His Graceful Duchess

A Lady's Vow #3

by Hazel Linwood

“You want me to crash your sister’s wedding but what will you give me in return?”

Isadora is determined to save her sister from a forced marriage. But her only choice is to turn to the dangerous Duke of Giltburg for help… and give him anything he asks in exchange.

Cold and ruthless, Duke Evan never expected a fiery spinster to knock on his door in the dead of night with a scandalous proposal. Yet when he agrees, he already knows his her…

Only, crashing a wedding proves easier than keeping their marriage on paper. For his little wife is claiming not just his name but his every thought… even the darkest ones.

*If you like powerful Dukes, loving Duchesses and a marvelous depiction of the majestic Regency and Victorian era, then His Graceful Duchess is the novel for you.

An enchanting regency romance by Cobalt Fairy of 80,000 words (around 400 pages) written by Hazel Linwood. No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a sweet happily ever after.

Pick up "His Graceful Duchess" today to discover Hazel's captivating story!

Genres: Historical

499 pages, Kindle Edition

Published March 18, 2025

About the author

Influenced by the extraordinary tales of Jane Austen and Maria Edgeworth, Hazel Linwood has always adored the fairy-tale like romances of the past. The youngest of four sisters, she has spent most of her youth lost in the classic historical romances of her favorite authors. Despite her parents’ efforts to persuade her to pursue a career in medicine, she found her heart's true calling in English Literature.

After obtaining her degree, Hazel worked as an English teacher. That was until she met her husband and decided to indulge in her secret passion...writing! When she isn’t writing, Hazel enjoys spending time with her family, travelling or roaming the Texan countryside.

Embark on this journey of desire, decorum and intense love of Regency England. Let Hazel transport you into an era of pure, sincere love and charming lords that will take your breath away!

Reviews

[Cecelia Gardon · Rating 3 out of 5]

This is not one of my favorite stories. It was a bit disjointed at the beginning. There was way too much of the heroine’s perfect character and graceful mien. However it was a decent book.

[Jayne Butcher · Rating 5 out of 5]

Oh so good! Evan Marwood is such an interesting character. He’s the bastard son of a duke who completely ignored his mother and him while she struggled to keep him warm, safe and fed. After she died, Evan discovered that he excelled at business and made his fortune before the title was thrust upon him. He was controlled, ruthless at business, had a matter-of-a-fact approach, only had a few people he trusted, and displayed an odd sense of humor. After her mother died when she was twelve, Isadora essentially became the lady of the house. She took care of her younger sister Penelope, and by fourteen was keeping the family’s ledgers. When her father insisted that Penelope marry the Marquess of Hartenshire, whom Isadora knew was rumored to be a gambler, rogue and unsuitable husband, she knew she needed someone with a higher title to stop the wedding. The husbands of her two best friends were close to the Duke of Giltburg. After hearing their high opinions of him, Isadora begged the Duke to stop the wedding….which he did in a rather spectacular fashion. In exchange for his assistance, Isadora owed him a favor…..and it turned out to be a doozy. Fast forward and Isadora and Evan are trying to figure out their relationship. However, just when it looks like things will work out, a revelation and abduction change everything. This story has intense moments, intricate dialogue, and complicated characters. The journey from convenience to love is fraught with teasing, anger, frustration and ah-ha moments. I had a hard time putting this book down, as I never knew what was going to come out of Evan’s mouth and I couldn’t wait to see what was going to happen next. I really enjoyed this story!

[Doreen Henderson · Rating 5 out of 5]

I enjoyed this clean story. Lady Isadora was very protective of her sister and was also very keen to maintain decorum and correct etiquette. When her father arranged her sister's marriage to an unpleasant Marquess, she was determined to try to stop the wedding. She approached Duke Evan and asked for his help. Evan did manage to stop the wedding but he asked for Isadora's hand in exchange. Their marriage was one of convenience and Evan did not want children. At first they found it difficult to be together but gradually they were growing closer. Unfortunately, someone wanted to cause harm. Would Evan and Isadora eventually be able to have a safe and normal married life? I liked the fact that Evan had worked his way to being wealthy and managing a Dukedom he did not expect to inherit.

[Judith Syren · Rating 5 out of 5]

Good read!

This plot is very frustrating to me. The Duke of Giltburg doesn't want to complicate his life with love , marriage and children because he want to punish his wicked dead father. The sad thing about his attitude is that it only punishes himself. He helps Lady Isadora save her sister from a very bad marriage. But he told her that now she owed him and he would collect. She had no idea what he might want. When he finally showed up he proposed marriage, a marriage of convenience. Will love be possible or will he stick to his plan?

[Shelby Scott · Rating 5 out of 5]

Desperate times call for desperate action!

I had a hard time finding my way in this book for a few chapters but as the characters developed, things began to flow. Isadora has has to care for herself and younger sister for years. Her father announces Penelope will marry a vile man, and isadora has to prevent at all cost. Makes a deal with Duke Evan to save her, he does then claims Isadora as his wife. To say the days ahead is rocky is putting it mildly, but is an interesting story!

[Trish Bales · Rating 5 out of 5]

Another compelling read

The third book in this series continues with the story of Isadora, I love the fact that unlike some series, the main characters from the first two books are very prominently showcased still. I also like the fact that Isadora's story is not exactly like the first two, in fact each book's main character had a different path to take to get to their happily ever after. This is a fun, quick read, and I enjoyed it very much.

[Hannah · Rating 4 out of 5]

I really enjoyed reading about Isadora and Evan. I liked the beginning of the book where we got to see quite a bit of the situation which led Isadora to taking such drastic action in order to protect her sister. I felt frustrated with the Duke at several times, he liked to be unpredictable but sometimes it felt a little forced, just for the sake of it, or for the sake of annoying his wife.
Overall, a pleasant read :)

[Deb · Rating 5 out of 5]

At Isadora's request, Duke Evan swoops in to save the day, her sisters wedding day that is. Isadora is more like a mother instead of a sister so therefore, she's over protective especially when it comes to her sister marrying a rake who only wants her dowry to pay off his debts. All the characters are well written and the banter between Isadora and Evan was entertaining.

[Jimmy Barbour · Rating 5 out of 5]

Determined to love

Very refreshing to read a story with the chance at love, the waiting and suspenseful growth of love without the quick trip to sex seen in most novels. I love the way the story developed adding layers of change and bringing personalities together that moved that change along at a good rate. Great read.

[Vickie Gehrt · Rating 4 out of 5]

His Graceful Duchess

Love stories always have to have a bit of heartache to enrich the love there and that is what’s here too. Both head characters are strong, opinionated and ready to fight for what they want. The supporting characters are well formed to add to the story and support the others.

[Carly Sorenson · Rating 5 out of 5]

A Duke Worth Waiting For

Isadora was more mother than sister as she grew up, always looking out for it for her family first. Evan is a self-made man, made a Duke against all odds. They rile each other up more than they truly communicate, but their shared drive and dedication are enough for a foundation of true happiness. I hope you enjoy their happily ever after!

[Susan Faulkner · Rating 5 out of 5]

Evan

Wonderful read about Isadora a fearless sister who sacrifices all to save her younger sister. Evan a hardened man who is determined to not follow in his father’s footsteps.Thrown together they become a sought out couple and find themselves in unexpected marital turmoil! Will they be able to overcome tir,lol and live in peace??
.
Highly recommend this read.

[Maryellyn Krantz · Rating 5 out of 5]

Love Conquers

Evan had a bad start in life but Isabella had spent her life sacrificing for others . Her selfless broke through his reserve and lead them to their happily ever after.

[Connie Skief · Rating 5 out of 5]

Child abuse outcomes make love hard but not impossible

Not sure why titled this. He is insufferable and she gives as good as she gets. He was abandoned and she was abused. He is self-assured and she is self-sufficient. Great story of overcomers. Highly recommended for all readers.

[Pamela Barbee · Rating 5 out of 5]

A book with wonderful complex characters. If you believe that kindness and patience will bring results, you will enjoy this book. I only wish there had been an extended epilogue or at least one more character. I think you will too!!!

[Barbara Szulczewski · Rating 4 out of 5]

predictable

This book was very predictable, but a nice read. Sometimes we just need a predictable distraction. I do wish that the editing would be more thorough. Misplaced words and wrong words used at times is tough for a retired English teacher.

[Gladys Russell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Lovely Tale if Romance

I enjoyed reading this saga of romance! It makes one wonder if life were like this today. Would we be obliged to walk as these characters walked? Alas, the world has moved to a less gentle way of life! Oh well, !c'est la vie

[Beverly Purser · Rating 5 out of 5]

Lovely Book

I enjoyed story line and how the story’s story line flowed with their characters.
I enjoy the author very much..one of my favorites …nice curl up in my chair and enjoyed.

[Alice · Rating 4 out of 5]

Formula old

Isn't it time to drop the switch to online preface and conclusion?
Characters were well presented and allowed to show growth. Evil was punished.

[Paula Dunfee · Rating 3 out of 5]

His Graceful Duchess

Story line was Great, Characters were believable, but I can not classify it as a clean read. Hoping the next one in this series is clean😶

[Noof · Rating 3 out of 5]

3.6 stars