The Counterfeit Duchess

by Charlotte Quinlan

A man consumed by revenge. A woman living a lie. A forbidden love that could ruin them both.

After seven years at sea, Edmund, Duke of Tavington, returns to England for vengeance. Someone murdered his best friend, nearly killed him, and stole the life he should have had. Now a woman he's never met is posing as his duchess—and raising a boy who bears his title.

Ailis Tierney has survived the impossible by hiding in plain sight as Alice, Duchess of Tavington. She's rebuilt a failing estate and kept a secret that could cost her everything. But when a dangerous stranger arrives—far too perceptive, impossibly compelling—her carefully crafted world begins to fracture.

Their clash ignites a tension neither can resist. Their lies bind them more tightly than truth ever could. And their shared enemy is closing in, ready to destroy them both.

The Counterfeit Duchess is a story of deception, danger, and a love powerful enough to burn through every lie.

337 pages, Kindle Edition

First published January 1, 2025

Reviews

[Merry · Rating 4 out of 5]

I saw the cover and read the book blurb on Kindle Unlimited and thought it sounded interesting. The prologue was good, and it caught my attention. I enjoyed that the family knew what they were signing up for with their idea to insert a "Counterfeit Duchess". The story idea did feel fresh, and the romance and revenge plotting were strong parts of the storyline. Yes, suspension of disbelief and insta attraction and love happens. Yet I found it believable. The countdown at the end was well done. I found the middle to be a bit slow with the introduction of the "bad guy" not as strong as I would have liked. I did sign up for the prequel and plan to continue the series.

[Izzie (on pause) McFussy · Rating 3 out of 5]

Hello, Count of Monte Cristo. Goodbye, logic.

The book was an exercise in author manipulation. The anticipated 3rd act ballroom scene raised the rating, but even at the end there were sloppy loose ends.

[Sonia · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the best book that I've read in quite some time. It doesn't really follow any of the usual tropes found in historical romance. The basic premise was intriguing to me. A man who was presumed dead, returned home only to find that a complete stranger and her child had stepped into the roles of his duchess and his heir. The book was well-written and I could hardly put it down. The path towards the eventual happy ending was dangerous and exciting. I'm currently reading the prequel novel that the author gives away to her newsletter subscribers. Once again, it appears that the lead characters are in quite the conundrum!

I received a free ARC from BookSirens and this is my honest review.

[Jeri · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is a fantastic book. My thanks to the author and BookSirens for the Advance Reader Copy of this book, which I received at no charge; all opinions are my own. Extremely well written Regency. Exciting beginning, sympathetic characters, cohesive narrative, good progression of time, and slightly spicy.

I started looking for her earlier books almost as soon as I started reading this, because I liked her writing style so much. I was surprised to see that this is her first book, although there is a short prequel novella. I enjoyed it very much and look forward to reading more from this talented author.

[Claire · Rating 4 out of 5]

Charlotte Quinlan's historical romance novel opens with a captivating premise: a resourceful and courageous heroine posing as a duchess, a plot interwoven with deception and genuine emotion, and a fast-paced, unconventional storyline. The hero's complexity and the undeniable chemistry between him and the heroine create compelling tension, and the misunderstandings and budding romance stemming from their disguised identities are handled with delicate precision.
The writing is fluid, the historical setting is well-rendered, and the balance of humor and emotional intensity is just right. The only minor drawback is that some plot twists are slightly predictable, and the ending feels a bit rushed, but as the first book in a series, it's already quite engaging.
It's perfect for readers who enjoy the "false identity + slow-burn romance" trope, and I eagerly await the sequel.

[Brandy Schratter · Rating 5 out of 5]

A great debut! If you like historical romance with intrigue, you would love this story. The plot is tightly woven and engaging. The characters are endearing and the scene setting is breathtaking. I felt like I was right there alongside them. I loved the chemistry between the two leads. This is a great story and I can’t wait to read more from this author!

[Jill · Rating 5 out of 5]

So much intrigue! I loved every word of this story. What Ailis does is incredible. Such an amazing character. The whole story is so original and emotionally charged. I couldn't put it down as I wanted to know what would happen next. This book is all about love and the sacrifices we are willing to make because of it.

[Lynn Put · Rating 4 out of 5]

This was a great book to start the reading year off with, it had the whole Count of Monte Cristo feel to it!

[NelleRenn · Rating 4 out of 5]

This story had the two main characters masquerading as someone else in order to survive. They didn’t do it alone though as they had help from people who understood. Unbeknownst to them they were the victims of the same man. How they exposed him and found their HEA lends itself to an entertaining story. I enjoyed it and wonder if these characters will be in other books in the series. I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

[Bridget Love to read Lewis · Rating 5 out of 5]

We have Ailis Tierney an Irish lass of 17 with lots of ambition but foolish with her virtue!
The sister of the man who beguiled her assists her to England to be a lady’s maid to a very powerful family! This begins a very elaborate scheme that could save them or see them all hanged!
We also have Edmund, Duke of Tavington, returns to England for vengeance. Ailis aka Alice is his “wife” in the eyes of the law and the Ton and his son is his heir! Edmund believed to be dead but never officially! His widow/wife has raised his heir and restored his estates with careful precision with nothing held back for herself!
But they have a mutual enemy who has been biding his time! He is completely merciless and unhinged belief that he has gotten away with not one but two murders of prominent peers! He has grown comfortable but he sends a warning in injuring innocent livestock and almost people as well!
Ailis aka Alice can trust this Captain William Crawford who seems to know a lot about Edmund and has appeared with a best friend with medical knowledge. Can she trust him? Should she their chemistry is undeniable but they both have secrets if known could send them both to the gallows!
There is mystery, intrigue and nonstop action! You will stay up way late with this one! Bravo!

[Kim Mears · Rating 5 out of 5]

This is the first book in the series. It is a regency enemies to lovers romance story.

The MMC is mourning his friend and then finds a woman pretending to be his widow. She is hiding something and he aims to expose her. But what happens when they spend more time together.

I received an advance review copy for free, and I am leaving this review voluntarily.

I enjoyed reading this book and would recommend reading it.