two brothers felt vile.
The worst part is Josiah's inner turmoil. He supposedly loved Martha, yet he blames her for marrying his brother when he was the one who didn't act on his feelings or challenge his brother for her hand before the wedding! He just runs off to war instead. The whole thing genuinely upset me and made it impossible to enjoy the story. Yes, his eventual redemption in her eyes is heartwarming, but it's simply not enough to salvage the entire experience.
Displaying 1 - 24 of 24 reviews