The Duke’s Cursed Heart: A Historical Regency Romance Book

by Martha Barwood

"Amelia never feared the dark… until she married a man who lived in it."

Forced into marriage with the fearsome Duke of Blackthorn, Amelia Hawthorne steps into a world of scandal, secrets, and a husband who refuses to let anyone close. But beneath his beastly reputation lies a man haunted by his past, a man she refuses to fear.

Graham Randall has spent years convinced he’s cursed to destroy those he loves. Yet Amelia’s quiet strength and unwavering kindness begin to unravel the walls he’s built. As danger lurks in the shadows and whispers of betrayal grow louder, they must decide—will love be their salvation or their undoing?

In a world where appearances can be deceiving and enemies hide behind friendly smiles, can Amelia and Graham overcome the obstacles in their path to find real love?

*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses, and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then ''The Duke’s Cursed Heart'' suits you. A captivating regency romance novel of around 70,000 words. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Pick up your copy today to discover this amazing story!
Also free with Kindle Unlimited!

Genres: Historical

186 pages, Kindle Edition

Published February 27, 2025

Reviews

[Karen Black · Rating 4 out of 5]

The duke offers marriage when he is caught in the maze with Amelia, (although the scheming Cassandra wanted her to be found with someone else, because she wanted the duke). Amelia feels guilty because the gossips portray her as a gold digger who staged it. The duke feels he is cursed, so anyone who gets close to him will be hurt. That's the angst throughout most of the book. The duke's "curse" was a mysterious duel between his two best friends, where one died. He is even accused of being the murderer by his cousin (who wants him to die without an heir, so he can become duke). He seems blocked from any personal relationship because of his "curse." But the problem is, when he finally explains what happened, it makes no sense that he would have been so incapacitated by it. So, to me, the whole reason for his actions was just kind of made up. Not unusual, authors have to find something to cause the angst, but this one really stretched my imagination. Despite that, it was well written, had good character development, and was an enjoyable read. 3.5 to 4, so I rounded up since I'm a fan of this author.

[Trina Jones · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great book. It was page turner and the suspense was endless. I was on the edge of my seat and I couldn’t even put it down. He was looking for love but the ladies were turning down from left to right. His reputation and the cursed surrounding him were spreading as rumors around the country. But he meet this young woman who was so intrigued with him started to come up to talk to him in that moment. So could she be the one to break the cursed on his heart right now. Was love the cure for of the pain and drama in his eyes.
I definitely enjoyed and recommend this book and you won’t be disappointed. I am volunteering leaving my honest opinion. Trina Jones

[Helena P. Black · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cursed

This story brings together a duke who thinks he is cursed and a lady who is in her third season with no husband in sight. Amelia tends to be shy and a wallflower. The Duke was involved in a duel when younger. He received a wound to the face from a stray bullet which caused a “terrible” scar. The Duke’s mother wants him to socialize and find a wife so the estates would not go out of the family. The book covers the meeting, scandal, and marriage of these two who are drawn to each of other. This book draws you in and I couldn’t put it down. Please give it a try and you will also be drawn to this couple and their friends

[Shelby Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Beast or misunderstanding?

I am truly glad for living in the present, not at this time period!Amelia is an intelligent lady, but not the beauty some demand, but she is deemed a wallflower. Graham, Duke is locked in grief and guilt over the death of his best friend, a duel that Graham tried to stop. As Graham’s sister is debuting this year he is forced back into society, where he literally bumps into Amelia as they both try to go to the balcony. But Cassandra has he4 eye set on Graham, so there is lots of drama, especially when you factor in Graham’s jealous cousin who wants the title!

[Nancy T Vega · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Misunderstanding/Justice/Love..

A meeting of sorts leads to a dance & the rest is history with lots of interference from rumors… by those unknown. A swift marriage in meeting the Duke & Iove begins to creep inside their hearts; but at times the Duke has dark thoughts.
Then a change of circumstances leads him to stay by his wife & he realizes she is his forever. A beautiful story.

[Sandy · Rating 5 out of 5]

the wallflower for nd lov

Amila has had two seasons and no suitors. She is on her way to
The terrace when she is bumped by he Duke of blackthorn. She is taken by surprise and he asked her to dance. She is thrilled.
She is promading and runs into him but just says hello.
She goes to a garden party and she goes of to a maze to be alone and the duke is there and the talk and then they are accused of being
There anyway they marry.

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 4 out of 5]

This is a clean romance However the Duke of Blackthorn, Graham Randall, cannot seem to decide if he wants to move forward or let the past decide his future. When the duke and Amelia Hawthorne are caught in a maze along, he does the gentlemanly thing and offers marriage. Now will he choice o stay in the past or try to have a real marriage with Amelia. You will need to read this story to find out. I think you will really enjoy the extended epilogue.

[Linda Simpson · Rating 5 out of 5]

Scandal Sheets

The scandal sheets of London bring much entertainment to much of the ton. However, the pain they cause to those who must face the rumors is severe. This is a story of brutal pain and endurance. It is a story of two people struggling to overcome their own insecurities while trying to support each other. Yet love does win in the end.

[Carol · Rating 3 out of 5]

Amelia and Graham collided g a ball and from there their story begins. When they are found to be compromised by a scheming and jealous lady they marry. After a rocky beginning and overcoming misunderstandings and rumors they find their hea

[Ruth Abbitt · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love despite schemes of the ton

Well described characters that help you love or hate them! However the power of good friends, truths, love, compassion and kindness prevail in this sweet growing love story.

[Evelyn Goughnour · Rating 5 out of 5]

An awesome book!

Martha has done it again she is an amazing writer and the story kept me spellbound. I read through the whole book in one day.

[Alice · Rating 2 out of 5]

Too long.
Hero is t oo slow in dealing with his issues.

[Yvonne Archer · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great Story

A wonderful story of overcoming trauma and grief and embracing love and finding family and happiness and joy and laughter

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

Well written plot and characters with a very sweet extended epilogue. My only complaint would be my preference for more romance in spite of all the fear with Graham and Amalia's relationship.

[Karen Huebert · Rating 1 out of 5]

A pretty boring book

I had a hard time staying interested in this book. There was not much of a story line to follow.