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A Widow for the Beastly Duke
“I’m the one in charge, little kitten. And you’ll find that out, whether you like it or not.”
Widowed Lady Emma is at her wits’ end with her spirited son. And the last thing she needs is him sneaking into the Beast of Westmere’s estate.
Scarred by war and grief, Duke Victor doesn’t take visitors. Especially not meddling boys. Until he meets the boy’s alluring mother…
When the boy keeps returning, Victor reluctantly offers to mentor him. But every lesson pulls him closer to Emma. And after one forbidden kiss… She stepped into the beast’s lair—and now he’s starving for more than just a taste…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Widow for the Beastly Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Daphne Byrne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "A Widow for the Beastly Duke" today to discover Daphne's splendid new story!
Widowed Lady Emma is at her wits’ end with her spirited son. And the last thing she needs is him sneaking into the Beast of Westmere’s estate.
Scarred by war and grief, Duke Victor doesn’t take visitors. Especially not meddling boys. Until he meets the boy’s alluring mother…
When the boy keeps returning, Victor reluctantly offers to mentor him. But every lesson pulls him closer to Emma. And after one forbidden kiss… She stepped into the beast’s lair—and now he’s starving for more than just a taste…
*If you like a realistic yet steamy depiction of the Regency and Victorian era, then A Widow for the Beastly Duke is the novel for you.
An enchanting regency romance of 80,000 words (around 400 pages), written by Daphne Byrne and published by Cobalt Fairy.
No cheating, no cliffhangers, and a strong happily ever after.
Get "A Widow for the Beastly Duke" today to discover Daphne's splendid new story!
- GenresHistorical Romance
499 pages, Kindle Edition
Published May 12, 2025
242 people are currently reading
22 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews
January 26, 2026
The Duke and the Widow
The Duke of Westmere was a solitary neighbor of Emma and her son Tristan. A widowed countess, Emma kept herself busy with a ladies salon as well as her young son.
Emma’s son Tristan kept finding his way onto the neighboring property visiting with the Duke’s canine companion. Finding himself fond of the boy and attracted to his mother. The Duke has been antisocial for many years and yet is drawn to the mother and her son who needed male attention.
Besides the simmering romance between Emma and Victor, there is uncomfortable attention from her husband’s nephew who is also the boy’s legal guardian.
This was very well written and the characters are lifelike, and I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Mild spice.
The Duke of Westmere was a solitary neighbor of Emma and her son Tristan. A widowed countess, Emma kept herself busy with a ladies salon as well as her young son.
Emma’s son Tristan kept finding his way onto the neighboring property visiting with the Duke’s canine companion. Finding himself fond of the boy and attracted to his mother. The Duke has been antisocial for many years and yet is drawn to the mother and her son who needed male attention.
Besides the simmering romance between Emma and Victor, there is uncomfortable attention from her husband’s nephew who is also the boy’s legal guardian.
This was very well written and the characters are lifelike, and I enjoyed this book from beginning to end. Mild spice.
May 16, 2025
A Good Story
I enjoyed this slightly steamy story. It is well-written. Lady Emma was a widow and her son, Tristan, had started to visit the property next door, without permission. That property belonged to Duke Victor and he had a reputation for being dangerous. Tristan wanted to play with Victor's dog. Emma tried to stop Tristan visiting Victor's estate but he kept disobeying. Eventually Victor agreed to let him visit and gradually Victor softened to the boy and also towards his mother. The story had some bullying from Lady Harrington and some very unpleasant bullying and threats from Lord Bickford. Will Victor be able to overcome the bullying so that he could be with Emma? Will Emma finally be able to have a happy marriage. I really liked the way that Victor softened his attitude whenever Tristan was with him. He was patient and kind and proved that the rumours about him were wrong. I enjoyed Tristan's intelligent conversations too.
I enjoyed this slightly steamy story. It is well-written. Lady Emma was a widow and her son, Tristan, had started to visit the property next door, without permission. That property belonged to Duke Victor and he had a reputation for being dangerous. Tristan wanted to play with Victor's dog. Emma tried to stop Tristan visiting Victor's estate but he kept disobeying. Eventually Victor agreed to let him visit and gradually Victor softened to the boy and also towards his mother. The story had some bullying from Lady Harrington and some very unpleasant bullying and threats from Lord Bickford. Will Victor be able to overcome the bullying so that he could be with Emma? Will Emma finally be able to have a happy marriage. I really liked the way that Victor softened his attitude whenever Tristan was with him. He was patient and kind and proved that the rumours about him were wrong. I enjoyed Tristan's intelligent conversations too.
July 19, 2025
A widow for the Beastly Duke.Athena Society book 1
Emma and Victor. Well wow! What a lovely story. Particularly liked Tristan and the old dog, Argus. Emma was a bit annoying at times when, I felt, she made stupid decisions, but that is what sets the scene! Victor sounds like he is built! But like my old man. Just turned 70 all 6 ft 2 of him. I like tall men...... Having grown up with one. And married another with several tall brothers. Well done again!
Emma and Victor. Well wow! What a lovely story. Particularly liked Tristan and the old dog, Argus. Emma was a bit annoying at times when, I felt, she made stupid decisions, but that is what sets the scene! Victor sounds like he is built! But like my old man. Just turned 70 all 6 ft 2 of him. I like tall men...... Having grown up with one. And married another with several tall brothers. Well done again!
May 17, 2025
A Rat/A Family/A Duke Alone!!!
Lady Emma & the Duke, Who are
Neighbors, are brought together by her son Tristan. Tristian’s Uncle has the say so for much of their lives - he is a despicable man!! As for the Duke, Victor, he meets them & as feelings begin to grow about them he reverts back to the past. But he’s found he must never let them leave. In
Lady Emma & the Duke, Who are
Neighbors, are brought together by her son Tristan. Tristian’s Uncle has the say so for much of their lives - he is a despicable man!! As for the Duke, Victor, he meets them & as feelings begin to grow about them he reverts back to the past. But he’s found he must never let them leave. In
May 19, 2025
beauty and the beast
Emma is a widow struggling to raise her son without a male figure and constantly facing Society’s criticism. Victor aka the recluse beast to society crossed path with a curious little boy through his settler Angus and became his mentor. Tristan quickly fell in love with the dog and his master. A beautiful story well written and highly recommended
Emma is a widow struggling to raise her son without a male figure and constantly facing Society’s criticism. Victor aka the recluse beast to society crossed path with a curious little boy through his settler Angus and became his mentor. Tristan quickly fell in love with the dog and his master. A beautiful story well written and highly recommended
June 14, 2025
not so beastly duke
A truly lovely read by this author , a widow with a mischievous growing son and a scarred reclusive duke , what a perfect set up for a riveting story .
There attraction to each other is a slow ,simmering and burning one , building to a passionate and all consuming affair until disaster strikes .
A must read for all of us who love a good steamy romance
A truly lovely read by this author , a widow with a mischievous growing son and a scarred reclusive duke , what a perfect set up for a riveting story .
There attraction to each other is a slow ,simmering and burning one , building to a passionate and all consuming affair until disaster strikes .
A must read for all of us who love a good steamy romance
July 18, 2025
I had an amazing time reading this, I'm so glad I found this author. Although I thought it would be heavy with sex scenes by the description, it was not. The tension between them was just chef's kiss. Gonna read other books by this author, but why don't I see one for Joanna and the marquess, I loved their story.
May 27, 2025
Recommend Highly
Two people who came together with a boy and a dog and ended up so happy as a family. Very touching and throw in some steamy interactions and you have a good read. Highly recommend!
Two people who came together with a boy and a dog and ended up so happy as a family. Very touching and throw in some steamy interactions and you have a good read. Highly recommend!
May 29, 2025
loved the story
Loved the story. Emma an abused widow, Victor a man, scarred by war. Her son, trespasses into his garden to play with his dog, and though confrontational from the beginning, their developing regard for each other was a good read!
Loved the story. Emma an abused widow, Victor a man, scarred by war. Her son, trespasses into his garden to play with his dog, and though confrontational from the beginning, their developing regard for each other was a good read!
May 29, 2025
Oh, Wow. A beautiful romance
For two people throughly against another marriage and a child plus a dog who thought otherwise. It was a delightful romance with the addition of the ' baddie' who threatened their romance. I loved it
For two people throughly against another marriage and a child plus a dog who thought otherwise. It was a delightful romance with the addition of the ' baddie' who threatened their romance. I loved it
June 7, 2025
Claim the Future Happiness
A fast paced story of grief and despair turning to care and joy. Both main characters share past traumas and outside attacks. Nicely drawn characters show wisdom and support. Excellent story.
A fast paced story of grief and despair turning to care and joy. Both main characters share past traumas and outside attacks. Nicely drawn characters show wisdom and support. Excellent story.
August 16, 2025
Excellent Story.
I loved this book such a good author that takes you from serious to laughing in pages. I should have read this book first but it did not take away from my enjoyment by reading in the wrong order. Can’t wait to start the next one.
I loved this book such a good author that takes you from serious to laughing in pages. I should have read this book first but it did not take away from my enjoyment by reading in the wrong order. Can’t wait to start the next one.
May 17, 2025
Hot and steamy
A young boy adventures leads to a love for dog and to finding a new husband for his mother and a father for himself in this wonderful story
A young boy adventures leads to a love for dog and to finding a new husband for his mother and a father for himself in this wonderful story
May 26, 2025
Good Read
Throughly enjoyed the cast of characters and how the story played out. It kept you rapidly turning the pages. It had mystery, love, small boy and dog and a HEA
Throughly enjoyed the cast of characters and how the story played out. It kept you rapidly turning the pages. It had mystery, love, small boy and dog and a HEA
May 28, 2025
Boy oh what a joy!
Hooked from the first page. The ups and downs struck the right cord. Characters a joy to read. Will put this book in my collection to keep.
Hooked from the first page. The ups and downs struck the right cord. Characters a joy to read. Will put this book in my collection to keep.
June 28, 2025
A Widow for Beastly Duke
What a wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much love and happiness for the Duke’s new Family. I will certainly read more of your stories.
What a wonderful book. I thoroughly enjoyed it. So much love and happiness for the Duke’s new Family. I will certainly read more of your stories.
December 14, 2025
A beautiful love story between two, apparently different and opposite, persons that had great difficulties in the past and are in need of unconditional love... a eight-years-old boy that needs the love and role model of a good man and a dog that indirectly unites two houses... I really recommend the book!
Displaying 1 - 17 of 17 reviews