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Daphne: Re-education of a Duchess
When heiress Miss Daphne Jones finds herself married to the wrong brother – the black-sheep son of the Duke of Burlington – she has little idea that her groom will promptly disappear after the wedding, or worse, that she'll become a duchess and a widow before her seventeenth birthday.
Seven years later, the young and somewhat eccentric duchess has found contentment in taking care of her younger sisters, her absentminded brother-in-law, and an ever-growing menagerie of pets. The only thing missing from her life is a child of her own; but as she has finally accepted one of the many proposals to come her way, she feels confident this small detail will soon take care of itself.
However, when her husband is deposited on her doorstep, unconscious but very much alive, her life (and heart!) spirals out of her control, and she is faced with a seemingly insurmountable how does one go about seducing a man who seems determined to treat one with avuncular detachment and is set on an annulment?
Seven years later, the young and somewhat eccentric duchess has found contentment in taking care of her younger sisters, her absentminded brother-in-law, and an ever-growing menagerie of pets. The only thing missing from her life is a child of her own; but as she has finally accepted one of the many proposals to come her way, she feels confident this small detail will soon take care of itself.
However, when her husband is deposited on her doorstep, unconscious but very much alive, her life (and heart!) spirals out of her control, and she is faced with a seemingly insurmountable how does one go about seducing a man who seems determined to treat one with avuncular detachment and is set on an annulment?
283 pages, Kindle Edition
Published February 1, 2025
95 people are currently reading
43 people want to read
About the author
D.G. Rampton
7 books135 followersBestselling author DG Rampton writes romantic comedy – historical and contemporary – featuring strong-willed heroines, dashing men and sparkling banter.
DGRampton.com
I have always been a creative creature at heart, with a passion for storytelling. But, by some mischievous twist of fate, I found myself studying engineering (the driest and most analytical of subjects) and followed that up by working in the construction industry for ten years. What possessed me, you might well ask! But eventually the call of my creative inclinations proved too demanding and I started to write.
If it wasn't for the wonderful reviews I have received from my readers, I may have never continued my writing journey, so a huge thank you to anyone who has left me a lovely review!
xDG
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DGRampton.com
I have always been a creative creature at heart, with a passion for storytelling. But, by some mischievous twist of fate, I found myself studying engineering (the driest and most analytical of subjects) and followed that up by working in the construction industry for ten years. What possessed me, you might well ask! But eventually the call of my creative inclinations proved too demanding and I started to write.
If it wasn't for the wonderful reviews I have received from my readers, I may have never continued my writing journey, so a huge thank you to anyone who has left me a lovely review!
xDG
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews
April 3, 2025
Final Update: I finally have the words to describe this book and why it drew such an extreme reaction from me: it was like watching a grown man kick a bunny rabbit. Repeatedly. And not being the slightest bit sorry for it.
___________________
Update: DNF—again—at 94%
Mistakenly thinking this book’s second half had to be better than the first, I decided to continue. Wrong decision. No motivation is ever offered for Jack’s disrespect for Daphne or his family. Jack continues to be a jerk. He needs to be shot. Daphne continues to excuse his behavior. She needs to be institutionalized for her own protection.
And I need my head examined for not escaping permanently at 50%.
___________________
DNF at 50%
I have read this author’s first three books, loved them, gave all three five stars. This book is just as well-written.
But the subject matter made me so angry I want to rage cry.
Jack, the MMC, is awful. Atrocious. Inexcusable. I’ve run across a few cruel, sucky, selfish arseholes his equal in romance books before, but none worse. He marries Daphne for her dowry, then abandons her, fakes his own death, and when dragged unwillingly back home after a seven year absence, informs her he wants an annulment so that he can marry his fiancé, with whom he was apparently willing to commit bigamy.
F*ck him and the horse he rode in on.
Daphne deserves her share of the blame for my anger too. At first, I liked her. She was optimistic and cheerful and took the news of her husband’s resurrection with gladness, and began to feel attracted to him. But he treated her like crap, and she cheerfully accepted it. He told her he wanted to annul her, and she smiled through the hurt. But the final straw for me was when his fiancé and her parents showed up at his invitation, issued unbeknownst to her, and she was forced to welcome them into her home. And she did. Oh yes, she smiled through her tears and was concerned that Jack looked tired and began directing the servants to prepare tea. So now you know: SHE’S the woman who gets slapped across the face and then says, “Thank you, sir, may I have another.”
Unacceptable. I wholeheartedly reject it.
___________________
Update: DNF—again—at 94%
Mistakenly thinking this book’s second half had to be better than the first, I decided to continue. Wrong decision. No motivation is ever offered for Jack’s disrespect for Daphne or his family. Jack continues to be a jerk. He needs to be shot. Daphne continues to excuse his behavior. She needs to be institutionalized for her own protection.
And I need my head examined for not escaping permanently at 50%.
___________________
DNF at 50%
I have read this author’s first three books, loved them, gave all three five stars. This book is just as well-written.
But the subject matter made me so angry I want to rage cry.
Jack, the MMC, is awful. Atrocious. Inexcusable. I’ve run across a few cruel, sucky, selfish arseholes his equal in romance books before, but none worse. He marries Daphne for her dowry, then abandons her, fakes his own death, and when dragged unwillingly back home after a seven year absence, informs her he wants an annulment so that he can marry his fiancé, with whom he was apparently willing to commit bigamy.
F*ck him and the horse he rode in on.
Daphne deserves her share of the blame for my anger too. At first, I liked her. She was optimistic and cheerful and took the news of her husband’s resurrection with gladness, and began to feel attracted to him. But he treated her like crap, and she cheerfully accepted it. He told her he wanted to annul her, and she smiled through the hurt. But the final straw for me was when his fiancé and her parents showed up at his invitation, issued unbeknownst to her, and she was forced to welcome them into her home. And she did. Oh yes, she smiled through her tears and was concerned that Jack looked tired and began directing the servants to prepare tea. So now you know: SHE’S the woman who gets slapped across the face and then says, “Thank you, sir, may I have another.”
Unacceptable. I wholeheartedly reject it.
February 17, 2025
Jack is a jerk
I had to stop reading about halfway through. Jack (which is usually a nickname for John not James) was irredeemable. In my opinion, he could never make up for his despicable actions. The ultimate offense was inviting his " fiance " and her awful parents to stay at the home where he was residing with his wife. How or why she could have loved him in spite of his disgusting behavior is unfathomable and frankly even a saint could not have been expected to put up with him. It just made the book simply too unbelievable.
I had to stop reading about halfway through. Jack (which is usually a nickname for John not James) was irredeemable. In my opinion, he could never make up for his despicable actions. The ultimate offense was inviting his " fiance " and her awful parents to stay at the home where he was residing with his wife. How or why she could have loved him in spite of his disgusting behavior is unfathomable and frankly even a saint could not have been expected to put up with him. It just made the book simply too unbelievable.
July 28, 2025
2.5* The side characters were more compelling than the main pair.
December 5, 2024
Another beautifully written story
I fell in love with DG Rampton's stories and couldn't wait for a new book. It has all: amazing writing skill, love, intrigue, and a wonderful storyline
I fell in love with DG Rampton's stories and couldn't wait for a new book. It has all: amazing writing skill, love, intrigue, and a wonderful storyline
February 11, 2025
Really enjoyed
This is the first book in a new series by this author and I really enjoyed it. I could not put it down and am really looking forward to Isadora’s story which is the next book in the series.
This is the first book in a new series by this author and I really enjoyed it. I could not put it down and am really looking forward to Isadora’s story which is the next book in the series.
February 1, 2025
This might be my favorite DG Rampton novel yet! I devoured it yet didn't want it to end. Re-reading all of her other novels now until I can get the next Taming of the Dukes installment!
October 26, 2025
I'm torn; the story is a mess, but I still somewhat enjoyed it. I can see the Georgette Heyer influence; it's definitely more risqué than Heyer (though still a closed-door romance), and it's even more far-fetched than Heyer's most absurd plots (though I don't think it achieved the screwball humor that Heyer excels at). Since the author's other books are rated much more highly than this one, I would definitely be willing to try them. But this story really needed some large-scale content edits.
It would have helped if a lot more work had been put into making the premise plausible.
I agree with other reviewers that Jack's a jerk to Daphne, but I don't think it's really his fault; I think it's a plot issue. Over all, the characters are forced into choices/actions to suit the plot, not because it's what they (or anyone) would actually do in these circumstances.
It would have helped if a lot more work had been put into making the premise plausible.
I agree with other reviewers that Jack's a jerk to Daphne, but I don't think it's really his fault; I think it's a plot issue. Over all, the characters are forced into choices/actions to suit the plot, not because it's what they (or anyone) would actually do in these circumstances.
August 5, 2025
Read the author's other works. This one is pretty bad.
The MMC is an absolute idiot in this one and doesn't redeem himself throughout.
Not sure what the trend is with making heterosexual male leads either so nice they've got no personality or complete beasts no sane person would want to be around in attempt to make them more 'alpha,' but I hate it.
This author is generally talented so I'm surprised to see this bomb so badly. MMC is abusive to FMC and his entire family and the FMC is generally a spineless mop the entire time as well. Truly tragic to see this happen to a potentially good plot. Aside from Jack being a useless wanker, the plot didn't even make sense, why did he do any of those things in the first place? Avoiding spoilers but if you make it through it, you'll see what I mean.
The FMC's sisters appear to have spine potential so I may read the next book to see if things improve, but if not I've given up.
The MMC is an absolute idiot in this one and doesn't redeem himself throughout.
Not sure what the trend is with making heterosexual male leads either so nice they've got no personality or complete beasts no sane person would want to be around in attempt to make them more 'alpha,' but I hate it.
This author is generally talented so I'm surprised to see this bomb so badly. MMC is abusive to FMC and his entire family and the FMC is generally a spineless mop the entire time as well. Truly tragic to see this happen to a potentially good plot. Aside from Jack being a useless wanker, the plot didn't even make sense, why did he do any of those things in the first place? Avoiding spoilers but if you make it through it, you'll see what I mean.
The FMC's sisters appear to have spine potential so I may read the next book to see if things improve, but if not I've given up.
December 3, 2024
Not up to D.G. Rampton's usual standard. The plot was weak. The author did not provide any compelling reasons for Jack's seven year absence in India. There were hints but considering he was heir to a dukedom, they were not compelling. And considering the continual flow of traffic between India and the UK, he would have found it almost impossible not to encounter people who knew him, let alone enter into partnership with a leading merchant or conduct a bigamous marriage with his daughter.
I read this story on kindle. Unfortunately because it appears to have been rushed to publication, it was not properly formatted.
I read this story on kindle. Unfortunately because it appears to have been rushed to publication, it was not properly formatted.
July 6, 2025
A very enjoyable read! A father arranges a marriage for his daughter with a younger son, but instead she marries the older son. He goes to India and then when travelling to another colony by a ship, disappears after it is attacked by Pirates. Some years later he reappears in London and the story really begins, with complications and upsetting the life Daphne has grown into.
I loved the humour in the writing and enjoyed the tale, although there were a couple of things I questioned historically.
I loved the humour in the writing and enjoyed the tale, although there were a couple of things I questioned historically.
July 20, 2025
I thoroughly enjoy every book that I have read by this author, I was however hoping for maybe a bit more passion and felt the ending was a bit rushed. Jack could have done with being made to feel more guilty for his behaviour, Daphne was a bit too understanding. Overall an excellent book with laugh out loud moments but maybe more sizzle in the next one would be nice. Also I follow the author on Goodreads and she has recommended some excellent reads I would never have discovered; as not my usual genre of reading, who knew I would like cowboys!
February 3, 2025
2 stars mostly due to preference.
I did like a lot of it except the ML (other characters, writing, pace). He's a bunch of red flag and I don't understand why the FL gave him the time of day (and the side characters keep on pushing for him). Love bombing the FL one moment, then hurting her the next.
He pretty much sailed through all his assholery without explanation or much remorse. I guess, the heart wants, what the heart wants, eh?
I might be to old to consider this romance.
I did like a lot of it except the ML (other characters, writing, pace). He's a bunch of red flag and I don't understand why the FL gave him the time of day (and the side characters keep on pushing for him). Love bombing the FL one moment, then hurting her the next.
He pretty much sailed through all his assholery without explanation or much remorse. I guess, the heart wants, what the heart wants, eh?
I might be to old to consider this romance.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
March 29, 2025
An innocent and amusing book. I p enjoyed this and the various characters. The dialogue was good and liked lots of supporting characters as well as Jack and Daphne. Was Daphne a shade too sweet to be believable? Was Jack thick not to see what was in front of him? . I had a soft spot for Arthur. The only slightly strange idea was the exotic menagerie that Daphne had seemed rather far fetched - giraffes? Really?
April 8, 2025
Clever, funny, tender
4.5 stars rounded up. Daphne is sheer delight. A well rounded character, if a bit too forgiving. Jack is your typical alpha male. Selfish, cynical, even cruel. His change of heart is not so easily followed. Could it be only possessiveness or lust? The cast of characters is well drawn and nuanced. A few typos or missing words a mark against a very well written novel.
4.5 stars rounded up. Daphne is sheer delight. A well rounded character, if a bit too forgiving. Jack is your typical alpha male. Selfish, cynical, even cruel. His change of heart is not so easily followed. Could it be only possessiveness or lust? The cast of characters is well drawn and nuanced. A few typos or missing words a mark against a very well written novel.
September 12, 2025
I loved the author’s first three books, especially Aurora. They were so well written, I almost could believe they were written by Georgette Heyer. This book almost seems as if it’s written by another author. The plot is incredibly weak. It’s not at all obvious why the ML behaves as he does - the explanation is thin and unbelievable. The dialogue is lame and stilted. What a disappointment. I’m at 31% and not sure I can continue. It’s painfully bad.
October 20, 2025
I really enjoyed author's books: Artemisia, Aurora, & Aphrodite so downloaded her book Daphne. Loved the first half. Writing is good, story is entertaining, a great h. Unfortunately, even though the H shows a few good qualities, I could not keep reading because of what he planned to do to the h. We learned about his plan about 20% into book. By 50% I was so disgusted with him I barely skimmed the rest of the book. Glad it was a KU book. I would have been disappointed if I'd paid for it.
December 25, 2025
could have been a 5 star read
This book was well written and the FMC was endearing with her kindness and animals. I also liked all the side characters. The reason this is a 3 star review instead of 5, is because the MMC’s insistence on an annulment and Inviting his new finance to their house gave me a major ick. There is no real explanation for why he would pursue an annulment. It felt really sordid and like he was a cheater.
This book was well written and the FMC was endearing with her kindness and animals. I also liked all the side characters. The reason this is a 3 star review instead of 5, is because the MMC’s insistence on an annulment and Inviting his new finance to their house gave me a major ick. There is no real explanation for why he would pursue an annulment. It felt really sordid and like he was a cheater.
December 18, 2024
What a treat
I loved Daphne and her sisters , what a wonderful series this should be. Jack the main character takes some time to like and appreciate he deserves being the so called hero! All the characters are great ,Jane and Arthur have their moments in this story which was deserved. I will definitely be reading this series!
I loved Daphne and her sisters , what a wonderful series this should be. Jack the main character takes some time to like and appreciate he deserves being the so called hero! All the characters are great ,Jane and Arthur have their moments in this story which was deserved. I will definitely be reading this series!
March 15, 2025
I enjoyed reading this novel it is well written and has an interesting storyline.
Some aspects of protocol did not sit as correct with me (a duke’s daughter is a lady not a miss) and a few other points that I will leave unsaid so as not to spoil the reader’s enjoyment.
All in all an enjoyable read aside from my reservations.
Some aspects of protocol did not sit as correct with me (a duke’s daughter is a lady not a miss) and a few other points that I will leave unsaid so as not to spoil the reader’s enjoyment.
All in all an enjoyable read aside from my reservations.
April 25, 2025
Well, I most certainly can't add anything to the one/two star ratings here *lol*
Yes, Jack is a jerk and Daphne too good for this world.
I also got annoyed with endless unnecessary dialogues - either between the sisters or other females in this book. Was it to gain some more pages?
I am not sure I want to read any other book by this author.. it took me way to long to finish this one..
Yes, Jack is a jerk and Daphne too good for this world.
I also got annoyed with endless unnecessary dialogues - either between the sisters or other females in this book. Was it to gain some more pages?
I am not sure I want to read any other book by this author.. it took me way to long to finish this one..
June 15, 2025
I have no idea what re-education has to do with this story, the one who needs re-education is Jack the Duke. Daphne is superb and deserves far better than the selfish thoughtless jerk that is her long lost husband Jack.
I love the humour that lights up the story and I certainly enjoyed most of the book but quite why she wants Jack is beyond me.
I love the humour that lights up the story and I certainly enjoyed most of the book but quite why she wants Jack is beyond me.
December 27, 2025
Lighthearted, enjoyable Regency
I was a big fan of Rampton's Goddesses series and though this is very good, I don't think it was as good as that series. There is a large collection of enjoyable, believable characters. The pace is good. There were more humorous moments than maudlin moments. My favorite character, hands down, was the youngest sister, Emmiline.
I was a big fan of Rampton's Goddesses series and though this is very good, I don't think it was as good as that series. There is a large collection of enjoyable, believable characters. The pace is good. There were more humorous moments than maudlin moments. My favorite character, hands down, was the youngest sister, Emmiline.
May 20, 2025
Really loved this book! So sweet and wholesome. The characters are so loveable and well developed. I loved seeing the storyline unravel.
No spice. It didn't need it! I loved the Romantic interest.
genuinely can't wait for the rest of this series. I'll be reading it as soon as it comes out.
No spice. It didn't need it! I loved the Romantic interest.
genuinely can't wait for the rest of this series. I'll be reading it as soon as it comes out.
December 6, 2024
I really enjoyed the book and the characters but the premise of the hero not telling his family he was alive ???Disnt make sense and was never explained. … and yet I enjoyed the book.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
December 8, 2024
Book one
Loved it. Fun, light, witty. A delightful read and great little escape. Been waiting for this book, and now can't wait for the next.
Loved it. Fun, light, witty. A delightful read and great little escape. Been waiting for this book, and now can't wait for the next.
Want to read
February 5, 2025This book has been nominated for a 2025 Swoony Award, to vote for it click here: Swoony Awards.
February 21, 2025
Cute enough. Definitely G-rated. Perfect for teenagers who love regency romances.
December 1, 2025
Six amazing stars if I could. this book is soooo GOOD!
Why all the bad reviews? FOR ANGST LOVERS THIS BOOK IS SHEER BLISS. It made us feel all the feelings! H is a bad bad boy AND WE LOVE IT! I have noticed this on goodreads that all the angsty books have a lower star rating, tugged down by all the people who cant cope with the badboy badness and all the resulting angst they cause the h, thus I find myself ignoring ratings now because I LOVE all that delicious badness.
this book is SUBLIME.
It features a H who doesn't like himself and has tried to switch his heart off, and the only thing he cares about is success at the business he has worked so hard at for years. he even threw away his old life, going missing for years, thought dead by his family, including the naive young innocent girl he married... yes, that was a terrible thing to do to his loved ones, but he told himself they were better off without him.
all of a sudden he is unwilling dragged back out of the dead and into his own life. unwillingly. and he is mad about it. also, he's surprised to find his young wife has grown into an attractive woman and a beautiful soul. but he refuses to give in so easily. he still wants the life he planned for himself, including (SPOILER ALERT) marrying a business partners daughter. which means he's going to need to divorce his wife...
this is bad news for the h, his wife, who has always loved him. who still loves and wants him now. but who tells herself that she has no right to hold onto him and must let him go...
and yet their mutual attraction, their growing to know each other, their supporting each other, it all complicates everything so much
this book is a yummy scrummy delicious chefs kiss of an angst fest. I only pray the author continues to work this sublime angsty magic in her next book. ignore the naysayers DG Rampton, and please keep writing your gorgeous wonderful books the way your heart tells you to. I have INHALED them all and only wish you had written more so that I could keep inhaling.
I have been waiting MONTHS for the next book. I can't wait to devour it.
if you don't love angst then feel free free to find your tea elsewhere...
but if you love angst, and two wonderfully developed characters finding their way back to each other, do yourself a favour and read this book! now.
Why all the bad reviews? FOR ANGST LOVERS THIS BOOK IS SHEER BLISS. It made us feel all the feelings! H is a bad bad boy AND WE LOVE IT! I have noticed this on goodreads that all the angsty books have a lower star rating, tugged down by all the people who cant cope with the badboy badness and all the resulting angst they cause the h, thus I find myself ignoring ratings now because I LOVE all that delicious badness.
this book is SUBLIME.
It features a H who doesn't like himself and has tried to switch his heart off, and the only thing he cares about is success at the business he has worked so hard at for years. he even threw away his old life, going missing for years, thought dead by his family, including the naive young innocent girl he married... yes, that was a terrible thing to do to his loved ones, but he told himself they were better off without him.
all of a sudden he is unwilling dragged back out of the dead and into his own life. unwillingly. and he is mad about it. also, he's surprised to find his young wife has grown into an attractive woman and a beautiful soul. but he refuses to give in so easily. he still wants the life he planned for himself, including (SPOILER ALERT) marrying a business partners daughter. which means he's going to need to divorce his wife...
this is bad news for the h, his wife, who has always loved him. who still loves and wants him now. but who tells herself that she has no right to hold onto him and must let him go...
and yet their mutual attraction, their growing to know each other, their supporting each other, it all complicates everything so much
this book is a yummy scrummy delicious chefs kiss of an angst fest. I only pray the author continues to work this sublime angsty magic in her next book. ignore the naysayers DG Rampton, and please keep writing your gorgeous wonderful books the way your heart tells you to. I have INHALED them all and only wish you had written more so that I could keep inhaling.
I have been waiting MONTHS for the next book. I can't wait to devour it.
if you don't love angst then feel free free to find your tea elsewhere...
but if you love angst, and two wonderfully developed characters finding their way back to each other, do yourself a favour and read this book! now.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 30 reviews