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Duke of a Gilded Age
When American-born Wesley Parker inherits a dukedom in 1890, he must learn to be an aristocrat. Assigned to the task is his attorney’s daughter, prim Belle Oakhurst. As they travel to England together on a luxurious ocean liner, their tempestuous relationship encounters more than rough seas. Although Wesley is increasingly attracted to Belle, she is already engaged. While Belle begins to regret her hasty promise to marry, she is bound by honor and duty to keep her pledge. Furthermore, a thoughtless fabrication on her part threatens to expose her as a liar. Neither Wesley nor Belle can foresee that their voyage across the Atlantic will be fraught with peril, and will cost more than one man his life.
(Same book as ASIN: B00DO5DAPK, but with new cover)
(Same book as ASIN: B00DO5DAPK, but with new cover)
264 pages, ebook
First published June 26, 2013
328 people are currently reading
722 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 136 reviews
June 23, 2021
Our hero, Wesley, is something of a young scamp; he cares for his mother’s well-being and his friends, and that’s really about it. Then news comes from England that Wesley’s uncle—the Ninth Duke of Mansbury—died, leaving his father a fortune. Unfortunately, Wesley’s father too has passed leaving Wesley the only remaining candidate to become the next Duke of Mansbury. While he’d rather stay in New York with the friends and life he loves, when Miss Annabelle Oakhurst and her father show up announcing this blessing, he has no choice but to return to England with them and take the position. They board a ship for England, make friends of the people on board, and step into an adventure none of them could’ve seen coming. And that’s even before their ship docks in British waters.
Belle doesn’t know what to make of the Duke who sports more black eyes and bruises than lordly airs. She only came along for the trip to put some breathing room between she and her eager fiancé. Her first sight of Wesley tells her she and her father have their work cut out for them. But even without a cultured upbringing, something about Wesley screams as much about honor as it does charm. Added to their voyage is a charming assortment of fellow passengers, as well as a little intrigue, a daring rescue, and close quarters and how could Belle and Wesley not come to be friends or a little more? And all this before Wesley ever sees the estate he has inherited—or Belle’s intended.
Just like Wesley’s bruised exterior, DUKE OF A GILDED AGE is charming, and holds more than at first meets the eye. Ms. S.G. Rogers’ first foray into the Gilded Age of 1890s New York was a bit of a risk, but she, as ever, proves herself to the task. If you are a fan of historical fiction or any storytelling set in the last decade of the 19th century-first of the 20th DUKE OF A GILDED AGE may be right up your alley.
Belle doesn’t know what to make of the Duke who sports more black eyes and bruises than lordly airs. She only came along for the trip to put some breathing room between she and her eager fiancé. Her first sight of Wesley tells her she and her father have their work cut out for them. But even without a cultured upbringing, something about Wesley screams as much about honor as it does charm. Added to their voyage is a charming assortment of fellow passengers, as well as a little intrigue, a daring rescue, and close quarters and how could Belle and Wesley not come to be friends or a little more? And all this before Wesley ever sees the estate he has inherited—or Belle’s intended.
Just like Wesley’s bruised exterior, DUKE OF A GILDED AGE is charming, and holds more than at first meets the eye. Ms. S.G. Rogers’ first foray into the Gilded Age of 1890s New York was a bit of a risk, but she, as ever, proves herself to the task. If you are a fan of historical fiction or any storytelling set in the last decade of the 19th century-first of the 20th DUKE OF A GILDED AGE may be right up your alley.
January 29, 2018
This story took place in America, then in England
in 1890. I found the first half better than the second.
Wesley (hero) & his mother (born in England) held
mostly menial jobs in Brooklyn after the death of
Wesley's father. Wes presented as nice but no push-
over. Heroine Belle (daughter of a solicitor) first met
hero (in US) after he'd engaged in fisticuffs. The 4
took an ocean voyage to England. Wes believed all
people equal, so his adjustment to being a new Duke,
came with challenges.
Sir Errol, her fiancée back home, knew her but a short
time. Was Errol too good to be true? On the voyage she
started to 2nd guess her choice. Stephen, recent Harvard
grad (natch) & son of a wealthy American, also on the
ship, admitted his attraction to Belle. Several times Wes
overreacted about Belle's behavior toward men. Belle did
not act coy, but needed to learn to assert herself away
from unwanted attention, w/o causing a scene (she
feared the latter).
Mysterious Mr. Cavendish became the hero's valet. Cav
(as I called him) had so many hidden talents and skills.
Toward the end, the author revealed Cav's true nature,
and I did not buy it for 1 minute. The author could tell
a story, but IMHO, she needed to refine her choices &
work on credibility issues.
in 1890. I found the first half better than the second.
Wesley (hero) & his mother (born in England) held
mostly menial jobs in Brooklyn after the death of
Wesley's father. Wes presented as nice but no push-
over. Heroine Belle (daughter of a solicitor) first met
hero (in US) after he'd engaged in fisticuffs. The 4
took an ocean voyage to England. Wes believed all
people equal, so his adjustment to being a new Duke,
came with challenges.
Sir Errol, her fiancée back home, knew her but a short
time. Was Errol too good to be true? On the voyage she
started to 2nd guess her choice. Stephen, recent Harvard
grad (natch) & son of a wealthy American, also on the
ship, admitted his attraction to Belle. Several times Wes
overreacted about Belle's behavior toward men. Belle did
not act coy, but needed to learn to assert herself away
from unwanted attention, w/o causing a scene (she
feared the latter).
Mysterious Mr. Cavendish became the hero's valet. Cav
(as I called him) had so many hidden talents and skills.
Toward the end, the author revealed Cav's true nature,
and I did not buy it for 1 minute. The author could tell
a story, but IMHO, she needed to refine her choices &
work on credibility issues.
April 3, 2017
Wesley Parker is the Duke of Mansbury. Belle Oakhurst is the daughter of Wesley's solicitor, Mr. Oakhurst. He asks Belle's help instructing Wesley, also known as the American Duke, in being a member of the English nobility. During their association, Belle and Wesley fall in love. There is one person standing in their way, Belle is engaged to Sir Errol. Can Belle follow her heart or will she be forced to marry Errol?
At first the internal dialogue of the main characters irritated me. I came to realize the author used the internal dialogue to advance the plot and to round-out the main characters. This novel is a story of misunderstandings. I found this book a quick, easy read. I give it 3.5 stars.
At first the internal dialogue of the main characters irritated me. I came to realize the author used the internal dialogue to advance the plot and to round-out the main characters. This novel is a story of misunderstandings. I found this book a quick, easy read. I give it 3.5 stars.
October 27, 2013
Mr. Oakhurst, the solicitor to the 10th Duke of Mansbury, Septimus Parker, has taken his daughter with him across the Atlantic to let the 11th Duke of Mansbury, Frederic Parker, know that his brother has died and he has inherited everything. When he and his daughter, Annabelle, find the new duke's residence, they learn that he died several years ago and that the new duke is, in fact, his 20-year-old son Wesley. They are further surprised to find that 20-year-old Wesley has been raised in poverty and does not want a title - or to leave America. But he sees how much it means to his mother for him to be the duke, and so he agrees to it.
This story takes place in three parts: New York, the boat to England, and England.
When Annabelle first meets Wesley, she is not impressed. She finds him to be a disgusting delinquent, but to help her father she agrees to teach Wesley the rules of gentlemanly behavior -- and to teach him to dance. Wesley thinks Annabelle is stuck up and feels bad for her fiance back in England, Errol. While they are waiting for the boat to leave from New York, they spend time together and become good friends.
On the boat, they meet Louise, Stephen, Stacy, Eva, Carl and Horatio. They form a dancing club. Belle finds herself thinking a lot less about Errol and a lot more about Wesley. A lot happens on the boat and she is able to see how wrong her first impressions of Wesley were. Wesley was not what she expected, but now she finds that he has "far surpassed anything she could have imagined."
When they get back to England, she hopes to break off her engagement to Errol, who she had barely known before she left for America. Where Errol was attentive and tender before she left for America, she now finds him to be demanding and almost cruel to her. He demands that she honor their wedding contract and threatens to ruin her father if she doesn't.
There is definitely a mystery in Errol's behavior, and Wesley isn't willing to give Annabelle up so easily. He is determined to discover what Errol is covering up so he can free Belle from Errol's blackmailing grasp.
This was a great story with great secondary characters. I think my favorite character in the whole book is Wesley's valet, Cavendish. Wesley hires him because he got dismissed from his last job for drinking, and so Wesley figures that once they get on the boat Cavendish will ignore him -- and the very American Wesley doesn't want a valet! But with Cavendish he got a lot more than he bargained for... Bartholomew Xavier Cavendish is a lot more than he appears! It was fun to see him get his happy ending, too!
Very clean romance.
This story takes place in three parts: New York, the boat to England, and England.
When Annabelle first meets Wesley, she is not impressed. She finds him to be a disgusting delinquent, but to help her father she agrees to teach Wesley the rules of gentlemanly behavior -- and to teach him to dance. Wesley thinks Annabelle is stuck up and feels bad for her fiance back in England, Errol. While they are waiting for the boat to leave from New York, they spend time together and become good friends.
On the boat, they meet Louise, Stephen, Stacy, Eva, Carl and Horatio. They form a dancing club. Belle finds herself thinking a lot less about Errol and a lot more about Wesley. A lot happens on the boat and she is able to see how wrong her first impressions of Wesley were. Wesley was not what she expected, but now she finds that he has "far surpassed anything she could have imagined."
When they get back to England, she hopes to break off her engagement to Errol, who she had barely known before she left for America. Where Errol was attentive and tender before she left for America, she now finds him to be demanding and almost cruel to her. He demands that she honor their wedding contract and threatens to ruin her father if she doesn't.
There is definitely a mystery in Errol's behavior, and Wesley isn't willing to give Annabelle up so easily. He is determined to discover what Errol is covering up so he can free Belle from Errol's blackmailing grasp.
This was a great story with great secondary characters. I think my favorite character in the whole book is Wesley's valet, Cavendish. Wesley hires him because he got dismissed from his last job for drinking, and so Wesley figures that once they get on the boat Cavendish will ignore him -- and the very American Wesley doesn't want a valet! But with Cavendish he got a lot more than he bargained for... Bartholomew Xavier Cavendish is a lot more than he appears! It was fun to see him get his happy ending, too!
Very clean romance.
February 6, 2016
Duke of a Gilded Age was a very entertaining read. It starts with a young man from Brooklyn, Wesley Parker, who learns that he has become the sole heir to a vast estate in England, the homeland of his parents. The plot moves through his discovery through his acclimation to his new role in English gentry and nobility society. The characters were all rather well developed, particularly Wesley. The action, while sometimes coming a little too quickly, was fun and exciting. It very quickly grabbed my attention and kept it engaged through the whole book.
In particular, the descriptions of the locations, travel, clothes, accommodations, were lush and vivid, something I really admire. The idea of "don't tell me, show me" was displayed in this novel throughout and added real knowledge to the reader's experience. I especially liked the way we could see the change from Wesley’s poverty-stricken life before he inherited, to the transition period of living in a luxurious hotel but having worn and outdated clothes, to becoming a very suave and desirable young nobleman.
Some of the discoveries, rescues, and resolutions happened a little too conveniently. But they were not so convenient as to totally defy reason. If the book had been a little longer, it would have worked in perfectly, and I doubt it would have been as noticeable. The book’s fairly short length was really the only reason some of the actions seemed a bit too easy. It was certainly not something that could have ruined my enjoyment of the book, though.
The real success of this novel comes from the Rogers' grasp of human desires. Is there really anyone who hasn't wished they were really a princess or duke or someone with lots of wealth and power? I doubt it. Rogers tapped into that common human trait and produced an uncommonly fun and well written novel as a result. Her approach was not canned, nor was it too derivative from other stories of a similar nature. That the majority of the novel was set on board ship, and in the space of just a few days, was, I felt, pretty unique. That approach gave the novel a fresh feel, not the tired, musty sense that you’ve read this already. It was a terrific way to do it.
Overall, I would certainly recommend the book to those who love a good intrigue, some romance, and who are, like myself, hard core Anglophiles.
In particular, the descriptions of the locations, travel, clothes, accommodations, were lush and vivid, something I really admire. The idea of "don't tell me, show me" was displayed in this novel throughout and added real knowledge to the reader's experience. I especially liked the way we could see the change from Wesley’s poverty-stricken life before he inherited, to the transition period of living in a luxurious hotel but having worn and outdated clothes, to becoming a very suave and desirable young nobleman.
Some of the discoveries, rescues, and resolutions happened a little too conveniently. But they were not so convenient as to totally defy reason. If the book had been a little longer, it would have worked in perfectly, and I doubt it would have been as noticeable. The book’s fairly short length was really the only reason some of the actions seemed a bit too easy. It was certainly not something that could have ruined my enjoyment of the book, though.
The real success of this novel comes from the Rogers' grasp of human desires. Is there really anyone who hasn't wished they were really a princess or duke or someone with lots of wealth and power? I doubt it. Rogers tapped into that common human trait and produced an uncommonly fun and well written novel as a result. Her approach was not canned, nor was it too derivative from other stories of a similar nature. That the majority of the novel was set on board ship, and in the space of just a few days, was, I felt, pretty unique. That approach gave the novel a fresh feel, not the tired, musty sense that you’ve read this already. It was a terrific way to do it.
Overall, I would certainly recommend the book to those who love a good intrigue, some romance, and who are, like myself, hard core Anglophiles.
July 29, 2013
Beautifully written and impeccably researched, "Duke of a Gilded Age" by S.G. Rogers is an exciting story about a young American who finds out he is an unexpected heir to a title and estate in England, left to him by his estranged uncle.
Belle Oakhurst and her father, solicitor to the Duke of Mansbury, travel to New York City to give the news of his inheritance to the deceased duke's brother, Frederic. Unbeknownst to Mr. Oakhurst, Frederic has passed away, and his son Wesley will now shoulder responsibility for taking on the title and estate left by his Uncle Septimus, Wesley, having been raised in America, is completely unaware of aristocratic life and graces, and initially rejects his new role. But with the help of the lovely Belle, Wesley becomes tutored in the ways of the gentry while crossing the Atlantic to Great Britain.
Teeming with fascinating details of New York City during its "gilded age", the delights and difficulties of sailing on a luxury liner, as well as unexpected romance and adventure, "Duke of a Gilded Age" is a wonderful tale that keeps the reader riveted to each page!
Belle Oakhurst and her father, solicitor to the Duke of Mansbury, travel to New York City to give the news of his inheritance to the deceased duke's brother, Frederic. Unbeknownst to Mr. Oakhurst, Frederic has passed away, and his son Wesley will now shoulder responsibility for taking on the title and estate left by his Uncle Septimus, Wesley, having been raised in America, is completely unaware of aristocratic life and graces, and initially rejects his new role. But with the help of the lovely Belle, Wesley becomes tutored in the ways of the gentry while crossing the Atlantic to Great Britain.
Teeming with fascinating details of New York City during its "gilded age", the delights and difficulties of sailing on a luxury liner, as well as unexpected romance and adventure, "Duke of a Gilded Age" is a wonderful tale that keeps the reader riveted to each page!
June 3, 2014
3.5 stars
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fun, the plot intriguing and the pace fast. There are enough misunderstandings to satisfy those who love wading through romantic angst. What I didn't like are the author's insistence on using internal voice to state the obvious - that had my eyes rolling a few times – and the long, unnecessary descriptive passages. I can very easily imagine what the furnishings of a lavish ship will look like, or the style and fabric of a dress. I found myself doing a lot of skipping. That said, it's a fun, clean read and I would recommend it.
I really enjoyed this book. The characters are fun, the plot intriguing and the pace fast. There are enough misunderstandings to satisfy those who love wading through romantic angst. What I didn't like are the author's insistence on using internal voice to state the obvious - that had my eyes rolling a few times – and the long, unnecessary descriptive passages. I can very easily imagine what the furnishings of a lavish ship will look like, or the style and fabric of a dress. I found myself doing a lot of skipping. That said, it's a fun, clean read and I would recommend it.
June 28, 2013
Rogers took a huge risk with this "poor street-wise American discovers he inherited an English dukedom and must find his way" story line. But she pulled it off beautifully! Set in the late 1800's, she captured the feeling of the era, crafted characters of originality and tossed out plot surprises without seemingly contrived effort. This is a fun, well written and well paced feel good story.
November 11, 2013
This adorable little romance about a grown-up Little Lord Fauntleroy falling in love with his priggish mentor proved to be more entertaining and engrossing than I expected it would be. The hero had more depth and character, the heroine was less perfect, the love story had more complexity, and there was also more more action and danger than I expected. A most pleasant surprise.
August 19, 2014
An adult retelling of Little Lord Fauntleroy with a romantic twist, lovers of Victorian romance will enjoy Roger’s newest work.
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
Read full review in the 2013 September issue of InD’tale Magazine.
December 15, 2016
Well Done
Very well written. Great H/h and villain. Wonderful supporting characters too. Friendship, adventure, a little romance and lots of fun. Not to mention HEA
Very well written. Great H/h and villain. Wonderful supporting characters too. Friendship, adventure, a little romance and lots of fun. Not to mention HEA
April 13, 2018
DNF 20%
Pleasant and everything is ok but it lacked this something to make it interesting to me, either more tension, better characterization or great writing.
Pleasant and everything is ok but it lacked this something to make it interesting to me, either more tension, better characterization or great writing.
July 20, 2013
Not Your Grandparents’ Lord Fauntleroy
Like the 19th Century book, Little Lord Fauntleroy, SG Rogers’ book, Duke of a Gilded Age tells the story of an American boy of British heritage who suddenly finds himself with a British title -- and the fortune that goes with it. There, though, the stories diverge.
Wesley Parker is a twenty-year-old when he inherits his uncle’s title. Rather than being taught by an irascible uncle, he is tutored by a surprisingly accomplished butler and a lovely English young woman -- his new lawyer’s daughter. The final difference? Wesley has heard of Burnett’s Fauntleroy -- a new and popular book at the time -- and detests any comparison of his story and Burnett’s.
Belle, the lawyer’s daughter, has agreed to teach Wesley society manners. During the trip to England, she comes to admire him, and to compare him to her fiancee. To her chagrin, she finds that her fiancee does not compare well. . .
Anything more would spoil the plot. I will say, though, that S.G. Rogers has obviously done a great deal of research prior to her writing. The book is full of fascinating period detail, from the hotel elevator (or “vertical railway”) to details of Central Park and the newly opened Statue of Liberty, to the “shovel board” games aboard the ship.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
***I received this book free of charge, in return for an honest review.***
Like the 19th Century book, Little Lord Fauntleroy, SG Rogers’ book, Duke of a Gilded Age tells the story of an American boy of British heritage who suddenly finds himself with a British title -- and the fortune that goes with it. There, though, the stories diverge.
Wesley Parker is a twenty-year-old when he inherits his uncle’s title. Rather than being taught by an irascible uncle, he is tutored by a surprisingly accomplished butler and a lovely English young woman -- his new lawyer’s daughter. The final difference? Wesley has heard of Burnett’s Fauntleroy -- a new and popular book at the time -- and detests any comparison of his story and Burnett’s.
Belle, the lawyer’s daughter, has agreed to teach Wesley society manners. During the trip to England, she comes to admire him, and to compare him to her fiancee. To her chagrin, she finds that her fiancee does not compare well. . .
Anything more would spoil the plot. I will say, though, that S.G. Rogers has obviously done a great deal of research prior to her writing. The book is full of fascinating period detail, from the hotel elevator (or “vertical railway”) to details of Central Park and the newly opened Statue of Liberty, to the “shovel board” games aboard the ship.
I heartily recommend this book to anyone who enjoys historical romance.
***I received this book free of charge, in return for an honest review.***
August 21, 2015
Sweet, enjoyable Victorian romance
His grace is dead, long live his grace. Septimus, the tenth duke of Mansbury dies before knowing that the search for his long estranged, younger brother has born fruit. His solicitor, Mr. Oakhurst and daughter, Belle, travel by ship to America to inform Frederic of his change in fortune. They arrive to discover an impoverished widow and her adult son, Wesley, who is all American and not impressed with the British society and class system. His mother however is homesick for England, and to please her Wesley accepts his title. Belle and her father undertake preparing Wesley for his new role and responsibilities. As they sail back to England, Belle fights her emerging feelings for Wesley. She realizes her brief courtship and recent betrothal to the fiance awaiting her return to England was based on little more than a crush induced by a story tale romance spun by a smooth, handsome but unworthy suitor. The trip is full of adventure, mystery and romance. The plot is sufficiently complex to hold the reader's attention while both the main and secondary characters are rounded and engaging. The protagonists attempt to stay true to their moral code and indeed grow stronger in character. Happily every afters were readily available leaving the reader with nice warm fuzzies. Girls, middle school aged and older will find the story sigh-worthy.
His grace is dead, long live his grace. Septimus, the tenth duke of Mansbury dies before knowing that the search for his long estranged, younger brother has born fruit. His solicitor, Mr. Oakhurst and daughter, Belle, travel by ship to America to inform Frederic of his change in fortune. They arrive to discover an impoverished widow and her adult son, Wesley, who is all American and not impressed with the British society and class system. His mother however is homesick for England, and to please her Wesley accepts his title. Belle and her father undertake preparing Wesley for his new role and responsibilities. As they sail back to England, Belle fights her emerging feelings for Wesley. She realizes her brief courtship and recent betrothal to the fiance awaiting her return to England was based on little more than a crush induced by a story tale romance spun by a smooth, handsome but unworthy suitor. The trip is full of adventure, mystery and romance. The plot is sufficiently complex to hold the reader's attention while both the main and secondary characters are rounded and engaging. The protagonists attempt to stay true to their moral code and indeed grow stronger in character. Happily every afters were readily available leaving the reader with nice warm fuzzies. Girls, middle school aged and older will find the story sigh-worthy.
April 27, 2017
Sometimes I'm just in the mood for a book with the word "Duke" or "Earl" or "Lord" in the title. I don't expect much, I just want descriptions of great estates and fancy dress balls and fabulous gowns. The main characters will hate each other at first sight, but it only conceals their smoldering passion for each other. They will finally admit their love, and then some ridiculous misunderstanding will happen and almost put the kibosh on the whole thing. Then all will be well and they get married. I literally never tire of this formula.
This was a pleasant surprise, a little bit of a variation on this theme. It was SO cute (It may have been more of a YA novel.) You just love Belle and Wesley and their adventures together. If this book was a person, it would be a cheerful, unsophisticated friend who may not be the smartest in the world but who is undemanding, totally fun, and just a joy to be around. Read it when you are feeling down. You're welcome.
This was a pleasant surprise, a little bit of a variation on this theme. It was SO cute (It may have been more of a YA novel.) You just love Belle and Wesley and their adventures together. If this book was a person, it would be a cheerful, unsophisticated friend who may not be the smartest in the world but who is undemanding, totally fun, and just a joy to be around. Read it when you are feeling down. You're welcome.
August 7, 2013
I believe this is author S.G. Rogers' best book so far. Her deft handling of the Victorian era details shines in every scene. The characters - poor boy Wesley who inherits a fortune, lawyer's daughter Belle who helps polish the diamond in the rough - are well-matched and Belle's status as affianced to another lends the right touch of conflict to their growing romance, especially in the tense midpoint scene of a boat rescue, which was incredible. I couldn't put the book down! Minor characters also shine, from the roguish Stephen to the valet Cavendish, whose secret past kept me intrigued till the end. Definitely recommend for historical romance lovers who prefer a clean, fun and suspenseful read.
July 25, 2013
This book is a fun, clean romance full of action and plot twists. It is so much more than your typical historical romance. The wide variety of well-written characters (both heroes & villains) made this book very interesting and kept me turning the pages. The way the author described the various settings made it very easy for me to picture. One of the characters turned out to be more than I expected and I hope to be able to read more about his story. (I don't want to mention names, but it's one of the young men in the story.)
This is one of the most enjoyable historical romance books I have read.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
This is one of the most enjoyable historical romance books I have read.
I received this book in return for an honest review.
July 9, 2013
Clean romance with some mystery and adventure :)
October 25, 2013
Review by: Anita
Review Rating: 4.5 Stars
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
Review Rating: 4.5 Stars
Link to Review: http://romantichistoricallovers.wordp...
September 19, 2013
This was a really sweet Regence romance. The characters were full of depth. The story line was good. And the romance with some depth.
May 16, 2017
The tenth Duke of Mansbury has no idea he’s about to become aristocracy until his uncle’s attorney informs him of his inheritance. His uncle has died, and the title passed to him since his father is no longer living. Wesley and his mother are in dire circumstances, living in a tiny apartment in an American city. His changed circumstances come as a shock. While his mother is deliriously happy about returning to England, Wesley is more interested in the attorney’s lovely daughter. He seeks Annabelle’s help in learning how to become a gentleman. Their cross-ocean voyage provides ample opportunity for them to become acquainted, but there’s only one problem. Belle is engaged to another man. Can Wesley convince her to renounce her betrothed in his favor instead? “Duke of a Gilded Age” is a delightful tale with secrets, friendships, and a few surprises in store for the happy reader.
August 26, 2017
Sometimes you just want a simple, short, and sweet story and that's what this was for me. The characters were simple, lovable, and had sometimes cute, sometimes clever dialogue that made much of the journey quite charming. I liked the first 70% of the book the most and found the last 30% a bit abrupt, but maybe I was just missing some of the boat drama and characters. The characters were a tad cookie cutter and I would have liked a heroine with a little more backbone, but in the end, it was nice settling down to read for an hour or two before bed after a workday. Besides, I like sweet romances. Also, for those who care, it is a clean romance.
June 3, 2018
This is the story of an American who inherits a British title of Duke. Wesley Parker and his mother are informed of the news by Mr. Oakhurst and his daughter Annabelle. They then set sail for England after hiring a lady's maid and a valet. On the voyage Wesley develops feelings for Belle. There are adventures, including rescue of passengers and crew from a disabled ship. Upon arrival in England , Belle reunites with her fiancé Errol to tell him she has changed her mind. He refuses and threatens her and her father. Belle meets her grandfather for the first time. Wesley and Mr. Cavendish save the day when Belle is abducted.
May 8, 2017
1.5 stars.
I adore clean reads so I really wanted to like this more. This story was either too simple, coincidental or just plain silly. The lack of character development was disappointing as was the H's apparent lack of conviction when it came to the h's character. Honestly, he would change his opinion of her within seconds of overhearing something or observing a scene that made him upset.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who's looking for an engaging or compelling read. Sorry. :(
I adore clean reads so I really wanted to like this more. This story was either too simple, coincidental or just plain silly. The lack of character development was disappointing as was the H's apparent lack of conviction when it came to the h's character. Honestly, he would change his opinion of her within seconds of overhearing something or observing a scene that made him upset.
I wouldn't recommend this to anyone who's looking for an engaging or compelling read. Sorry. :(
November 5, 2018
This was the first book I read and loved it.
Wesley finds out that he is now the Duke of Mansbury.
Miss Oakhurst and her father help him to become learn the ways of the English and how to be a Duke
They become friends.
They meet other young people on the ship over to Ireland and England.
Miss Oakhurst is engaged but has come to have feelings for Wesley,
In spite of their differences they over come them and find that love that is meant for them,
I will read more of Suzanne's books.
Wesley finds out that he is now the Duke of Mansbury.
Miss Oakhurst and her father help him to become learn the ways of the English and how to be a Duke
They become friends.
They meet other young people on the ship over to Ireland and England.
Miss Oakhurst is engaged but has come to have feelings for Wesley,
In spite of their differences they over come them and find that love that is meant for them,
I will read more of Suzanne's books.
April 26, 2024
A more accurate rating would be 3*, as the writing is somewhat awkward and I did not care for the characters, with the valet being the only possible exception. The MC's transformation was too quick to be believable. The H and h are supposedly 20, but it feels like a YA book.
What I liked: the time period (I have read very few books set around the 1890s), the fact that it was more an adventure than a romance, and it was clean. I also got it as a freebie. All in all, it deserves an extra star.
What I liked: the time period (I have read very few books set around the 1890s), the fact that it was more an adventure than a romance, and it was clean. I also got it as a freebie. All in all, it deserves an extra star.
September 25, 2018
I feel like all I do is type this is a recommendation for me. Well... of course this was another one. This is set in more a more recent time than I usually read but it was actually a pretty good read. We have an American that is now a duke and he needs some help. The story was good and I loved the romance so much. This was a really good read.
June 5, 2017
Good story
Interesting plot. The story line is interesting, but it just seems like it takes so long for it to move along. One of the things I like about this author is that she completes all the minor character stories she begins..
Interesting plot. The story line is interesting, but it just seems like it takes so long for it to move along. One of the things I like about this author is that she completes all the minor character stories she begins..
July 3, 2017
I felt like I was reading an interesting movie.
Quick enjoyable read with many different twists and turns; I binge read this book in one sitting. The language was highly visual but not to the point of distraction; I felt like I was reading an interesting movie.
Quick enjoyable read with many different twists and turns; I binge read this book in one sitting. The language was highly visual but not to the point of distraction; I felt like I was reading an interesting movie.
January 29, 2018
You’ll love this book.
This is a sweet book and deserves a 5 in many respects. Even with adventure and heroes it is predictable.But if you wish a wonderful unique story this is for you. Also very descriptive of the time period of the 1890’s
This is a sweet book and deserves a 5 in many respects. Even with adventure and heroes it is predictable.But if you wish a wonderful unique story this is for you. Also very descriptive of the time period of the 1890’s
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